For nearly a century, the Monon Bell Classic followed its familiar back-and-forth rhythm, alternating between Wabash’s and DePauw’s home fields without fail, through a World War and plenty of mid-November snow—only interrupted in 2020 by a global pandemic. But this Saturday, the Little Giants go head-to-head with the Tigers in a drag out, knock-down fight for possession of the Bell for the first time on neutral turf at Ball State’s Schuemann Stadium.
While unusual, a neutral field is not entirely unprecedented. From 1915-1922 the Wabash vs. DePauw game was moved to Indianapolis in an effort to draw more alumni and sports fans who lived in the city.
In its November 17, 1915 issue, Wabash’s student newspaper, The Bachelor, published important logistics for gameday: "Above are the outstanding things about the big excursions Saturday morning to Indianapolis, where we watch DePauw get stepped on. Complete arrangements have been made with regard to train, parade, tickets, headquarters, seating, rooting, banquetm and return trip. Read over the instructions well, then follow them. And, above all, stick together."
The metropolitan setting was not the only major change to the fanfare in 1915. Also present on the Wabash sideline was a new, one-time mascot, Minnie the elephant. Ever determined to outdo the black and gold opponent, Yell Captain I. Newton Hill W’15 engaged in secret negotiations with Minnie’s management in the weeks leading up to the game—even traveling to the capital to seal the deal.
“Say, one thing, DePauw can’t get a bigger one,” Hill told a triumphant crowd at a pep meeting in Pioneer Chapel.
Minnie, draped in Wabash pennants, trumpeted the Scarlet to a 34–0 win.
The 1915 game also marked the use of a novel system. For the convenience of spectators, numbers were sewn into the back of each player’s jersey.
Wabash jerseys were again numbered in the 1916 matchup, but DePauw chose instead to be marked by letters. The letters were no help to DePauw, as Wabash–under Coach Paul P. Sheeks–prevailed once again, winning 26–13.
The teams met again in Washington Park 1915–1921 before moving to Butler University’s Irwin Field in 1922. At the time, Butler was located in Irvington, not moving to its current campus on the city’s north side until 1928.
If history is any indicator, Wabash fans have reason for cautious optimism this Saturday: in the eight previous games played away from either campus, the Little Giants hold a 4-3-1 edge over the Tigers. Of course, as any Wabash or DePauw fan knows, history and odds mean very little once the ball is kicked off. We'll find out Saturday how Muncie treats the Scarlet.
Scroll through the slideshow to see rare photos from the 1915–1922 games—including parades through the streets of Indianapolis and the crowds who packed Washington Park and Irwin Field to watch two rivals settle their score on borrowed turf.
A huge thank you to Nolan Eller ’11 and Matthew Meyer ’12 at the Wabash College Archives for digging through boxes, yearbooks, and digital files to help bring this slice of Monon Bell history back to life.