Crowning Tradition: Celebrating 100 Years of Miss Lincoln

Miss Dennie, Lincoln University’s first Queen of the Quill, now known as Miss Lincoln.

The Queen of the Quill — now known as Miss Lincoln — has deep roots in Lincoln University's Homecoming traditions. The very first queen was elected in 1924, during a time when the Homecoming festivities were still in their infancy. The Quill, the university’s yearbook staff, devised a competitive system to elect the queen, with students casting votes based on magazine subscriptions. This popular election process, which culminated in the coronation of Miss Mary Dennie as the first Queen of the Quill, laid the foundation for what would become a treasured part of Lincoln University’s Homecoming celebrations.

The Birth of a Tradition

According to an article from the 1924 issue of The Quill, the contest was a spirited and competitive affair. Students were engaged in an intense race to collect subscriptions, with the class that garnered the most votes ultimately determining the queen. The process was both dynamic and suspenseful, with updates posted on a bulletin board to track the race’s progression. Each day saw different classes vying for the lead, reflecting the excitement that would later characterize future Homecoming elections. 

The contest was not without its challenges — at times, the lead would shift dramatically, making for an unpredictable outcome. In the final hours, it was the Freshman College Class that claimed victory by a slim margin of just fifty votes, making them responsible for electing Miss Dennie as the first Queen of the Quill.

Growth Over the Years

What began as a subscription-based contest in the early 1920s evolved into one of Lincoln University’s most celebrated traditions. As Homecoming itself expanded, so did the role of Miss Lincoln. The Homecoming queen became a symbol of school pride, embodying the spirit of Lincolnites through the decades.

The competition, like Homecoming, paused during the Great Depression in 1934 and during World War II in 1943. However, this did not diminish the tradition’s impact. Miss Lincoln continued to be a centerpiece of Homecoming festivities in the post-war years, representing the growth and resilience of the Lincoln University community.

 A Legacy That Endures

Today, the tradition of crowning Miss Lincoln is stronger than ever. Although records of some queens may have been lost to time, their contributions to the university’s legacy remain deeply ingrained in its history. Miss Lincoln continues to be a reflection of the pride, unity and tradition that Lincoln University has fostered for nearly a century. As the university prepares for its next Homecoming, alumni and students alike can look back on the rich history of Miss Lincoln — a testament to the enduring spirit of Lincoln University.

This legacy, stretching back to 1924, is not just about crowning a queen; it is a celebration of the community, unity and tradition that makes Lincoln University truly special. In 2024, Yessnia Austin-Dixon will be crowned the 100th Miss Lincoln, marking a historic milestone.