Music has traditional role of ULM holidays

Originally published in The News-Star newspaper, November 26, 2006

At 5 p.m. Wednesday, there will be a Christmas celebration in Scott Plaza at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. There will be trees and cider and hot chocolate and lit candles and lights ... and singing. The University Chorale, led by Deborah Chandler and following a tradition of singing on our campus since 1931 will perform and set the mood for the upcoming holiday.

I would not have guessed there was any similar celebration in that first semester 75 years ago. After all, Ouachita Parish Junior College had just opened on Sept. 28, 1931. How could they have so quickly established such a thing when there were so many other issues, like not enough chairs and finishing the building? But then again, the college had already put together football and basketball teams under Coach Kemerer and won games. A look in the first two issues of the PowWow quickly provided the answer and a description of the season's celebrations.

On Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1931, there was a Gridiron Ball in the Gymnasium. The gym was decorated all in blue and white. The PowWow reported one of the most popular ladies on the floor was Mrs. Kemerer, and she was especially "rushed" by the football players. The PowWow also reported that "Coach" seemed a bit agitated by his team's "attentions." The ball ended with "Home Sweet Home" at 1 a.m.

On Friday, Dec. 17, there was a Christmas party, the very first in our history, held in the gymnasium. The PowWow reported there was a large and finely decorated Christmas tree. The students entered in a Grand March followed by dancing the Virginia reel. Apparently several students had gotten together and formed a small orchestra to provide the music. After the dancing was over, there was a live game of checkers with the board drawn in chalk on the gym floor. Santa Claus arrived and provided each student a gift.

Such were the first holiday celebrations at our college. One other thing worth mentioning is that the PowWow reported holiday travels of the faculty. Maybe it was because the faculty and student body was small and more family-like (although a family of more than 500 is pretty large), but nonetheless, that report can help us think about the level of interest and nurturing that is possible at ULM.

The Colverts traveled to Arkansas to visit family as did others, Younse going to Ruston, Mengis to Sterlington, Null to Chattanooga and Crider to Pond Creek, Okla.. Morrison and Redditt stayed in Monroe. Wolfe stayed in Monroe and hosted the director of voice at All Saint's College. Smith visited a friend in Vernon Parish, Albritton went quail hunting in Union Parish and the Kemerers celebrated their first "green" Christmas in the South.

So, on Wednesday there will be another holiday celebration built around students, just as there was 75 years ago. As we look at the path from that day and consider our path for tomorrow, let's think about that spirit that surrounds us all in this season.

Have a great day at ULM.

Dr. John Knesel, ULM Professor