University of Virginia - Corks and Curls Yearbook (Charlottesville, VA)

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44' .ne.9-h4 --ur tfj. y, Emblem of O.F.C., one of UVa's first drinking societies The University Union, originally called the Virginia Union, was founded in 1916 for the advancement of the Universityts welfare. The Union sponsored addresses by prominent speakers each Saturday night, and it is believed that the events were well-attended. Also well-attended were the concerts and dances sponsored by two groups, the PK. tor Pot and Kettlet Society and the German Club Ctgerman, remember, is another word for concertW. These two associations later were melded to form P.K. German, now a committee of the University Union. In the winter of 1928 intramural sports began at the University with a basketball league. The winner of the league received a cup. Intramural points were given to winning contestants and for participation and sportsmanship. Equipment used was provided by the Physical Education Department. Since then, the program has expanded to meet increasing demands of the students. 169

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168 Organizations Of Past And Present Although in the early days of Mr. Jeffersonls University students found little time for extra- curricular life, outlets appeared shortly after the first group of students arrived at the University when the students formed secret Greek letter organizations. Mr. Jefferson had high inspirations for this first group of young men. Expecting them to be mature, he planned a self-governing system for the University. A board of student ttcensors would be elected by the faculty to impose simple discipline rules. The system failed because the student censors did not fulfill their duties. Riots and disorder became rampant; two professors resigned. Soon the faculty assumed responsibility for maintaining order. A rigorous academic schedule was enforced with the students wearing uniforms. Personal funds were obtained only through the permission of the Proctor of the University. This system also failed and rioting continued with severe student outbursts. In May, 1830, a faculty member exchanged blows with a student whose conduct he considered profane. Nine years later, this same professor tnow chairman of the facultyl was horsewhipped by two students who resented his authority. A crowd of one hundred watched without offering aid to Harrison tthe professorl. The most tragic event occurred on November 12, 1840. A sixteen-year-old student from Georgia and a seventeen-year-old South Carolinian launched a two- man riot. Strangely dressed and masked, the two students evidently fired shots near the doors of several pavilions in the early evening. Professor J.A.G. Davis, who left his home to investigate, ran into the boy from Georgia. Joseph Semmes fired point blank, fatally wounding Davis. To this day the reasons behind the murder remain unclear. In 1841, Professor Henry St. George Tucker proposed an honor code which was adopted in 1842 after the students contributed their input to Tuckeris resolution. The Honor System, as it was to be called, was really a matter of spirit rather than law and developed over many years. A studentls word was always accepted without question. The 1842 action required the student to sign a pledge that he received no aid on his exams. Gradually, the students took the System into their own keeping and developed it independently from the faculty. Finally, Mr. Jeffersonls self-government has been established. Other organizations appeared at the University in the middle 1800s In 1858, a University Young Menls Christian Association, the first of its kind in the United States, was organized. By this time, religion had come to play an important part in academic life. The Ugly Club flourished in the 1800s Club membership was open to all who could pay the nominal dues required to purchase gifts for the clubis annual awards. Once a year the club erected a platform on the Lawn where voting took place to select the ugliest, prettiest, and smallest men at the University. Winners received their prizes and they delivered eloquent and humorous speeches. The ugliest man was awarded a pair of boots, the prettiest was given a necktie, and the smallest won a 20-pound stick of candy. Invariably the club members were students with a distinct taste for fun and a talent for amusing speech. The Calathumpian Band was organized before the Civil War. Credited with throwing the University into an unprecedented state of commotion on Christmas night, 1868, the rowdy group later merged into the Nippers. The Nippers, when ignited by strong potations, wreaked havoc on University-owned property. One night, for example, the Nippers saw fit to uproot the rare spruce seedlings that the Proctor of the University had just planted along either side of the Lawn. They piled up the shoots in front of the Proctorls door, leaving a message with them: The wicked goeth about pIanting young spruce trees, But the hand of the nipper plucketh them up? In 1873, a club was organized to flamboyantly celebrate the advent of Christmas. The group recreated New Orleans' Mardi Gras, and rode around grounds on highly decorated horses. Wearing lavish costumes, they blew horns and caused general tumult. By the late 180013 dozens of organizations were recognized on Grounds. Not all of them pursued merrymaking. The Army and Navy Club, the Camera Club, Chess Club, and Philosophical Society appeared. There was also a Mathematical Club, Civic Club, and Medical and Biological Journal Club. Religiously- oriented clubs in addition to the YMCA- the Menorah Club tancestor to todayls Hillell, and the St. Paulls Church Club, contributed to student life. Other social clubs included the Scarab Club, the Thirteen Club, and the Afternoon Tea Club. The Calico Club, a group whose three officers were the high- keepers of Cupidis bolts, the grand arbiter of social quality, and the umighty rusher. Students also maintained previous affiliations by their memberships in state, city and school clubs. These clubs were something like fraternities, each having its own colors, songs, and slogans. A serious side of University life was reflected in the three major student publications. The Virginia University Magazine was established in 1838, but later publication did not last long. In 1888, the student yearbook, Corks 4Q Curls was founded and is today the oldest continuous publication on Ground. Two years later, The Cavalier Daily published its first issue as College Topics. The name was changed in 1948.

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170 Parachute Club The Parachute Club offers students the mitimam high. They jump at Orange Aerodome every Saturday and Sunday using Buckingham Parachute Centre equipment. After six hours of training and four static line jumps they graduate to freefall.