SING TO SWING IN 25 JUBILEES

Tonight's Jubilee with its "Battle of Music" and dancing until 3 o'clock, is a far cry from the staid and formal inter-dormitory singing contest that was the original Jubilee of 1915. The original "two-fold benefit" of education and stimulation has been at least partially corrupted.

Back when the first World War was something, for interventionists to sell, the Class of 1918 began a spring social event with an unusual title and erratic make-up to parallel the Junior Dance and Senior Spread. Vocal competitions were its core of attraction with a reception, concept, buffet supper, and a dance tossed in "to attract even those who hitherto have taken no pleasure in listening to men's choruses."

Had Possibilities Early

But even in those early days before the brain child Jubilee was weaned, wide awake undergraduates saw the possibilities in the venture. The Crimson on May 11, 1915 praised the entire idea editorially, noting that "it will contain more than a bare hint of social attraction . . . The occasion will be both educative and enjoyable."

The compromise between the more instructive singing and the "mere blow out" was considered then very practical Everybody would bring his friends and family and all would have a good time on a cultural level worthy of Harvard.

Followed Freshmen

But over the quarter of a century that has followed this "hint" of social attraction has swamped the educative. The annual spring affair was moved from the Yard to Smith Halls, and following the path of the Freshmen back to the Union.

Singing became more and more an insignificant part of the evening's festivities. By 1930 the Freshmen Instrumental Clubs were allowed one half hour after midnight to present an abbreviated program. Finally with the trend toward name bands and extra personalities, succeeding Freshman classes felt they could not hold the pace. Student participation was dropped all together, except for the activities of the Jubilee Committee to plan and run the all-night dance session.