Special Collections Department
403 Parks Library
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2140

RS 22/12/5
Iowa State University

VEISHEA
Records (1960s), 1960-1969


Descriptive summary

creator:

Iowa State University, VEISHEA

title:

Records (1960s)

dates:

1960-1969

extent:

4.42 linear feet (11 document boxes)

collection number:

RS 22/12/5

repository:

University Archives, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University.

 

Administrative information

access:

Open for research

publication rights:

Consult Head, Special Collections Department

preferred citation:

Iowa State University, VEISHEA, Records (1960s), RS 22/12/5, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library.

 

Historical note

The annual VEISHEA celebration is one of the many rich traditions that form part of the history of Iowa State University. Celebrated at the end of the spring semester each year, this weekend of festivities was designed as a celebration that focuses on entertaining, educating, and promoting leadership. These were the three original goals of VEISHEA and although the celebration has significantly changed over the years, these ideals remain.

VEISHEA was first celebrated in 1922 in an effort to combine the various spring celebrations put on by each college at Iowa State into one large all-university celebration. The name VEISHEA appropriately represents the origins of the celebration, as it is an acronym for the five original colleges at Iowa State—Veterinary Medicine, Engineering, Industrial Science, Home Economics and Agriculture. The first VEISHEA celebrations mostly focused on the academic offerings of Iowa State, while providing plenty of entertainment and social activities. The open houses put on by campus clubs and departments were the most popular attractions. One of the most popular open houses was put on by Division of Home Economics. This display included the selling of the now-famous cherry pies. Most people who celebrate VEISHEA say VEISHEA isn't VEISHEA without a cherry pie.

The parade is another tradition that has withstood the test of time. Although much smaller back in the 1920s when nearly all floats were pulled by horses, the parade attracted people from across the state. Originally only academic departments built floats for the parade, but eventually residence areas also began to build floats. Today, academic departments, campus organizations, community groups, and residence areas build floats or have entries in the parade. An original event that began in 1922 and was renamed in 1925 but no longer exists is the vaudeville show. This variety show included skits, musical groups, some sort of musical play or comedy, and an assortment of circus-like entertainment. In 1922, the original musical theatre production, now known as Stars Over VEISHEA, was performed as the Night Show. In 1940 the event was produced outside under the stars on Clyde Williams Field, hence the name Stars Over VEISHEA. This event is now held inside in C.Y. Stephens's auditorium.

In an effort to focus on academics, in the early days of VEISHEA there was a moving-up ceremony, which was part of the opening ceremonies. The ceremony was a mock graduation during which each class graduated to the next grade. The most spectacular part of this opening ceremony was the burning of the freshmen beanies, as they became sophomores. The objective of the event was to develop unity and class tradition. Due to the increase in the number of events and activities, particularly those taking place during opening ceremonies, the event ended in 1935.

In 1935, a water carnival was incorporated into the events. This same year the swans Lancelot and Elaine were purchased for Lake LaVerne. Many alumni remember the canoe races as a big VEISHEA event. These races began as part of the 1935 water carnival.

Another popular event during VEISHEA was the VEISHEA Queen of Queens pageant. Beginning in 1938, the Queen was chosen from the queens of other campus events such as Homecoming and Greek Week. Famous judges from all over the nation, including Cary Grant, Bob Hope, and Bing Crosby selected the VEISHEA Queen of Queens. The last VEISHEA Queen of Queens was crowned in 1970.

Over the years, VEISHEA has attracted people from all over the Midwest to Ames for the weekend. Early on, the railroad company even had to run extra lines just to handle the number of weekend visitors. However, VEISHEA did not always prosper. VEISHEA faced opposition from the student body in 1941. Students voted to cancel VEISHEA because they were not interested in participating. VEISHEA did go on in 1941 because later in the year students decided to reinstate the celebration.

