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Traditions
Every year sees a change in Idaho's traditions; some are dropped.
othen inaugurated, those retained modified or made more stringent.
The present year witnessed the passing of the ancient and honored custom
of "The Old Guard:' This originated with the return of the Idaho
soldiers from the Spanish-American War. but soon degenerated into a
burlesque. and for years "The Old Guard" was as big an attraction as
the inspection itself. The entrance of the United States into the war.
however. automatically relegated this custom to the scrapheap.
ext in importance comes the Pullman rally and bonfire. This tradition
has existed since the founding of the two schools and each year
sees a revival of the spirit in all its old-time fervor. The girls' rally has
become a part of the affair. The bonfire needs no explanation.
Another tradition to be modified in the past years is that of the
Freshman-Sophomore Class Fight. In ye olden days this took the form
of a Rag rush. This became too strenuous. however. and a regulated
scrap was substituted for it. This is held early in October. The Burythe-Hatchet
Party is held in the evening of the same day.
Campus Day has established itself as a tradition. and it has also undergone
change. The morning is spent in campus improvements, and in
the afternoon other forms of entertainment have taken the place of the
May.pole dance.
The "Senior Sneak" has now reached the dignity of a tradition. and
the Creen Cap. of course. always was. Senior canes are likewise making
a bid for this distinction.
Idaho has other traditions than these which have to do with character
and genuine manliness. The no-hazing tradition is an example. and in
the four yean in which it has existed it has not been violated. The
Idaho tradition of clean play in athletics is known on every field and
basket-hall court in the Northwest. And the tradition of fair play in the
classroom is equally strong.
Some there are who question the value of traditions. This attitude
comes from regarding them in the wrong light. Tradition is a legacy
from the past-and a legacy which is entrusted to us to guard for a
few years. and then pass on to new defenders. It is our duty to ourselves,
to those who come after us. and to Idaho. that we guard it well.
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