1950 Spring Carnival at University of Detroit
I know I have already posted a couple of stories abut the Spring Carnival, but with the never ending winter we have had this past year, another one might help chase away the winter blues.
The first spring carnival in 1949 was such a success, it became an annual affair for several years. The first spring carnival raised $23,000 for foreign student relief, the second spring carnival raised more than $30,000 toward building the student center. The fairs were held at the State Fair Coliseum in late April or early May. In that time period, the academic schedule ran through the end of May and commencement was held in June.
In addition to the rides and booths for games and refreshments, a dance was held and a king and queen of the spring carnival were crowned. In 1950, nationally famed crooner Mel Torme made an appearance and crowned Bob Fitzpatrick and Sally MacInnis as the king and queen of the spring carnival.
As I write this blog-it is still snowing out, but March is not yet over and this is Michigan. The weatherman is forecasting 60 degrees by opening day of Tiger baseball. If the Tigers are playing, spring can’t be far now.
GO TIGERS!
April update: Tiger won opening game! YEAH! Predicting some freezing rain tonight–BOOOO!
Pat Higo, Archives and Special Collections Librarian
