Ask Abe Archives - Campus Traditions
Jerry Sherwin ’59 asks Abe: “I have on at least one occasion wondered about the origin of the phrase "On Wisconsin." Today two history professors on Book TV (C-Span 2) told the following wonderful and charming story.
General Douglas MacArthur of World War I and World War II fame was not the first warrior in his family. His father, from Milwaukee, was one of the "boy generals" for the Union army during the Civil War. General Ulysses S. Grant ordered the boy general and his Wisconsin troops to secure the top of Lookout Mountain. After exercising great bravery and perseverance, the Wisconsin lads seized the mountaintop. As the flag was being posted, the boy general pointed ahead and said, "On Wisconsin!"
This incident was later said to be the inspiration for the phrase used in the lyrics we know so well. An absolutely wonderful story, but is it true? (Please Abe, say it is.)”
Answer: Yes, the story you heard about Arthur McArthur Jr. is true. He joined the 24th Wisconsin infantry at the age of 18 and helped overrun the Confederates at the 1863 battle of Missionary Ridge in Tennessee. According to the Medal of Honor Web site, Home of the Heros, when the soldier assigned to carry the battle flag fell wounded, another soldier rushed in to hoist the colors.
Soon afterward, the second color bearer fell and MacArthur hurried in to retrieve the flag. He turned to his wounded infantry and shouted “On Wisconsin!” to encourage them on. He continued up Lookout Mountain and proudly planted the flag; victory was theirs. Though this story is true, to my knowledge there is no correlation between McArthur Jr.’s triumph and the “On Wisconsin!” lyrics. Carl Beck wrote the words to “On Wisconsin!” in 1909. To learn more about “On Wisconsin,” visit the UW Marching Band Web page.
General Douglas MacArthur of World War I and World War II fame was not the first warrior in his family. His father, from Milwaukee, was one of the "boy generals" for the Union army during the Civil War. General Ulysses S. Grant ordered the boy general and his Wisconsin troops to secure the top of Lookout Mountain. After exercising great bravery and perseverance, the Wisconsin lads seized the mountaintop. As the flag was being posted, the boy general pointed ahead and said, "On Wisconsin!"
This incident was later said to be the inspiration for the phrase used in the lyrics we know so well. An absolutely wonderful story, but is it true? (Please Abe, say it is.)”
Answer: Yes, the story you heard about Arthur McArthur Jr. is true. He joined the 24th Wisconsin infantry at the age of 18 and helped overrun the Confederates at the 1863 battle of Missionary Ridge in Tennessee. According to the Medal of Honor Web site, Home of the Heros, when the soldier assigned to carry the battle flag fell wounded, another soldier rushed in to hoist the colors.
Soon afterward, the second color bearer fell and MacArthur hurried in to retrieve the flag. He turned to his wounded infantry and shouted “On Wisconsin!” to encourage them on. He continued up Lookout Mountain and proudly planted the flag; victory was theirs. Though this story is true, to my knowledge there is no correlation between McArthur Jr.’s triumph and the “On Wisconsin!” lyrics. Carl Beck wrote the words to “On Wisconsin!” in 1909. To learn more about “On Wisconsin,” visit the UW Marching Band Web page.
Marc Arnold PhD'73 asks Abe: “When I was a graduate student in Madison during the last half of the '60s, a rumor persisted on campus that it was required that during her first registration, every female undergraduate had to have a nude 'posture' picture taken. I may not have the details correct — since I was a male, it was only a rumor to me — but I would like to know if this policy was indeed in play, what the rationale was for it, who was involved, how the information was used, how long the policy lasted, and what finally caused it to end. The late '60s were indeed lively times to have been in Madison, and such a peculiar invasion of people's privacy might have gone virtually unnoticed amid the swirl of other activities that kept our attention focused.”
Answer: Marc, the rumors you heard about posture pictures are somewhat true. These pictures were taken of all female students at the beginning of each semester to determine alignment problems such as scoliosis. However, pictures were not taken in the nude — women wore either bathing suits or shorts. The Department of Kinesiology informs me that this practice continues today in select classes.
Answer: Marc, the rumors you heard about posture pictures are somewhat true. These pictures were taken of all female students at the beginning of each semester to determine alignment problems such as scoliosis. However, pictures were not taken in the nude — women wore either bathing suits or shorts. The Department of Kinesiology informs me that this practice continues today in select classes.
Ken Werner '68 asks Abe: “When I was a freshman living in Frankenburger House of Tripp Hall in 1964, a team of colleagues participated in an annual rite with Unit IV of Liz Waters. On the Thursday evening preceding the pre-planned event, our house staged a torch light parade up to Liz and issued a pre-written challenge (on toilet paper, I believe) to the gals in the unit. The next afternoon, our team played the members of Unit IV in the quaint of game of hopscotch, much to the glee of curious onlookers. Interestingly enough, we were informed about this event from the day we moved into the house, and continued to practice daily on a permanent hopscotch "court" painted on our basement floor right up until the day of the event.
“To my knowledge, this event had gone on uninterrupted since 1927. We won that day, and the large loving cup that was awarded the annual victors was, in fact, retained in our house glass cabinet, for we had also won the year before.
“My question: Is this event still staged? Procedurally, has it changed at all?”
Answer: Unfortunately Ken, the hopscotch battle no longer takes place between Frankenburger House of Tripp Hall and Unit IV of Liz Waters. But I am told by the residence life coordinator at Tripp and Adams halls that the “Supremacy Cup” competition has been revived. The last competition took place in 1936, and a football tournament this year brought back the tradition. High, Spooner and Frankenburger houses took the victory at the tournament. Today, there are multiple types of competitions held between and within UW dorms.
“To my knowledge, this event had gone on uninterrupted since 1927. We won that day, and the large loving cup that was awarded the annual victors was, in fact, retained in our house glass cabinet, for we had also won the year before.
“My question: Is this event still staged? Procedurally, has it changed at all?”
Answer: Unfortunately Ken, the hopscotch battle no longer takes place between Frankenburger House of Tripp Hall and Unit IV of Liz Waters. But I am told by the residence life coordinator at Tripp and Adams halls that the “Supremacy Cup” competition has been revived. The last competition took place in 1936, and a football tournament this year brought back the tradition. High, Spooner and Frankenburger houses took the victory at the tournament. Today, there are multiple types of competitions held between and within UW dorms.
Peter Bianco '95 asks Abe: “I was watching an old episode of Friends last week. During the opening segment, the cast was on the roof of an apartment building. One of the pieces of furniture was a red chair with a very familiar looking pattern — it sure seemed to be a sunburst. I tried doing some research on it but couldn't find anything.
“Ever hear about that? Was there an alum that worked on the show?”
Answer: Great question, Peter! As I'm an avid Friends watcher, this one really caught my eye. Ted Crabb '54, Wisconsin Union Director Emeritus, was the second Union Director from 1968 to 2002. He informs me that what you saw is referred to as the “garbage can cover” chair. These chairs are available nationally and are sometimes seen on TV shows and in magazine articles. The Union stopped using this chair because the seat slots rusted and sometimes damaged clothing of the people sitting on them. The die for the actual “sunburst” chair is owned by the Memorial Union Building Association. This chair is not distributed nationally, but individuals can purchase the chair from the Wisconsin Union.
“Ever hear about that? Was there an alum that worked on the show?”
Answer: Great question, Peter! As I'm an avid Friends watcher, this one really caught my eye. Ted Crabb '54, Wisconsin Union Director Emeritus, was the second Union Director from 1968 to 2002. He informs me that what you saw is referred to as the “garbage can cover” chair. These chairs are available nationally and are sometimes seen on TV shows and in magazine articles. The Union stopped using this chair because the seat slots rusted and sometimes damaged clothing of the people sitting on them. The die for the actual “sunburst” chair is owned by the Memorial Union Building Association. This chair is not distributed nationally, but individuals can purchase the chair from the Wisconsin Union.
Jean Oliva '83 asks Abe: “As an alumnus of the College of Engineering, I always heard stories about how, in the early 1900s, the engineers and the lawyers battled each year on St. Patrick's Day because St. Patrick was both an engineer and a lawyer. These battles reportedly involved rotten eggs and numerous pranks. Since St. Patrick's Day is coming up, can you shed any light on these stories, as well as the story that the Engineering Exposition was developed as a way to redirect the engineers' energies around the time of St. Patrick's Day?
Answer: An article in Vol. 83, No. 3 (1979) of The Wisconsin Engineer confirms that, indeed, one can safely say that the celebration of St. Patrick's Day is an established tradition in the UW College of Engineering. According to the article's author, Nikki Abramoff:
“The St. Patrick's Day tradition started at the UW around 1915, when the students learned the true story of St. Patrick. The famous patron saint of Ireland was not only a great religious leader, he was also a highly educated engineer and lawyer.
“[This discovery] was found to be a fitting excuse for a party during a somewhat dull month, and so the holiday began.”
The original celebration was a tame one, but it reached a raucous peak during the 1930s. By that time, it was traditional on March 17 for the engineers and lawyers to pelt each other with snowballs across the hill. Being resourceful, the engineers came up with a substitute for snowballs — rotten eggs. The first use was limited to the number of rotten eggs available in the area, but in succeeding years, the smelly ammunition was shipped in from Chicago by the carload. Anyone who walked on Bascom Hill that day (where the engineers and lawyers occupied opposing buildings), knew it was St. Pat's day by the smell. And those who marched in the annual parade were smart to wear plastic overcoats.
Answer: An article in Vol. 83, No. 3 (1979) of The Wisconsin Engineer confirms that, indeed, one can safely say that the celebration of St. Patrick's Day is an established tradition in the UW College of Engineering. According to the article's author, Nikki Abramoff:
“The St. Patrick's Day tradition started at the UW around 1915, when the students learned the true story of St. Patrick. The famous patron saint of Ireland was not only a great religious leader, he was also a highly educated engineer and lawyer.
“[This discovery] was found to be a fitting excuse for a party during a somewhat dull month, and so the holiday began.”
The original celebration was a tame one, but it reached a raucous peak during the 1930s. By that time, it was traditional on March 17 for the engineers and lawyers to pelt each other with snowballs across the hill. Being resourceful, the engineers came up with a substitute for snowballs — rotten eggs. The first use was limited to the number of rotten eggs available in the area, but in succeeding years, the smelly ammunition was shipped in from Chicago by the carload. Anyone who walked on Bascom Hill that day (where the engineers and lawyers occupied opposing buildings), knew it was St. Pat's day by the smell. And those who marched in the annual parade were smart to wear plastic overcoats.
Scott Amyx '86 asks Abe: “As a UW graduate, I have often tried to describe Badger football games to out of state friends. Of course, my descriptions are usually lacking. My questions are: when did the UW band get so popular?
Answer: It seems that many people want to know more about the UW Marching Band. The UW band has its own Web site that has everything you wanted to know and more! Check it out to see for yourself.
Answer: It seems that many people want to know more about the UW Marching Band. The UW band has its own Web site that has everything you wanted to know and more! Check it out to see for yourself.
Jennifer Gordon '88 asks Abe: “Which came first — Bucky Badger or the mirror-image mascot (aka Wolverine) at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?”
Answer: That's a tough one, Jennifer. The University of Wisconsin was established in 1849, and the badger has been the crest of Wisconsin's coat of arms since 1851. Football became an official sport at the UW in 1889, and shortly thereafter adopted the badger as its mascot.
But it wasn't until 1940 that Bucky Badger as we know him today, sporting a red and white letter sweater, was brought to life by artist Art Evans. At the time, the badger went by several names including Buddy, Bernie and Bouncy. But in 1949, a contest was held on campus to officially name the badger mascot, and the winner was “Buckingham U. Badger.”
While the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor does not have a wolverine mascot on the football field, students have been calling themselves “wolverines” since 1861 — nearly 30 years before Wisconsin founded its football team.
According to the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's “History of the Wolverine Mascot at UM” Web site, after seeing Wisconsin bring live badgers onto the football field in 1923, Wolverine football coach Fielding Yost decided that his football team needed a mascot and set out to find one. But while real-live badgers abound in Wisconsin, no wild wolverines exist in Michigan, so Yost couldn't find a live mascot. He then decided that any wolverine, dead or alive, would do, and eventually got word that Michigan Senator William Alden Smith owned a mounted wolverine. A visit to the senator's home unveiled that the wolverine was actually a coyote.
During the 1990s, the University of Michigan had a mascot named “Willie the Wolverine,” a modern mascot in a suit who cheered for the football team. But that attempt was short lived, and there is no longer an athletic wolverine mascot at UM. So the answer to this question is all in how you look at it.
Answer: That's a tough one, Jennifer. The University of Wisconsin was established in 1849, and the badger has been the crest of Wisconsin's coat of arms since 1851. Football became an official sport at the UW in 1889, and shortly thereafter adopted the badger as its mascot.
