Green Key weekend has its roots in wild behavior -- a standard that has been maintained through its 75-year existence. Although this year's celebration of Green Key will certainly not resemble the springtime variety show of 1921, a tradition of rowdy behavior remains entrenched in the weekend's history. Green Key's predecessor, the Spring Houseparties weekend, was created with the sole intent of importing women to Dartmouth's all-male campus. In addition to the expected fraternity parties and sporting events, the weekend was known for its traditional prom which was cancelled in 1924 due to rowdy behavior on the part of Dartmouth men and their dates.
Five years later, the administration granted the Green Key Society exclusive permission to hold the dance while still barring all other student groups.
While other student groups were excluded from the prom, freshmen were prohibited from partaking in any Green Key events and forced to spend the weekend in Thayer Dining Hall.
The early history of Green Key weekend stands in sharp contrast to this year's weekend which kicked off yesterday afternoon with an all-Greek sponsored block party on Webster Avenue open to all students, including '99s and non-Green Key Society members. Perhaps, this bespeaks of a sense of unity on campus that has grown over the last quarter of a century. No longer are women shipped in or other groups excluded. Green Key is about coming together as a campus to celebrate springtime at Dartmouth.
Although the meaning of the weekend has evolved over the years, it has always and continues to bring out the rowdy sides of many Dartmouth students. From inappropriate prom behavior to rooftop dancing, Green Key is about having fun, and, yes, getting wild.
This weekend, we as a college community will set out to partake in the festivities that evolved from 75 years of what has irrefutably comprised a string of memorably crazy Green Key weekends. So enjoy, celebrate, and make this another wild weekend!
