Search
Search
News
Multimedia
Sports
Arts & Entertainment
Opinion
Subscribe
Life & Times
Fine Arts
Features
Send a News Tip
100 Years
Donate
Advertise

Subscribeto The Echo

The Echo

Sunday, March 7, 2021 Print Edition

Donate

  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Life & Times
  • Features
  • Fine Arts
  • Multimedia
  • 100 Years
  • Advertise
  • Send a Tip
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Life & Times
  • Features
  • Fine Arts
  • Multimedia
  • 100 Years
  • Advertise
  • Send a News Tip
Search

Subscribe

Subscribe to The Echo

The Echo aims to represent the views of diverse voices on Taylor University's campus fairly and without bias and to be a vehicle of accurate and pertinent information to the student body. The Echo also aims to be a forum that fosters healthy discussion about relevant issues, acting as a catalyst for change on our campus.

Fill out my online form.

2/8/2019, 11:00am

Bringing you 20th-century Taylor U

By Katie Pfotzer
Bringing you 20th-century Taylor U
Lauren Rink
Sophomores Max Urban and Katie Turner carry on the literary traditions of Taylor

Share

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Mail
  • Print

By Katie Pfotzer | Echo

It is difficult to imagine Taylor as anything other than the bicycle-racing, lip sync-battling, dorm-obsessed place that it is. Every kooky tradition and drafty cinder block hallway represents this zany Shangri-La of intentional community they all call home.

However, the traditions, activities and aesthetics of the campus are unique to each generation of students. It almost goes without saying that Taylathon did not exist at the turn of the 20th century, though the image of students pedaling 70 laps in their three-piece suits, bowler hats and floor-length dresses is comical. Airband could not exist as recorded music was thought to be a fad. Dorm culture was virtually nonexistent as there was only a single male and female dorm.

And yet, some parallels can be drawn between today's campus and yesterday's. The 1901 yearbook preserves the vicious, tongue-in-cheek sense of humor that still flourishes throughout campus.

Now called "The Ilium," "The Gem" detailed a clandestine love affair between two teachers, a chronicle of the progress of Mr. Sanabria's laughably thin mustache and something called "The Twelve Tables of the Law," the highlight of which is number eight.

"Five days you shall do all your work, but the sixth day is Saturday, on it you shall do no work, neither you, nor your girl, nor your room-mate, nor your room-mate's girl, nor your broom, nor any friend who desires to borrow your dustpan (sic)," said "The Gem."

Though vastly different in appearance, students still found excuses to have fun. The burgeoning prohibition movement seemed to have served as just that excuse. Almost every month, the University held a contest, speech, dance or gathering to "raise awareness" for the cause of temperance.

Taylor's club offerings were broken down into two literary clubs called the Thalonian and the Philalethean club which met on campus sporadically from 1850 to as late as 1948. A third club existed called the Hymenean Club - which was probably farcical because the committee was subtitled "The Sacred Order of Water Carriers" and top positions included "Chief Knot - Tier" and "Head Persuader." Both of these probably had to do with marriage, making "Ring by Spring" the oldest Taylor tradition still in existence. The university also boasted a Spanish club, German club, Glee club and a club for future mission-workers known as "The School of Prophets."

Change is inevitable though change on the scale seen in the University seems dramatic. However, not all are surprised by it.

"Colleges are unique in that the memory of a campus is only about four years," said Steve Austin, associate dean of student leadership and director of student programs. "Some traditions need to morph and change to make space for others - not as a political statement but for the sake of Kingdom and community."

Share



Related Stories

Senior Sara Recknagel highlights how her path has led her to a love for art. (Photo provided by Sara Recknagel)

Recknagel uncovers her passion to create

By Amelia Bostick

A picnic is a great way to spend some down time in beautiful weather!

Covid Friendly Spring Break Ideas

By Lilia Snyder

Students perform in 2019’s Airband.

Upcoming Spring Events

By Kay Rideout


Most Popular


2/22/2021, 7:00am

Is social media censorship legal?

By Jakob Miller

A constitutional take on social media censorship


2/22/2021, 7:00am

“Evermore” album cements new era of Taylor Swift's music


3/1/2021, 8:26am

Muselman reflects on Pence campaign


2/22/2021, 7:00am

Study abroad programs prioritize student safety


The Echo To Homepage
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Covers
  • Awards
  • Get Involved

All Rights Reserved

© Copyright 2021 The Echo

Powered by
Solutions by The State News.

Taylor University