But it wasn't until 1940 that Bucky Badger as we know him today, sporting a red and white letter sweater, was brought to life by artist Art Evans. At the time, the badger went by several names including Buddy, Bernie and Bouncy. But in 1949, a contest was held on campus to officially name the badger mascot, and the winner was “Buckingham U. Badger.”
While the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor does not have a wolverine mascot on the football field, students have been calling themselves “wolverines” since 1861 — nearly 30 years before Wisconsin founded its football team.
According to the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's “History of the Wolverine Mascot at UM” Web site, after seeing Wisconsin bring live badgers onto the football field in 1923, Wolverine football coach Fielding Yost decided that his football team needed a mascot and set out to find one. But while real-live badgers abound in Wisconsin, no wild wolverines exist in Michigan, so Yost couldn't find a live mascot. He then decided that any wolverine, dead or alive, would do, and eventually got word that Michigan Senator William Alden Smith owned a mounted wolverine. A visit to the senator's home unveiled that the wolverine was actually a coyote.
During the 1990s, the University of Michigan had a mascot named “Willie the Wolverine,” a modern mascot in a suit who cheered for the football team. But that attempt was short lived, and there is no longer an athletic wolverine mascot at UM. So the answer to this question is all in how you look at it.
Jeff Hopp '92 and Bill Santer II ask Abe: “What happened to the Bucky Spirit Wagon? Why isn't it used to bring the cheerleaders onto the field anymore? Has this become a lost tradition?”
Answer: The Bucky Wagon carried the spirit squad into Camp Randall on game days. Loaded with Bucky and cheerleaders, the old fire engine chugged down the ramp to the north end zone. Due to concerns that the engine would stall or leak oil on the turf, and worries about mixing a vehicle with a marching band, the tradition was discontinued during the 2001 season. Also, the installation of a tarp over the team's entrance to the field didn't leave enough clearance for the wagon and its passengers.
Now, the bright red Bucky Wagon carries the spirit squad through the downtown area before each daytime home game and in parades, including Homecoming.
Answer: The Bucky Wagon carried the spirit squad into Camp Randall on game days. Loaded with Bucky and cheerleaders, the old fire engine chugged down the ramp to the north end zone. Due to concerns that the engine would stall or leak oil on the turf, and worries about mixing a vehicle with a marching band, the tradition was discontinued during the 2001 season. Also, the installation of a tarp over the team's entrance to the field didn't leave enough clearance for the wagon and its passengers.
Now, the bright red Bucky Wagon carries the spirit squad through the downtown area before each daytime home game and in parades, including Homecoming.
Dawn Cobb '43 asks Abe, “Perhaps my memory has worn-out spots, but I don't remember Bucky in logos on sweatshirts, bumper stickers, etc. in the days when I was at the UW. Was he 'official' then and my attention was simply on other things, or did he take his position a little later on?”
Answer: Although badgers in various forms appeared as the UW-Madison mascot for decades, the version that is currently known as Bucky was first drawn in 1940 by professional illustrator Art Evans. Evans worked for a California printing company and had done several college logo characters, including Minnesota's Goldie the Gopher and Purdue's Boilermaker. In 1949, a pep rally contest was held to determine the mascot's name. Buckingham U. Badger was selected as the formal name, but most people refer to him as Bucky.
The Bucky Badger figure was developed for use as an athletic team mascot, so although the Bucky image engenders strong feelings about UW-Madison and is used around campus in a variety of “spirit” materials, it is a sports symbol and thus unsuitable for academic or institutional publications.
The Office of Trademark Licensing regulates the use of Bucky. The trademark licensing office oversees the use of trademarks (such as Bucky) on apparel and other merchandise. Only companies officially licensed by the university are allowed to produce items using the trademarked Bucky. Trademark licensing creates a cooperative and positive working relationship between the university, the manufacturers of approved and authorized products and the retailers of these products. Today, Bucky is on just about everything!
Answer: Although badgers in various forms appeared as the UW-Madison mascot for decades, the version that is currently known as Bucky was first drawn in 1940 by professional illustrator Art Evans. Evans worked for a California printing company and had done several college logo characters, including Minnesota's Goldie the Gopher and Purdue's Boilermaker. In 1949, a pep rally contest was held to determine the mascot's name. Buckingham U. Badger was selected as the formal name, but most people refer to him as Bucky.
The Bucky Badger figure was developed for use as an athletic team mascot, so although the Bucky image engenders strong feelings about UW-Madison and is used around campus in a variety of “spirit” materials, it is a sports symbol and thus unsuitable for academic or institutional publications.
The Office of Trademark Licensing regulates the use of Bucky. The trademark licensing office oversees the use of trademarks (such as Bucky) on apparel and other merchandise. Only companies officially licensed by the university are allowed to produce items using the trademarked Bucky. Trademark licensing creates a cooperative and positive working relationship between the university, the manufacturers of approved and authorized products and the retailers of these products. Today, Bucky is on just about everything!
Dennis Lindgren '97 asks Abe, “I have a question concerning a mythical creature called Becky Badger. My girlfriend, who grew up in Wisconsin, insists that she remembers a female version of Bucky Badger called Becky Badger, complete with a bow in her hair. Did such a creature ever exist?”
Answer: From time to time, efforts have been made to create a female version of Bucky Badger or a female friend for Bucky. But no female badger mascot has survived the test of time. Before the birth of Bucky in his current form, the 1941 Badger yearbook featured two loving badgers — boyfriend and girlfriend Benny and Beulah. But they were not attempts at a mascot.
There was some talk about finding a partner for Bucky, and the name Becky was tossed around with others (such as Betty), but it never really went beyond the experimental stage. A 1980 photo from UW-Madison Archives shows a smiling, waving, bow-topped Becky Badger. But according to Bucky historians, she was a short-lived, one-time kind of badger mascot.
Answer: From time to time, efforts have been made to create a female version of Bucky Badger or a female friend for Bucky. But no female badger mascot has survived the test of time. Before the birth of Bucky in his current form, the 1941 Badger yearbook featured two loving badgers — boyfriend and girlfriend Benny and Beulah. But they were not attempts at a mascot.
There was some talk about finding a partner for Bucky, and the name Becky was tossed around with others (such as Betty), but it never really went beyond the experimental stage. A 1980 photo from UW-Madison Archives shows a smiling, waving, bow-topped Becky Badger. But according to Bucky historians, she was a short-lived, one-time kind of badger mascot.
Brett Hubbard '01 asks Abe, “Abe, why do students need to sit in your lap before they graduate?”
Answer: Students do not need to sit in my lap before they graduate — it has just sort of become a rite of passage in the 94 years I've been on campus. There is no known story behind it, except that graduating students line up after commencement and sit on my lap for good luck. During my 90th year, I was lucky enough to get a cleaning by a nationally known art conservator. Since then, I have felt like a new man, and invite anyone to sit on my newly cleaned lap atop Bascom Hill.
Answer: Students do not need to sit in my lap before they graduate — it has just sort of become a rite of passage in the 94 years I've been on campus. There is no known story behind it, except that graduating students line up after commencement and sit on my lap for good luck. During my 90th year, I was lucky enough to get a cleaning by a nationally known art conservator. Since then, I have felt like a new man, and invite anyone to sit on my newly cleaned lap atop Bascom Hill.
David Bormann '71 asks Abe, “When did the practice of raising one's arm and waving during the singing of 'Varsity' originate, and what is its significance?”
Answer: “Varsity,” written well over one hundred years ago by UW-Madison music instructor Henry Dyke Sleeper, is a shortened form of its original name “Toast to Wisconsin” or “Varsity Toast.”
This time-honored tune went for many years without its famed wave. That is, until 1934 when band director Ray Dvorak brought the idea to UW students and fans alike. At one time, Dvorak was the assistant band director for Illinois, and at a game against the University of Pennsylvania, he saw the fans waving their hats after the singing of their school song.
Apparently Dvorak first released the wave idea in Wisconsin after a speech given by then-UW president Glenn Frank. When “Varsity” was played and at the end, Dvorak told the students to wave their hats.
It seems that today, UW fans have dropped the hat idea whenever “Varsity” is played, but the famous wave has still carried on.
Answer: “Varsity,” written well over one hundred years ago by UW-Madison music instructor Henry Dyke Sleeper, is a shortened form of its original name “Toast to Wisconsin” or “Varsity Toast.”
This time-honored tune went for many years without its famed wave. That is, until 1934 when band director Ray Dvorak brought the idea to UW students and fans alike. At one time, Dvorak was the assistant band director for Illinois, and at a game against the University of Pennsylvania, he saw the fans waving their hats after the singing of their school song.
Apparently Dvorak first released the wave idea in Wisconsin after a speech given by then-UW president Glenn Frank. When “Varsity” was played and at the end, Dvorak told the students to wave their hats.
It seems that today, UW fans have dropped the hat idea whenever “Varsity” is played, but the famous wave has still carried on.
Tracy Woolever '81 asks Abe, "What does 'Numen Lumen' mean? What is the history behind it?"
Answer: The phrase "Numen Lumen," developed as part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's seal and motto, is Latin and can be translated to mean, "God, our light." But, according to a University Communications News Library article, the UW's first chancellor, John Lathrop, who assisted in the creation of the motto, interpreted it to mean, "The divine within the universe, however manifested, is my light."
This credo was the UW's first seal and was chosen to reflect the religious beliefs and values of Wisconsin citizens. And apparently, the UW was not the only university to use such strong religious words and objects in its motto — at the time, many other universities used similar references. Although "Numen Lumen" is still an important seal at the university, it is not as heavily used in representations of UW-Madison today.
Answer: The phrase "Numen Lumen," developed as part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's seal and motto, is Latin and can be translated to mean, "God, our light." But, according to a University Communications News Library article, the UW's first chancellor, John Lathrop, who assisted in the creation of the motto, interpreted it to mean, "The divine within the universe, however manifested, is my light."
This credo was the UW's first seal and was chosen to reflect the religious beliefs and values of Wisconsin citizens. And apparently, the UW was not the only university to use such strong religious words and objects in its motto — at the time, many other universities used similar references. Although "Numen Lumen" is still an important seal at the university, it is not as heavily used in representations of UW-Madison today.
Chris Benish '01 asks Abe, "Why is "AGRICULTURE" spelled "AGRICVLTVRE" on the front of Ag Hall?"
Answer: Agriculture Hall, commonly referred to by University of Wisconsin-Madison students as Ag Hall, began construction in 1902. The building was erected as way to consolidate all three buildings [Agriculture Hall (South Hall), Smith Hall and King Hall] of the College of Agriculture. The three buildings were becoming immensely overcrowded, and in an attempt to offer more space for the faculty and students, dean William Henry proposed the construction of a new all-in-one building for the College of Agriculture.
In 1901, Henry — along with UW architect J.T.W. Jennings — began planning for the creation of the new building. That same year, the legislature approved the $150,000 needed for construction. By December 1903, after labor strikes and more legislative monetary appropriations, the 200 foot by 64 foot, three-story, rectangular building was complete.
Ag Hall was completed with the "Aricvltvre" signature engraved across the front of the building. According to the College of Agriculture Dean's office, this Latin spelling of agriculture was used by early administrators in an attempt to appear learned. Apparently, at the time the building was constructed, to know Latin meant that one was learned and had been to college.
Answer: Agriculture Hall, commonly referred to by University of Wisconsin-Madison students as Ag Hall, began construction in 1902. The building was erected as way to consolidate all three buildings [Agriculture Hall (South Hall), Smith Hall and King Hall] of the College of Agriculture. The three buildings were becoming immensely overcrowded, and in an attempt to offer more space for the faculty and students, dean William Henry proposed the construction of a new all-in-one building for the College of Agriculture.
In 1901, Henry — along with UW architect J.T.W. Jennings — began planning for the creation of the new building. That same year, the legislature approved the $150,000 needed for construction. By December 1903, after labor strikes and more legislative monetary appropriations, the 200 foot by 64 foot, three-story, rectangular building was complete.
Ag Hall was completed with the "Aricvltvre" signature engraved across the front of the building. According to the College of Agriculture Dean's office, this Latin spelling of agriculture was used by early administrators in an attempt to appear learned. Apparently, at the time the building was constructed, to know Latin meant that one was learned and had been to college.
John G. asks Abe, "I made the cover of The Daily Cardinal the first week of my freshman year back in 1975. Is there a way to obtain back issues of the paper?"
Answer: The Daily Cardinal was first established in 1892 by William Wesley Young, who went on to become the UW's first journalism major. The paper has been a major staple in the UW's history, outlasting its earlier competitors and surviving many attempts at censorship in the early days of its publication. In fact, in 1985 The Daily Cardinal was almost the victim of a takeover by its rival, the Badger Herald.
