I would say it's the 1950s, given the style of dresses worn by the women. I found this picture, interestingly enough, on a web site that purports to document the history of corporal punishment. I take it this is the annual Bonfire ritual where the junior yell leaders received ax handle swats from the seniors. In the original, you could see the top of stack in the background behind the crowd, but it doesn't reproduce well here.




[This message has been edited by DualAG (edited 4/7/2006 8:06p).]

It couldn't be any earlier than 1971. The guy swinging the axe handle is wearing Nike shoes with a swoosh, which was first introduced in '71. Also, it looks like the middle of the handle says " '82 "...

Also at the end of the handle it looks like it says 1980. That looks about right for the clothes.

You guys are a lot better a photo interpretation than I am. Thanks.

Somebody wanna explain the significance of that pic to my new army self?

Ok, um...
BOHICA is the guy in front, and Rock is the guy with the handle.

BOHICA has assumed the position for recieveing "licks" or swats from an axe handle. You can see that it gives Rock the maximum target area with the handle, while minimizing any chance that Rock misses (because Rock might be drunk) and hits BOHICA in the back; causing injury.

Additionally, BOHICA has taken a very important precaution and pulled his "junk" to the front to avoid any junk-handle contact. That would just be wrong and extremely painful.

You can see from the picture that Rock is aiming and setting up the handling, so that he maximizes suspense, while making sure to hit his intended target. I've seen and experienced a few misplaced handles, and they are on my list of "bad bull." Tailbone shots, sideways handles, and leg hits are just wrong.

The point of handling? Well, I can think of 4 particular reasons:
1. Rock is BOHICA's superior (Sr./Jr. yell in this case) and Rock has done something wrong, warranting a 'handling as punishment.
2. Rock is BOHICA's superior and Rock is exersizing his right to do whatever he wants, including use BOHICA backside as an example of how aTm is going to beat the hell outta' whoever they are playing this week.
3. Rock and BOHICA are taking turns handling eachother to see who is tougher or to create stronger bonds between them. This usually involves alcohol.
4. BOHICA has just been promoted to Rock's position via election or selection and Rock is "passing (the job) down" to BOHICA. Handling, as well as other rituals/traditons are included, but are not as well publicized. It's one of those things that you'll understand if you get passed down to, but otherwise don't ask about it.

HTH!

-------------------------------------------------------
If you can read this, thank a teacher.
If you can read this in English, thank a Soldier.

Wasn't this a somewhat formalized ritual that took place on the night Bonfire burned? As I said in the initital post, the original showed the top of stack beyond the crowd in the background, but that has been obliterated as the picture has been reproduced.

I seem to remember reading about Jackie Sherrill being so impressed with the spirit of the junior yell leaders, taking licks on this occasion, that he decided to form the 12th Man Kickoff Team.

Of course, just because the article said so doesn't make it true.

Also, if this were a non-Bonfire event, would there be such a crowd in attendance on the occasions of discipline that Opie mentioned in his post?

From the hand position of the subject on the extreme left, it looks like had just received his.

[This message has been edited by DualAG (edited 4/12/2006 11:59a).]

Looks to me on the head of the handle its 1980, and on the length of it '82

DualAG, I think opie was just describing taking/giving licks in general. His #4 is most likely what is going on in that particular pic.

Um, none of this happens anymore.

Scott Coker '92

quote:

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Um, none of this happens anymore.

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Oooooookay . . . Good![/wink]

OC Bonfire got a lot of bad publicity last year for a situation that wasn't entirely its fault. It was a pretty lousy set of circumstances, in my opinion.

Nobody would want anything to happen in the future that would bring discredit upon continued attempts to keep the tradition alive.

Congratulations to all for your determination to rid the tradition of the alcohol and potentially dangerous jobsite horseplay, and your adherence to the advice of your professional engineer.


[This message has been edited by DualAG (edited 4/13/2006 7:55a).]

Is one of those guys Rick Perry? Probably not in that picture but I'm sure he was on both ends of this when he was at A&M.