Class Day Traditions Have Devolved From Formal Attire to Scorpion Bowls

Ninety-eight days ago, seniors gathered at the Hong Kong restaurant to drink and dance with their classmates to kickoff of a string of senior events leading up to the end of their Harvard careers.

But these events have not always included Scorpion Bowls--the Kong's drink of choice. Though the Class Day ritual has always been festive, it is also the product of continual evolution.

Class Day, run by seniors for more than a century, has spawned several offshoots over the years. The current senior events, including the Last Chance Dance, the Moonlight Cruise and the Quad Olympics, all grew out of Class Day.

In its earlier years, the event existed in a much different form. In 1884, Class Day began at 9:30 a.m., when the senior class assembled in front of Holworthy Hall before marching to the chapel and then Sanders Theatre for Class Day exercises.

An article in The Daily Crimson from Friday, June 13, 1884 described the event's strict dress code.

"Seniors are requested to appear in dress suits, white cravats and silk hats...Seniors are requested to avoid any absurdity of dress at the exercises," the article said.

Although the outfits may have been staid, the affair was meant to be entertaining.

The afternoon activities included music in the Yard, dancing in Memorial Hall, illuminations and general frolicking. The Glee Club sang in front of Holworthy Hall.

A central aspect of the event was "cheering the tree," but unfortunately, no description of this ritual has survived.

The Class Day events became so popular, College officials had to fend off scalpers.

"In regard to the evil of speculation it seems useless to dwell at length as so much has been said on this subject, but it is sincerely hoped that all will use great discretion in the disposal of their tickets," The Daily Crimson said on June 4, 1884.

As years passed, the traditions changed, but Class Day and other senior events remained important. The Senior Spread, an extension of class activities, began drawing students to a dance at the turn of the century.

In 1902, organizers placed 200 tables, illuminated by Japanese lanterns, in Memorial Hall for the festivities.

In addition to the 40-piece orchestra, the event featured student musicians.

"During the ninth, tenth, thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth dances, the Mandolin Club will play outside," The Crimson noted.

By 1914, some senior activities were losing their punch--literally.

That year, "by vote of the Corporation, 'no punches or distilled liquors shall be allowed in any College room on Class Day or Commencement Day,'" according to The Crimson.

Senior Spread attendance was thinning, a sign that the class marshals had to update the activities for the times.

The event grew from music and dancing to include sport. At 2 p.m., the hotly contested Harvard-Yale baseball game added another element to the festivities. The Glee Club performed on the steps of Widener Library.

Radcliffe had its own senior traditions. Class Night, held at the Radcliffe Quadrangle, included a semi-formal dance, skits and the presentation of the senior banner to members of the first-year class.

Each Class Night had a theme. In 1954, the theme was "30th Reunion--1984."

"Big Brother may or may not attend," The Crimson commented on June 15, 1954.

Back at Harvard, by the 50s, the ancestor of the Moonlight Cruise ("Booze Cruise") emerged.

Seniors, their guests, dates and parents would gather at Lamont Library before embarking on the S.S. Boston Belle for an evening of wine and song.

Throughout the 60s and 70s, as students became more political, so did Class Day. Big-name speakers came to address students. Some inspired students to protest.

In 1974, a Crimson editorial entitled "A Hostile Reception" exhorted students to receive their Class Day speaker, Elliot L. Richardson '41, with "skepticism and hostility."

Richardson, who served in the administration of President Richard M. Nixon, came under fire as the director of the Pentagon during a time when the U.S. was bombing Cambodia.

"Considering the policies which Richardson has sanctioned and enforced...it would be fitting, at those moments when an audience usually accords a speaker its respectful applause, if those listening to Richardson met him with boos and heckling," The Crimson wrote.

By the 80s, Class Day was beginning to inch toward its current shape. Seniors enjoyed the Last Dance, the "Booze Cruise" on Boston Harbor and a clambake.

Today's Class Day is a far cry from its conservatively clothed predecessor, but the spirit remains the same.

According to Class Marshal Kimble Poon '99, the event brings the class together for its final hurrah before the formality of Commencement.

"Class Day is just fun. Everyone leaves with that warm, fuzzy feeling," Poon says. "You get to take pictures, clown around."

And the Class Day tradition continues to evolve, as each class adds its own touch. Since last year, soon-to-be graduates head to the Kong for the first senior event. The Class of 1999 had such a good time at its 99-day kickoff that it launched a second one at the 50-day mark. Both times, seniors made their way to 1236 Mass. Ave.

"It wouldn't be a kickoff if it wasn't at the Kong," First Marshal Baratunde R. Thurston '99 says.