Today, the Cardinal remains alive and well, and archived issues of The Daily Cardinal dating back to about 1910 are kept in bound volumes at The Daily Cardinal's home in Vilas Hall, 821 University Avenue, on the UW-Madison campus. To inquire about viewing the bound volumes or to request a copy of a particular article, contact The Daily Cardinal office at (608) 262-8000 or visit dailycardinal.com.
Answer: The Daily Cardinal was first established in 1892 by William Wesley Young, who went on to become the UW's first journalism major. The paper has been a major staple in the UW's history, outlasting its earlier competitors and surviving many attempts at censorship in the early days of its publication. In fact, in 1985 The Daily Cardinal was almost the victim of a takeover by its rival, the Badger Herald.
Today, the Cardinal remains alive and well, and archived issues of The Daily Cardinal dating back to about 1910 are kept in bound volumes at The Daily Cardinal's home in Vilas Hall, 821 University Avenue, on the UW-Madison campus. To inquire about viewing the bound volumes or to request a copy of a particular article, contact The Daily Cardinal office at (608) 262-8000 or visit dailycardinal.com.
Claudia Marsh '48 asks Abe, "For the 1947 junior prom, Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra played. Who was the male vocalist with his orchestra that night?"
Answer: According to the 1947 Badger yearbook, students danced the night away to the musical sounds of the Claude Thornhill and Alvino Ray orchestras of Chicago as Wade Crane and Marilyn Moevs were crowned king and queen.
The 1947 Junior Prom, held in Memorial Union, was the first since 1942 that remained completely free from the presence of war; not one student was dressed in military uniform. The theme was Snowfall, which adequately detailed the weather on that New Year's Eve night. The day before, a huge blizzard swept across Madison and a number of other Midwestern cities. The snowstorm almost caused the dance to be canceled, but instead, some 1,700 students shoveled their way out of the snow and went to the prom as planned.
Answer: According to the 1947 Badger yearbook, students danced the night away to the musical sounds of the Claude Thornhill and Alvino Ray orchestras of Chicago as Wade Crane and Marilyn Moevs were crowned king and queen.
The 1947 Junior Prom, held in Memorial Union, was the first since 1942 that remained completely free from the presence of war; not one student was dressed in military uniform. The theme was Snowfall, which adequately detailed the weather on that New Year's Eve night. The day before, a huge blizzard swept across Madison and a number of other Midwestern cities. The snowstorm almost caused the dance to be canceled, but instead, some 1,700 students shoveled their way out of the snow and went to the prom as planned.
Barbara C., Mike PhD'72 and Bonnie Camp ask Abe, "During the early to mid ´60s, a favorite treat at the student union was fudge bottom pie — absolutely delicious, especially for the non-calorie counters! Do you have a recipe for it? When I returned to the Union last summer, it was no longer on the menu, and I could not find anyone who remembered it. Can you help?"
Answer: Fudge bottom pie, a Madison culinary favorite, has been a staple in the community for many decades, but was first brought to Madison in the 1940s by the Memorial Union's Chef Lewis Marston. This rich chocolate dessert has satisfied many a Madison student or citizen's sweet tooth.
Fudge bottom pie can still be enjoyed today by the slice at the Memorial Union Rathskeller. If you would like to order a whole pie, you can contact the Memorial Union Deli at (608) 262-5959 and ask to speak to a manager.
A close approximation of the recipe for fudge bottom pie (but not the Union's secret recipe) was recently published in the Wisconsin State Journal as follows:
For the crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
4 T. powdered sugar
1/4 t. salt
6 T. butter
For the fudge bottom:
1/4 c. water
1/4 c. granulated sugar
2 oz. Bitter (unsweetened) chocolate
For the cream filling:
1/4 c. cornstarch
6 T. granulated sugar
1/4 t. salt
1/4 c. cold milk
2 1/4 c. hot milk
3 whole eggs
1 t. vanilla
For the topping:
1 to 1 1/2 c. sweetened whipped cream or Cool Whip
2 t. grated chocolate
To prepare the crust, combine dry ingredients, mixing well. Melt butter, add to dry ingredients and mix. Press into a 10-inch pie dish and bake at 375° for five minutes.
Answer: Fudge bottom pie, a Madison culinary favorite, has been a staple in the community for many decades, but was first brought to Madison in the 1940s by the Memorial Union's Chef Lewis Marston. This rich chocolate dessert has satisfied many a Madison student or citizen's sweet tooth.
Fudge bottom pie can still be enjoyed today by the slice at the Memorial Union Rathskeller. If you would like to order a whole pie, you can contact the Memorial Union Deli at (608) 262-5959 and ask to speak to a manager.
A close approximation of the recipe for fudge bottom pie (but not the Union's secret recipe) was recently published in the Wisconsin State Journal as follows:
For the crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
4 T. powdered sugar
1/4 t. salt
6 T. butter
For the fudge bottom:
1/4 c. water
1/4 c. granulated sugar
2 oz. Bitter (unsweetened) chocolate
For the cream filling:
1/4 c. cornstarch
6 T. granulated sugar
1/4 t. salt
1/4 c. cold milk
2 1/4 c. hot milk
3 whole eggs
1 t. vanilla
For the topping:
1 to 1 1/2 c. sweetened whipped cream or Cool Whip
2 t. grated chocolate
To prepare the crust, combine dry ingredients, mixing well. Melt butter, add to dry ingredients and mix. Press into a 10-inch pie dish and bake at 375° for five minutes.
To prepare the fudge bottom, heat water and sugar until sugar dissolves in a small pan. On low heat or in a double boiler, add broken pieces of chocolate, melt, blend with a rubber spatula until the mixture thickens. The mixture is thick enough when consistency is slightly thicker than hot fudge returned to room temperature.
Remove from heat, spread in bottom of the crust, spreading some up the sides. Chill and allow to set a minimum of 12 hours.
To prepare the cream filling, combine dry ingredients, mixing well. Add cold milk and mix to smooth paste. Heat second portion of milk (2 1/4 cups) in microwave until hot, place in heavy sauce pan (or double boiler) and add the cold milk mixture slowly while beating. Stir with a whip over low heat until thick and no starch taste is present. Beat eggs, add vanilla and add a third of the hot filling mixture slowly while beating until well blended. Add this mixture back to the hot filling mixture while beating, cook 2 to 3 minutes over low heat. Remove from heat and refrigerate until cold. Spoon into pie shell and refrigerate. Chill.
Before serving, top the cream filling with sweetened whipped cream or Cool Whip and sprinkle with grated chocolate.
Remove from heat, spread in bottom of the crust, spreading some up the sides. Chill and allow to set a minimum of 12 hours.
To prepare the cream filling, combine dry ingredients, mixing well. Add cold milk and mix to smooth paste. Heat second portion of milk (2 1/4 cups) in microwave until hot, place in heavy sauce pan (or double boiler) and add the cold milk mixture slowly while beating. Stir with a whip over low heat until thick and no starch taste is present. Beat eggs, add vanilla and add a third of the hot filling mixture slowly while beating until well blended. Add this mixture back to the hot filling mixture while beating, cook 2 to 3 minutes over low heat. Remove from heat and refrigerate until cold. Spoon into pie shell and refrigerate. Chill.
Before serving, top the cream filling with sweetened whipped cream or Cool Whip and sprinkle with grated chocolate.
Nancy Berndt '65 asks Abe, "In recent years, I have observed the inclusion of the color black with the traditional red and white of the Badger colors. How did this happen, and why? It seems almost like tampering with Mother Nature!"
Answer: According to Arthur Hove, a historian of UW-Madison, the cardinal color (sometimes called "Wisconsin Red") and the white accent color were "generally accepted as the school colors" in the 1880s.
The addition of black, which started appearing sometime within the past 10 years, has been used in an effort to add contrast to the cardinal and white. But it seems that black is, and shall remain, an accent color.
You may also have noticed that UW-Madison recently changed its logo. On this topic, Chancellor John Wiley has said, "Consistent use of the new logos is an important first step in a campuswide effort to present a clear, unified UW-Madison identity."
Answer: According to Arthur Hove, a historian of UW-Madison, the cardinal color (sometimes called "Wisconsin Red") and the white accent color were "generally accepted as the school colors" in the 1880s.
The addition of black, which started appearing sometime within the past 10 years, has been used in an effort to add contrast to the cardinal and white. But it seems that black is, and shall remain, an accent color.
You may also have noticed that UW-Madison recently changed its logo. On this topic, Chancellor John Wiley has said, "Consistent use of the new logos is an important first step in a campuswide effort to present a clear, unified UW-Madison identity."
Tom Lindahl '60 asks Abe: "What is the history and origin of 'Varsity'? I believe it is one of the best school songs in the country."
Answer: Badgers have sung "Varsity" for more than a century. The song was adapted from a Latin hymn entitled "Domine Salvam Fac," written by French composer Charles Gounod. Henry Dyke Sleeper, a young instructor in the College of Letters and Science's School of Music, published a new version of the hymn he called "Varsity Toast" in 1898. Former Wisconsin Band Director Ray Dvorak introduced the now-famous arm swinging in 1934, making any performance of "Varsity" a sight to behold. Many UW graduates fondly remember these lyrics:
Varsity! Varsity!
U-rah-rah! Wisconsin,
Praise to thee we sing!
Praise to thee, our Alma Mater,
U-rah-rah! Wisconsin!
Answer: Badgers have sung "Varsity" for more than a century. The song was adapted from a Latin hymn entitled "Domine Salvam Fac," written by French composer Charles Gounod. Henry Dyke Sleeper, a young instructor in the College of Letters and Science's School of Music, published a new version of the hymn he called "Varsity Toast" in 1898. Former Wisconsin Band Director Ray Dvorak introduced the now-famous arm swinging in 1934, making any performance of "Varsity" a sight to behold. Many UW graduates fondly remember these lyrics:
Varsity! Varsity!
U-rah-rah! Wisconsin,
Praise to thee we sing!
Praise to thee, our Alma Mater,
U-rah-rah! Wisconsin!
Kay Domine MA'71 and Bill Goodrich '83, MS'91 wanted to know about the Science Hall fire chute. Kay asks Abe: "When I was in grad school there from 1969 to 1971, my friends and I used to go up to the fourth floor of the old Science Hall and slide down the outside fire escape pipe. I know that Science Hall still exists, but do students still take that ride?"
Answer: The Science Hall fire chute was a forbidden thrill for many UW students up until the early 1980s, when it was replaced with large escape stairways in the two rear corner towers. The fire chute zig-zagged down the west façade of the north wing, a vertical drop of approximately 50 feet. Adventurous students would climb to the third floor and jump into the spiral metal tunnel, sliding in the dark to the courtyard below. According to Clarence W. Olmstead, author of Science Hall: The First Century, Madison-area schoolchildren also loved to slide down the Science Hall fire chute on Saturdays. They would race up the stairs and innocently ask, "Where is the Geology Museum?" if caught by faculty. Occasionally, a pail of water poured down the chute behind them would dampen their seats but not their spirits.
Answer: The Science Hall fire chute was a forbidden thrill for many UW students up until the early 1980s, when it was replaced with large escape stairways in the two rear corner towers. The fire chute zig-zagged down the west façade of the north wing, a vertical drop of approximately 50 feet. Adventurous students would climb to the third floor and jump into the spiral metal tunnel, sliding in the dark to the courtyard below. According to Clarence W. Olmstead, author of Science Hall: The First Century, Madison-area schoolchildren also loved to slide down the Science Hall fire chute on Saturdays. They would race up the stairs and innocently ask, "Where is the Geology Museum?" if caught by faculty. Occasionally, a pail of water poured down the chute behind them would dampen their seats but not their spirits.
Rosalie I. Weisman '89 asks Abe: "I think that Babcock ice cream is the best in the country! What is the history behind it? When was it first sold on campus? What is the most popular flavor? Is it possible that it will ever be sold in other areas of the country?"
Answer: The UW dairy building has been making and selling ice cream for over 90 years. However, the name Babcock ice cream did not originate until after Babcock Hall, the third dairy building, was built in 1951.
Babcock Hall Dairy Store, specializing in gourmet ice cream, sells 70 different flavors of ice cream as well as frozen yogurt, sherbet, low-fat ice cream and cheese. Of all 70 flavors, butter pecan is by far the most popular.
The store has no plans for selling Babcock ice cream to grocery stores. Cones, dishes and quarts are only sold in Madison, but pints are available online. For $55.50 at the Alumni Store, six pints are delivered to your home in Styrofoam coolers and packed with dry ice to ensure a fresh flavor.
Answer: The UW dairy building has been making and selling ice cream for over 90 years. However, the name Babcock ice cream did not originate until after Babcock Hall, the third dairy building, was built in 1951.
Babcock Hall Dairy Store, specializing in gourmet ice cream, sells 70 different flavors of ice cream as well as frozen yogurt, sherbet, low-fat ice cream and cheese. Of all 70 flavors, butter pecan is by far the most popular.
