A special gallery of wing and dormitory traditions, campus traditions, and other noteworthy people, places, and organizations from Taylor University's history. The exhibit was created by the History, Global, and Political Science Department for the 175th anniversary of Taylor University.
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Current Dorm/Wing Traditions
History, Global, and Political Science Department
A small gallery of the 2021 dormitory and wing traditions at Taylor University. It served as the main document accompanying the gallery.
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H. Maria Wright Hall
History, Global, and Political Science Department
H. Maria Wright Hall was the first building to be constructed on the Upland campus, its bricks formed from Upland clay.
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Harold J. Ockenga
History, Global, and Political Science Department
Harold John Ockenga, or “Ocky” was an active student, participating in debates, athletics, and traveling evangelistic tours.
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Maytag Gymnasium
History, Global, and Political Science Department
Nearly half of the building’s existence has been defined by its role as Maytag Gymnasium, but few students can envision Rediger Chapel/Auditorium in its original form.
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Thaddeus C. Reade
History, Global, and Political Science Department
When the Board of Trustees considered closing the campus, Reade personally took on the coast of maintaining the school.
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Kittie Smith
History, Global, and Political Science Department
Katherine Maria Smith, known as “Kittie”, lost her arms to abuse at the age of 9.
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Melon and Gourd
History, Global, and Political Science Department
A prime example of Taylor’s thriving dorm culture is the annual Melon and Gourd tradition.
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Christmas with Jay
History, Global, and Political Science Department
On December 13, 1987, the Echo advertised the first ever “Jay Kesler Christmas Special” beginning a tradition that continues today.
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The Ivanhoe’s Classic
History, Global, and Political Science Department
In 1984, popular local restaurant, Ivanhoe’s, began sponsoring the annual Ivanhoe’s Classic basketball tournament.
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The Taylor Towel
History, Global, and Political Science Department
At both the beginning and end of a student’s time at Taylor, they receive what is known as a “Taylor Towel.”
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Taylathon
History, Global, and Political Science Department
The annual Taylathon bike race can find its origins in a freshman induction race in 1958 and an inter-class competition starting in 1959.
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The Taylor Farm
History, Global, and Political Science Department
The purchase of the 70 acre Taylor Farm was made possible by a donation of $5,000 from Mrs. Martha McGrew in 1914, with the rest of the $7,000 price filled out by smaller donations in 1915.
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Literary Societies
History, Global, and Political Science Department
In 1850, Taylor students organized the Thalonian Literary Society, named after the Greek philosopher Thales and bearing the motto “Know Theyself.”
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The First Football Team
History, Global, and Political Science Department
Taylor University joined the world of intercollegiate football in the fall of 1948.
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The Green Beanies
History, Global, and Political Science Department
Starting around 1924, freshmen students had to wear green beanies for the first few weeks of school