Guide to the Tornado Watch Collection, 1976-1979

Overview of the Collection

Repository:
Special Collections & Archives
McIntyre Library
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
P.O. Box 4004
105 Garfield Ave.
Eau Claire, WI 54702 – 4004
(715) 836-2739
https://library.uwec.edu/archives/

Reference Code: USGZE UHC319

Accession Number: 08-092

Collection Number: University Historical Collection 319

Creators: University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire. Office of Student Affairs

Title: Tornado Watch Collection

Dates: 1976-1979 Quantity: 0.2 linear feet (1 archives box)

Location of Collection: A10/3f

Languages: Collection materials are in English.

Summary: Reports, correspondence, and clippings related to the near riot occurring after the Tornado Watch party of May, 1976.

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 10^th 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.

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.  

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information: Transferred to the University Archives by the Office of Student Affairs in 1991.

Access Restrictions: Collection is open to the public.

Use Restrictions: Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. Copyright not owned by the University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire.

Preferred Citation: Tornado Watch Collection, 1976-1979.  UHC319.  Special Collections & Archives.  McIntyre Library.  University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire. Eau Claire, WI.

Processing Note: Processed by Colleen McFarland in June 2008.

Arrangement: Flat arrangement

Subjects

Corporate Names: University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire – Students

Subject Terms: Riots – Wisconsin – Eau Claire