The store has no plans for selling Babcock ice cream to grocery stores. Cones, dishes and quarts are only sold in Madison, but pints are available online. For $55.50 at the Alumni Store, six pints are delivered to your home in Styrofoam coolers and packed with dry ice to ensure a fresh flavor.
Anne Neer '58, asks Abe: Do students still borrow trays from the Rat and slide down Bascom Hill like we did?
Answer: The tradition of sledding down Bascom Hill on cafeteria trays remains alive today. The hill near Elizabeth Waters Residence Hall is also a favorite slope for cafeteria-tray sledding among students living in the Lakeshore residence halls.
Answer: The tradition of sledding down Bascom Hill on cafeteria trays remains alive today. The hill near Elizabeth Waters Residence Hall is also a favorite slope for cafeteria-tray sledding among students living in the Lakeshore residence halls.
Janice Whitman '94, JD'00 asks Abe: "What is the origin/story behind the graduating Law School class cane toss at the Homecoming game?"
Answer: On November 19, 1910, the Badgers won their Homecoming game for the first time against archrival Chicago. It was also the first time the cane-toss tradition, which originated at Harvard University, became a pre-game ritual.
As the custom goes, graduating law students march down the field and throw a white cane over the crossbar of the Field House goal post during Homecoming pre-game ceremonies. If the student catches the cane as it comes down on the other side, their first case will be a victory. If they drop the cane, they will lose the case.
Answer: On November 19, 1910, the Badgers won their Homecoming game for the first time against archrival Chicago. It was also the first time the cane-toss tradition, which originated at Harvard University, became a pre-game ritual.
As the custom goes, graduating law students march down the field and throw a white cane over the crossbar of the Field House goal post during Homecoming pre-game ceremonies. If the student catches the cane as it comes down on the other side, their first case will be a victory. If they drop the cane, they will lose the case.
Marianne Stout '01 asks Abe: "Who is the oldest mascot in the Big Ten?"
Answer: The oldest Big Ten mascot, the Nittany Lion, belongs to Pennsylvania State University. The mountain lion mascot was first introduced in 1906 and called the Nittany lion because of Penn State's location in the Nittany Valley.
Our own mascot, Buckingham U. Badger, was first drawn by Art Evans in 1940 and came to life through the magic of papier-mâché in 1949. Although today's Bucky has not been around long, in the beginning of the 1890s, the football team began using an unnamed badger as a mascot. The live badger was not as nice as Bucky and after snapping at fans and being cited for delay of the game, he retired.
While we are on the topic of mascot records, Purdue University claims to have the world's largest mascot with its Boilermaker Special. The vehicle, designed to look like an old-fashioned locomotive, weighs 10,800 pounds and is 24 feet long.
Answer: The oldest Big Ten mascot, the Nittany Lion, belongs to Pennsylvania State University. The mountain lion mascot was first introduced in 1906 and called the Nittany lion because of Penn State's location in the Nittany Valley.
Our own mascot, Buckingham U. Badger, was first drawn by Art Evans in 1940 and came to life through the magic of papier-mâché in 1949. Although today's Bucky has not been around long, in the beginning of the 1890s, the football team began using an unnamed badger as a mascot. The live badger was not as nice as Bucky and after snapping at fans and being cited for delay of the game, he retired.
While we are on the topic of mascot records, Purdue University claims to have the world's largest mascot with its Boilermaker Special. The vehicle, designed to look like an old-fashioned locomotive, weighs 10,800 pounds and is 24 feet long.
Chuck Anderson '41 asks Abe: " Whatever happened to Lohmaier's and the Amber Inn? They were both quite prominent during my four years at Wisconsin."
Answer: 448 State Street was home to the Amber Inn Tavern during your time on the UW campus. The Amber Inn resided at this location until the mid-1940s. In 1946, Perssions Radios moved into the space, but was replaced quickly in 1947 by the U.S. Veterans Administration regional office. The Veterans Administration called 448 State Street home for five years, until 1952 when the State Industrial Commission Employment Service and the Wisconsin State Unemployment Compensation Department moved in. These agencies were located here until 1962. The address where the Amber Inn Tavern resided during its days on State Street no longer exists, thanks to the addition of Lisa Link Peace Park in 1979. The park's official address is 452 State Street, although it also occupies the two lots adjacent to it, including 448.
Lohmaier's Restaurant was located at 710 State Street before it closed in 1943 and the Badger Inn Tavern replaced it. A satellite of the large State Street department store, Yost's-on-the-campus (a women's clothing store), occupied the building from 1947 to 1962. In 1963, 710 State Street sat vacant, and by 1964 the address was no longer listed in the Madison city directories. The building Lohmaiers resided in was eventually demolished during the expansion of Memorial Library in the late 1960s. The project was completed in 1974, eliminating the last of the nonuniversity buildings on the 700 block of State Street.
Answer: 448 State Street was home to the Amber Inn Tavern during your time on the UW campus. The Amber Inn resided at this location until the mid-1940s. In 1946, Perssions Radios moved into the space, but was replaced quickly in 1947 by the U.S. Veterans Administration regional office. The Veterans Administration called 448 State Street home for five years, until 1952 when the State Industrial Commission Employment Service and the Wisconsin State Unemployment Compensation Department moved in. These agencies were located here until 1962. The address where the Amber Inn Tavern resided during its days on State Street no longer exists, thanks to the addition of Lisa Link Peace Park in 1979. The park's official address is 452 State Street, although it also occupies the two lots adjacent to it, including 448.
Lohmaier's Restaurant was located at 710 State Street before it closed in 1943 and the Badger Inn Tavern replaced it. A satellite of the large State Street department store, Yost's-on-the-campus (a women's clothing store), occupied the building from 1947 to 1962. In 1963, 710 State Street sat vacant, and by 1964 the address was no longer listed in the Madison city directories. The building Lohmaiers resided in was eventually demolished during the expansion of Memorial Library in the late 1960s. The project was completed in 1974, eliminating the last of the nonuniversity buildings on the 700 block of State Street.
Mark Kapperich asks Abe: "I just read the most recent Dispatches in On Wisconsin Magazine's summer 2002 issue and it talks about a "new" student radio station, WSUM. What ever happened to WORT? When I attended Madtown from '82 to '86, it was the bastion of eclectic music."
Answer: WORT still exists on FM 89.9 as a noncommercial, listener-sponsored, member-controlled radio station. It operates out of its own building in Madison with a 2,000-watt signal and covers over a 50-mile radius.
Although the station still exists, some changes have taken place since it first went on air in 1973. The programming at WORT has become more structured than when it began. It has moved from a freeform schedule to stratified block programming, where five different hosts do programming in a similar genre at the same time of day throughout the week. Although the structure of the station has changed, its ideals have not. WORT continues its strong commitment to diversity and access, and according to its mission statement, seeks to "challenge the intellectual and cultural assumptions of its listeners and provide a voice for those under-represented by other media."
The station offers more than 80 different programs of folk, jazz, rock, blues, soul, gospel and classical music. In addition, it has diverse news and public affairs shows, and special programs to serve Madison's Hmong, Chicano, and Gay and Lesbian communities.
Answer: WORT still exists on FM 89.9 as a noncommercial, listener-sponsored, member-controlled radio station. It operates out of its own building in Madison with a 2,000-watt signal and covers over a 50-mile radius.
Although the station still exists, some changes have taken place since it first went on air in 1973. The programming at WORT has become more structured than when it began. It has moved from a freeform schedule to stratified block programming, where five different hosts do programming in a similar genre at the same time of day throughout the week. Although the structure of the station has changed, its ideals have not. WORT continues its strong commitment to diversity and access, and according to its mission statement, seeks to "challenge the intellectual and cultural assumptions of its listeners and provide a voice for those under-represented by other media."
The station offers more than 80 different programs of folk, jazz, rock, blues, soul, gospel and classical music. In addition, it has diverse news and public affairs shows, and special programs to serve Madison's Hmong, Chicano, and Gay and Lesbian communities.
Even though WORT has been around the campus community for almost 30 years, the station has never been affiliated with the university. The only university-affiliated radio station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to broadcast beyond campus borders is WSUM. The station has been broadcasting on the Internet since 1997, but the on-air debut was delayed by controversy over a radio tower in the Town of Montrose. The station has been broadcasting its diverse programming since February 2002.
Like WORT, WSUM is a noncommercial station and has no intention of becoming a feeder system for commercial broadcasting, ensuring the survival of underground and alternative radio in Madison.
Like WORT, WSUM is a noncommercial station and has no intention of becoming a feeder system for commercial broadcasting, ensuring the survival of underground and alternative radio in Madison.
Brad Weber '96 and Kirsten Sivak '91 wanted to know about Scanner Dan. Kirsten asks Abe: "I guess this certainly isn't original, but I really do want to know if Scanner Dan is still on State Street, and just how long he has been there. He used to come into Rocky Rococo's on State Street when I worked there in 1987 and 1988."
Answer: Scanner Dan's constant presence on State Street and in the Memorial Union has made him a campus legend and one of Madison's most recognized citizens. It proved very difficult to find out much history on Scanner Dan, as talking to him yielded very few relevant answers. But while we can't provide much information on his history, we can give an update on what he is doing now. Dan still spends much of the day on State Street, usually in front of Einstein Brothers Bagels. Dan also frequents the steps of St. Paul's Catholic Church on Library Mall and the Memorial Union Rathskellar. He still faithfully carries his scanner, listening diligently for a reason we may never know.
Answer: Scanner Dan's constant presence on State Street and in the Memorial Union has made him a campus legend and one of Madison's most recognized citizens. It proved very difficult to find out much history on Scanner Dan, as talking to him yielded very few relevant answers. But while we can't provide much information on his history, we can give an update on what he is doing now. Dan still spends much of the day on State Street, usually in front of Einstein Brothers Bagels. Dan also frequents the steps of St. Paul's Catholic Church on Library Mall and the Memorial Union Rathskellar. He still faithfully carries his scanner, listening diligently for a reason we may never know.
John St. Clair '63 asks Abe: "Whatever happened to the Pharm? They had a special type of Danish rolls that they grilled in butter, and cherry cokes in the State Street location."
Answer: Rennebohm Drug Stores, Inc., brings to mind heavily buttered grilled Danishes, famous chili, phosphate drinks, Bucky burgers, pink plastic dishes, speckled red counter stools, slippery Formica booths and an entirely different era. Rennie's - or the Pharm, as it was affectionately known - had locations throughout the city of Madison, including at 676 State Street.
Rennebohm's drug stores became the largest chain in Madison, and remained so until 1980, when Walgreens purchased the company. The stores were then known as Walgreens-Rennebohm Drug Stores, Inc., until 1987 when Walgreens dropped the Rennebohm name from its Madison stores.
The Walgreens that replaced Rennebohm's still exists today, carrying on 676 State Street's legacy as a drugstore, although it lacks the menu and Formica booths of days gone by.
Oscar Rennebohm, founder of Rennebohm Drug Stores, Inc., in addition to being a successful businessman, held such titles as UW regent, president of the UW Foundation, director of the Wisconsin Alumni Association and governor of Wisconsin. He also established the Rennebohm Foundation with a small endowment for making grants to community charities and to fund scholarships for UW students. This endowment has provided more than $15 million in gifts to date.
Even though Oscar Rennebohm's drug stores are no longer dotted around Madison, his name will not be forgotten on the UW campus. The new UW School of Pharmacy, completed in 2000, appropriately bears Rennebohm's name.
Answer: Rennebohm Drug Stores, Inc., brings to mind heavily buttered grilled Danishes, famous chili, phosphate drinks, Bucky burgers, pink plastic dishes, speckled red counter stools, slippery Formica booths and an entirely different era. Rennie's - or the Pharm, as it was affectionately known - had locations throughout the city of Madison, including at 676 State Street.
Rennebohm's drug stores became the largest chain in Madison, and remained so until 1980, when Walgreens purchased the company. The stores were then known as Walgreens-Rennebohm Drug Stores, Inc., until 1987 when Walgreens dropped the Rennebohm name from its Madison stores.
The Walgreens that replaced Rennebohm's still exists today, carrying on 676 State Street's legacy as a drugstore, although it lacks the menu and Formica booths of days gone by.
Oscar Rennebohm, founder of Rennebohm Drug Stores, Inc., in addition to being a successful businessman, held such titles as UW regent, president of the UW Foundation, director of the Wisconsin Alumni Association and governor of Wisconsin. He also established the Rennebohm Foundation with a small endowment for making grants to community charities and to fund scholarships for UW students. This endowment has provided more than $15 million in gifts to date.
Even though Oscar Rennebohm's drug stores are no longer dotted around Madison, his name will not be forgotten on the UW campus. The new UW School of Pharmacy, completed in 2000, appropriately bears Rennebohm's name.