During World War II, VEISHEA was scaled down due to lack of building materials and funds. In 1943-1945, the parade was cancelled and replaced with military reviews. The funds saved from not building the floats for the parade were used as part of a campaign VEISHEA held to help the war effort entitled "Buy a Jeep to Drive Against the Nazi's". VEISHEA raised enough money to buy five jeeps for the U.S. Army. The shows for STARS OVER VEISHEA during VEISHEA 1943, 1944, and 1945 were war shows.

VEISHEA regained its strength and prominence as an organized celebration during the 1950s and1960s. During these years, the central committee worked to organize events that would appeal to a variety of people. A large effort was made to bring entertainment events to Ames that would be popular with both students and alumni. Duke Ellington, Diana Ross and the Supremes and Bob Hope were some of the entertainers who came to campus during those years. In 1953, Ray Anthony and his Band played for the VEISHEA Dance that was broadcast nation wide on CBS radio.

During the Vietnam War, the spirit of VEISHEA again became somber and several adjustments to the celebration were made to meet the needs of the students. In 1970, the VEISHEA Central Committee asked protest leaders to assist in planning the activities. A "March of Concern" was added to the parade, no one was allowed to carry a weapon (not even the military), and a public area for discussing current events was open day and night during VEISHEA. Again, VEISHEA was under attack; not everyone enjoyed the changes, some of the people disgruntled by the overly political tone the celebration had taken called for the end of VEISHEA. The feelings did not last, by 1973 the atmosphere of merriment had returned to the event.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the popularity of VEISHEA continued to grow, but the original purposes of VEISHEA began to be overshadowed by the unofficial parties that dominated the weekend. Students from all over flocked to Ames during the weekend in an effort to participate in what was known as the largest party in the Midwest. The traditional activities of the weekend, such as the parade, open houses, and concert, continued as usual, but they were no longer the focus of the celebration. The VEISHEA Central Committee did not take action to revitalize the original intent of VEISHEA because the people were still coming to Ames. In fact, the concert was ended in 1980 because there was no longer a need to provide entertainment for all these people because they were able to find their own forms of entertainment. VEISHEA carried on as usual, but each year it became less and less the celebration of excellence it was originally created to be and more and more a huge party.

Gradually what began as minor disturbances and altercations between VEISHEA celebrators and police escalated into a full riot in 1988. Thousands of students gathered in the south block of Welch Avenue chanting and screaming. A bonfire was started in the middle of the street that created a hole several feet deep in the asphalt. Police were unable to control the crowd and eventually called in basketball coach Johnny Orr and football coach Jim Walden in an effort of calm the crowd and convince them to disperse. The tactic worked and eventually the crowd dissipated, however they left behind the charred remnants of burnt furniture, beer cans, and clothing. Two students were arrested for inciting a riot but no other major actions were taken. VEISHEA was examined to see whether or not it was still a worthwhile celebration and after much discussion, it was decided that VEISHEA could stay.

Unfortunately, no significant changes were made to return the purpose of VEISHEA to its original goals and the party atmosphere continued for the next decade with more disturbances occurring and the parties becoming larger and larger. Community members, both residents and business owners, were upset with the celebration because they no longer felt their properties were safe. Alumni still came for the celebration, but anyone with a family left after the parade on Saturday because they did not want to be a part of the unsafe environment. In 1993, after another riot during VEISHEA 1992, a new event entitled Taste of VEISHEA was created as a crowd control measure. Welch Avenue was blocked off as a pedestrian mall with food vendors, tournaments, games, and entertainment going on all day and night. Students saw the event as a new activity for them, but the underlying purpose was to prevent large crowds from gathering on Welch Avenue. To a certain extent this solved the problems of the Welch riots, however, smaller riots still took place off campus in West Ames or in other parts of Campus Town. Also in 1993, Farm Aid VI, a country music concert to benefit farmers, came to Cyclone Stadium in Ames during VEISHEA weekend. Although this was not an event planned by the VEISHEA committee, it did draw many Iowans to Ames for the weekend.

