100 years ago: Hazing of freshmen begins

From the Lawrence Daily World for Oct. 2, 1909: The art exhibit at the university is now open and features many pictures by well-known artists, some local. It is one of the finest exhibits the university has ever had and it will last only for three weeks. . . . More and more of our old settlers are dying and it is hoped that efforts are being made to get more old-timers to talk about their lives for the benefit of our history archives. . . . As a result of a shirt-tail parade and jollification at Baldwin last Saturday, warrants were sworn out today for the arrests of seven Baker University students. Ringleaders of the disturbance will have to pay $20. Public and private property were destroyed and they will be expected to compensate for that. . . . Terror reigned among some freshmen at the university last night. The first hazing stunts of the year were being pulled off and many freshmen began scurrying for hiding places. Some who were caught were forced to get into the pond that surrounds the fountain in South Park. They were soaked, then they had to crawl on their hands and knees to get out. Then they were given paddles and had to paddle each other. So far, no reports of serious injuries.