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Tornado Watch Collection, 1976-1979

 Collection
Identifier: University Historical Collection 319

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

Contact:
Special Collections and Archives, McIntyre Library
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
103 Garfield Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54701 United States
715-836-2739