The true turning point for VEISHEA came in 1997 after what was deemed a successful celebration by president Martin Jischke, was marred by tragedy. Harold "Uri" Sellers was fatally wounded on the lawn of Adelante Fraternity early Sunday morning. The two men convicted of the crime as well as the victim were not connected to Iowa State University or the City of Ames in any way except for their participation in the VEISHEA weekend activities. VEISHEA was immediately examined by a task force put together by the president. Although Iowa State students did not cause the problems of the weekend, the incident highlighted the fact that what was once a safe celebration for all had turned into a dangerous environment. Dr. Jischke and the task force decided that the celebration would go alcohol free or end. In what many students considered an ultimatum, Dr. Jischke gave the choice to students as to whether or not they wanted to save their celebration. Although disgruntled, the governing student bodies all pledged to support an alcohol free VEISHEA and the celebration went on. The theme for VEISHEA 1998 was aptly titled "A Time for Change". The weekend definitely changed. The focus of the celebration turned from the parties to the events planned by the VEISHEA committees. A large-scale concert in Hilton Coliseum featuring the band Tonic was added to the schedule of events. Additionally, a wider variety of entertainment was provided on the Taste stage at Taste of VEISHEA on Welch Avenue. Despite the additional activities, many students were unhappy with the change, mostly because they only associated VEISHEA with drinking. Students left campus for the weekend—either to protest dry VEISHEA or so they could consume alcohol. However VEISHEA went on. VEISHEA 1998 was declared a success by the administration and community with the number of arrests dropping significantly. VEISHEA continued as an alcohol free celebration for the next few years, but student support of the event was dropping quickly. Each fall when students were asked to vote to support a dry VEISHEA, more and more voices of opposition spoke up. In the end, however, students still voted to keep VEISHEA.

VEISHEA remains an alcohol-free celebration, however beginning in 2001, there is no pledge attached to this policy. VEISHEA 2001 and 2002 were not without opposition. Much like the situation in 1941, students are upset with the quality of celebration. There was an unsuccessful petition created by a group of students with the goal of creating a student referendum to vote to end the funding of VEISHEA by the Government of the Student body. In 2004, VEISHEA experienced another riot, which not only caused a great amount damage to property, but also to the reputation of VEISHEA and Iowa State University. University President, Gregory L. Geoffroy, decided to suspend the celebration for 2005. VEISHEA resumed in 2006.

VEISHEA has had a long and prosperous history, but not without its problems. It appears as though the popularity of the celebration is cyclical. With its rich tradition and strong roots, this celebration will continue to survive.

 

Collection description

The collection contains official records for VEISHEA during the 1960s. The materials include programs and minutes, agendas, planning notes, logos and graphics, advertisements, newspaper clippings, color slides, brochures, posters, and correspondence of the VEISHEA Central Committee.This collection provides insight into the inner workings of the VEISHEA organization in addition to information about the activities that have made up the annual VEISHEA celebration during the decade of the 1960s. The materials also include the VEISHEA program, which documents the schedule of events of the weekend, the parade route, major sponsors, and other information.

 

Organization

This collection is organized chronologically. Photographs are stored with the University Archives photograph collection and slides are stored with the University Archives slide collection.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

1

1

Canoe racing

1960

1

2

Career day

1960

1

3

Dancing

1960

1

4

General news articles

1960

1

5

General program and schedule of events

1960

1

6

Iowa State Players

1960

1

7

Luncheon

1960

1

8

Mortar Board/ Cardinal Key Tapping

1960

1

9

Open house

1960

1

10

Parade

1960

1

11

Queen of Queens

1960

1

12

Scholarships

1960

1

13

Stars Over Veishea

1960

1

14

Veishea Central Committee

1960

1

15

Veisheathon

1960

11 7 Cyclone Review 1961

1

16

Veishea Vod-Vil

1960

1

17

General news articles

1961

1

18

General program

1961

1

19

Open house: Engineering Mechanics

1961

1

20

Parade

1961

1

21

Stars Over Veishea

1961

1

22

Veisheathon

1961

1

23

Cyclone review

1962

1

24

General news articles

1962

1

25

General program and schedule of events

1962

1

26

Parade

1962

1

27

Stars Over Veishea

1962

1

28

Veishea Central Committee

1962

1

29

Canoe races

1963

1

30

General news articles

1963

1

31

General program

1963

1 55 Images of parade floats and of the construction of the Oak Hall parade float 1963

