Campaigns for Mayor of Durham began in 1926 and continued well into the 1960's. Candidates, usually sponsored by fraternities and dorms, campaigned by making speeches and distributing posters. The students voted under the arch at Thompson Hall and the victor paraded as master of ceremonies during the homecoming football game. The president of the college often gave a symbolic key to the town to the "Mayor" who responded with outrageous promises to the cheering student body.

Photo by Clemant Moran