In this edition of #ElonTBT, we look back to Elon in the 1930s as the college and the City of Burlington partnered on an idea to strengthen their relationship and raise funds for the school.
In the #ElonTBT series, the Elon University News Bureau, along with Archives & Special Collections, will flash back to the past to take a look at Elon over the years. You will find videos, newspaper clippings, photos and more to celebrate Elon’s past, while looking ahead to the future. Follow along on Today at Elon and the university’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages every Thursday to see what we dig up.
In 1939, as then-Elon College found itself in the midst of financial struggles, administrators looked to launch a new campaign. The goal was to garner support from the people of Alamance County and encourage citizens to donate $50,000 to help Elon pay off its debts.
At the same time, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce wanted to strengthen its relationship with the college. So, the chamber declared Oct. 28, 1939, “Elon College Day” in Burlington. The event was part of Elon’s Golden Anniversary celebrations – marking the first 50 years of the college – and was an important opportunity to rally the community in support of Elon.
“This will be a great day for Elon College, so everyone should be interested in this parade going over big,” read an article in the Oct. 28, 1939, Maroon and Gold student newspaper. “Its success will have much to do with the outcome of the campaign.”
The parade turned out to be a great success. The Daily Times-News of Burlington reported thousands of people lined the main intersection in Burlington to see the Elon marching band lead faculty, alumni and student organizations on a mile-long route through the city.
The article described an Elon banner that stretched across the road and light poles decorated in maroon and gold. Students crafted colorful floats and marched through the streets of Burlington to show all that Elon had to offer while reaching out to create a closer connection with the city.
“And Burlington welcomed the gesture with open arms as it prepared to begin its part of a campaign starting Monday to put the school on a firm financial foundation,” the article read.
Eighty years later in the spring of 2019, Elon launched the public phase of the most ambitious philanthropic campaign in the university’s history. The Elon LEADS campaign aims not to cancel debt, but to raise $250 million to be invested in graduates the world needs, engaged learning, mentors who matter and an iconic learning environment.
Do you have any special pieces of Elon history? Share your photos and videos with us via email at news@elon.edu or using the hashtag #ElonTBT on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.