The Brackety-Ack turns 100
October 19, 2015
One hundred years ago, the first edition of Roanoke College's weekly student newspaper appeared "hot off the press!" Its main purpose was to support Roanoke's athletic teams and create spirited attendance at games. The staff also admitted, however, that the newspaper would publish articles on events, such as the Y.M.C.A., the literary societies meetings and "campus fun," such as "rat" parades, dances and activities with the ladies across town at Elizabeth College.
It was born without a name, only a banner headline that read, "One Year's Subscription for the best name for this paper." Unfortunately, we do not know who won that subscription as the College's Archives holdings for the first year jump from Issue 1 to Issue 3, where "The Brackety-Ack" is proudly displayed! The name came from a popular cheer at the time.
The paper was not free, and it received no college support for its publication. It cost $1.75 per year, and students, faculty and alumni were encouraged to purchase a subscription to support the paper.
Notes:
- Elizabeth College was located on what is now Roanoke's Elizabeth Campus.
- The Brackety Ack is now free to students, faculty and staff.
Happy Birthday, Brackety-Ack! Here's to 100 more years!
-- borrowed from the Archives month post by Linda Miller, College Archivist