So here we are: another fall quarter passed with a long cold winter ahead. So warm your hands by a blazing fire and swap stories about ye olde universitie – to spit some Scarlet and Gray tales with much embellishment. Ohio State is overflowing with stretches of the truth and folklore. What is the truth, what is embellished and what is a downright lie? You know that one about getting straight A’s when your roommate dies? That actually originated right here and the legend spread nationwide. For the duration of the quarter you will read legends about Ohio State every week, and it will be up to you to determine for yourself what is true and what is a tall tale. Think you’re smart? Try these on for size.
“Pavlov’s Reflex and The Salivating Misteak” – Townshend Hall, the physical home to the department of psychology, is named after Peter Townshend, a former great psychologist at Ohio State, spending most of his life advancing the field with his countless experiments and research in cognitive psychology within both genders. Legend has it Townshend once conducted an experiment to demonstrate Pavlov’s reflex on classical conditioning. It is said that after he conditioned the dog with ringing a bell while showing it a juicy and meaty steak, Townshend himself began salivating at the ringing of the bell instead of the dog. He then ended the experiment in shame, shocking all who watched. He vowed never to demonstrate the experiment again.
“Long Lost Tunnel” – Most OSU students are aware of the service tunnels that travel under the Oval and all over campus. These service tunnels contain the steam pipes, electrical and networking cables vital to the inner workings of the university. However, legend has it that there is actually a larger tunnel that travels under the Oval from Bricker Hall all the way over to the Faculty Club, supposedly reserved only for the University President and other esteemed faculty who are on the “Tunnel List.” The entrance is said to be located in the basement, accessible only by elevator. The tunnel, still in use today, has yet to be seen by any student, save a few investigative reporters.
“Don’t Drink the Water” – Mirror Lake was the original source of drinking water for the university, and in fact was one of the major factors in deciding where to locate Ohio State. The waters of Neil Run, which fed the lake, were used to run a nearby mill in the 1870s. After Neil Run dried up, a spring was used to fill the void. Later, after the spring went dry, a well was used to pump water into the lake. The lake today serves as a place of reflection, and as a bathtub during Michigan week, cleansing all who ritualistically run like lemmings to cleanse themselves to show their dedication and sacrifice to the football gods. However, legend has it that for years the well has been dried up, and the university now fills the lake with water pumped up from the Olentangy River. Those questioned on this matter refused to comment, saying controversy need not be an issue in this case.
Josh Coyle is a junior in industrial design and can be reached for comment at [email protected]. “Ohio State lies, legends and lore” is a repeating series appearing on Thursdays.