James Suffoletta '77 asks Abe: "When I was a freshman in 1972, there was a campus legend that told of a Playboy Magazine article a few years earlier where they ranked the top party schools in the U.S. The legend goes that at the end of the article they said something to the effect of: 'You might have noticed that the University of Wisconsin is not in this ranking; it is because we felt that it wasn't fair to rank the professionals with the amateurs.' Is there any truth to this legend?"
Answer: Stories about party school rankings circulate at college campuses across the country. Although it may be hard to decipher fact from fiction, this is what we know to be true:
According to snopes2.com, an urban legend Web site, the story about Playboy's ranking of the top party schools has existed since about 1955 at schools around the country. Although Playboy acknowledges these campus legends, the magazine reports that it has only conducted one in-house ranking of the top party schools, published in January 1987. The article, called "Top 40 Party Colleges" ranked California State University as the number one party school. Wisconsin did not even receive honorable mention. Playboy did its best to take the sting out of leaving other universities off their list by adding this disclaimer at the bottom of the article: "If your school isn't listed, it's probably because we didn't include professionals."
Prior to the 1987 compilation, Playboy published two other articles in which they ranked college campuses. In 1976, "What's really happening on campus?" talked about blowout parties of the year, and in 1968, "A swinger's guide to academe" ranked schools according to their sexual permissiveness. The University of Wisconsin-Madison received the top spot in the 1968 article, ranking number one on the campus action chart. Schools on the list were ranked on guy/girl ratio, whether coeds were swingers or committed, and campus ambience.
Answer: Stories about party school rankings circulate at college campuses across the country. Although it may be hard to decipher fact from fiction, this is what we know to be true:
According to snopes2.com, an urban legend Web site, the story about Playboy's ranking of the top party schools has existed since about 1955 at schools around the country. Although Playboy acknowledges these campus legends, the magazine reports that it has only conducted one in-house ranking of the top party schools, published in January 1987. The article, called "Top 40 Party Colleges" ranked California State University as the number one party school. Wisconsin did not even receive honorable mention. Playboy did its best to take the sting out of leaving other universities off their list by adding this disclaimer at the bottom of the article: "If your school isn't listed, it's probably because we didn't include professionals."
Prior to the 1987 compilation, Playboy published two other articles in which they ranked college campuses. In 1976, "What's really happening on campus?" talked about blowout parties of the year, and in 1968, "A swinger's guide to academe" ranked schools according to their sexual permissiveness. The University of Wisconsin-Madison received the top spot in the 1968 article, ranking number one on the campus action chart. Schools on the list were ranked on guy/girl ratio, whether coeds were swingers or committed, and campus ambience.
Chrissy Baumgardner '95 asks Abe, "How did the Mifflin Street Block Party originate? And is it still going on?"
Answer: The traditional block party dates back to 1969, when a few people meeting at the Mifflin Street Co-op decided to have a street dance on the first weekend in May in celebration of their community and the coming of spring.
In the weeks leading up to the first block party, disagreements surfaced between the police and students about the appropriateness of a street dance. On the day of the event, several incidents led to chaos and violence, which lasted for three days, spreading to State and Langdon streets. More than eighty people were arrested and many injured, including numerous police officers.
The block party again became an issue for the city in 1996. The face of the block party was permanently altered when rioters started fires in the street, hurled cans and bottles at police officers and firefighters, and burned a parked car.
Since then, city officials have cautioned against allowing partygoers to revel in the street. An April 23, 2002, Badger Herald article reported that, "The Madison Police Department denied the request by Mifflin Street residents who hoped to close the street for the annual block party May 4."
Though the streets won't be blocked off, the party will go on. An April 30 Daily Cardinal article reported that Mifflin Street residents and city officials have met to discuss neighborhood participation and safety suggestions in anticipation of Saturday's event.
Answer: The traditional block party dates back to 1969, when a few people meeting at the Mifflin Street Co-op decided to have a street dance on the first weekend in May in celebration of their community and the coming of spring.
In the weeks leading up to the first block party, disagreements surfaced between the police and students about the appropriateness of a street dance. On the day of the event, several incidents led to chaos and violence, which lasted for three days, spreading to State and Langdon streets. More than eighty people were arrested and many injured, including numerous police officers.
The block party again became an issue for the city in 1996. The face of the block party was permanently altered when rioters started fires in the street, hurled cans and bottles at police officers and firefighters, and burned a parked car.
Since then, city officials have cautioned against allowing partygoers to revel in the street. An April 23, 2002, Badger Herald article reported that, "The Madison Police Department denied the request by Mifflin Street residents who hoped to close the street for the annual block party May 4."
Though the streets won't be blocked off, the party will go on. An April 30 Daily Cardinal article reported that Mifflin Street residents and city officials have met to discuss neighborhood participation and safety suggestions in anticipation of Saturday's event.
Earl Hill '60 asked, "Could you please send me the words to "On Wisconsin," the fabled fight song of the mighty Badgers?"
Answer: Gladly, and with a bit of history attached! Did you know that the music for "On Wisconsin" was originally written for the University of Minnesota? Carl Beck, who had attended UW-Madison, convinced songwriter and roommate William Purdy to offer it to Wisconsin instead. The song was first played at the 1909 Homecoming game against Minnesota! Visit http://www.uwbadgers.com and click on the "Traditions" button for the lyrics and history of songs like "On Wisconsin," "Varsity" and the "Bud Song."
Answer: Gladly, and with a bit of history attached! Did you know that the music for "On Wisconsin" was originally written for the University of Minnesota? Carl Beck, who had attended UW-Madison, convinced songwriter and roommate William Purdy to offer it to Wisconsin instead. The song was first played at the 1909 Homecoming game against Minnesota! Visit http://www.uwbadgers.com and click on the "Traditions" button for the lyrics and history of songs like "On Wisconsin," "Varsity" and the "Bud Song."
Karen (Mullen) Kosky '95 asked, "I think I recall hearing that some of the early depictions of UW's beloved Badger mascot were mistakenly modeled after some other animal. Is that right, and what animal was it (and when was the mistake fixed)?"
Answer: The current mascot known as "Bucky" was originally drawn in 1940 by artist Art Evans. At that time, Art Lentz, a publicity director, had the idea to bring the mascot to life by using a real badger. The live badger was too vicious to control, and in the interest of fan and player safety, was retired to the zoo. Shortly thereafter, the Badger Yearbook replaced the live badger with a small raccoon named Regdab ("badger" backward) and passed it off as a "badger in a raccoon coat."
In 1949, the badger mascot was reinstated when a student was commissioned to mold a papier-mâche badger head, which was worn at the Homecoming game. A contest was staged to name the popular mascot and "Buckingham U. Badger," or "Bucky," won. Bucky Badger has persevered throughout the years, even surviving a threat by Attorney General Howard Koop, who suggested that Bucky be replaced by Henrietta Holstein, a lovable cow.
Answer: The current mascot known as "Bucky" was originally drawn in 1940 by artist Art Evans. At that time, Art Lentz, a publicity director, had the idea to bring the mascot to life by using a real badger. The live badger was too vicious to control, and in the interest of fan and player safety, was retired to the zoo. Shortly thereafter, the Badger Yearbook replaced the live badger with a small raccoon named Regdab ("badger" backward) and passed it off as a "badger in a raccoon coat."
In 1949, the badger mascot was reinstated when a student was commissioned to mold a papier-mâche badger head, which was worn at the Homecoming game. A contest was staged to name the popular mascot and "Buckingham U. Badger," or "Bucky," won. Bucky Badger has persevered throughout the years, even surviving a threat by Attorney General Howard Koop, who suggested that Bucky be replaced by Henrietta Holstein, a lovable cow.
Tim Himes '79 asks Abe, "I recently had a family member look for the classic 'Mad City' T-shirts when she visited Madison, and she couldn't find any anywhere. I'm talking about the T-shirts and sweatshirts with a large circle on the chest, a rendition of the state capitol dome, and 'Mad City' printed above the circle and 'Wisconsin' below. Can you tell me if they are still sold, and if so, where?"
Answer: It's been some time since we've seen the 'Mad City' logo tees, although they can still be found on occasion at The Den on State Street and in University Square. But if you want guaranteed stock, contact Madison Top at (608) 277-9111. They own the rights to the 'Mad City' logo and still sell these classic T-shirts and sweatshirts via special order, by the dozen.
Answer: It's been some time since we've seen the 'Mad City' logo tees, although they can still be found on occasion at The Den on State Street and in University Square. But if you want guaranteed stock, contact Madison Top at (608) 277-9111. They own the rights to the 'Mad City' logo and still sell these classic T-shirts and sweatshirts via special order, by the dozen.
Sara Roseman May '66 asked, "When I attended UW-Madison, there was a terrific burger sold at the Plaza called the Plazaburger. I have fond memories of it and wish I had the recipe. Does the restaurant still exist and if so, do they still sell Plazaburgers? Can you find out the 'secret' sauce recipe (white with little green flecks in it) and pass it on to me?"
Answer: Yes, the Plaza is still in existence at 319 North Henry Street, and this family-owned grill is still serving the same Plazaburgers UW alums have devoured for nearly 40 years. While son Jim was pretty tight-lipped about the "secret" sauce (he enjoys his visits with returning alums far too much!), he will tell you that they've sold more than 1,460,000 of them since 1963. Once, they shipped the "secret" sauce and whole-wheat buns to a group in California that was celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Mifflin Street Block Party. It was an expensive endeavor, so Jim recommends you visit him at the Plaza next time you're in town - the Plazaburger costs only a bit more than the quarter you paid when you were on campus in 1966!
Answer: Yes, the Plaza is still in existence at 319 North Henry Street, and this family-owned grill is still serving the same Plazaburgers UW alums have devoured for nearly 40 years. While son Jim was pretty tight-lipped about the "secret" sauce (he enjoys his visits with returning alums far too much!), he will tell you that they've sold more than 1,460,000 of them since 1963. Once, they shipped the "secret" sauce and whole-wheat buns to a group in California that was celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Mifflin Street Block Party. It was an expensive endeavor, so Jim recommends you visit him at the Plaza next time you're in town - the Plazaburger costs only a bit more than the quarter you paid when you were on campus in 1966!
Stephen Fusi BS'97, MS'00 in Minnesota asked Abe for the honest answer to this question: "I often attended affairs hosted by various UW associations, and from University Housing resident councils to Bascom Hall graduation ceremonies, I could usually count on at least one thing: a bowl full of red and white candies with little "W's" in the middle. Could you tell me who makes these fun, delicious little treats, and where I can get my hands on some, now that I've moved away from Madison?"
Answer: Stephen, these minty treasures can be purchased at the Babcock Hall Dairy Store at 1605 Linden Drive in Madison, or online. They're available in one-pound or half-pound bags.
Answer: Stephen, these minty treasures can be purchased at the Babcock Hall Dairy Store at 1605 Linden Drive in Madison, or online. They're available in one-pound or half-pound bags.
Christopher Harris '82, MD'87 (and multiple other grads!) asked Abe, "Is it true that you stand up when a virgin walks by?"
Answer: The rumor that I stand up when a virgin walks by began in January 1944, when The Daily Cardinal published a photo of a standing Abe statue with a caption that read, "After years of meditation seated atop Bascom Hill, Abe Lincoln has stood upon his own two feet at last! What's the climactic occasion? Pre-Prom's on Friday night!" I would like to say for the record that I've never stood up, especially not to find a date to the Prom. How embarrassing!
Answer: The rumor that I stand up when a virgin walks by began in January 1944, when The Daily Cardinal published a photo of a standing Abe statue with a caption that read, "After years of meditation seated atop Bascom Hill, Abe Lincoln has stood upon his own two feet at last! What's the climactic occasion? Pre-Prom's on Friday night!" I would like to say for the record that I've never stood up, especially not to find a date to the Prom. How embarrassing!
Chrissy Baumgardner '95 asks Abe: "I was wondering how long the Rose Bowl drink has been around at State Street Brats and how the tradition got started? Also, do you happen to know what is in the drink?"
Answer: The Rose Bowl was first served in 1989 when State Street Brats (previously known as the Brathaus) came under new ownership. The new management created the Rose Bowl as a drink special unique to their bar and named it after the annual college bowl game.
The ingredients in a Rose Bowl are a coveted State Street Brats secret; however, one bartender did reveal that it contains Southern Comfort, four different liqueurs and two fruit juices.
Answer: The Rose Bowl was first served in 1989 when State Street Brats (previously known as the Brathaus) came under new ownership. The new management created the Rose Bowl as a drink special unique to their bar and named it after the annual college bowl game.
The ingredients in a Rose Bowl are a coveted State Street Brats secret; however, one bartender did reveal that it contains Southern Comfort, four different liqueurs and two fruit juices.
