Beanie Babies: Ca. 1930

When (or if) Matt Damon and Ben Affleck make a wacky Depression-era film romp called Gray Brick Daze, the costume designer will have to rustle up the right headgear to set the period mood. Think round, think snug.

Beanies were once de rigeur for NU freshmen. The 1932–1933 Handbook of the Day Schools reminded newbies that the red-and-black cap was their “official insignia,” to be worn during their first ten weeks as students whenever they were on campus or attending a school function.

Actually, freshmen had a lot to remember. Another tradition required them to know all university songs and cheers before their first university event. Luckily, the handbook also included the text of the cheers. Here, for instance, was one of the more complicated expressions of spirit transcribed: “Hoy-ya, hoy-ya/Choo-choo, choo-choo, hoy-ya/Rah-rah, rah-rah, hoy-ya/Northeastern, team, team, team.”

Matt and Ben, start practicing now.