The Full Story

Historical Mentions

Here is where you can find the countless Branding Iron Newspaper articles₃ with mentions of our Peanut Pond. Click on each to be taken to the full scan.

"Frosh Are Given Warm Reception"

October 6, 1926

Here is the earliest mention of the pond I've found that is certainly what becomes known as "Peanut Pond". It is associated with orientation, which becomes a traditional and critical use of it.

"After the bouts everyone left the gym.. a few Sophs and Frosh adjourning to the pond to do a little mid-night bathing. Although some of it was reported to be involuntary, that little matter didn't seem to detract from the fun of the occasion."

"Frosh Duck Sophs in 'Peanut'"

April 27, 1927

The next year we have the addition of the moniker "Peanut" associated with the small body of water the student body has claimed for use, especially in fun-hearted rivalry.

"Last fall sophomores threw freshmen in the pond southeast of Old Main. Monday the freshman thoroughly soused the sophomores in the "Peanut" University irrigation reservoir, as their part of the Arbor Day program.

"Frosh Expected to Uphold Traditions"

September 16, 1931

Peanut Pond, by this time, has become an important and recognized part of the traditions of UWyo at this point in time. This is one of those cases of it being used to uphold tradition... albeit in a cheeky way.

"Now that the usual crop of frosh has arrived it is time to call their attention to the importance of Wyoming traditions. . . Of course the freshmen rebel at these restrictions but the peanut pond provides a haven for cool reconsideration."

"Four-Year Old Son of Summer Student Drowned on Friday"

July 20, 1934

In a tragic turn of events, an unsupervised young boy drowned in the pond in the 1930's. I do not find another mention of how this affected the use of the pond until the 1960's when it is used in argument for its removal.

"Just how he reached the pond is uncertain. In going from his home to campus he had to walk several blocks, and cross Grand Avenue in the thick of the afternoon traffic."

"Irrigation System Transforms Western Plains into Oasis"

December 12, 1940

Bill Shutts explains the way the ponds on UWyo campus completely elevate the space, doing just as they were intended: beautifying.

"The football field, the practice field, south of the gymnasium, the expanse of lawn between the Men's Hall and the engineering building, and finally the "open range" have been reached by the new system."

"Student Senate Wades into Peanut Pond Controversy"

May 18, 1962

This is a report made by Kathy Karpan detailing the arguments for the removal of the pond.

"The Peanut Pond is a beautiful and traditional part of the landscaping of our campus. And so the arguments raged, until the Senate decided to take definite steps for the removal of our pond."

"UW Suffers "Growing Pains"?"

September 21, 1962

With the removal of the pond, Kathy Karpan is back to illuminate the reactions of alumni and students alike in this article about changes to campus.

"Re-living UW traditional outings may soon come under the catagory of ancient western folklore if the Cowboy schoold continues its trend of de-emphasizing established customs. . . In view of the fact the peanut pond is now interred under neat transplanted grass, continuing the annual freshman-vs-sophomore tug-a-war would present quite a challenge."