Senior cords are a Noblesville homecoming tradition. Every year it’s familiar to see white cords decorated with puffy paint adorning the halls. Freshmen begin making senior chord lists a few weeks into their high school career, but how did they flourish to be the longtime tradition they are today?

1950s- Senior cords first made their appearance in the late 1950s with senior boys. It was common to put the year and school logo in decorative styles. Words and pictures were sporadic, made with different fonts and designs.

1960s- In the early 60s, cords were everywhere and worn by everyone. Girls either wore loose corduroys or plain skirts to decorate. Graphic words and pictures continued to be the style. By the end of the 60s pictures dominated the pants, leaving little or no white space.

1970s- Cords took a break for most of the 70s at Noblesville. In the mid-70s, nearby towns like Pendleton brought them back. Wellness teacher Deanna Fowler, who went to Pendleton Heights in ’75, said less was more. Cords had five to ten pictures and almost no words. It was easier to sew them yourself instead of buying them in stores.

1980s- Cords finally came back at Noblesville in 1987. English teacher Bill Kenley graduated the same year and gave all recognition of their comeback to his mother, who went to Noblesville in the ’60s. “It was a way of putting down things that were important to you…remembering those things you would have forgotten,” Kenley said. Cords had around 15 to 20 images along with inside jokes and memorable quotes.

1990s- More words continued with pictures, adding tidbits and extra meaning in the 90s. Decorative names started appearing on the backs of pants. More boys started moving away from the cords and girls were quickly taking over.

2010s- Now, writing has replaced most pictures and seniors decorate the cuffs of the cords. The majority of girls take part, but most boys have stopped continuing the tradition. Names on the back have become more elaborate and unique. Senior Erin Schmutte said, “I choose to put [sayings] on there so if I pull them out sometime when I’m older I’m like ‘Oh yeah, I did that.'”

Throughout time, cords have gone in and out of style, decorated in different ways, and made with different materials. Nevertheless, their main principle has not changed. Senior cords are made to remember the good of high school. The laughs and the memories. To look back on during mid-life crises’ and say “Oh yeah, I did that.”