Bart Klotzbach '58 asks Abe: "In the 1924 Badger, a picture of the Ku Klux Klan student members is included among other pictures of social and professional groups. There are at least a couple of fellows who became prominent in the Madison area primarily because of their good works, and one of them was far from being racist. What was the club about in those days?"
Answer: The Ku Klux Klan on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus included some of the university's best and brightest fraternity members, and was not affiliated with the national Invisible Empire of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.
The UW chapter of the honorary fraternity called the Ku Klux Klan was formed in 1919 under its parent fraternity Phi Gamma Delta. The Klan honorary society, along with other portentously named honorary societies of the time including Skull and Crescent, Iron Cross and Inner Gate, was formed by the fraternities to honor their most accomplished junior class members.
Few organizations on campus could boast about their members holding as many prestigious offices as could the honorary Klan. Honorary Klansmen were members of the student senate, student court, Badger yearbook board, and prom and homecoming committees among others. They also served as directors on the YMCA cabinet, the Student Union board, the Memorial Union fund-drive committee, the athletic board and the Daily Cardinal board of control.
The appearance of the honorary Klan on campus did not seem to raise concern among the student body or the university administration. This may be due to the fact that the actual Klan was still a relatively small organization existing only regionally with less than 2,000 members. It would be another year before the secret society would be popularized, with millions of members nationwide.
Answer: The Ku Klux Klan on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus included some of the university's best and brightest fraternity members, and was not affiliated with the national Invisible Empire of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.
The UW chapter of the honorary fraternity called the Ku Klux Klan was formed in 1919 under its parent fraternity Phi Gamma Delta. The Klan honorary society, along with other portentously named honorary societies of the time including Skull and Crescent, Iron Cross and Inner Gate, was formed by the fraternities to honor their most accomplished junior class members.
Few organizations on campus could boast about their members holding as many prestigious offices as could the honorary Klan. Honorary Klansmen were members of the student senate, student court, Badger yearbook board, and prom and homecoming committees among others. They also served as directors on the YMCA cabinet, the Student Union board, the Memorial Union fund-drive committee, the athletic board and the Daily Cardinal board of control.
The appearance of the honorary Klan on campus did not seem to raise concern among the student body or the university administration. This may be due to the fact that the actual Klan was still a relatively small organization existing only regionally with less than 2,000 members. It would be another year before the secret society would be popularized, with millions of members nationwide.
In fact, when the Invisible Empire began to gain popularity nationally in 1923 and started recruiting members on campus, the honorary Klan decided to disassociate itself from the rival group. Gordon Wanzer, president of the honorary Klan, said his group had decided to change its name because "so many people confused it with the name of the noncollegiate secret organization of the same name." The group became known as Tumas in the 1925 Badger.
Disdain and disenchantment among the fraternal leaders brought to a close the episode of the honorary Ku Klux Klan. Actual Klansmen were not welcome in either the fraternities or, especially, the honor societies of the fraternal elite. While the honorary Klan may have had no affiliation with the actual Ku Klux Klan, it existed during a time of widespread intolerance and bigotry at the UW, as well as throughout the Madison community and the United States. Unfortunately prejudice was an accepted part of white American culture at the time, and official events and celebrations often included derogatory parodies of racial minorities including Italians, Asians, Jews and African-Americans.
We may never know if the members of the Ku Klux Klan honor society held racist beliefs similar to those of the Invisible Empire. During this time it is entirely possible that individual members did hold these beliefs, but as a university organization the Klan never expressed these beliefs collectively. The members were exemplary students, many of whom went on to become prominent businessmen and politicians who continued to serve their communities.
This unfortunate episode in our history leaves little to be proud of, but we can only learn from the past and hope to teach tolerance and understanding for the future.
Disdain and disenchantment among the fraternal leaders brought to a close the episode of the honorary Ku Klux Klan. Actual Klansmen were not welcome in either the fraternities or, especially, the honor societies of the fraternal elite. While the honorary Klan may have had no affiliation with the actual Ku Klux Klan, it existed during a time of widespread intolerance and bigotry at the UW, as well as throughout the Madison community and the United States. Unfortunately prejudice was an accepted part of white American culture at the time, and official events and celebrations often included derogatory parodies of racial minorities including Italians, Asians, Jews and African-Americans.
We may never know if the members of the Ku Klux Klan honor society held racist beliefs similar to those of the Invisible Empire. During this time it is entirely possible that individual members did hold these beliefs, but as a university organization the Klan never expressed these beliefs collectively. The members were exemplary students, many of whom went on to become prominent businessmen and politicians who continued to serve their communities.
This unfortunate episode in our history leaves little to be proud of, but we can only learn from the past and hope to teach tolerance and understanding for the future.
Janice Buechel ’02 asks Abe: “Since hearing a piece of trivia recently, I can’t stop wondering if it is true or not. I heard that the Wisconsin Badgers were originally named after mine workers in the area and not the animal as our mascot suggests. Can you put my mind at ease?”
Answer: It’s a fact. According to The Bucky Badger Story by Gwen Schultz, badgers were a part of Wisconsin’s history even before it became a state. In the early 1800s, when lead was discovered in Wisconsin, settlers came here in droves to mine for the metal. At that time, badgers were abundant in southwestern Wisconsin, which had a prairie habitat favored by the ferocious creatures, so they would have been a familiar sight. The settlers who worked in Wisconsin’s lead mines were nicknamed “badgers” because many of them lived in burrow-like dwellings through the winter, much like a badger in hibernation would. And, badgers were known for their digging skills, much like the miners. Because the lead industry was so important in Wisconsin’s early days, the badger was honored in 1851 with a place atop the state seal, along with a miner holding a pick. Shortly after football became an official sport at the UW in 1889, the badger was adopted as an athletic mascot, and so began Wisconsin’s love affair with the mighty mustelid.
Answer: It’s a fact. According to The Bucky Badger Story by Gwen Schultz, badgers were a part of Wisconsin’s history even before it became a state. In the early 1800s, when lead was discovered in Wisconsin, settlers came here in droves to mine for the metal. At that time, badgers were abundant in southwestern Wisconsin, which had a prairie habitat favored by the ferocious creatures, so they would have been a familiar sight. The settlers who worked in Wisconsin’s lead mines were nicknamed “badgers” because many of them lived in burrow-like dwellings through the winter, much like a badger in hibernation would. And, badgers were known for their digging skills, much like the miners. Because the lead industry was so important in Wisconsin’s early days, the badger was honored in 1851 with a place atop the state seal, along with a miner holding a pick. Shortly after football became an official sport at the UW in 1889, the badger was adopted as an athletic mascot, and so began Wisconsin’s love affair with the mighty mustelid.
Sue Carrizales ’86, MS’88 asks Abe: “I remember a guy that used to sing at Open Mic at the Union around 1984–1985. He had some great songs, like ‘Go Back to Chicago’ and ‘Lake Mendota High.’ At one point he released a 45 rpm record. Do you know anything about where he is or what he became?”
Answer: Al Kammen is the University of Wisconsin alumnus who wrote and performed "Go Back to Chicago." Andy Moore, the Senior News Producer at Wisconsin Public Television helped write and also sang "Lake Mendota High." Together, the two founded "Madison's Young Comedians" in 1981 and performed stand up and sketch comedy at the Union Rathskellar and at clubs. Kammen has made his living in advertising in Chicago since graduating from the UW. Moore says, “In all modesty our shows made a big splash back then and were tremendous fun. They drew great audiences and were always unpredictable.” Moore got a big response to "Lake Mendota High" and still sings it with the Cork n' Bottle String Band on Thursday nights at the band's weekly Union Terrace show.
Answer: Al Kammen is the University of Wisconsin alumnus who wrote and performed "Go Back to Chicago." Andy Moore, the Senior News Producer at Wisconsin Public Television helped write and also sang "Lake Mendota High." Together, the two founded "Madison's Young Comedians" in 1981 and performed stand up and sketch comedy at the Union Rathskellar and at clubs. Kammen has made his living in advertising in Chicago since graduating from the UW. Moore says, “In all modesty our shows made a big splash back then and were tremendous fun. They drew great audiences and were always unpredictable.” Moore got a big response to "Lake Mendota High" and still sings it with the Cork n' Bottle String Band on Thursday nights at the band's weekly Union Terrace show.
Teri Krueger ’87 asks Abe: “I have an 1889 Badger yearbook and was wondering if this is the first year it was published.”
Answer: Hold on to that piece of history! However, the first Wisconsin Badger yearbook was published in 1885. The more recent Badger editions cover graduates, student life (including football Saturdays, Madison night life, and club and intramural sports), athletics, academics, organizations and Greeks. The 121st edition of the Badger, which is to be completed in summer 2006, will feature a full-color gallery, a first in Badger yearbook history.
Answer: Hold on to that piece of history! However, the first Wisconsin Badger yearbook was published in 1885. The more recent Badger editions cover graduates, student life (including football Saturdays, Madison night life, and club and intramural sports), athletics, academics, organizations and Greeks. The 121st edition of the Badger, which is to be completed in summer 2006, will feature a full-color gallery, a first in Badger yearbook history.
Shelly Cook, MD, asks Abe: Is it possible to rent the Bucky Wagon? I am getting married in May and my fiancé is a huge Badger fan. I was looking for transportation from the church to the reception and thought it would be a perfect surprise for him besides a plain old limo.
Answer: A fun idea, but you better book that limo. The Bucky Wagon is reserved only for home football games and a limited number of special occasions on campus.
The wagon was originally used to transport shells from lake to lake for the crew team. Then, at the turn of the 20th century, fans began a tradition of pulling the football team in a "little red wagon" to and from the train station for out-of-state games. An old fire truck eventually replaced the first Bucky Wagon, an antediluvian Ford chassis with a wooden framework. The third and current Bucky Wagon is a restored 1932 LaFrance fire engine, donated in the early 1970s by Mr. ’49 and Mrs. ’48 J.J. Normington of Wisconsin Rapids. Its main purpose is to deliver Bucky and the cheerleading squad onto the football field before games at Camp Randall Stadium.
Answer: A fun idea, but you better book that limo. The Bucky Wagon is reserved only for home football games and a limited number of special occasions on campus.
The wagon was originally used to transport shells from lake to lake for the crew team. Then, at the turn of the 20th century, fans began a tradition of pulling the football team in a "little red wagon" to and from the train station for out-of-state games. An old fire truck eventually replaced the first Bucky Wagon, an antediluvian Ford chassis with a wooden framework. The third and current Bucky Wagon is a restored 1932 LaFrance fire engine, donated in the early 1970s by Mr. ’49 and Mrs. ’48 J.J. Normington of Wisconsin Rapids. Its main purpose is to deliver Bucky and the cheerleading squad onto the football field before games at Camp Randall Stadium.
Kate Barald MS'69, PhD'74 asks Abe: "When I was a graduate student in the '70s, we frequently went to Carson Gulley Commons for lunch. They served a hot fudge sauce that was wonderfully chewy and stringy over vanilla ice cream. It was much better than any version of hot fudge that was sold in those days at the dairy store. Is there a source of that recipe?"
Answer: University Housing still serves up homemade hot fudge sauce over ice cream at its cafeterias across campus. It's a UW original that has tempted the taste buds of many students over the years. If you try making this recipe at home, please keep in mind that it will produce a pound of the chocolatey confection. After all, it's scaled to satisfy a large number of hungry Badgers!
Hot Fudge Sauce
Yield: 1 lb.
Ingredients:
1.63 oz. butter
8.64 oz. granulated sugar
1.625 oz. Callebaut bittersweet chocolate
5.25 oz. Carnation evaporated milk
1/4 t. iodized salt
1/2 t. vanilla extract
Melt the butter and chocolate in a steam kettle over low heat (take care not to burn the chocolate). Add sugar and salt, mix until well blended. Stir in evaporated milk, adding an ounce at a time, until well blended. Add vanilla extract. Warm mixture on very low heat for 20 minutes. Enjoy!
Answer: University Housing still serves up homemade hot fudge sauce over ice cream at its cafeterias across campus. It's a UW original that has tempted the taste buds of many students over the years. If you try making this recipe at home, please keep in mind that it will produce a pound of the chocolatey confection. After all, it's scaled to satisfy a large number of hungry Badgers!
Hot Fudge Sauce
Yield: 1 lb.
Ingredients:
1.63 oz. butter
8.64 oz. granulated sugar
1.625 oz. Callebaut bittersweet chocolate
5.25 oz. Carnation evaporated milk
1/4 t. iodized salt
1/2 t. vanilla extract
Melt the butter and chocolate in a steam kettle over low heat (take care not to burn the chocolate). Add sugar and salt, mix until well blended. Stir in evaporated milk, adding an ounce at a time, until well blended. Add vanilla extract. Warm mixture on very low heat for 20 minutes. Enjoy!
Mark Hasler '70, MS'71 asks Abe, "What is the butterfat content of Babcock Hall ice cream?"
