Rampage '92The Daily Tar HeelMonday, October 19, 19923
Revisiting the Hill
a popular pastime
ByRichardJ.DaltonJr.
Staff Writtr
If you want to grasp the history of
Homecoming weekend, listen to what
Dr. Joe Roberson has to say.
Roberson has been attending the
events since the 1940s, long before he
graduated from the UNC School of
Dentistry in 1960.
"During (World War II), it was rather
quiet. People had 'A,' 'B' and 'C gas
stamps," he said, referring to the gas
rationing stamps issued during the war.
"(People with) 'A' stamps couldn't
travel as much."
Roberson was able to come to UNC
during Homecoming weekends because
his father had a 'C stamp and was a
state employee, which enabled him to
get more gas.
"My Dad was a Duke supporter, but
I didn't like Duke," he said. "I was the
black sheep."
But the rivalry was accompanied by
a great deal of anticipation and enthusi
asm. "We looked forward to (the week
ends)," he said.
During the 1940s, World War II af
fected Homecoming weekends, and
during the 1960s, Vietnam had its im
pact. "People felt like it put a damper on
things," he said. "It had an effect on
people's attitudes."
The 1970s witnessed the recurrence
of gas rationing. Because of the gas
shortage, many people did not attend
Homecoming weekend, Roberson said.
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Each decade uniquely affected the
weekends, but having fun has remained
an important part of them, Roberson
said. "That's what stands out more than
anything," he said. "People just get to
gether, (and there is) social camarade
rie." Roberson said that although now there
were more people, hotel rooms and res
taurants, the essence of the weekend
remained the same. "I don'tthink things
have changed that much, and they don't
need to," he said. "It's still full of Caro
lina companionship."
Elizabeth Jenkins, a 1 990 University
graduate, shared Roberson's sense of
the weekends' camaraderie. "You feel
pretty welcome," she said. "The large
University seems small (and) a little
more intimate. It's a good time to see
people."
Homecoming weekend motivates
Bob Powell, who graduated from the
University in 1972, to call his friends
before coming back to Chapel Hill.
"Getting together with friends is what
really stands out," Powell said. He has
attended eight homecomings since he
graduated.
"It's usually a beautiful time to be in
Chapel Hill the leaves are changing;
the weather is nice," Powell said. "I
guess it's better when the team wins,"
he added.
Homecoming boosts local economy
By Nathan Bishop
StaffWritrr
Local hotels and restaurants are
anticipating a large influx of business
this weekend when parents and alumni
descend fin Chapel Hill for Home
coming festivities.
"Of course, Homecoming or any
football weekend is going to be a big
economic weekend for Chapel Hill,
Carrboro and all of Orange County,"
said Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber
of Commerce President Joel Harper.
Harper added that although gradu
ation weekend traditionally brought
the town the most revenue, Homecom
ing weekend was important in attract
ing return visitors throughout the year
Local restaurateurs also expect busi
ness to boom this weekend.
Keith Norris of Slug's Restaurant
said he expected the restaurant to be
packed during Homecoming weekend. .
"Part of the reason for our large in
flux in customers is due to our close
relationship with the Carolina Athletic
Department," Norris said, adding that
the restaurant hosted dinners for ath
letes during Homecoming weekend. .
Norris rated graduation weekend as
"the biggest of the year" but said that the
Saturday night of Homecoming week
end was among the top-five busiest
nights of the year.
Gene Mayhall, a spokesman for die
Omni Europa Hotel in Chapel Hill,
said that barring rainy weather, the
weekend would beafinancial success.
"The combination of the season and
Homecoming weekend equals a full
house," Mayhall said.
Zane Carden, a spokeswoman for
the Siena Hotel, said hotels would
increase rates because of the high de
mand forroomsfromout-of-town visi
tors . "Homecoming weekend has been
bookedup since the beginning of May."
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