Student Opinion of Proposed Deferred Living
Reflected in Adverse Signs, Meetings, Handbills

» 1949 Oregona Homecoming Photos (pdf)

Throngs of returning alumni descended upon the Oregon campus November 18 and 19 to celebrate the annual 1949 Homecoming. Slogan for the weekend was "Oregon- Then, Now, and Tomorrow."

Excitement was added to the scheduled weekend festivities by a protest of the deferred living plan to be initiated at the University in the fall of 1950. Signs and handbills carried out "beat the DuShane Plan" and "Deferred Living, No" themes. Pro and con opinions on the "plan" appeared in the columns of the Emerald, and heated discussion of the issue took place in an Alumni Association meeting Saturday morning.

Spirit was high and activities filled the weekend schedule. The usual ear-splitting, torch-lit noise parade wound its way through a thick, soupy fog Friday night. Winners were Phi Delta Theta and Delta Delta Delta, first place; Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Kappa Alpha Theta, second place; and Beta Theta Pi and Carson hall Number Five, third place.

Colorful and intricate Homecoming signs won top honors for Ann Judson House and Delta Tau Delta Fraternity in the women's and men's divisions of the annual sign contest. Placing second and third in the women's division were Alpha Omicron Pi and Delta Delta Delta Sororities, respectively. Phi Kappa Psi won second and Phi Kappa Sigma third place for the men.

A clean campus greeted returning alumni after men and women's living organizations paired off for competition based in a clean-up campaign. Delta Zeta, Gamma Hall, and Phi Kappa Sigma were awarded first prize for their efforts with rake and broom.

Awards were made at a student talent variety show in McArthur Court Friday night. Portions of the show were broadcast over radio station KOAC. Acts ranged from numbers by the Hawaiian quartet to a skit by members of Theta Chi Fraternity.

Immediately preceding the variety show the Homecoming bonfire, closely guarded from invaders throughout the week by men students, blazed on schedule. Saturday afternoon saw a crowd of 23,500 fans watch Jim Aiken's Ducks bow in defeat to the Oregon State Beavers by a score of 20 to 10. Presentation of Homecoming Hostess Marguerite Johns, stunts performed by a lemon and green garbed women's drill team, the "Emeraldettes," and introduction of Oregon's 1919 Rose Bowl team filled pre-game and half-time ceremonies.

Alumni gathered before the game at a barbecue luncheon in McArthur Court.

Topping off official activities Saturday night was the Homecoming dance, where students and alumni alike swayed to the music of Will Osborne and his orchestra.