Legends

The legends (from left to right): Leah, Tracy, Elise, Jackie

Legends are told in a believable manner but it is often hard to tell if they are true or false. They get passed around from person to person, often through online communication, and sometimes from generation to generation. Legends can be historical, or spooky or funny. The location and content may change but the concept stays the same — challenging our ability to believe. These legends were told by IU students; it is up to you to believe them or not, but we think you will enjoy them in any case. 

  • The Showalter Fountain

    “The Showalter Fountain” Tracy: “Has anybody heard the legend about a virgin graduating and the fish in the fountain swimming around? Mike: “No, but I have heard about it being more than the four that is around the fountain and Continue Reading …

  • The Ghost Cat

    Text #4: The Ghost Cat (i) Source: The following passage is derived from Cumberland University librarian John D. Boniol’s personal experience with a phantom feline Author: John D. Boniol Boniol, John D. “Ghost Cat.” Map Cat. Iron Frog Productions. mapcat.org/librarycatsmap/tnl-ghst.html. Continue Reading …

  • More Than Reading in the Stacks?

    Text #5: More Than Reading in the Stacks? (i) Source: The following was taken from parts of an interview between Jonathan Rewe and Kathy Lewis in 1993 Contributor: Jackie Faine Informant(s): Jonathan Rewe, Kathy Lewis Semester/Year: Spring, 1993 IU Bloomington Continue Reading …

  • 11th Floor Fear?

    Text #3: 11th Floor Fear? (i) Source: Excerpt taken from informant David O’Rourke’s speech Contributor: Jackie Faine Informant(s): David O’Rourke Semester/Year: Fall, 1996 IU Bloomington Archival: Folklore of Student Life: Legends f351jmcd.sitehost.iu.edu/legends.html. (ii) Text: It has occurred to me that Continue Reading …

  • Evening Primrose

    Text #2: Evening Primrose (i) Source: Excerpt taken from October 26, 2018 edition of The Daily Beacon, University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s campus paper Author: Kelly Alley, columnist, writing about her own experience with the Hoskins Library ghost Alley, Kelly. “That’s Continue Reading …

  • Got That Sinking Feeling…

    Text #1: Got That Sinking Feeling (i) Source: Contributor: Jackie Faine Informant(s): Julie Smith, Jennifer Landing Semester/Year: Fall, 1996 IU Bloomington Archival: Folklore of Student Life: Legends f351jmcd.sitehost.iu.edu/legends.html. (ii) Text: JS: Ok Jennifer, do you go to the library often? Continue Reading …