1

32

Open House

1963

1

33

Queen of Queens

1963

1

34

Stars Over Veishea

1963

1

35

Art show

1964

1

36

Career day

1964

1

37

Concert

1964

1

38

Cyclone review

1964

1

39

Dance

1964

1

40

General news articles

1964

1

41

General program and schedule of events

1964

1

42

Iowa State Players

1964

1

43

Little Olympia

1964

1

44

Mortar Board/ Cardinal Key Tapping

1964

1

45

Open House

1964

1

46

Opening Ceremonies

1964

1

47

Parade

1964

1

48

Queen of Queens

1964

1

49

Scholarships

1964

1

50

Service "I" Award

1964

1

51

Stars Over Veishea: Chairman

1964

1

52

Stars Over Veishea: Choreography and Dramatics

1964

1

53

Stars Over Veishea: Coordinator/ Personnel Director

1964

1

54

Stars Over Veishea: Costume and Makeup

1964

2

1

Stars Over Veishea: Music

1964

2

2

Stars Over Veishea: Program and news articles

1964

2

3

Stars Over Veishea: Publicity

1964

2

4

Veishea Central Committee

1964

2

5

Cyclone review

1965

2

6

Dance

1965

2

7

General news articles (1 of 2)

1965

2

8

General news articles (2 of 2)

1965

2

9

General program

1965

2

10

Open house: Planning packet

1965

2

11

Queen of Queens

1965

2

12

Scholarships

1965

2

13

Stars Over Veishea

1965

2

14

Stars Over Veishea: Financial report

1965

2

15

General news articles

1966

2

16

General program and information

1966

2

17

Luncheon

1966

2

18

Scholarships

1966

2

19

Stars Over Veishea: Correspondence

1966

2

20

Dance

1967

2

21

General program and schedule of events

1967

2

22

Mortar Board/ Cardinal Key Tapping

1967

2

23

Open House

1967

2

24

Opening ceremonies

1967

2

25

Parade

1967

3

1

Stars Over Veishea: Committee Minutes

1967

3

2

Stars Over Veishea: Coordinator

1967

11 8 Stars Over Veishea: Interim Report 1967

3

3

Stars Over Veishea: Costumes

1967

3

4

Stars Over Veishea: Producer

1967

3

5

Stars Over Veishea: Producer (assistant)

1967

3

6

Stars Over Veishea: Program

1967

3

7

Stars Over Veishea: Technical Crew

1967

3

8

Veishea Central Committee: Co-Chairmen

1967

3

9

Veishea Central Committee: Committee Minutes

1967

3

10

Veishea Central Committee: Events

1967

3

11

Veishea Central Committee: Personnel

1967

3

12

Veishea Central Committee: Policies

1967

3

13

Veishea Central Committee: Publications

1967

3

14

Veishea Central Committee: Publicity (Business Manager)

1967

3

15

Veishea Central Committee: Publicity (Co-Chairmen)

1967

3

16

Veishea Central Committee: Publicity (Committee Minutes)

