University of Wisconsin Yearbook History
The first yearbook of the University of Wisconsin was called "Trochos",
which is a Greek word for badger. The Trochos had only two editions, April 1884,
(U.W. Trochos '85) and then again in February 1887 (U.W. Trochos '88).
The current yearbook titled “The Badger” was first published in February 1888 (Badger '89).
A point of confusion is that until 1932 the yearbooks were compiled by the junior
class, and the date on the cover is the graduation year of the junior class, and not the
year of publication. Thus the first Trochos has '85 on the cover, and the first Badger
is called the '89 Badger.
A person who was a senior in 1910 would have their senior photograph in the 1911 Badger.
Also, the yearbooks covered athletic and social events of the year, or even two years,
before the date on the yearbook. In 1932 the yearbook became a senior class
publication and this is why there are two 1932 Badgers, one published in 1931, and the
other in 1932. Since 1932 the date on the yearbook is the graduation year of the senior
class which is also the year of publication.
The Badger has been published every year excluding 1973, 1974 and 2004.
The Alumni Association helped publish volumes for ‘73 & ‘74 which basically only
contain student photographs.
Some Yearbook Facts:
1922, 1923, 1924 Badgers
The "Ku Klux Klan" was a sanctioned university organization. (Pgs 457, 516, 481)
1923 Badger
Two photos of Charles Lindbergh as part of the "Pistol Club" and "The Rifle Club" (Pg 347)
1933 Badger
Frank Lloyd Wright's feature "Concerning Education" (Pgs 20-23)
1970 Badger
Came with a 7" vinal "record" and soundsheet
1970 & 1971 Badgers
Each had two volumes
