For many years, beneath the spreading tree in front of
old Potter Hall, there was an institution of learning called the "Spoonholder."
Before the new one was built in the spring of 1935, there
was a much smaller one of all-wood construction. It had stood there for
what seemed countless ages accomodating the ever flowing tide of students
on the Hill. It was used for a resting place between classes during the
day and as a substitute for the library at night.
In the spring of '35 the heads of the institution got
together and decided that there should be a new "Spoonholder." The reason
for this was twofold; first the old one was rather antedated and was rather
dangerous, and, too, it squeaked when couples sat on it, which was very
disconerting. And, second, due to the increased enrollment it was necessary
to enlarge the "Spoonholder" to accommodate the long waiting line.
The new structure was widespread in octagonal shape with
seats around the tree and also around the outside rim. Although no one
ever saw it full, the estimated capacity was well over one hundred. It
was christened by Dr. Louis B. Saloman, who
also gave the dedicational address in chapel.
He used a bottle of milk as the christening liquid, as it was most appropriate
and most accessible.
Failure, however, was inevitable. The students didn't
patronize the new "Spoonholder" as it was anticipated, probably because
they thought it was not snug enough and it is only human to avoid large
open spaces; but the real reason behind the failure was that the god of
love had been frightened by the disturbances of his resting place. It
never clicked somehow. And now it is gone like the good old days. It was
Tennyson who said, "Old order must fade, yielding place to new, lest one
good order should corrupt the world." We have witnessed these words come
true.
Recently, because of the new classroom building [Cherry
Hall], it was imperative that the "Spoonholder" be demolished. Few realized
that when this structure was razed it was the death blow to a fading tradition.
The next generation will never know about the "Spoonholder"
unless they read the history of the Hill which is written around it. But
to us who remember the old "Spoonholder" and the traditions that surround
it, there will long remain the memory of the happy hours and the nights
not spent alone in the cradle of love.