Answer: Butterfat content ranges anywhere between 10 to 18 percent in the ice cream industry. Butterfat, a natural fat derived from milk, adds rich flavor, smooth texture, body and good melting properties to ice cream. When done properly, increased butterfat content enhances these qualities in America's favorite frozen treat. (Butterfat also increases ice cream's calories, but let's just focus on the benefits.) Each Babcock Hall Dairy flavor, from Blue Moon to Chocolate Turtle, falls into one of two categories: regular or super premium. Generally speaking, ice cream is considered to be super premium by industry standards if the butterfat content is greater than 15 percent and it contains less air than regular ice cream. In comparison, Babcock Hall Dairy's butterfat content ranges from 12 percent for regular ice cream and 17 percent for super premium ice cream. Babcock Hall Dairy ice cream is sold by the cone or the pint and can be purchased at the Babcock Hall Dairy Store. For those of you outside the Madison area, try WisconsinMade.com's shipping service to have your favorite flavor delivered to your door.
Answer: Butterfat content ranges anywhere between 10 to 18 percent in the ice cream industry. Butterfat, a natural fat derived from milk, adds rich flavor, smooth texture, body and good melting properties to ice cream. When done properly, increased butterfat content enhances these qualities in America's favorite frozen treat. (Butterfat also increases ice cream's calories, but let's just focus on the benefits.) Each Babcock Hall Dairy flavor, from Blue Moon to Chocolate Turtle, falls into one of two categories: regular or super premium. Generally speaking, ice cream is considered to be super premium by industry standards if the butterfat content is greater than 15 percent and it contains less air than regular ice cream. In comparison, Babcock Hall Dairy's butterfat content ranges from 12 percent for regular ice cream and 17 percent for super premium ice cream. Babcock Hall Dairy ice cream is sold by the cone or the pint and can be purchased at the Babcock Hall Dairy Store. For those of you outside the Madison area, try WisconsinMade.com's shipping service to have your favorite flavor delivered to your door.
Arthur Leipold ’52 asks Abe: “Was ‘There’ll be a hot time in the old town tonight’ the UW school song before ‘On Wisconsin’ replaced it?”
Answer: “Hot Time,” the popular song that tells a tale of the cow that supposedly caused the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, was adopted by the University of Wisconsin as an athletic fight song in 1899. The tune was originally composed by Theodore M. Metz in 1896 and the lyrics were adapted for Badger football three years later by a UW alumnus named Philip Allen. “On Wisconsin,” the University of Wisconsin’s (and the state’s) official song, was composed a decade after “Hot Time,” but it became an instant hit with students when the Glee Club performed the song at a pep rally. Soon after, the Marching Band began playing “On Wisconsin” at athletic events, and a time-honored tradition was born. Today, the band still performs “Hot Time” immediately before kickoff for football, tip-off for basketball, and face-off for hockey. The band also plays the fire-up tune to signal a Badger touchdown after the extra-point attempt.
Answer: “Hot Time,” the popular song that tells a tale of the cow that supposedly caused the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, was adopted by the University of Wisconsin as an athletic fight song in 1899. The tune was originally composed by Theodore M. Metz in 1896 and the lyrics were adapted for Badger football three years later by a UW alumnus named Philip Allen. “On Wisconsin,” the University of Wisconsin’s (and the state’s) official song, was composed a decade after “Hot Time,” but it became an instant hit with students when the Glee Club performed the song at a pep rally. Soon after, the Marching Band began playing “On Wisconsin” at athletic events, and a time-honored tradition was born. Today, the band still performs “Hot Time” immediately before kickoff for football, tip-off for basketball, and face-off for hockey. The band also plays the fire-up tune to signal a Badger touchdown after the extra-point attempt.
James Von Dundas ’77, MBA’80 asks Abe: “Every time I come to Madison, I have to stop at the Memorial Union to have a salad with those incredible homemade dressings, namely Thousand Island and Russian. Both are superb! Is there any way to get the recipes? We alums love those dressings!”
Answer: You’re not the first grad to wonder what goes into the Wisconsin Union’s famous salad dressings. Normally, the blueprints to these tasty concoctions are kept under lock and key, but you’re in luck — Abe knows a few people in high places, and he got the recipes for you. The dressings are usually prepared in large quantities to satisfy the legions of hungry Badgers that dine daily at Wisconsin Union facilities, but these recipes have been pared down to fit in your refrigerator. Try your hand at making them at home, or come on down to campus for a taste!
Russian Dressing
Yield: 1 quart
13 oz chopped onions — 2 1/2 cups
5 oz vinegar — 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp
1 cup chili sauce
1/4 cup paprika
6 oz sugar — 3/4 cup plus 3 tsp
3/4 cup oil plus 2 tbsp
Combine onions, vinegar, chili sauce, paprika and sugar in a bowl;
add oil slowly until blended.
Thousand Island Dressing
Yield: 1 quart
1/2 cup mayonnaise plus 1 tbsp
2 1/2 tbsp chili sauce
2 3/4 oz chopped celery — about 3/4 cup
2 1/4 oz chopped green peppers — about 1/2 cup less 1 tbsp
3/4 oz chopped onions — about 2 tbsp
Approx. 3/4 tsp worchestershire sauce
Approx. 1/4 tsp salt
Approx. 1 3/4 tsp pickle relish
Approx. one hard-cooked egg, chopped
Combine all ingredients in food processor and blend until desired consistency is obtained.
Answer: You’re not the first grad to wonder what goes into the Wisconsin Union’s famous salad dressings. Normally, the blueprints to these tasty concoctions are kept under lock and key, but you’re in luck — Abe knows a few people in high places, and he got the recipes for you. The dressings are usually prepared in large quantities to satisfy the legions of hungry Badgers that dine daily at Wisconsin Union facilities, but these recipes have been pared down to fit in your refrigerator. Try your hand at making them at home, or come on down to campus for a taste!
Russian Dressing
Yield: 1 quart
13 oz chopped onions — 2 1/2 cups
5 oz vinegar — 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp
1 cup chili sauce
1/4 cup paprika
6 oz sugar — 3/4 cup plus 3 tsp
3/4 cup oil plus 2 tbsp
Combine onions, vinegar, chili sauce, paprika and sugar in a bowl;
add oil slowly until blended.
Thousand Island Dressing
Yield: 1 quart
1/2 cup mayonnaise plus 1 tbsp
2 1/2 tbsp chili sauce
2 3/4 oz chopped celery — about 3/4 cup
2 1/4 oz chopped green peppers — about 1/2 cup less 1 tbsp
3/4 oz chopped onions — about 2 tbsp
Approx. 3/4 tsp worchestershire sauce
Approx. 1/4 tsp salt
Approx. 1 3/4 tsp pickle relish
Approx. one hard-cooked egg, chopped
Combine all ingredients in food processor and blend until desired consistency is obtained.
Kerry Krebs ’04 asks Abe: “I worked at the Wisconsin Union Theater during college, and I loved every minute of it. I especially loved looking at the pictures hanging in the basement lobby of all the great acts that have played there over the years — I remember Yo-Yo Ma, and I think Louis Armstong was among the autographed photos. Can you tell me about some of the other great acts that have performed there?”
Answer: Since the Wisconsin Union Theater’s beginnings during the Great Depression, an impressive list of musicians, actors and politicians have taken the stage. Many of these famous faces can still be found hanging around in the theater’s Winkler Lounge, the basement lobby. Your memory is correct — among the memorabilia is a photo of a very young Yo-Yo Ma, internationally renowned cellist, and a brochure featuring American jazz musician Louis Armstrong.
Over the years, the Wisconsin Union Theater has hosted a veritable legion of legends including jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald, classical guitarist Andrés Segovia, Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, U.S. President John F. Kennedy, civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., the Trapp Family Singers of Sound of Music fame, writer Kurt Vonnegut Jr., and poet Robert Frost.
Legend has it that there are even a few patrons who hang around the Wisconsin Union Theater in the afterlife. Staffers leave a lone light burning at center stage each night to soothe the theater’s two ghosts, a construction worker and a percussionist who died tragically in separate incidents.
This season, the Wisconsin Union Theater has a variety of great acts lined up, from World Stage performers to dance ensembles to a travel adventure film series. Visit www.uniontheater.wisc.edu for a full schedule.
Answer: Since the Wisconsin Union Theater’s beginnings during the Great Depression, an impressive list of musicians, actors and politicians have taken the stage. Many of these famous faces can still be found hanging around in the theater’s Winkler Lounge, the basement lobby. Your memory is correct — among the memorabilia is a photo of a very young Yo-Yo Ma, internationally renowned cellist, and a brochure featuring American jazz musician Louis Armstrong.
Over the years, the Wisconsin Union Theater has hosted a veritable legion of legends including jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald, classical guitarist Andrés Segovia, Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, U.S. President John F. Kennedy, civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., the Trapp Family Singers of Sound of Music fame, writer Kurt Vonnegut Jr., and poet Robert Frost.
Legend has it that there are even a few patrons who hang around the Wisconsin Union Theater in the afterlife. Staffers leave a lone light burning at center stage each night to soothe the theater’s two ghosts, a construction worker and a percussionist who died tragically in separate incidents.
This season, the Wisconsin Union Theater has a variety of great acts lined up, from World Stage performers to dance ensembles to a travel adventure film series. Visit www.uniontheater.wisc.edu for a full schedule.
J. Dewey ’91 asks Abe: “Are older yearbooks still available for purchase. If so, how far back and how much?”
Answer: You can check the availability of a past yearbook by contacting the Wisconsin Badger Yearbook staff at (608) 265-6377, or visiting The University Book Store Web site at www.uwbookstore.com. The Book Store sells yearbooks dating back to 1923, for $48 plus tax and shipping. They don’t carry every year but I happened to notice they do have your graduation year (1991), in stock!
Answer: You can check the availability of a past yearbook by contacting the Wisconsin Badger Yearbook staff at (608) 265-6377, or visiting The University Book Store Web site at www.uwbookstore.com. The Book Store sells yearbooks dating back to 1923, for $48 plus tax and shipping. They don’t carry every year but I happened to notice they do have your graduation year (1991), in stock!
Maria Rowe ’01 asks Abe: “I heard that during your 1999 cleaning, a tiny photograph was found on your nose. Is that true?”
Answer: After nearly a century of keeping watch over Bascom Hill, I finally got a bath in 1999. And just in the nick of time, too, because all those years of dirt and grime were taking a toll on my complexion!
I was given a thorough cleaning as part of UW-Madison’s sesquicentennial celebration. After a washing with gentle detergent, a combination of chemicals was applied to get rid of the green patina that built up on my bronze figure from decades of pollution. Then I got a nice coat of hot wax, which is now part of my annual cleaning ritual. If you come to visit me, you’ll see that I’m a beautiful brownish bronze hue instead of streaky green.
As you can imagine, 90 years of student shenanigans and nature’s wrath left their mark. Over time, the eagle on my chair back was corroded by acid rain, and other fine details would have been lost to the ages without this much-needed beauty treatment.
The rumor you heard is true — the cleaning crew found a tiny postage stamp-sized graduation photo stuck to my nose! They also removed the red and green paint on my face from student protests, and dug some wasp nests out of my armpits.
Answer: After nearly a century of keeping watch over Bascom Hill, I finally got a bath in 1999. And just in the nick of time, too, because all those years of dirt and grime were taking a toll on my complexion!
I was given a thorough cleaning as part of UW-Madison’s sesquicentennial celebration. After a washing with gentle detergent, a combination of chemicals was applied to get rid of the green patina that built up on my bronze figure from decades of pollution. Then I got a nice coat of hot wax, which is now part of my annual cleaning ritual. If you come to visit me, you’ll see that I’m a beautiful brownish bronze hue instead of streaky green.
As you can imagine, 90 years of student shenanigans and nature’s wrath left their mark. Over time, the eagle on my chair back was corroded by acid rain, and other fine details would have been lost to the ages without this much-needed beauty treatment.
The rumor you heard is true — the cleaning crew found a tiny postage stamp-sized graduation photo stuck to my nose! They also removed the red and green paint on my face from student protests, and dug some wasp nests out of my armpits.
Dan Olk ’83 asks Abe: “The renowned International Rice Research Institute, birthplace of the Green Revolution, was built adjacent to the University of the Philippines at Los Banos, on the university research farm. Amidst the tropical vegetation on the UPLB campus stands an arch that bears the script, ‘To Dean H.L. Russell, Wisconsin’ on one side and the date 1926 on the other. Can you tell me more about it?”
Answer: This arch commemorates H.L. Russell, who served as the dean of the Wisconsin College of Agriculture from 1907 to 1930. Russell sponsored scholarships for University of the Philippines at Los Banos faculty members to travel to the United States for graduate studies. In appreciation, the arch was dedicated in his honor.