1967

3

17

Veishea Central Committee: Secretary

1967

3

18

Canoe races

1968

3

19

Career day/ Scholarships: Chairman

1968

3

20

Career day/ Scholarships: Publicity and registration

1968

3

21

Career day/ Scholarships: Secretaries

1968

3

22

Concert

1968

3

23

Dance

1968

3

24

General news articles

1968

3

25

General program and information

1968

4

1

Iowa State Players

1968

4

2

Luncheon

1968

4

3

Mecca

1968

4

4

Mortar Board/ Cardinal Key Tapping

1968

4

5

Open House: Activities

1968

4

6

Open House: Agriculture

1968

4

7

Open House: Co-Chairmen

1968

4

8

Open House: Committee Minutes

1968

4

9

Open House: Coordinator

1968

4

10

Open House: Engineering

1968

4

11

Open House: Home Economics

1968

4

12

Open House: Library

1968

4

13

Open House: News articles

1968

4

14

Open House: Science and Humanities

1968

4

15

Open House: Secretary

1968

4

16

Open House: Vet Med

1968

4

17

Opening ceremonies

1968

4

18

Parade: Bands

1968

4

19

Parade: Co-Chairmen

1968

4

20

Parade: Coordinator

1968

5

1

Parade: Director

1968

5

2

Parade: Floats

1968

5

3

Parade: News articles

1968

5

4

Parade: Quantity buying coordinator

1968

5

5

Parade: Secretaries

1968

5

6

Parade: Special units

1968

5

7

Queen of Queens: Chairman

1968

5

8

Queen of Queens: Elections

1968

5

9

Queen of Queens: News articles

1968

5

10

Queen of Queens: Presentations

1968

5

11

Queen of Queens: Tea

1968

5

12

Scholarship Finalists

1968

5

13

Service "I" Award

1968

5

14

Stars Over Veishea: Coordinator

1968

5

15

Stars Over Veishea: Co-Producers

1968

5

16

Stars Over Veishea: Costumes and makeup

1968

5

17

Stars Over Veishea: Dramatics

1968

5

18

Stars Over Veishea: Faculty Advisor

1968

5

19

Stars Over Veishea: Interim Report

1968

5

20

Stars Over Veishea: Music

1968

5

21

Stars Over Veishea: Programs

1968

5

22

Stars Over Veishea: Publicity

1968

5

23

Stars Over Veishea: Set construction

1968

5

24

Stars Over Veishea: Technical crew

1968

6

1

Veishea Central Committee: Business

1968

6

2

Veishea Central Committee: Business Manager (assistant)

1968

6

3

Veishea Central Committee: Co-Chairman

1968

6

4

Veishea Central Committee: Committee Minutes

1968

6

5

Veishea Central Committee: Coordinator

1968

6

6

Veishea Central Committee: Coordinator (Assistant)

1968

6

7

Veishea Central Committee: Coordinator (Committee minutes)

1968

6

8

Veishea Central Committee: Coordinator (Concessions)

1968

6

9

Veishea Central Committee: Coordinator (Housing)

1968

6

10

Veishea Central Committee: Coordinator (Properties)

1968

6

11

Veishea Central Committee: Coordinator (Secretary)

1968

6

12

Veishea Central Committee: Events (Co-Chairman)

1968

6

13

Veishea Central Committee: Events (Social Coordinator)

1968

6

14

Veishea Central Committee: General Information

1968

6

15

Veishea Central Committee: Income Statement

1968

6

16

Veishea Central Committee: Interim

1968

6

17

Veishea Central Committee: Policies

1968

6

18

Veishea Central Committee: Publications (Chairman)

1968

6

19

Veishea Central Committee: Publications (Committee)

1968

7

1

Veishea Central Committee: Publicity (Co-Chairman)

1968

7

2

Veishea Central Committee: Publicity (Social events)
(1- 5x5 color)

1968

7

3

Veishea Central Committee: Sales Manager

1968

7

4

Veishea Central Committee: Secretary

1968

7

5

Veishea Central Committee: Secretary (Other)

1968

7

6

Veishea Central Committee: Social (Committee Minutes)

1968

7

7

Veishea Central Committee: Social (Director)

1968

7

8

Veishea Central Committee: Social (Secretary)

