Rally Day Files, 1885-
type: FindingAid
type: Document
conforms to: General International Standard for Archival Description
publisher: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA
encoded as: Rally Day Files, 1885-
topic: Rally Day Files
subject: Rally Day Files
has part: Biographical History for: Rally Day Files
topic: Series I General (1885 -)
subject: Series I General (1885 -)
topic: Alumnae invitations 1990-
subject: Alumnae invitations 1990-
topic: Committee memorandums 1989-
subject: Committee memorandums 1989-
topic: Convocation programs 1911-
subject: Convocation programs 1911-
topic: Convocation speakers list 1894-1988
subject: Convocation speakers list 1894-1988
topic: Dance programs 1891-1892
subject: Dance programs 1891-1892
topic: Flyers handed out at Rally Day events 1934-
subject: Flyers handed out at Rally Day events 1934-
topic: History
subject: History
topic: Invitations to attend luncheon 1989-
subject: Invitations to attend luncheon 1989-
topic: Memorabilia 1885-
subject: Memorabilia 1885-
topic: Memorandums to the faculty 1972-
subject: Memorandums to the faculty 1972-
topic: Odes 1911-1932
subject: Odes 1911-1932
topic: Programs for basketball games and the crowning of the Freshman President 1948-1962
subject: Programs for basketball games and the crowning of the Freshman President 1948-1962
topic: Schedule of events 1971-
subject: Schedule of events 1971-
topic: Rally Day stunt n.d.
subject: Rally Day stunt n.d.
topic: Series II Newspaper clippings and press releases (1894 - )
subject: Series II Newspaper clippings and press releases (1894 - )
topic: Newspaper clippings and press releases 1894 -
subject: Newspaper clippings and press releases 1894 -
topic: Series III Photographs (1894 - )
subject: Series III Photographs (1894 - )
topic: Photographs 1894-1959
subject: Photographs 1894-1959
topic: Photographs 1960 -
subject: Photographs 1960 -
topic: Photographs n.d.
subject: Photographs n.d.
topic: Series VI Convocation Texts (1930 - )
subject: Series VI Convocation Texts (1930 - )
topic: Convocation texts 1930 -
subject: Convocation texts 1930 -
topic: Series V Rally Day Shows and Songs (1893 - )
subject: Series V Rally Day Shows and Songs (1893 - )
topic: Shows and songs 1887-1945
subject: Shows and songs 1887-1945
topic: Shows and songs 1946-1959
subject: Shows and songs 1946-1959
topic: Shows and songs 1960-1989
subject: Shows and songs 1960-1989
topic: Shows and songs 1990-
subject: Shows and songs 1990-
topic: Shows and songs n.d.
subject: Shows and songs n.d.

General International Standard for Archival Description
type: Standard

Smith College Archives Northampton, MA
type: Repository
type: Organization
type: Agent
country code: US
maintenance agency code: manosca
is publisher of: Rally Day Files, 1885-
administers: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA
provides access to: Rally Day Files
provides access to: Series I General (1885 -)
provides access to: Alumnae invitations 1990-
provides access to: Committee memorandums 1989-
provides access to: Convocation programs 1911-
provides access to: Convocation speakers list 1894-1988
provides access to: Dance programs 1891-1892
provides access to: Flyers handed out at Rally Day events 1934-
provides access to: History
provides access to: Invitations to attend luncheon 1989-
provides access to: Memorabilia 1885-
provides access to: Memorandums to the faculty 1972-
provides access to: Odes 1911-1932
provides access to: Programs for basketball games and the crowning of the Freshman President 1948-1962
provides access to: Schedule of events 1971-
provides access to: Rally Day stunt n.d.
provides access to: Series II Newspaper clippings and press releases (1894 - )
provides access to: Newspaper clippings and press releases 1894 -
provides access to: Series III Photographs (1894 - )
provides access to: Photographs 1894-1959
provides access to: Photographs 1960 -
provides access to: Photographs n.d.
provides access to: Series VI Convocation Texts (1930 - )
provides access to: Convocation texts 1930 -
provides access to: Series V Rally Day Shows and Songs (1893 - )
provides access to: Shows and songs 1887-1945
provides access to: Shows and songs 1946-1959
provides access to: Shows and songs 1960-1989
provides access to: Shows and songs 1990-
provides access to: Shows and songs n.d.

