1920s: Semicentennial
In 1920, the university celebrated its semicentennial. The week-long celebration in October began with “Jubilee Day” and continued into the weekend with an ox roast, carnival, a formal dance, a luncheon in the Ohio Union (now the Hale Black Cultural Center), and a procession of alumni marching from University Hall to Ohio Field.
Alumni Parade, 1920
More than 400 alumni paraded from University Hall to Ohio Field, some in costume or regalia, carrying class banners.
The semicentennial celebration also kicked off the campaign for Ohio Stadium. “Stadium Queen” Eloise Fromme unveiled a plaster model of the proposed Ohio Stadium . Alumni, students and community members were charged with contributing $1 million to building the stadium, an amount which was pledged in seven months.
Ohio Stadium opened for its first game in September 1922. The official dedication of the stadium took place in October when more than 70,000 fans watched the match-up against Michigan.
In 1920, Ohio State was in a period of immense growth. While celebrating its semicentennial, the university honored its past by acknowledging its alumni and professors emeriti while embracing its future.
Aerial View of Campus, 1927
