Tornado Watch Collection, 1976-1979
Content Description
This collection includes reports compiled by the City of Eau Claire Police Department (including officers’ reports, accounts of property damage, and letters of citizen support for police actions), clippings from the local press, correspondence among university administrators, fraternity leaders, and local individuals and organizations, and Tau Kappa Epsilon publications concerning the near riot occurring after the 10th Tornado Watch party of May 8, 1976.
Dates
- Creation: 1976-1979
Creator
Access Restrictions
Collection is open to the public.
Use Restrictions
Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. Copyright owned by the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.
Biographical/Historical Note
Tornado Watch was an annual off-campus party sponsored by the Tau Kappa Epsilon Iota Sigma Chapter at the University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire. The 10th Tornado Watch was held on May 8, 1976. After the day-long party, an estimated 3,000 attendees converged on Water Street in Eau Claire created “near-riot conditions.” Revelers threw cans and stones at police cars, damaged local businesses, homes, and cars, and started a bonfire. The event tested town-gown relationships and generated much discussion on campus and in the local press. The fraternity members officially terminated Tornado Watch in February 1977.
Extent
0.2 Linear Feet (1/2 archives box)
Language of Materials
English
Summary
Reports, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and fraternity publications related to the near riot occurring after the 10th Tornado Watch party of May 8, 1976, an annual off-campus party sponsored by the Tau Kappa Epsilon Iota Sigma Chapter at the University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire.
Acquisition Information
Transferred to the University Archives by the Office of Student Affairs in 1991.
Accession Number
08-092
Reference Code
UHC319
Processing Note
Processed by Colleen McFarland in June 2008.
- Status
- Published
- Author
- Alexis Casares
- Date
- December 5, 2023
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and Archives, McIntyre Library, UW-Eau Claire Repository
Special Collections and Archives, McIntyre Library
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
103 Garfield Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54701 United States
715-836-2739
library.archives@uwec.edu