November 9, 1930

November 9, 1930

Dear Folks,

This has certainly been a busy week. The bonfire was started Thursday noon, and I had to guard it that night. I had nine bonfires going all night in such places that the light would prevent anybody from creeping up. One of the fires was at the bottom of the road, and there were about ten boys there to prevent anybody but freshman to come up.  I walked from fire to fire all night long in order to be sure there were enough men at each one and enough wood.  At twelve o’clock the truck brought all the freshman girls up to refresh us with doughnuts and coffee. At six in the morning I came home, did my detail, ate breakfast went to classes, then back on the butte. About four o’clock we looked at the bonfire which was about completed, and saw it going up in smoke. We all ran to the spot, pulled off the packing box that was burning in it and found an infernal machine in it. Such luck --- the fire was saved. This machine was composed of a time clock, two batteries, a switch, and a bunch of excelsior soaked in flammable chemicals. We smothered the flame and found that the excelsior was wrapped in a Corvallis paper. That is Oregon State College for you. Well they have a bonfire next week, and I will tell you in my next letter whether a scheme that some of us freshman have will work or not.

Our home coming sign received fourth honorable mention. It was floated in the mill race. The mill race turned two paddle wheels which in turn made a bear dance up and down, a duck turn an old fashioned organ. The bear is symbolical of UCLA and the duck of course is for Oregon. The bear was attached to the organ by a chain, and both were in a football field. In the rear and out of sight we had a loud speaker. This was attached to our phonograph inside, and we played a record all night long which had nothing but street organ music on it. It was real clever. 

They wanted Bob Norton and I to go down town and get some lumber, Saturday. We took the canoe and went clear down the race to a mill and bought it. Here is where the story comes in. We tied the lumber in the shape of a raft and tried to tow it home. Boy what a time. The darn lumber acted as a rudder and took us from one side to another of the old race.

We have a holiday Tuesday, and I believe I will study most of the day.

Fletch and I went up on the heights this morning; there certainly are some beautiful homes up there.

I can’t think of much more to say except that Aunt Lil and Uncle Vic failed to call. They probably couldn’t remember the name of the Lodge.

Say hello to the Grandfolks and take good care of yourselves.

Love, George