The
tradition of homecoming, where old alumni are
welcomed back to campus, has a long history at
Muskegon High School
The annual celebration dates back to the fall of 1934 at
M.H.S. Following the action of many colleges
across the nation, the school extended an open
invitation for graduates to return and celebrate
in conjunction with a football game. The
first affair, scheduled for Saturday, November
17, was designated "Old Grads Day".
Various events were scheduled throughout the day
in honor of the visiting alumni, centered around
a football game against Grand Rapids Union.
Muskegon emerged from the hard-fought battle
with a 7-6 victory.
For many years, a special section of the stands at
Hackley field was reserved for old graduates and
the 'M' Club, a organization comprised of former
letter winners at M.H.S., presented the oldest
member attending the game with a lifetime pass
to all athletic events at Muskegon. Honorary 'M'
blankets were given to others with strong ties
to Muskegon athletics.
|
Those honored included fabled M.H.S. band
director William Stewart in 1950, George H.
Hansen, Hackley field custodian for 27 years in
1951, Dr. Charles A. Teifer, team physician for
32 years in 1952 , and longtime Muskegon
Chronicle sports editor Jimmy Henderson in 1954.
Between 1934 and 1939, the game was played
on Saturday. With the advent of night football
at Muskegon in 1940, the game was moved to
Friday night. Homecoming festivities were
cancelled from 1942 to 1944 because of the
number of former students involved in World War
II.
Over the years the focus has shifted away from the
returning alumni to the enrolled classes. In
1952, Joyce Yonkers was selected as the school's
first homecoming queen. In 1953 it was decided
that every queen needed a king, and the honor
was bestowed upon Maurice Bectel. Spirit Week,
Class floats and banners, class competitions and
homecoming dances have become mainstays of this
annual custom. |
