Ninety-three years ago, Grinnell, Iowa, celebrated its Diamond Jubilee the weekend of October 18, 19, and 20, 1929. Key events included dedicating a new airport, the Grinnell College homecoming, and a Missouri Valley Conference football game between Grinnell College and Washington University of St. Louis.

The airport dedication on Friday went well, but it rained on Saturday, making for a muddy, fumble-laden football game ending in a 0-0 tie. Grinnell threw five passes, failing to complete any, while WashU completed two of four. Little about the game was notable other than a Grinnell alum sitting in the stands with his coat collar turned up against the rain.

Frank Cooper, a Montanan, entered Grinnell in 1922 and tried out for Grinnell’s drama club several times, only to be rejected. Seven years later, the stuntman turned emerging star changed his stage name to Gary Cooper. His first talkie, The Virginian, was released two weeks after homecoming, sending him to stardom in a career that included two Oscars for Best Actor.

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