Smith College Archives Northampton, MA
type: SpatialThing
is administered by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Rally Day Files, 1885-
type: EAD
type: Document
description: Finding aid encoded using Perl scripts and edited in XMetal 2.0. Encoded by Brook Hopkins. 2003-06-03
created: 2003-06-03
conforms to: Encoded Archival Description
conforms to: Encoded Archival Description (EAD) Version 2002
encoding of: Rally Day Files, 1885-

Encoded Archival Description
type: Standard

Encoded Archival Description (EAD) Version 2002
type: Standard

Rally Day Files
type: ArchivalResource
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA
level: recordgrp
identifier: RG 80
date: 1885-[ongoing]
date created accumulated string: 1885-[ongoing]
extent: 9 boxes
extent: (2.88 linear ft.)
language: eng
origination: Smith College.
has biographical history: Biographical History for: Rally Day Files
scopecontent: Scope and Contents of the Collection The majority of the material is composed of convocation programs, texts of speeches, photographs, newspaper clippings, press releases, show programs and scripts. The files also include dance programs, tickets, and class songs. There are only a few items documenting Rally Day before 1896. All of the materials are arranged chronologically except the general files which are arranged alphabetically. Additional materials located in the Audio Visual Collection include videos of Rally Day shows, long playing recordings of songs and shows, one digital audio tape of the Glee Club, and audio cassettes of convocation speeches, shows, and a few Smith College Medalists panel discussions. Refer to the audio visual catalogue for more information and locations. Student scrapbooks may also contain materials on Rally Day.
associated with: Smith College--Rally Day.
associated with: Smith College.
type: Aggregation
type: Collection
has part: Series I General (1885 -)
aggregates: Series I General (1885 -)
has part: Series II Newspaper clippings and press releases (1894 - )
aggregates: Series II Newspaper clippings and press releases (1894 - )
has part: Series III Photographs (1894 - )
aggregates: Series III Photographs (1894 - )
has part: Series VI Convocation Texts (1930 - )
aggregates: Series VI Convocation Texts (1930 - )
has part: Series V Rally Day Shows and Songs (1893 - )
aggregates: Series V Rally Day Shows and Songs (1893 - )

recordgrp
type: Level
type: Concept

9 boxes
type: Extent
archbox: 9
label: (2.88 linear ft.)

Smith College.
type: Agent
is origination of: Rally Day Files

Biographical History for: Rally Day Files
type: BiographicalHistory
type: Document
type: DocumentPart
body: Biographical Note "The origins of Rally Day can be traced to a series of annual celebrations for George Washington's birthday, the first of which was held at Smith College in February 1876. Over time, these celebrations evolved from essentially social dinners or receptions into daylong college events. The addition of a 'rally' to the day in 1894 was eventually reflected in the name Rally Day, first used in 1906. The celebration is now held annually on the third Wednesday in February. Through the years, students have sponsored and participated in a range of activities: rallies, debates, basketball rivalries, dramatic presentations, singing and dancing. The current tradition of sponsoring an event to benefit a charity began in 1918 when the Rally Day Show was held to raise funds for the Smith College Relief Unit serving in World War I France. The Smith College Medal has been awarded to outstanding alumnae at Rally Day since 1973. The medalists have become an important part of the program, speaking prior to convocation in classes and afterward in conversations with students. Dress at Rally Day has evolved as well. In 1944, the senior class began wearing its graduation caps and gowns to the convocation. The day still marks the first time the seniors publicly wear their gowns. In recent years, however, the caps have been replaced by inventive hats of the students' choosing (and sometimes of their own making), in keeping with the 'rallying' and spirited nature of the day." (From the Rally Day Convocation Program February 23, 2000)
topic: Smith College.
subject: Smith College.
is biographical history for: Rally Day Files
is part of: Rally Day Files, 1885-

