As Homecoming week gets underway, the Wisconsin Alumni Association shared 10 bits of trivia Badgers might not know about the homecoming tradition, campus icons and Madison culture.

Here’s what they said:

1.       “On, Wisconsin” could have been “On, Minnesota”

This tune was not originally written for the University of Wisconsin, but for the University of Minnesota. The anthem’s composers Carl Beck and William Purdy brought it to UW after Minnesota rejected it because UW is Beck’s alma mater. The song debuted here in 1909, according to university archives.

2.     Mifflin Street Block Party originated after a protest 

This tradition marked the first anniversary of the French student rebellion in 1968, at which 100 were arrested for disturbances and 70 were injured. The party also occurred as a political demonstration against the Vietnam war.

3.       Former Chancellor went from Bascom Hall to White House

Chancellor Donna Shalala served as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services from 1993 to 2001 in President Bill Clinton’s cabinet.

4.       Gopher vs. Badger football rivalry is 100 years old 

The first game took place in 1911. UW wanted to “Wallop Minnesota,” but ended with a 6-6 tie.

5.       Law students have unique homecoming halftime tradition 

The UW law students organize a “cane toss” at halftime of the homecoming game during which they throw a white cane over the goal posts. A tradition for third year law students, catching their cane on opposite side of the posts is a sign that their first case will be a success. This custom came from Harvard to UW in 1910, according to the university website.

6.       Origin of antique firetruck, a parade favorite 

The homecoming parade wasn’t included in campus tradition until the third homecoming game was held. Also, the La France fire engine, a parade favorite, was given to the Wisconsin Alumni Association in 1932.

7.       State Street Brats has deep roots on State Street

This campus treasure originally opened in the 600 block of State Street in the 1930s. The owners A.S. Keys and Warren Lamm originally called it the Log Cabin. It moved to its current location in 1953 and was called the Brathaus. The name was changed in 1989.

8.       Pitchers weren’t always available at the Rathskeller

It was open during prohibition and therefore did not start beer sales until its end in 1933.

9.       ‘The birthday place of Madison’ turns 46 this year

The Nitty Gritty is well known for its birthday glass. Students have been going there for free beer, or soda, from 11 a.m. until midnight on their birthdays since 1968.

10.   First bowl game appearance happened six decades ago

UW’s first Rose Bowl was against USC and the Badgers lost 7-0 in 1953. UW won its first Rose Bowl in 1994 against UCLA. Since then, Wisconsin has had nine Rose Bowl appearances.