A Homecoming History

The first bonfire at the College was lit in 1888 following a 34-0 baseball victory over Manchester. Seven years later, on September 20, 1895, President Tucker introduced "Dartmouth Night." Here are some highlights—and lowlights—from the 117-year-old annual celebration of homecoming. I Students hold parade; freshmen herded around bonfire Memorial Field dedicated First homecoming football game President Hopkins hosts a subdued wartime gathering First use of railroad ties in hexagonal bonfire construction Bonfire canceled due to threat of hurricane Bonfire canceled due to drought conditions Students I prematurely light bonfire College bans rushing the field Professionals help build bonfire after Texas A&M mishap Forty students rush field; none are arrested Primary source: "The Official TDR History of Homecoming," by Joseph Rago '05, The Dartmouth Review, November 5, 2010