Memories flow on days like this when homecoming weekend rolls around at UND.
One alumnus – Larry Aasen -- remembers going to UND in the 1940s. He now lives in Connecticut. He writes of those days long ago in his book entitled, “North Dakotans Never Give Up.”
He says the years 1942 and 1943 were tense, nervous. Every day, students would fear the call of being drafted into World War II.
Still, UND had dances with such fun names as the Spinster Skip, the Sweetheart Ball and Flickertail Follies. Fraternities and sororities were very popular. Athletes stuck together in the UND football stadium.
He writes of high points of the school year including the football games UND would play with NDAC (now NDSU). Two of the outstanding players in 1939 were Ernie Wheeler of NDAC and Fritz Pollard of UND.
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There are memories of Camp Depression when some UND students slept in discarded Great Northern boxcars. Whitey’s, formerly in East Grand Forks, is remembered as the favorite “watering hole” for students in the 1940s.
Sparking memories
As time moves along, names and traditions are honored. The memories sparked by homecoming linger on.
Hockey came to UND in 1947, and Fritz Pollard was one of the memorable players who came from Canada.
Along with the memories this weekend brings hockey, football and volleyball to the campus. The Sioux Awards banquet drew UND faithful to the Alerus Thursday evening. And the UND Athletics Hall of Fame banquet is set for this evening at the Alerus. There’s a fan luncheon at noon today in Ballroom 5 in the Alerus.
Ask Marilyn
Q. When all is said and done with UND homecoming, where is the Second Wind Band playing Monday?
A. They are going to Hatton for a 1:30 p.m. fall concert at Prairie Village. And there will be a couple pieces with vocals when Mike Bakken sings along with “Folsom Prison Blues’’. And Director Don Craig will sing along with the “Blue Skirt Waltz.”
Q. When are they holding the fourth annual Pumpkins for Parkinson’s weigh-in?
A. It will be Tuesday between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Altru Family YMCA.
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Q. What is the best kind of pie?
A. Pumpkin, with a dab of whipped cream.
Gordon and Pat
Cheerful people of the week: Gordon Henry and Pat Henry.
