Dartmouth 250: Historic Homecoming Photos

Bonfires, parades, and cheering on the Big Green have long been part of this tradition-packed weekend. All photos, unless noted otherwise, are courtesy of the Dartmouth Library.

Photos
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the College marked its 150th anniversary with a tiered cake
On the same weekend the College celebrated Dartmouth Night in October 1919, the College marked its 150th anniversary with a tiered cake topped with the years of classes that had alumni in attendance. It was set out on the Green next to a big top tent with a capacity of 3,000—large enough for students and alumni to gather that evening for toasts and speeches. 
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President John Sloan Dickey '29 speaks on the steps of Dartmouth Hall on Dartmouth Night, Oct. 1954. From left, sitting, are Sidney Hayward '26, secretary of the College, Coach Tuss McLaughry, and Lou Turner '55, captain of the football team.
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This photo from Dartmouth Night 1964's bonfire graced the cover of Dartmouth Alumni Magazine the next month.
This photo from Dartmouth Night 1964’s bonfire graced the cover of Dartmouth Alumni Magazine the next month. 
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A view of 1975's Dartmouth Night bonfire from the southwest corner of the Green.
A view of 1975’s Dartmouth Night bonfire from the southwest corner of the Green. 
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A crowd of students and other celebrants gather on the Green wait for the start of the festivities during Dartmouth Night in 1975.
A crowd of students and other celebrants gather on the Green wait for the start of the festivities during Dartmouth Night in 1975. 
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The student marching band leads the alumni parade in October 1987.
The student marching band leads the alumni parade in October 1987. 
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Students donning their Dartmouth gear cheer the Dartmouth football team on to a 35-3 win against Yale during 2015's homecoming.
Students donning their Dartmouth gear cheer the Dartmouth football team on to a 35-3 win against Yale during 2015’s homecoming. (Photo by Joshua Renaud ’17) 
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Students from the Class of 2020 carry their class banner on the parade route in 2016. (Photo by Robert Gill)
Students from the Class of 2020 carry their class banner on the parade route in 2016. (Photo by Robert Gill) 
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Memorial Field and its new stadium were dedicated during 1923's Dartmouth Night ceremonies. The corner of Main St. and East Wheelock St. was a busy one earlier that afternoon as alumni and other well-wishers flooded into Hanover. 
Memorial Field and its new stadium were dedicated during 1923’s Dartmouth Night ceremonies. The corner of Main St. and East Wheelock St. was a busy one earlier that afternoon as alumni and other well-wishers flooded into Hanover.