1950s
April 10, 1953
“History of Easters Weekend Dates Back to 1830’s Dances”
By Jess Willard
The Easters Weekend tradition originated in 1827 when University students started taking dancing lessons from professors on Grounds. “Dancing weekends,” as they were called, became an integral part of the social scene, making a comeback after they were initially banned due to rowdiness. Easters, which aligns with Thomas Jefferson’s birthday, became the largest dance weekend on Grounds.
1960s
April 13, 1962
“Weekend Is Marked By Variety”
By Fred Hilton
This year’s Easters Weekend was marked by the “invasion” of women on Grounds and student enjoyment of “various colored and flavored beverages.” Events included an Easters Dance with music from the Billy May band, fraternity parties and a range of events celebrating Founder’s Day.
1960s
April 9, 1965
“Easters Revelry Started By PK-German Dance, Fraternity Combo Blasts”
By Jim Lewis
The legendary Chuck Berry visited Grounds to play at an Easters Weekend dance in Memorial Gym. The weekend also included another concert the following day, as well as a myriad of fraternity parties and the annual game between varsity and alumni footballers held in Scott Stadium.
1970s
April 11, 1978
“Easters party causes damage to Grounds”
By Todd Shields
Photos by Alan Ashman
University police arrested 12 non-students after major vandalism of University property during Easters Weekend parties. Damages include a 15-foot chunk of the serpentine wall behind Pavilion IX getting knocked out, a plugged water fountain that flooded Gilmer Hall, power cuts to Alderman Road dormitory and attempted fires in the Alderman Road area.
1980s
April 7, 1983
“Weekends face unwarranted cancellation”
By Jonathan P. Hartzer
Photos by Alan Martin
In an opinion piece, Jonathan P. Hartzer wrote that the University administration was far too controlling of the school’s social life, specifically with the deans’ handling of fraternities. According to Hartzer, by deciding to cancel Easters Weekend in order to mitigate risks, the University indirectly harms social tradition, alumni attendance and businesses on the Corner. He claimed that while regulation is important for safety, completely shutting down a decades-long tradition may cause more harm than good.
1990s
April 13, 1999
“Fight for your right to party”
By Chris Nehls
Nehls argues that the “big weekend” of partying has died at the University. After Easters was banned due to dangerous behavior, the party weekend started to diminish at the University. According to Nehls, this weekend tradition, when well-regulated within the ISC and IFC, is crucial to student happiness and serves as a release from the pressures of student life.
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