Peanut Pond
University of Wyoming's
Peanut Pond
1926
Now it no longer exists and is probably hardly ever heard of, but Peanut Pond was a place for not just the students of the university, but the communityâ‚‚, to gather in the early 20th century.
Here is an example of the annual game of Tug-of-Warâ‚… played by the Freshman and Sophomores of UWYO, a tradition since the pond's conception that had to disappear with its deconstruction.
1962
"Peanut Pond" was an irrigation reservoir on the campus of the University of Wyoming, affectionately given its name by students.
Made For Practicality
A Site of Tradition
"Peanut Pond" is a piece of the University of Wyoming's history that now feels completely erased. There is no indication to students or passerby's that it even exists: it is a site of grass and paths between buildings, a place only to pass through.
The name may feel unserious, but "Peanut Pond" was a place of community and gathering, a marker for change and annual events, even the site of some controversy and tragedy while it was in existence.
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Countless newspapers from the decades that it existed have casual mentions and references to the pond. There is everything from it being a reference point for the meeting or placement of something else, to being the focal point of an article because students are warning each other about using it as a dunking spot in jest.
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Though there were years of the pond being a place that collected swimmers and sun-bathers and children in the summer time, and it marking the start of each new school year, the pond was not always regarded with respect or affection.
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There were people, in the end, actively fighting to remove "Peanut Pond" for a few reasons, but the most tragic was the drowning of a young child.
Remembering Peanut Pond
Take a momentâ‚„ to place yourself within the arid landscape of the early years of the University of Wyoming. . . Now imagine what an endearing little pond invites within its acreage.