In this edition of the #ElonTBT series, we take a look at an old tradition on campus meant to promote school spirit and highlight the first-year students of Elon's past.
In the #ElonTBT series, the Elon University News Bureau, along with Archives & Special Collections, will flash back to the past to take a look at Elon over the years. You will find videos, newspaper clippings, photos and more to celebrate Elon's past, while looking ahead to the future. Follow along on E-Net and the university's Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages every Thursday to see what we dig up.
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The practice came to a halt in wartime, but in 1956, the Elon Student Legislature voted to reinstate the pre-war tradition. First-year students were again required to wear the beanies outdoors on campus at all times "until the football team wins two home games or not later than the night immediately after the Homecoming game."
Although it was a requirement, many students resisted. In an Oct. 19, 1962, editorial in the Maroon and Gold newspaper, the author wrote, "This year there have been more freshmen with beanies in their hands or hip pockets than there are with beanies on their heads."
The issue would be addressed a year later in the1963 Elon Student Handbook, which read, "Freshmen must wear the 'beanies' prescribed for them whenever out of doors on the campus and while attending the college's athletic events. Freshmen will wear 'beanies' for a two-week period, which shall begin on the final day of registration for Freshmen." The handbook also stated, "Penalty for failure to purchase a beanie shall be a fine of one dollar plus the cost of the beanie."
Elon Archives & Special Collections has no record of the tradition continuing past 1973. Fortunately, today's first-year students can find less noticeable ways to stand out on campus.
Do you have any special pieces of Elon history? Share your photos and videos with us via email or using the hashtag #ElonTBT on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 