HISTORY OF NORTHERN STATE GYPSY DAYS
Northern State Homecoming , known as Gypsy Days began in 1916. A brief history of the weekend and its inception is described below.
The first celebration was held in 1916, and Northern Normal and Industrial School student Charles Fleischman is credited as among the first to suggest it. Fleischman, the editor-in-chief of the Exponent at that time, wrote an anonymous letter that appeared in the newspaper’s “Readers’ Column” in November 1915 requesting a celebration similar to Hobo Days in Brookings and suggested the Gypsy Days name. Fleischman’s inspiration came from Charles Creed an Aberdeen businessman who spoke of the Gypsies coming to town each fall and interacting with the college students on campus and in town. The first celebration was held the next fall – and it was a success, including a large parade, football game and barbecue that fed 1,000 people. From then on the homecoming celebration became an integral part of the fall for both Northern State University and the Aberdeen Community.
Over the years the event has seen its fair share of traditions come and go. In the early years students would dress up in gypsy attire and “camp-out” on the campus green for the celebration. The camp included events such as fortune telling, folk music, and dancing, as well as sports such as wrestling, juggling, and foot races. A popular tradition in the early years was for students to run onto the football field holding hands while making an S-shape and following the person in front of them. The students eventually formed into the shape of the Northern N. In the 1930’s the celebration adopted themes which still carry on today. Homecoming transformed in the 1950’s to the multiple day celebration that it is today. Notable national and regional celebrities have attended the festivities over the years. In 1948, Duke Ellington and his band performed at various events throughout the celebration including the pep rally and parade. In 1954, former President Dwight Eisenhower and his wife were named the Honorary Marshall and Queen.
In recent years, Homecoming has become a celebration not only for the students, alumni, and faculty of NSU, but also the community of Aberdeen and Northeastern South Dakota. The Northern State art department hits the business of Aberdeen decorating their windows for the annual celebration with the celebration theme. Student sponsored events are offered throughout the week including lunch for a buck on the campus green, the annual student homecoming themed dance, and events such as comedians or t-shirt tie dying. The weekend festivities officially kick-off with coronation on Thursday evening featuring the crowning of the Queen and Marshall as well as appearances from the Royal Order of the Gyps, the NSU pep band, and cheerleaders. The Gyps were founded by Creed in 1941 to aid the college with the Gypsy Days celebration and transformed over the years into one of the largest donor groups to NSU Athletics. Coronation is followed by the annual pep rally and bonfire with members of the home athletic teams in attendance.
Friday features the Northern State Athletics Hall of Fame banquet in addition to team reunions and events depending on the year. Volleyball and soccer are played on Friday afternoon and evening when the teams are in town as well. Saturday morning kicks off with the Steps for Shep 5k race sponsored by NSU track and field/cross country which honors a former Wolves student-athlete. The race leads right into the annual Gypsy Days parade featuring over 100 floats and bands which travel down Aberdeen’s main street. The parade attracts people from all over the region. Many of the parade floats then head to the south tailgate lot at Swisher Field to continue the festivities prior to the football kickoff. The Northern State Foundation hosts and alumni and friends tailgate each year, welcoming people back for the celebration weekend. Northern State Homecoming celebrated 100 years in the fall of 2015 and has grown into a staple for Northeastern South Dakota.
Go Wolves!
