Colleges provide their own traditions

When it comes to having fun the residential college way, there is only one rule: different strokes for different folks. From 'Hounies to Morsels to Sillimanders, the denizens of Yale's residential colleges each have their own definition of a good time.

Of course, there are standard social events, like screw-your-roommate dances, semi-formal balls, Naples nights, theme dinners, and springtime cookouts. Every college has 'em, but each with its own sassy style, distinctive atmosphere, and special flavor. Above and beyond these general amusements, each college also has its own unique diversions.

Berkeley

Berkeley's annual streak across Old Campus during Bulldog Days is always a well-attended event. Sporting their birthday suits, a few Berkeleyites fight gawking crowds as they make haste from Vanderbilt to their home turf.

CARL BIALIK/YH Jonathan Edwards Master Gary Haller (left) and Pierson Master Harvey Goldblatt, GRD '77, Jell-O wrestle for college pride.

If you're looking to get "lei'd," check out Berkeley's Luau, a Hawaiian-themed party held yearly in the Berkeley courtyard.

And for Berkeley seniors, there's the "Night of Your Life." All seniors are paired off, given $20 per couple, and sent on a night of economical adventure on Yale's tab.

Branford

Held toward the end of September is Branford Independence Day. On this self-declared and self-centered holiday, Branford students assert their independence from Yale proper. Teams of Branford students compete against each other in different events like a slip 'n' slide and a three-legged race. Students who aren't in a competitive mood can jump on a moonbounce, eat some barbecued food, and listen to a student band.

Branford students are always careful to avoid the stone seal in the Great Courtyard. Superstition has it that stepping on the seal brings extremely bad luck.

Calhoun

'Hounies party at Hounfest, an all-day celebration held on the last day of classes. Each year the theme changes; last year's was "Nightmare on Elm Street: Part 'Houn."

Trolley Day, a tradition introduced by Master William Sledge, finds its meaning and its name in the classic, but obsolete, transportation system. For 'Hounies, however, the celebration has a dual purpose; it's also known unofficially as Calhoun Hook-up Night. Some say that every night is Calhoun Hook-up Night, because 'Hounies tend to stick to themselves. That explains the condom-infested sauna in the college.

Davenport

Davenport's era of choice is the '70s, as exemplified by Davenfunk, the yearly bell-bottom and platform extravaganza that pays homage to the Bee Gees, ABBA, and all the rest. If you're looking for garish Brady-esque styles and true disco fever, this is where you want to be.

Come spring, John Davenport Day celebrates the man behind the myth with burgers, Yale bands, and outdoor entertainment galore. If it's sunny outside and you're looking for some good, old-fashioned, velcro-sticking, moonbounce-jumping fun, head to Davenport.

Ezra Stiles

In conjunction with Morse, Stiles hosts Casino Night, ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the country's best college campus parties. At Casino Night, you can waltz among the slinky sequined gowns and sharp tuxedoes, then head next door for a cigar and a round of blackjack.

In February, Stilesians take part in a week-long Arts Festival, including Cabaret Night, Film Night, and a student art exhibit in the Master's House. Student musical acts open and close the festivities.

FILE PHOTO Berkeleyites bare all in their annual streak across Old Campus during pre-frosh days.

Jonathan Edwards

While most singing groups strive for excellence, the mock a cappella "Men of JE" strive only to make noise. Women joined the prankster group for the first time three years ago, but the name remains the same.

JEers are a tight and often exclusive bunch. The annual Spider Ball is a JE-only (and guest) black-tie dance in the spring that resembles a high school prom.

But even the closest family has its little spats. "Wet Monday," an annual college-wide water war on the Monday after Easter, lets JE residents take their good-natured frustrations out on each other with Supersoaker water guns and water-laden buckets.

Morse

Two years ago, Morse frosh, with the help of their freshman counselors, got their hands on a projection spotlight and put an ax-shaped cutout on it. On any given night after the December "Unveiling," look for the huge Batman-like Ax shining on the Old Campus lawn from Welch, a testament to Morsels' fierce loyalty to their peanut-brittle-walled college.

While Casino Night is the most publicized and well attended Morse party, Morsels often flock to the "Sexplex" for less extravagent, but equally enjoyable, get-togethers.

Pierson

When midweek blues start to settle in, head to Pierson, home of TNC (Tuesday Night Club). The famous weekly lower-courtyard kegger always promises good company and a welcome break in the midst of hellish studying.

These smaller soirées pale in comparison to the Halloween debauchery of the Pierson Inferno. Although most of the revelers wear costumes, clothing is certainly not a necessity.

Recently, WYBC has held a MusicFest in the Pierson courtyard prior to Spring Fling, featuring up-and-coming musical acts. Once classes end, the courtyard also turns quite festive for Pierson Day with cookouts and music. One highlight is the Jell-O wrestling contest, and even Master Harvey Goldblatt, GRD '77, has been known to join in the fray.

Saybrook

For many years, at the end of the third quarter of every home football game, the Yale Precision Marching Band used to play "The Stripper" to coincide with the Saybrugians' tradition of the Saybrook Strip. Even though the band is now forbidden from continuing the tradition, come wind, rain, or hail, dedicated students still shed clothing for their college, and a few take it all off for the Yale-Harvard game.

Saye and Sele Day, Saybrook's own springtime carnival, abounds with craziness. With an outdoor picnic, Jell-O wrestling, and more, SY's two courtyards are jumping. A nighttime dance in the stone courtyard caps off the festivities.

COURTESY YALE BANNER TD's annual Exotic Erotic dance brings out the kinky side in everyone.

Silliman

To welcome frosh into Silliman's close-knit community, the college holds "Frosh Olympics" during the first week of school. Sillifrosh get a chance to show their skills in events like the water balloon toss or the relay race. Silliman Dean Hugh Flick welcomes freshmen in style, wearing only a Greek toga.

Then there's Silliman's annual Safety Dance. This wild night of '80s music is one of the only times you can wear blue eye shadow, a denim mini-skirt, a hot pink tank top and leg warmers without totally forfeiting your social standing.

The spring season provides more celebration. A few years back, Rich Marshall, SM '96, decided he wanted to have a courtyard party. The result? "Richfest" is an annual carnival during reading week, complete with a moon bounce and sno-cones.

Timothy Dwight

When people think TD, they think naked. Why? Two words: Exotic Erotic. This annual party makes the walk to TD well worth your while. As far as the dress code is considered, the Exotic Erotic admissions officers have a rule: "the more risqué, the less you pay." Complete nudity gets you into the party for free; fully clothed is only four dollars. Anything in-between is up to the TD judges at the door.

On a tamer note, near the beginning of the year, all TD frosh and a handful of seniors trek to a TD alum's rustic abode in upstate New York, known affectionately as "Llamaland" for the pen of llamas next to the outdoor pool. The trip gives frosh a chance to bond with fellow TDers.

Trumbull

In an effort to be as "Bullish" as possible, Trumbull's celebrates Pamplona Day each April. Students participate in numerous sports and activities and chow down on food from the barbeque. Trumbull students also take part in "Rumble in Trumbull," an evening highlighted by a wrestling match between the Dean and the Master.

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