Well whether you disagree or agree, most MIZZOUers will say the University of Missouri came up with the concept of, "Homecoming". This year marked the centennial MU Homecoming celebration. For all the Tiger fans out there, KOMU 8 (NBC affiliate) catered to the momentous event by turning KOMU 8 News Today (our morning show) into "Homecoming Tailgate 2011"- filled with live interviews, a special set and even some tailgating munchies. As the Friday morning live reporter, I wanted to do something special too besides just stand there and talk about the origins of Homecoming.
A week prior to the Homecoming show, I started brainstorming Homecoming story ideas. I knew I wanted someone who was an avid Homecoming goer and who had been to many of them. I talked to Sarah Hill, one of our anchors who is extremely involved in the community, to see if she knew of anyone or could help in any way. She referred me to a Chamber of Commerce member who then gave me a few names of people I could try. Let me just say how very lucky I was to have both Sarah and the Chamber member at my disposal because otherwise, I don't think I would've gotten the story I wanted. I've only lived in Columbia a few years as a student and Sarah has lived here much of her life, which is why I turned to her.
I dialed many-a-number but I knew I dialed the right one as soon as Charmian Boyle answered and told me her story. She and her husband, Barton, both graduated from MU in the 1950's and have called Columbia home for decades. The couple also has attended more than 50 years worth of Homecoming celebrations. Oh yeah, and back in 1953 Charmian captured the title of Homecoming queen...no big deal. And as great as all this sounded on the phone...it was an even better interview. Charmian answered the door in a MU polo and Barton was standing back a few feet in a 1972 MU gold-colored sport coat. The two not only gave fabulous interviews but also couldn't wait to show me pictures out of the MU Savitar (yearbook). The icing on the cake was when Charmian told me about the fur coat she wore that day and how she still had it. To that I said, "Can I see it?" In about five minutes she pranced up the stairs wearing her fur coat and carrying the trophy she received. All I asked was just to see it, but she put it on and told me all about it! So I got my video, enjoyed a great conversation, and at times laughed until tears brimmed my eyes.
I had this great interview and really only some video. It's hard to talk about a past event and get great video...because it's already happened! So I started brainstorming again and light bulb went on. And my glowing light bulb led me straight to the University of Missouri Archives. Can you believe they had a reel of film of the 1953 MIZZOU v. Nebraska Homecoming game? I was pretty excited, the only way I would've been any more excited was if the film showed the crowning of the queen...but alas, I wasn't that lucky. Nonetheless I was on my merry way a few days later with a DVD copy of the game with sound!
In my story I really wanted to highlight both Charmian and Barton's personalities. Charmian was quite the humble queen and Barton bragged on her every chance he got. I also wanted to do a little compare and contrast between today and 1953 because clearly a lot has changed. But if there's one thing that remains consistent, it's this couple who've attended more than half of MIZZOU's Homecomings.
I pieced the story all together and fronted it live during the wee hour of 5:00 a.m. for our "KOMU 8 News Today Homecoming Tailgate 2011" show. I always enjoy reporting on a story with great characters but Charmian and Barton Boyle set a whole new standard. Here's the story, aired October 14, 2011: 1953 Homecoming Queen Looks Back
