November 8,1995
4
Cornhuskin’ 1995
Fifty years of magic
By Carol Swink
The historic events of 1945 in
cluded more than the birth of the
United Nations and the close of World
War II, the year also marked the begin
ning of a cherished Meredith College
tradition.
Cornhuskin’, originally called Corn
Husking Bee, was developed by the
A.A. (Athletic Association) with the
assistance of Doris Peterman, a physi
cal education professor.
The event was designed in honor
of new students to the college, espe
cially freshmen.
The first Cornhuskin’ was held in
the Dining Hall, with events begin
ning at 6:15 p.m. and ending at 8:15
p.m. Following the class competi
tions, the Folk Dance Club performed
for both students and faculty in the
courtyard.
In addition to a rustic barnyard
scene, a unique aspea of Cornhuskin’
was that students went with “part
ners.” One student would dress up as
a girl, with a frilly dress, gloves, and a
fancy bonnet, while the other student
would dress as a boy, with a plaid
flannel shirt, blue jeans and a frayed
rope belt.
Throughout the years, many Corn
huskin’ events developed. Some of
the events such as hog calling, corn
shucking, apple bobbing and tall tale
still exist today.
Chicken calling and hog calling
were presumed to be similar events,
yet one can only guess the many ways
in which to call a chicken. The win
ner of the chicken calling event re
ceived a basket of eggs and the hog
calling victor appropriately won a piggy
bank.The winner of the corn husking
competition received a corn cob pipe.
In an earlier event, known as the
sing-song contest, one student from
each class would sing a musical selec
tion in front of everyone gathered for
the Cornhuskin’ competition.
This competition was not judged
on musical talent, but according to the
Oaober 1945 edition of the Meredith
newspaper. The Twig, students were
judged on showing “pure corn and hill-
billy-ishness.”
Tall tale was developed in 1949. A
class representative for the event at
tempted to relate the most original and
unbelievable story imaginable. In
today’s version of the taU tale, class
representatives dress up as an inani
mate object to explain their incredible
tales.
In 1957, two diverse events devel
oped: a pie eating contest and a cow
milking contest, where, according to
The History of Meredith College by
Mary Lynch Johnson, classes were in
structed to “make its own cow.”
Class themes began in 1957 with
the sophomore class devising the first
theme.
The only class to be viaorious all
four years was the class of I960.
Throughout 50 years of Corn
huskin’, some students may think that
“It’s a Jungle in Here,” ormay believe
it is “A Three Ring Circus.” But, “Abra
cadabra,” with the continued magic of
Cornhuskin’, its golden anniversary is
celebrated with Meredith pride. And,
afterthese 50years, “IfThey Could See
Us Now!”
Spring Break-Nassau/Paradise
Island, Cancun and Jamaica from
$299.00. Air, Hotel,Transfers, Parties,
and More! Organize a small group,
and earn a FREE trip plus
commissions! CaU 1-800-S22-0321.
“Invest In You: Pushing Yourself
To The Limit Without Falling Off The
Edge”
Take some time out for yourself
and join us for the annual fall confer
ence which puts your needs first.
Outstanding speakers include Dr.
Jean Jackson, Dr. Cindy Bross, and
Dr. Deborah Crandall. Come and
learn about how to project profes
sionalism within the time and stress
limitations of a real person with a
real life. If you have questions call
Mary at #7932. Hope to see you there!
What: Fall Conference sponsored
by the NC Association of Family and
Consumer Sciences
When: November 18th, 9:30AM-
2:15PM
Where: Dogwood A&B below
Belk Dining Hall
Requirements: Pre-register with
Mary Russell #7932 this week
Cost: $10 members; $15 non
members ($5 will be refunded if
you join NCAFCS during the
conference) This money will cover
luncheon, handouts, and speaker
costs. Kyou want to sit in on one
particular speaker, there is no
charge.
The Acorn (Meredith’s
own literary and art
magazine) is taking
submissions for this
year’s edition. If you like
to write poetry or short
fiction, or if you have art
or photography that you
feel should be published,
the Acorn needs you!
Submissions can be
placed in the box by the
English and history office
in foyner or in Cate
Center. If you have any
questions, call Deanna at
859-3819.
Attention Meredith
Students:
Have you heard about the
network services (E-mail and
internet) available on
campus? If you are
registered for 3 or more
credits please call 829-2363
and register for your
network training class.
Classes offered by the office
of Technology Services.