osu_archives

The Fernhopper’s Ball for Forest Week

A Paul Bunyon sign advertises the Forester’s Ball, or Fernhopper’s Ball, in the 1960s. The banquets, which started in 1928, brought together past graduates of the School of Forestry.

Yes, there is still a Fernhopper Day.

The College of Forestry commemorated its 100th year in 2007, which makes this the 75th year of the Fernhopper! On May 12th, the College will host the 75th Annual Fernhopper, where they will award scholarships and fellowships to students, thank donors, and visit with friends and former classmates.

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Have a Laugh on International Moment of Laughter Day

In 1954, this University of Oregon student was photographed wearing sign “I’m a dumb duck beat Oregon” during the Civil War. Random and funny…

Due to some further investigating by my trusty student assistant, who was utterly dissatisfied by my cursory explanation of this photo, we now know a little more about why this poor young man is wearing such a sign. Apparently, it was all part of the pre-game shenanigans. The civil war rivalry flared during the week before the big game, when Beavers captured Ducks and made them wear these silly signs. They also painted their faces, presumably Beaver orange when they attempted to crash the Rook bonfire festivities!

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Appreciate Jazz Month with the Band on 2nd Street

I don’t know if they will be available to play your next event, but this band from the late 19th century is concert-ready in this photograph.

On back of the photograph shown above, we found this handwritten note:

Hunt’s Brewery, north on 2nd street at the corner where the U.S. Post Office now stands. The Blacksmith….next on the right was Manual …….restaurant, the small white building at left stood where Montgomery Wards Building now stands. Opposite the Brewery stood Corvallis first grocery store, where the Huston Building (now being remodeled) has stood for many years.

They last played at the dedication of Corvallis Brewery building in 1887.