Myths and Legends of Wake Forest University
| | The Magnolias
The story goes that one day on the old campus, a professor was walking down a path and heard and saw a rustle in the leaves of one of the grand old magnolia trees that cover the campus. The trees naturally grow all the way to the ground, so there was no way of telling what was inside without parting the branches. Upon doing so, the professor let out a sigh of relief when he found a young college man and a co-ed necking on a bench inside of the tree. "Thank God!" the professor exclaimed, "I thought you might have been dancing!" You'll notice today that most of the magnolia trees' lower limbs on the Reynolda Campus are cut off. No more hiding in there! The Tunnels
It is true that when the Reynolda Campus was built in the 1950s, underground tunnels connecting many of the buildings were installed. In fact, they say there used to be maps of the tunnels in the library, but they have long since gone missing. The tunnels are officially closed off now since they harbor many of Facilities Management's pipes and wiring. But legend has it, if you look hard enough, you might find an open gate or hatch that still leads into these infamous hidden halls. Note: Unauthorized access of the tunnels will result in an immediate response by the Judicial Office. The Mag Quad Command Center
The only way you could prove it's true is to dig a big hole in the Mag Quad, but legend has it that along with the tunnels, a command center for the United States' most important personnel was hidden deep underground between the academic buildings. The Tribble Hall Basement
Walk down C-wing stairwell to the basement level of Tribble Hall. In the center of the door you'll find a square of metal bolted over what used to be a hole for a gun barrel. The whole basement is a nuclear fallout shelter. Streaking the Quad
As far as we know, it's been an unwritten rule that before a student graduates from Wake Forest, he or she must streak the main Quad. In polite society many may deny they ever did, but in all honesty, there are a few here who didn't have at least one wild night beneath the elms. Many alumni from the '70s will remember the infamous great streak of 1974, when the whole college ran onto the Quad, naked as all get out, following the lead of four co-eds wearing nothing but paper bags on their heads. |
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