Tracy’s archived campus legends:
Text 1
Original Collector: Colleen McPhearson
Title: Jokes
Class: F220
Semester/year: Semester II, 83-84
Contributor: Tracy John
“The Gazebo”
“Uh, this is what I heard…. Well, I think it was when the gazebo was built, but that doesn’t really matter. They say before a girl can become officially co-ed of this campus, she has to kiss a guy in the gazebo at midnight through the twelve strokes of the bells or whatever that clock’s called there.”
Context:
The interview with Jeffery Milan was done by Colleen McPhearson while preparing a “pit board” for the Little 5 Race. She asked the informant about stories he knew connected with campus landmarks and he told the story of the gazebo and the Showalter Fountain. The interview took place in the informant’s home between 10:30-11:30pm at 703 Gourley Pike in Bloomington, Indiana. Jeffery was asked how the legend came about and what it meant to him. He thinks the story came about when the gazebo was built. He feels it gives the campus its unique identity and also aids the students in becoming involved in campus life. He claims to have taken part in this activity himself over his college years. When asked what would happen to a girl who didn’t do it he responded, “It’s not mandatory if a girl does it or not or even if a boy participates but it’s really neat because the people who do it seem to be more a part of IU. I think it makes people remember IU in a sentimental way.” To him this is a practice that gives you something to remember from your college years as well as something to pass on to others as being the thing to do if you a part of this campus.
The other story told by Jeffery was about Showalter Fountain also located on the IU Bloomington campus. After telling the story about the Gazebo it brought this story to his mind.