Considering the Past: Topics in M.C. History

Three members of the Class of 1970 — Betty King, Ayn Sullivan, and Peggy Timmerman— founded the Bathtub Ring” singing group in the spring of 1968. Their first performance was at the Philaretian Luau during Rush Week – an annual event during which students chose between the two campus societies. At the time, the group was seen as both a mild rebellion against and an honoring of Meredith traditions.  Originally, the members were nicknamed Zeke, Rufus, Otis, Ralph and Ethel Sue, and dressed in “hillbilly” attire (overalls, bandanas and straw hats.) They developed a repertoire of favorite songs, including “Cigarettes and Whisky and Wild, Wild Women” and “Mountain Dew.” As the Class of 1970 prepared to graduate, members of the group passed on the title to a new group from the Class of 1972 and a tradition was born. Membership is by audition, and selections are made by the graduating members of the “Ring” from students who are members of even-year classes. Now, for over 50 years, The Bathtub Ring has been a favorite participant at Cornhuskin’ and other on- and off-campus events.