In 1929 Rockford had their first homecoming football game. I am not sure if there has been a homecoming game each year since that time, but I do know that Rockford has followed the tradition annually since I came here in 1960. I also know that Rockford school yearbooks prior to 1960 often mention homecoming, so I think our school system has had many of them. Most high schools today have their homecoming ceremony in the fall at a football game, and to the best of my knowledge, all of Rockford’s  ceremonies have followed that scenario.

         My first experience with a Rockford homecoming was in the fall of 1960. We were about to move from the high school on North Main Street to the new school on Ten Mile Road. As I recall, the move did not take place until early in November, so the homecoming was held in the old high school. At that time, and still today, the queen, king, and court were chosen by the students. The queen and king were revealed at an all school assembly. The first assembly that I attended took place in the gymnasium on North Main with the stage on the east end of the room becoming the focal point for the proceedings.

         I could be mistaken, but I think the captain and perhaps the coach of the opposing football squad was invited to speak at the assembly back then, as was Rockford’s captain and coach. Does anyone remember if this was done? All of the classes including the junior high and, I am told, some school organizations made floats that were judged and awarded first, second or third places. These floats were led by the Rockford High School band and cheerleaders on a parade through the town of Rockford. The 1961 Rockford High School yearbook shows that the eighth grade float entitled “Our Fairest Lady” won first place in 1960.

         The 1960 queen was Kirsten (Carlson) Farmer and the king was John Austin. They probably rode through town in cars (convertibles). That was the custom for a long time at our homecoming parades. The members of the court did the same thing. Later in the evening the floats were displayed at the football game, usually being pulled around the field in front of the home and visitor’s stands. All of the royal party were presented along with their parents at halftime.

         Over the years our school system has undergone many changes, and homecoming has changed in some ways also. Problems with floats and location of the school outside of the city have ended the float and parade part of the homecoming ceremony.  The four high school classes now each make a banner. The banners are shown before the game and are judged by the newest athletic hall of fame inductees. For the rest of the school year, the banners are on display in the high school cafeteria.

         Since 1990, with the start of the Rockford Athletic Hall of Fame, a banquet to honor the inductees is held on Wednesday of homecoming week. Then, on the night of the game (Friday) the inductees are presented to the homecoming crowd shortly before the game. At Rockford the queen, king and court are honored at halftime. Many schools now make their presentations after the game, but we have kept our halftime tradition.

         Often, the homecoming dance has been held in the high school on a Saturday, the day after the game. From the beginning, homecoming was meant to include, at least for the game part, graduates or alumni of Rockford High School. Sometimes, football teams from our past have been invited back as special guests for the contests. Today, it is very evident that many alumni do come back to see the game and cheer on the Rams. Some classes even plan their reunions to coincide with homecoming.

         Often in the past and now on an annual basis, a football game between the girls of the senior and junior classes has been held. In 1999, as in the past several years, the game took place on Thursday of the week. The 1999 contest was one of the best I have seen as far as good sportsmanship and fun were concerned. The 1999 touch football game was won by the seniors, 27-7.

           Rex TenEyck, one of the athletic hall of fame inductees in 1999, played in the first homecoming battle won by Lowell 19-0 in 1929. There is a good possibility that some Rockford player or coach who participated in the game Friday October 13, 1999 against West Ottawa (won by the Rams 35-20) will become a hall of fame member in the future.

         Homecoming and the athletic hall of fame are positive Rockford traditions. We can be proud to offer both of them and we need to continue to support them. Homecoming week is a time for much celebration and excitement in our town, and I hope the readers take the opportunity to take part.