PSU’s traditional ‘Apple Day’ celebration takes on new looks over the years

Looking back over the long history of Pittsburg State University, University Archivist Randy Roberts can understand where some of the institution’s historic tales could have been tweaked a bit as they were passed down over the years.

But when recounting the history of Apple Day, there’s one thing of which he’s certain: the founders of PSU were some pretty determined men, even if it meant getting in a little trouble now and then.

Of course, the penalty they had to pay – in the form of fresh apples – did help establish one of the university’s oldest and most beloved traditions. Back in 1907, a small delegation from the Pittsburg area lobbied the state legislature to give the newly established university an appropriation that would pay for the construction of the school’s first building. But one of the delegate members, Pittsburg mayor Clarence Price, apparently broke the rules by not exiting the floor before the session began (in some versions of the story, it was the namesake of Russ Hall, R.S. Russ, who performed the gaffe).
 
The legislators good-naturedly fined the Pittsburg delegation a barrel of apples before awarding them the appropriation. And when the men returned to Pittsburg, the students were so amused by the story that they decided university administrators who had missed work and class in order to lobby in Topeka should have to pay the same fine.

It seems some traditions have staying power. Every spring at the Apple Day convocation, PSU students are still given apples by the Faculty Association as a sign of remembering the roots of the university and the story of how it came to be.

“When the delegates got back, there was a huge celebration because the appropriation really established the school,” Roberts said. “Students marched from the old school (Central High School in downtown Pittsburg) to today’s campus, which was a cornfield at the time. In those days, students were penalized for truancy and absenteeism, so since the delegates missed class to go to Topeka, the students thought it was only fair.”

Over the 102 years since it began, Apple Day has changed from picnics and dances to crowning Kings and Queens to featuring inspiring guest speakers. The spirit of celebration, however, remains the same. Edith Lawellin (featured on the banner) was named Apple Day Queen in 1952 alongside her now-husband Duane, who was named King. The couple visited the PSU campus for Apple Day a few years ago, and were surprised at how the celebration has changed.

“They were quite different back then,” she said. “There was dancing and a big program, and everyone would go to the lake and fry hot dogs and have a picnic. Being crowned King and Queen is a wonderful memory for us. The whole school came out back then.”

Organizers are hoping this year’s ceremony draws a big crowd, as well. The 2008 Apple Day convocation will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, in McCray Auditorium. The day will be commemorated with Outstanding Faculty Awards for three faculty members, as well as the recognition of the Ralf J. Thomas Distinguished Service Award winners. The Golden Gorilla Awards, which are given to students for their academic accomplishments and service involvement, will also be announced.

This year’s Apple Day theme is “One Gorilla Makes a Difference,” with guest speaker Maggie Fleming (BA ’01). During convocation week, Campus Activities will distribute information on different area agencies that can use student volunteers. Students will also have a chance to register to vote during Monday’s Apple Dessert Contest (11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Overman Student Center) and during Thursday’s celebration.

“Apple Day has kind of transformed over the years, but we’re encouraging student involvement,” Roberts said. “We want today’s students to have good memories of it, as well.”

---Pitt State---