Embedded Files
"May we never overtake the Ivy in our course and think we can stop and rest... may there always be out shoots of our vine just above us and out of our reach... which will shine through the storms of life when they gather around us, hiding us from view; or whether the sun of prosperity envelopes us in its ever welcome rays... 'press on! press on!'" - The Cadet, July 1890, page 67
Ivy Day was a 19th Century Tradition planned each year by the sophomore class at the University of Maine. Students planted ivy next to the one of the buildings on campus celebrating their class.
Students used long sticks to dig the holes for their ivy. In photographs of the Class of 1890 and 1896 students are holding their ivy-planting sticks.
The Ivy Day tradition was started by the Class of 1888 during their sophomore year. Then the class of 1889 decided to not continue the tradition founded by the previous class. The following year, the Class of 1890 revived the tradition and it continued as an official event during Junior Week held at the beginning of each summer until 1911.
Remnants of the tradition found their way into other club traditions. In 1928, the Maine Campus student newspaper mentions the ivy planting tradition held by the Sophomore Eagles (or Sophomore Owls). The group would select a member of the freshman class to plant the class ivy.
To learn more about the History of Ivy Day, use the links in the side bar!
Report abuse