Smith College--Rally Day.
type: Concept
in scheme: lcsh
focus: smithcollege--rallyday

lcsh
type: ConceptScheme

Smith College.
type: Concept
in scheme: lcnaf
focus: smithcollege

lcnaf
type: ConceptScheme

Series I General (1885 -)
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Rally Day Files
is aggregated by: Rally Day Files
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA
level: series
extent: 3 linear inches
scopecontent: The subseries convocation programs 1911 - the present makes up the bulk of this series. The convocation programs 1962 and later contain a brief history of Rally Day. Other materials included are a list of Rally Day speakers 1894 - 1988, dance programs 1891-1892, odes to George Washington written by students, a chronology of the history of Rally Day, 1875 - 1926, the script for a Rally Day stunt, and memorabilia. The earliest item in the Rally Day files is in the Memorabilia folder of this series. It is a small handmade card from 1885 with a list of famous men such as George Washington and some of their wives.
type: Aggregation
type: Collection
has part: Alumnae invitations 1990-
aggregates: Alumnae invitations 1990-
has part: Committee memorandums 1989-
aggregates: Committee memorandums 1989-
has part: Convocation programs 1911-
aggregates: Convocation programs 1911-
has part: Convocation speakers list 1894-1988
aggregates: Convocation speakers list 1894-1988
has part: Dance programs 1891-1892
aggregates: Dance programs 1891-1892
has part: Flyers handed out at Rally Day events 1934-
aggregates: Flyers handed out at Rally Day events 1934-
has part: History
aggregates: History
has part: Invitations to attend luncheon 1989-
aggregates: Invitations to attend luncheon 1989-
has part: Memorabilia 1885-
aggregates: Memorabilia 1885-
has part: Memorandums to the faculty 1972-
aggregates: Memorandums to the faculty 1972-
has part: Odes 1911-1932
aggregates: Odes 1911-1932
has part: Programs for basketball games and the crowning of the Freshman President 1948-1962
aggregates: Programs for basketball games and the crowning of the Freshman President 1948-1962
has part: Schedule of events 1971-
aggregates: Schedule of events 1971-
has part: Rally Day stunt n.d.
aggregates: Rally Day stunt n.d.

Series II Newspaper clippings and press releases (1894 - )
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Rally Day Files
is aggregated by: Rally Day Files
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA
level: series
extent: 2.5 linear inches
scopecontent: There are press releases and newspaper clippings for most, but not all years 1895 - the present. This series contains newspaper clippings, handwritten and typed press releases, biographical information on Rally Day speakers, short advances of speeches, and lists of Rally Day committees, crews, and performers. The newspaper clippings and press releases cover all aspects of Rally Day including speeches, Smith College Medalists, basketball games, shows, convocation, Rally Day committee members and performers, and dances. Newspaper articles are from national, local, and college publications. Most of the clippings are from Boston, New York, Connecticut, Western Massachusetts, and Smith College newspapers. Press coverage is heaviest in the 1930s and dwindling in the 1950s. After the 1950s, press coverage is mostly limited to local papers such as the Hampshire Gazette and Smith College publications. The full texts of speeches are located in SERIES VI. CONVOCATION TEXTS. Additional information on speakers after 1965 can be found in the Honorary Degrees Files.
type: Aggregation
type: Collection
has part: Newspaper clippings and press releases 1894 -
aggregates: Newspaper clippings and press releases 1894 -

Series III Photographs (1894 - )
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Rally Day Files
is aggregated by: Rally Day Files
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA
level: series
extent: 10 linear inches
scopecontent: They primarily feature the Rally Day shows, convocation, basketball games, students dressed up in costumes, and convocation speakers. Many of the early photographs feature Alumnae Gym where most of the Rally Day events took place. There is an early photograph of a student dressed up as George Washington (1896) and another dressed up as George Washington's slave (1895). Many of the newspaper clippings in SERIES II. NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS AND PRESS RELEASES feature photographs.
type: Aggregation
type: Collection
has part: Photographs 1894-1959
aggregates: Photographs 1894-1959
has part: Photographs 1960 -
aggregates: Photographs 1960 -
has part: Photographs n.d.
aggregates: Photographs n.d.