Answer: This arch commemorates H.L. Russell, who served as the dean of the Wisconsin College of Agriculture from 1907 to 1930. Russell sponsored scholarships for University of the Philippines at Los Banos faculty members to travel to the United States for graduate studies. In appreciation, the arch was dedicated in his honor.
Anne Burkart Short ’41, MA’74 asks Abe: “UW had a humor magazine way back when I was an undergraduate in the late 1930s, early 1940s. Can you tell me the name of the publication and how long it lasted?”
Answer: A sense of humor has always existed at the University of Wisconsin, even during the bleakest days in history. In 1919, just after the end of World War I, students who wanted an outlet for the funny side of life created The Octopus, a humor magazine. An officially sanctioned student organization, “the Octy” had a high degree of editorial freedom and autonomy, and it was published on campus for 40 years — surviving the Great Depression and World War II.
It wasn’t until 1988 that UW students revived the idea of a homegrown humor magazine. That year, Chris Johnson ’90 and Tim Keck ’90 spawned The Onion, a popular parody newspaper. Today, The Onion is a nationwide comedy publication with 700,000 readers.
Answer: A sense of humor has always existed at the University of Wisconsin, even during the bleakest days in history. In 1919, just after the end of World War I, students who wanted an outlet for the funny side of life created The Octopus, a humor magazine. An officially sanctioned student organization, “the Octy” had a high degree of editorial freedom and autonomy, and it was published on campus for 40 years — surviving the Great Depression and World War II.
It wasn’t until 1988 that UW students revived the idea of a homegrown humor magazine. That year, Chris Johnson ’90 and Tim Keck ’90 spawned The Onion, a popular parody newspaper. Today, The Onion is a nationwide comedy publication with 700,000 readers.
Cecile Michael ’57 asks Abe: “Where does Babcock Hall Dairy obtain the milk for its dairy products?”
Answer: The Babcock Hall Dairy Plant processes approximately 10,000 pounds of raw milk per day during the school year. Some of the milk is produced right here on campus; the rest comes from private farms in the Dane County area. Unlike most industrial dairy plants, the Babcock Hall plant produces a variety of products and is required to recover 100 percent of its operating costs from the sale of dairy products on campus. The plant’s in-house processing equipment manufactures yogurt, butter, cheese, fluid milk and most fermented dairy products — and the delicious ice cream that put Babcock Hall on the map!
Answer: The Babcock Hall Dairy Plant processes approximately 10,000 pounds of raw milk per day during the school year. Some of the milk is produced right here on campus; the rest comes from private farms in the Dane County area. Unlike most industrial dairy plants, the Babcock Hall plant produces a variety of products and is required to recover 100 percent of its operating costs from the sale of dairy products on campus. The plant’s in-house processing equipment manufactures yogurt, butter, cheese, fluid milk and most fermented dairy products — and the delicious ice cream that put Babcock Hall on the map!
William Stinemates '66 asks Abe: "At the end of the annual Spring Concert, band members throw their sheet music into the air. Is it picked up and re-sorted for use again or just thrown away?"
Answer: The sheet music that rains down after the Spring Concert gets swept up, and never used again. But it's no ordinary sheet music. It comes from seniors who toss all the sheet music they've accumulated during their years in the UW Band. It's a bittersweet celebration — with seniors excited to graduate, yet sad to see their band careers end.
No one who's ever attended the annual Spring Concert wants to see it end either! This three-night extravaganza, complete with special guests, theatrical sets and pyrotechnics, and performed in front of 25,000 cheering Badger fans, is a concert like no other.
This year's performances are scheduled for April 17-19, 2008. Tickets are on sale now and available on the UW Band's Web site or by phone at (608) 265-4120.
Answer: The sheet music that rains down after the Spring Concert gets swept up, and never used again. But it's no ordinary sheet music. It comes from seniors who toss all the sheet music they've accumulated during their years in the UW Band. It's a bittersweet celebration — with seniors excited to graduate, yet sad to see their band careers end.
No one who's ever attended the annual Spring Concert wants to see it end either! This three-night extravaganza, complete with special guests, theatrical sets and pyrotechnics, and performed in front of 25,000 cheering Badger fans, is a concert like no other.
This year's performances are scheduled for April 17-19, 2008. Tickets are on sale now and available on the UW Band's Web site or by phone at (608) 265-4120.
James Halpin '71 asks Abe: "As I remember, one of the rules about the singing of "Varsity" and the arm waving and locomotive at the end (the U-Rah-Rah Wis-con-sin, U-Rah-Rah Wis-con-sin; you know the rest) was that the only time the locomotive is not allowed is immediately before the president of the university is about to speak. Is that true? I seem to remember that from the little instruction booklet at my graduation."
Answer: Your 13-page commencement program in 1971 included these instructions for students receiving their degrees: "When the Governor steps forward to extend the greeting of the State, the band will play one chorus of 'On Wisconsin' and the candidates are requested to rise and sing. When the president steps forward to deliver the charge to the graduating class, the band will play one verse of 'Varsity' and candidates will please rise and sing."
Today, UW-Madison students and their families can go online to find detailed information about commencement ceremonies; and the printed program no longer includes directions for graduates or guidelines for singing "Varsity."
Badgers have sung "Varsity" for more than a century, but it wasn't until 1934 that then-UW band director Ray Dvorak introduced its famed wave. You can read more about the history of the nostalgic tune right here in the Campus Traditions - Ask Abe archives.
Answer: Your 13-page commencement program in 1971 included these instructions for students receiving their degrees: "When the Governor steps forward to extend the greeting of the State, the band will play one chorus of 'On Wisconsin' and the candidates are requested to rise and sing. When the president steps forward to deliver the charge to the graduating class, the band will play one verse of 'Varsity' and candidates will please rise and sing."
Today, UW-Madison students and their families can go online to find detailed information about commencement ceremonies; and the printed program no longer includes directions for graduates or guidelines for singing "Varsity."
Badgers have sung "Varsity" for more than a century, but it wasn't until 1934 that then-UW band director Ray Dvorak introduced its famed wave. You can read more about the history of the nostalgic tune right here in the Campus Traditions - Ask Abe archives.
Paul Peterson MBA’70 asks Abe: “My son and his girlfriend, both students at UW-Madison, were talking about Bucky Badger and we were wondering what Bucky does with events where he is to appear occur simultaneously. That led us to wonder how many Buckys and Bucky costumes are at the university at any given time?”
Answer: Bucky is a busy Badger, especially during the fall sports season. The UW Spirit Squad holds tryouts each spring for the chance to be Wisconsin’s beloved mascot. The current cast is made up of seven male students and six costumes, each with a 35-pound head. In addition to being energetic and creative (and ideally, between 5’10’’ and 6’2”), each Bucky needs to be organized and reliable. These time management skills come in handy when Bucky needs to make multiple appearances on the same day — Buckys can never cross paths or change into their costumes in public! The only exception is at summer training camp, where all Buckys join the mascots from 40-plus colleges to learn the tricks of their trade from the Universal Cheerleaders Association at UW-Milwaukee. Some student-athletes are mascots for one year; others fill the furry paws of Buckingham U. Badger for all four years.
Answer: Bucky is a busy Badger, especially during the fall sports season. The UW Spirit Squad holds tryouts each spring for the chance to be Wisconsin’s beloved mascot. The current cast is made up of seven male students and six costumes, each with a 35-pound head. In addition to being energetic and creative (and ideally, between 5’10’’ and 6’2”), each Bucky needs to be organized and reliable. These time management skills come in handy when Bucky needs to make multiple appearances on the same day — Buckys can never cross paths or change into their costumes in public! The only exception is at summer training camp, where all Buckys join the mascots from 40-plus colleges to learn the tricks of their trade from the Universal Cheerleaders Association at UW-Milwaukee. Some student-athletes are mascots for one year; others fill the furry paws of Buckingham U. Badger for all four years.
Tracy Woolever ’81 asks Abe: “I'm curious why Bucky Badger's birthday is October 2 on the University Book Store calendar. I did some research and found that badgers are born in March or April. I know Bucky is an exceptional badger but why is his birthday October 2?”
Answer: You’re not the only UW graduate wondering about Bucky’s birthday. Jim Rinehart ’78, MS’84 of Lincoln, Neb., wrote: “I do all I can to keep up Wisconsin’s Big Red spirit. When is Bucky’s birthday? Seems it should be a holiday for the transplants out here!”
Get your party hats ready — our beloved badger’s birthday is indeed October 2. And the answer to your question, Tracy, goes all the way to the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. According to the Catalog of Copyright Entries, Bucky’s likeness, created by artist Art Evans of Garden Grove, California, earned a copyright on October 2, 1940. Though most badgers are born in the spring, this one became officially recognized on October 2.
The question of Bucky’s birthday usually creates a bit of controversy. The badger started as the official UW mascot with the inception of intercollegiate football in 1889. During the 1940s, badger decals appeared in many different forms and names, including Bouncy, Buddy, Bernie and Bobby. In fall 1949, Buckingham U. Badger earned his official name and became a personified badger mascot.
Answer: You’re not the only UW graduate wondering about Bucky’s birthday. Jim Rinehart ’78, MS’84 of Lincoln, Neb., wrote: “I do all I can to keep up Wisconsin’s Big Red spirit. When is Bucky’s birthday? Seems it should be a holiday for the transplants out here!”
Get your party hats ready — our beloved badger’s birthday is indeed October 2. And the answer to your question, Tracy, goes all the way to the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. According to the Catalog of Copyright Entries, Bucky’s likeness, created by artist Art Evans of Garden Grove, California, earned a copyright on October 2, 1940. Though most badgers are born in the spring, this one became officially recognized on October 2.
The question of Bucky’s birthday usually creates a bit of controversy. The badger started as the official UW mascot with the inception of intercollegiate football in 1889. During the 1940s, badger decals appeared in many different forms and names, including Bouncy, Buddy, Bernie and Bobby. In fall 1949, Buckingham U. Badger earned his official name and became a personified badger mascot.
Julie Tangredi ’82 asks Abe: “I remember that there was a big toga party on campus in the early 1980s, and I think that it was featured in a news magazine. Could you tell me about the party and which news magazine it may have been featured in?”
Answer: A 1978 movie classic undoubtedly inspired the party in your question, Julie. I’m referring to Animal House, and more specifically the film’s, shall we say “epic,” scene in which members of the notorious Delta House host a toga party. The movie had a tremendous influence on the social scene of college campuses across the U.S. in the late-1970s, and it didn’t take long for UW-Madison to catch on. On September 30, 1978, approximately 10,000 toga-clad UW students gathered near Lot 60 on the west side of campus for the UW’s first official toga party, sponsored by the Wisconsin Student Association and Sigma Alpha Mu.
The party garnered much media attention, according to the 1979 Wisconsin Badger, with 60 Minutes and members of TV networks ABC and CBS covering the event. Though I was unable to locate a copy of the magazine you’re remembering, I believe a 1978 issue of Newsweek covered the Badger toga party as part of a report on the toga craze sweeping the nation.
In contrast to the stigma surrounding such parties, the UW event was reportedly well organized and ran smoothly. Several competitions were held during the day, with proceeds donated to the American Heart Fund. But the party wasn’t without its antics. The Badger reported that “one enthusiastic Roman climbed up the tent’s center pole and removed his toga, much to the amusement of the crowd.”
I’m just thankful Lot 60 was chosen over Bascom Hill.
Answer: A 1978 movie classic undoubtedly inspired the party in your question, Julie. I’m referring to Animal House, and more specifically the film’s, shall we say “epic,” scene in which members of the notorious Delta House host a toga party. The movie had a tremendous influence on the social scene of college campuses across the U.S. in the late-1970s, and it didn’t take long for UW-Madison to catch on. On September 30, 1978, approximately 10,000 toga-clad UW students gathered near Lot 60 on the west side of campus for the UW’s first official toga party, sponsored by the Wisconsin Student Association and Sigma Alpha Mu.
The party garnered much media attention, according to the 1979 Wisconsin Badger, with 60 Minutes and members of TV networks ABC and CBS covering the event. Though I was unable to locate a copy of the magazine you’re remembering, I believe a 1978 issue of Newsweek covered the Badger toga party as part of a report on the toga craze sweeping the nation.
In contrast to the stigma surrounding such parties, the UW event was reportedly well organized and ran smoothly. Several competitions were held during the day, with proceeds donated to the American Heart Fund. But the party wasn’t without its antics. The Badger reported that “one enthusiastic Roman climbed up the tent’s center pole and removed his toga, much to the amusement of the crowd.”
I’m just thankful Lot 60 was chosen over Bascom Hill.
Events
- WAA-Chicago Holiday Party 2008 - December 4
- Big Ten Holiday Party - December 4
- UW & Marquette Young Alumni Holiday Happy Hour - December 4
- UW vs Marquette Basketball Viewing Party - December 6