1968

7

9

Canoe Races

1969

7

10

Career Day: Committee Agenda Meeting

1969

7

11

Career Day: Conferences

1969

7

12

Career Day: Coordinator

1969

7

13

Career Day: Director

1969

7

14

Career Day: Programs, Tours, and Interest sessions

1969

7

15

Career Day: Publicity and Registration

1969

7

16

Career Day: Scholarships

1969

7

17

Career Day: Vet med

1969

7

18

Concert

1969

7

19

Football game

1969

7

20

General news articles

1969

7

21

General program and information

1969

8

1

Iowa State Players

1969

8

2

Luncheons

1969

8

3

Military Review

1969

8

4

Open House: Activities

1969

8

5

Open House: Agriculture

1969

8

6

Open House: Co-Chairmen

1969

8

7

Open House: Committee Minutes

1969

8

8

Open House: Coordinator

1969

8

9

Open House: Education

1969

8

10

Open House: Engineering

1969

8

11

Open House: Home Economics

1969

8

12

Open House: News articles

1969

8

13

Open House: Science and Humanities

1969

8

14

Open House: Secretary

1969

8

15

Open House: Technical and arts advisor

1969

8

16

Open House: Vet Med

1969

8

17

Opening Ceremonies

1969

8

18

Parachute Jump

1969

9

1

Parade: Bands

1969

9

2

Parade: Chairman

1969

9

3

Parade: Committee minutes

1969

9

4

Parade: Coordinator

1969

9

5

Parade: Director

1969

9

6

Parade: Floats

1969

9

7

Parade: News articles

1969

9

8

Parade: Quantity buying

1969

9

9

Parade: Secretary

1969

9

10

Parade: Special Units

1969

9

11

Queen of Queens: Chairmen

1969

9

12

Queen of Queens: Election

1969

9

13

Queen of Queens: News articles

1969

9

14

Queen of Queens: Presentations

1969

9

15

Queen of Queens: Tea

1969

9

16

Rodeo

1969

9

17

Stars Over Veishea: Business

1969

9

18

Stars Over Veishea: Committee minutes

1969

9

19

Stars Over Veishea: Coordinator

1969

9

20

Stars Over Veishea: Dramatics and choreography

1969

9

21

Stars Over Veishea: Makeup

1969

9

22

Stars Over Veishea: Producer

1969

9

23

Stars Over Veishea: Program and news articles

1969

9

24

Stars Over Veishea: Publicity

1969

9

25

Stars Over Veishea: Set construction

1969

9

26

Stars Over Veishea: Stage Manager

1969

9

27

Stars Over Veishea: Technical crew

1969

9

28

Stars Over Veishea: Ticket Sales

1969

9

29

Veishea Central Committee: Business Manager

1969

9

30

Veishea Central Committee: Co-Chairmen

1969

10

1

Veishea Central Committee: Committee minutes

1969

10

2

Veishea Central Committee: Coordinator

1969

10

3

Veishea Central Committee: Coordinator (Assistant)

1969

10

4

Veishea Central Committee: Coordinator (Committee minutes)

1969

10

5

Veishea Central Committee: Coordinator (Concessions)

1969

10

6

Veishea Central Committee: Coordinator (Housing)

1969

10

7

Veishea Central Committee: Coordinator (Properties)

1969

10

8

Veishea Central Committee: Coordinator (Secretary)

1969

10

9

Veishea Central Committee: Events

1969

10

10

Veishea Central Committee: Income Statements

1969

10

11

Veishea Central Committee: Personnel
(2- 2x3 black and white)

1969

10

12

Veishea Central Committee: Policies

1969

10

13

Veishea Central Committee: Publications

1969

10

14

Veishea Central Committee: Publicity (Art)

1969

10

15

Veishea Central Committee: Publicity (Co-Chairmen)

1969

10

16

Veishea Central Committee: Publicity Committee minutes)

1969

10

17

Veishea Central Committee: Publicity (Historian)

1969

10

18

Veishea Central Committee: Publicity (Mass Media)

1969

10

19

Veishea Central Committee: Publicity (Promotions)

1969

10

20

Veishea Central Committee: Publicity (Secretary)

1969

10

21

Veishea Central Committee: Sales

1969

11

1

Veishea Central Committee: Secretary

1969

11

2

Veishea Central Committee: Secretary (Committee)

1969

11

3

Veishea Central Committee: Social (Committee minutes)

1969

11

4

Veishea Central Committee: Social (Director)

1969

11

5

Veishea Central Committee: Social (Secretary)

1969