Series VI Convocation Texts (1930 - )
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Rally Day Files
is aggregated by: Rally Day Files
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA
level: series
extent: 2 linear inches
scopecontent: Not every year's speech is included in the files. The biggest gaps are between 1951 and 1970, and 1972 and 1991. This series also includes the texts and a program for the 1970 Rally Day Symposium, "Is Today's Environment Tomorrow's Inheritance?"
type: Aggregation
type: Collection
has part: Convocation texts 1930 -
aggregates: Convocation texts 1930 -

Series V Rally Day Shows and Songs (1893 - )
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Rally Day Files
is aggregated by: Rally Day Files
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA
level: series
extent: 1.42 linear feet
scopecontent: Most consist of programs, scripts for skits, scores and texts of songs sung at Rally Day shows. Although the Rally Day benefit shows did not start until 1918, concert programs and the texts of songs sung at Rally Day pre-1918 are included in this series. Many of the songs are written to the tunes of popular songs. The text of one Rally Day stunt, undated, is in SERIES I. GENERAL. See also Students, Dramatics 1880-1881 for the script and photographs of a Tertiumm Quid play Pinafore of the Revolution performed February 23, 1881.
type: Aggregation
type: Collection
has part: Shows and songs 1887-1945
aggregates: Shows and songs 1887-1945
has part: Shows and songs 1946-1959
aggregates: Shows and songs 1946-1959
has part: Shows and songs 1960-1989
aggregates: Shows and songs 1960-1989
has part: Shows and songs 1990-
aggregates: Shows and songs 1990-
has part: Shows and songs n.d.
aggregates: Shows and songs n.d.

series
type: Level
type: Concept

3 linear inches
type: Extent

Alumnae invitations 1990-
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series I General (1885 -)
is aggregated by: Series I General (1885 -)
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Committee memorandums 1989-
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series I General (1885 -)
is aggregated by: Series I General (1885 -)
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Convocation programs 1911-
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series I General (1885 -)
is aggregated by: Series I General (1885 -)
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Convocation speakers list 1894-1988
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series I General (1885 -)
is aggregated by: Series I General (1885 -)
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Dance programs 1891-1892
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series I General (1885 -)
is aggregated by: Series I General (1885 -)
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Flyers handed out at Rally Day events 1934-
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series I General (1885 -)
is aggregated by: Series I General (1885 -)
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

History
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series I General (1885 -)
is aggregated by: Series I General (1885 -)
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Invitations to attend luncheon 1989-
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series I General (1885 -)
is aggregated by: Series I General (1885 -)
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Memorabilia 1885-
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series I General (1885 -)
is aggregated by: Series I General (1885 -)
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Memorandums to the faculty 1972-
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series I General (1885 -)
is aggregated by: Series I General (1885 -)
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Odes 1911-1932
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series I General (1885 -)
is aggregated by: Series I General (1885 -)
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Programs for basketball games and the crowning of the Freshman President 1948-1962
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series I General (1885 -)
is aggregated by: Series I General (1885 -)
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Schedule of events 1971-
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series I General (1885 -)
is aggregated by: Series I General (1885 -)
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Rally Day stunt n.d.
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series I General (1885 -)
is aggregated by: Series I General (1885 -)
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

2.5 linear inches
type: Extent

Newspaper clippings and press releases 1894 -
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series II Newspaper clippings and press releases (1894 - )
is aggregated by: Series II Newspaper clippings and press releases (1894 - )
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

10 linear inches
type: Extent

Photographs 1894-1959
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series III Photographs (1894 - )
is aggregated by: Series III Photographs (1894 - )
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Photographs 1960 -
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series III Photographs (1894 - )
is aggregated by: Series III Photographs (1894 - )
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Photographs n.d.
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series III Photographs (1894 - )
is aggregated by: Series III Photographs (1894 - )
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

2 linear inches
type: Extent

Convocation texts 1930 -
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series VI Convocation Texts (1930 - )
is aggregated by: Series VI Convocation Texts (1930 - )
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

1.42 linear feet
type: Extent

Shows and songs 1887-1945
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series V Rally Day Shows and Songs (1893 - )
is aggregated by: Series V Rally Day Shows and Songs (1893 - )
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Shows and songs 1946-1959
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series V Rally Day Shows and Songs (1893 - )
is aggregated by: Series V Rally Day Shows and Songs (1893 - )
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Shows and songs 1960-1989
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series V Rally Day Shows and Songs (1893 - )
is aggregated by: Series V Rally Day Shows and Songs (1893 - )
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Shows and songs 1990-
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series V Rally Day Shows and Songs (1893 - )
is aggregated by: Series V Rally Day Shows and Songs (1893 - )
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA

Shows and songs n.d.
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series V Rally Day Shows and Songs (1893 - )
is aggregated by: Series V Rally Day Shows and Songs (1893 - )
access provided by: Smith College Archives Northampton, MA