The History of the American Homecoming: A Tradition Rooted in Reunion and Pride
Each fall, high schools and colleges across the United States transform into hubs of excitement, marked by spirited parades, enthusiastic pep rallies, competitive football games, lively dances, and an unmistakable sense of community pride. This cherished celebration is known as homecoming—a uniquely American tradition that honors school spirit and welcomes alumni back to their alma maters. But while homecoming may seem like a natural part of the school year today, its origins are deeply rooted in over a century of cultural, social, and educational evolution.
Early Origins: The Idea of “Coming Home”
The concept of homecoming began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during a time when American colleges were beginning to cultivate deeper relationships with their alumni. These early gatherings centered on annual football games that invited graduates to return to campus. Though informal in nature, these reunions served an important purpose: they reinforced school spirit and maintained connections between alumni and their universities.
As the idea gained popularity, colleges began to formalize these events. They added parades, dances, and rallies to enhance the festive atmosphere. These elements laid the foundation for the modern homecoming experience and helped solidify it as an institutional tradition that extended beyond athletics.
Who Hosted the First Homecoming?
The question of which university held the first official homecoming celebration has sparked decades of debate. Several institutions lay claim to the title, each with its own historical evidence.
The University of Missouri is most often credited with hosting the first true homecoming in 1911. That year, the school invited alumni back to campus for a football game against its long-time rival, the University of Kansas. The event included a parade, a spirit rally, and other festivities that attracted a large crowd. Its comprehensive nature helped set a precedent for what Homecoming could be.
However, other schools have similar claims. Baylor University held a large alumni gathering in 1909, and the University of Illinois organized a similar event in 1910. While these earlier celebrations shared some features of modern homecoming, they were not as fully developed or widely adopted as Missouri’s 1911 event.
Regardless of who was first, by the 1920s, homecoming had become a staple fall tradition at colleges across the country. These events combined athletic competition with social gatherings to create a weekend centered around alumni engagement, student pride, and community unity.
The Rise of High School Homecoming
Though homecoming began as a collegiate tradition, it gradually made its way to American high schools during the mid-20th century. By this time, high school football had grown in popularity, particularly in small towns where local games became important social events. High schools adopted many of the same traditions seen in colleges. Football games became the centerpiece of the celebration, surrounded by dances, pep rallies, parades, and the crowning of a homecoming king and queen. These festivities quickly became highlights of the school year, offering students, families, and local communities an opportunity to come together and celebrate school pride.
Key Traditions and Symbols
As homecoming evolved, several hallmark traditions emerged that continue to define the celebration today:
● The Homecoming Game: This football game is typically scheduled against a long-standing rival or a team considered easier to defeat. The goal is to create a celebratory environment and boost morale through a likely win.
● Pep Rallies and Spirit Week: In the days leading up to the game, schools host themed dress-up days and pep rallies. These events are designed to foster enthusiasm among students and staff, reinforcing a shared sense of pride.
● The Homecoming Dance: Usually held on the night of the game or the following evening, the dance is a semi-formal or formal event where students gather to celebrate together.
● Homecoming Court: Students vote for a king, a queen, and sometimes a full court of peers. These titles are often awarded during halftime at the game or during the dance. While rooted in tradition, the court also reflects the popularity and leadership roles of the students involved.
● Parades and Floats: Especially in smaller communities, homecoming parades are major public events. Local businesses, school clubs, marching bands, and alumni groups often participate, creating elaborate floats and displays that march through the town or campus.
Modern Evolutions and Controversies
As American culture has changed, so too has the tradition of homecoming. In recent years, schools have taken steps to make the celebration more inclusive and reflective of contemporary values.
Some schools have modernized the selection process for homecoming royalty. Instead of electing a traditional king and queen, they may crown two queens, two kings, or choose non-gendered titles. This shift acknowledges the diversity of student identities and ensures that all students feel represented.
Spirit Week themes and homecoming activities have also evolved. Schools are now more mindful of inclusivity, avoiding outdated or insensitive themes and instead opting for creative, welcoming events that appeal to a broad range of students.
Despite these positive changes, homecoming is not without its critics. Some argue that the focus on popularity in court elections can be exclusionary or divisive. Others question whether the emphasis on football overshadows other aspects of student life. In response, many schools are working to ensure that homecoming is more than just a popularity contest or a sports event. They aim to make it a celebration of unity, diversity, and school-wide involvement.
A Celebration of Community
At its core, homecoming is about connection. It is a time when students, alumni, teachers, and families come together to celebrate shared memories and collective pride. Whether you are a freshman experiencing your first spirit rally, a senior anticipating one last dance, or an alumnus returning to reconnect with old friends, homecoming offers a moment to reflect on the experiences and relationships that helped shape your educational journey.
Rooted in more than a century of tradition, homecoming continues to evolve while remaining a powerful expression of community and belonging. It is not just about football or fancy attire—it is about honoring the past, celebrating the present, and strengthening the ties that bind us to the schools and people that have played a meaningful role in our lives.
The Here and Now
While every school celebrates its homecoming a little differently, there are a few common threads, especially at Oak Forest High School. Staff and students alike participate in Spirit Week; the spirit and the pride that the school has is palpable at this time of year. Many people will participate in the OFHS Homecoming Parade and school assembly on Friday, September 19. That evening is the football game. The next evening, Saturday, September 20, is the Oak Forest Homecoming Dance.
Ultimately, homecoming is all about community and school pride, no matter how you choose to celebrate it.
