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Willamette University May Weekend collection

 Collection
Identifier: WUA087

Scope and Contents

The Willamette University May Weekend collection contains photographs, newspaper clippings, and event programs related to the university's celebration of May Day. Some of the scenes of May Day depicted include the winding of the May pole, coronation of the May King and Queen, and group dances. Newspaper articles detail the merit of the 1956 May Queen and court. Programs outline the events of the weekend, including activities such as tug-of-war over the Mill Stream and theatrical performances.

Dates

  • 1912-1962

Creator

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Conditions Governing Use

Library acts as “fair use” reproduction agent.

For further information, see the section on copyright in the Regulations and Procedures of the Willamette University Archives and Special Collections.

Copyright Information: Before material from collections at Willamette University Archives and Special Collections may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permission. Persons wishing to quote from materials in any collections held by University Archives and Special Collections should consult the University Archivist. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.

Historical Note

Willamette University's first May Day celebration took place in 1909. In the early years, campus literary societies elected and crowned a King and Queen of festivities, participated in intramural athletic competitions, and welcomed alumni back to campus. By the early 1930s the May Court no longer elected a King and consisted of a May Queen and her Attendants. As literary societies were largely defunct by this time, sororities played a much larger role in the voting for Queen.

In 1970 several of the regular events attached to May Day, or Spring Weekend as it was later called, were dropped due to lack of interest. This included the election of the Spring Weekend court. Willamette then chose to emphasize the academic instead of the social facet of campus life. The event changed shape to become primarily a preview-day for prospective students.

Extent

1.5 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

Overview

The Willamette University May Weekend collection contains photographs, newspaper clippings, and event programs related to the University's celebration of May Day. Some of the scenes depicted include the winding of the May pole, coronation of the May King and Queen, and group dances.

Arrangement

The Willamette University May Weekend collection is arranged in two series: Series I - Photographs and Series II - Programs.

Physical Location

Mark O. Hatfield Library

Creator

Title
Guide to the Willamette University May Weekend collection, 1912-1962
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid processed by Christopher McFetridge.
Date
© 2015
Description rules
Dacs
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Willamette University Archives and Special Collections Collection Descriptions

Contact:
Mark O. Hatfield Library
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 United States