The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-05-20
TOSS Gaps
into HUGE FIRE
Impressive Ceremonies in Sleepy
Hollow Mark Their Advance To
Second Year in u. of N.

ANN ARBOR, Mich, May 90
Something like 1000 freshmen Of the
University of Michigan, last evening.
laid aside the badge OF the first-year
men. when cap night" was celebrat-
ed, and from this time on they will
be treated as human beings by the
lordly sophs. and can begin laying
their plans to make miserable the
lives Of the members Of the freshmen
class Of 1912.
When the happy freshmen tossed
their little gray caps into the big bon
fire, In Sleepy Hollow last night, they
breathed a sigh of relief, as from that
time on they will no longer be mark
ed as freshies, legitimate prey OF
the second year men. Cap night Is dis
ttnctly Michigan event. II was orig
mated here several years ago, and
each year II Is witnessed by thousands
Of people who perch upon the hills
surrounding Sleepy Hollow to hear
the speeches. songs, yells and music
of the varsity band, as well as to wit
ness the youngsters trot around the
fire and toss their caps into the Nblaze.
Last nights event was the biggest
celebration Of the sort ever held, ow-
ing to the kindness of the weather
man. who provided the proper sort OF
weather for the spectators. In past
years the event has always come on
q night when an overcoat was an es-
sential, and spectators were compell-
ed to move around to keep from freez-
ing. But last night conditions were
ideal, and the townspeople. students
and visitors took advantage Of the
fact. The hill upon which the obser-
vatory Is perched was black with
spectators, and every tree held its
complement of youngsters, determined
TO get good view of the spectacular
event. &
The students assembled at the cam
pus at $50 and began the parade to
Sleepy Hollow, the Juniors leading,
followed by the sophomores, and the
freshmen, bringing up the rear. or
course, the grave old seniors" are
too sedate to do anything more than
to preside over the festivities. or to
watch the event from among the
spectators.
Ralph Block was master OF eefe-
monies, and resplendent in cap and
gown, introduced the speakers OF the
evening. Herbert Goetz led the cheer
ing, and between every speech, and
as often opportunity offered cheers
were given with will by the students.
The famous Michigan locomotive"
and siren" were naturally the favor
ties, and there are many sore throats
and hoarse voices in this college town
this morning.
Prof. r. Wenley was the first speaker
and his address was full Of good ad-
vice to the youngsters upon whose
shoulders will fall the task of welcom-
ing properly the class Of 1912. He was
followed by Fred Lawton. one Of the
authors Of "The Crimson Chest"
latest opera, and q popular
senior, Prof. Bradley NJ. Thompson, of
the law faculty, Dean John 0. Reed,
OF the literary department, Prof
Claud Van Tyne of the literary de-
partment and Hap" Haskins..
Following the speeches the fresh
men were marshaled into line and
then began the dance around the bon
fire. As each man passed he tossed
into the bonfire the gray cap he had
worn all during his freshman year,
and from which the button had been
carefully cut for presentation to the
girl of his choice. When the last
had contributed his cap to
the fire the freshmen formed for
snake dance up Huron street to the
Arrived there cheers for ev-
erybody of any importance from Prexy
Angel down were given and the
crowd gradually dispersed.
Among the interested spectators
were a couple Of hundred high school
athletes here for the fnterscholastic.
many of whom will some day march
around q bonfire In the same spot, and
they were much impressed with the
ceremony.