To celebrate the peak of springtime, we look back into the archives to explore the events and traditions that warmer weather inspired. Raging Easters celebrations ruled the spring, but volunteer events, film festivals and more blossomed on Grounds as the sunshine warmed students’ spirits.
1950s
April 10, 1959
“First Polo Princess Will Be Selected At Brook Hill”
By unlisted author
At the 1959 polo match between Virginia, Yale and Cambridge of England, a Polo Princess was to be crowned. Judges were to “mingle inconspicuously" with onlookers to survey candidates, and the “most attractive young lady” would be awarded. The Polo Princess selected presented the trophy to the match winner, was awarded invites to all University polo matches, an interview on the local radio station and a yearlong subscription to The University of Virginia Magazine.
1960s
April 12, 1966
“Urban Folk Duo Sings For Weekend Concert”
By unlisted author
University Hall, now replaced by John Paul Jones Arena, welcomed renowned urban folk duo Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel to perform hits including “Sounds of Silence.” The concert was featured as a part of the Easter weekend’s festivities and tickets were sold at Newcomb Hall and Mincer’s for $2.75.
1970s
April 10, 1978
“If Easters is culture, Virginia is in culture shock”
By Nathan Hirschenfang
Photos by Bill Goffe, Maria Stenzel and Julie Turpin
Easters 1978 consisted of “Naked Marauders" streaking the lawn, a McCormick Road block party, mud slides and more. Several partiers did not make it home, spending the night on Madison Bowl and as well as the Lawn with Thomas Jefferson and George Washington’s statues that got turned 180 degrees at some point throughout the weekend.
1980s
April 6, 1981
“Is Easters still the best party in the country?”
By Jerry Ferguson
Among the season’s most anticipated occasions, Easters is defined by its exuberant crowds and unrestrained revelry on Madison Bowl. Student Jerry Ferguson detailed the annual party’s long history and how the influx of outsiders over the years has resulted in safety precautions enacted by the University’s administration. Amidst the changes, many students were left wondering whether the self-proclaimed title of “best party in the country” still rings true.
1990s
April 10, 1992
“Students campaign against hunger”
By Jen Cornell
Photos by Russell Efird
500 students across Grounds united to volunteer for the annual Hunger Clean-Up sponsored by Students Against Hunger and Homelessness. In addition to the clean up, students also participated in other activities to support the Charlottesville community, like providing childcare, repairing public spaces, washing buses and more. Along with helping the community, the students hoped to build a long lasting relationship with the greater Charlottesville population.
2000s
April 12, 2007
“The Candy Shop”
By Will Williams
Photo by unlisted author
The Salmagundi Film Festival is an annual celebration of student filmmaking, dedicated to spotlighting the creative labor poured into creating the productions. The festival’s theme, “The Candy Shop,” spoke to the value of diversity and the opportunity for the community to sample a wide array of works. The festival included three main events — the longs program, the shorts program and a seminar by director and University Professor Hugh Wilson Jr. — followed by an awards ceremony and gala.
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