RIT Spring Weekend collection

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: RITArc-0124

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The RIT Spring Weekend collection consists mostly of planning documents related to the event and its various activities. The collection includes correspondence, meeting minutes, notebooks and notes, schedules, vendor floor plans, and parade routes and details. Additionally, the collection contains brochures, programs, fliers, newsclippings and newsletters that were distributed during the event. There is also a two part film of the 1966 Spring Weekend.

Dates

Creation: 1956-1986

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Biographical / Historical

Spring Weekend was an annual event held at the Rochester Institute of Technology's (RIT) campus. The festivity started sometime before 1950 and was designed as a way for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to celebrate together on campus. Since RIT was originally located in the city of Rochester, the program gave members of the RIT community a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city that typically surrounded the campus. The weekend included a parade down the city street, a carnival inside the ice rink, concerts and dances, an afternoon barbeque or picnic, and other events such as kite-flying contests and tandem bike races. Classes ended at noon on Friday and each weekend was given a theme. For instance, in 1951 a "World's Fair" theme was used for the carnival with each booth representing a different country. In 1968 - the last Spring Weekend held on RIT's city campus - a "Sayonara" theme was selected. The RIT Alumni Association was also actively involved in the weekend, providing trophies to campus organizations with the best "outdoor display" and the "best overall" and encouraging RIT alum to attend the festivities.

In 1968, RIT relocated its campus to Henrietta, a suburb of Rochester. The Spring Weekend tradition continued and included events such as picnics, games, movies, and art sales and even featured a Carousel.

Extent

2.13 Linear Feet (1 document box, 2 reels)

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

Materials related to the Rochester Institute of Technology's (RIT) Spring Weekend, an annual event for members of the RIT community. The collection contains planning documents such as meeting minutes, correspondence, and notes, as well as event programs, fliers, newsletters, a movie about the 1966 Spring Weekend and other promotional materials.