The 54th Alma Highland Games take place this weekend! As we approach our first major competition of the year we’d like to take a look at the history of Scotland USA!

How does a small college in Midwest America come to have a Scottish theme?

To answer this question, we need to go back to the founding days of the college. Alma College came into existence in 1886 through the efforts of the Presbyterian Synod of Michigan. Meeting at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids, members resolved to establish a church-affiliated college that ultimately gave birth to Alma College.

In those early years of existence, for lack of a better name, Alma was known as the “Fighting Presbyterians” or the “Maroon and Cream.”

The Goodenow siblings, 1956.

As time went on it was decided that “Go Presbyterians” was not the easiest cheer. In 1931 a challenge was issued to the student body to come up with a new name. Herb Estes ’34 won $5 for coming up with the winning entry, “The Scots.” Because the Presbyterian Church was originally founded in Scotland, the name seemed fitting. Since that time, Alma College has embraced its Scottish traditions.

The first Highland Festival came to the Alma College campus on May 25, 1968. David MacKenzie ’55, who played the bagpipes as a student, took an interest in the Scottish games. MacKenzie and Guile Graham, Alma’s director of development, presented the idea to the Chamber of Commerce on November 10, 1967. On November 13 the Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously to establish the Alma Highland Festival and Games on May 25, 1968. Donald Godfrey was named chairman and regular meetings began in January of 1968. Kenneth Jones (MacNeill of Barra) of Okemos, Michigan provided the plan of organization and estimated that the games would draw ten to fifteen pipe bands, two hundred competitors and 5000 spectators. The day of the games opened in brilliant sunshine and warm temperatures. The stadium on the grounds of Alma College was in its best condition, awaiting the crowds. Competitors began arriving and the skirl of bagpipes and the drumming of dancing feet was soon heard.

At noon of that first festival a recess was called and a huge parade of bands, floats and dignitaries wound its way through the city’s downtown area. The Alma College Kiltie Band led the way followed by Governor George Romney and the city officials.

During the opening ceremonies, Governor Romney spoke of the time he walked through the highlands of Scotland as a young missionary of the Mormon faith. Addressing the crowd in Alma College’s stadium that day, Romney predicted that “if you persist, you can make this the chief Scottish Highland Festival on the North American continent.” Soon the spoken word faded and the sound of pipes was heard again. This time it was the massed bands, the sound that all had come to hear. Throughout the afternoon the bands marched and counter-marched and the judges listened intently. Championship bands were selected and in the closing ceremonies the trophies were awarded. But too soon it was over and the last piper put away his pipes, the last dancer removed her dancing shoes. More than 50 years later, the Highland Festival and Games remains a popular event, bringing thousands of participants and spectators to Alma.

Bagpipers have led the way for the Kiltie Band and campus events since the late 1930s. Classes have been offered on campus for years, but it wasn’t until 2011 that the Alma College Pipe Band was formed under the leadership of Andrew Duncan. The band quickly made a name for itself, taking home multiple awards, including winning the U.S. Pipe Band Championship four times.

The Flint Scottish Pipe Band has had some success at the Alma Highland Games over the years as well.

   

But more importantly, we always have a wonderful time seeing our fellow pipe band friends, strolling the Clan Tents, watching the fantastic feats of the highland dancers and heavy athletes, and enjoy bringing Highland music to our community. We hope to see all of you at this year’s Games!

Alma Highland Games and Festival
May 26-28th
1500 Pine Ave, Alma, MI 48801
http://www.almahighlandfestival.com/tickets/

Works Cited

Alma, Alma College 614 W. Superior St, and Michigan 48801463-7111. “Our Scottish Connection: A Short History.” Www.alma.edu, 14 Aug. 2019, www.alma.edu/live/news/2228-our-scottish-connection-a-short-history#:~:text=Alma%20College%20came%20into%20existence. Accessed 22 May 2023.

Mackenzie, David. Reminiscences of the 1968 Alma Games. 1983.