In 1911, Chester L. Brewer, director of athletics at the University of Missouri, came up with the idea to invite MU alumni to come home to Columbia for the Kansas University game as a way to build spirit for the rivalry. The celebration began with a rally and parade, and it culminated in the highly anticipated football game, which was played to a 3-3 tie. Nine thousand fans came to the inaugural event. Mizzou’s Homecoming was born.

100 years later, this extensive photography retrospective, produced by the Missouri School of Journalism and MIZZOU magazine, takes a look at how Homecoming has changed and stayed the same over the last century.

After scouring archives and researching the stories behind these photographs, we highlight the weird and the wonderful, showcase notable moments of each decade and take you back in time with our Now and Then section.

Enjoy this historical visual record, and join us in reveling in black and gold.