Hobo Day Collection

5.76 linear feet (2 record boxes, 3 document cases, 1 oversize box)

This artificial collection documents Hobo Day, the homecoming celebration of South Dakota State University, through a wide range of published and ephemeral materials dating from 1912 to 2023, with the bulk of the material from the mid twentieth century through the early twenty first century. The collection consists of newspapers, newsletters, correspondence, news releases, souvenir programs, posters, invitations, handbooks, certificates, placemats, and extensive ephemera such as buttons, bumper stickers, hats, pennants, a crown, license plates, and apparel. Also included is a substantial photographic component documenting parades, football games, royalty, floats, student activities, visiting dignitaries, alumni events, and associated traditions across multiple decades. Materials originate from campus offices, student organizations, community sources, donors, and later retrospective collecting efforts. Items are added to the collection as materials are discovered or donated, reflecting its ongoing and accumulative nature.

This collection documents the development and continuity of Hobo Day as a central tradition in the history of South Dakota State University. The materials document changes in student culture, athletics, campus traditions, alumni engagement, and public representation of the university over more than a century. The long run of buttons, ephemera, and photographs offers a detailed chronological record of themes, slogans, design styles, and institutional priorities associated with homecoming celebrations. The collection supports research in university history, student life, regional culture, and commemorative practices at land grant institutions.

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In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)

The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.

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If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.

In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.

If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu

Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:

• Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
• Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
• Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
• Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.

• Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.

  For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.

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Copyright and Use Statement

In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.