Considering the Past: Topics in M.C. History

In 1925, because the city's water supply system did not have enough pressure to furnish Meredith College’s new campus on the outskirts of town, Meredith College built its own water tower behind the dining hall. Shortly thereafter, at least according to a 1949 Twig article looking back, Wake Forest "stole the march" on NCSU and painted the water tower with the numbers of the Sophomore Class - although according to President Charles Brewer, the State men had already asked permission (and had apparently received it.)  So there was a compromise, with two sets of numbers, one in red and white, the other in gold and black, one on either side. 

A 1952 Twig newspaper article dated the practice from 1932, when the pranking school would paint its name on the tower, "advertis(ing) to the general public which neighboring boy's college is presently interested in the angels of Angel Farm." The writer opined that the graffiti had continued as it was a "flattering and beautifying custom." In 1934, painting the tower was explicitly linked with “Soph Day Off” during which the Wake Forest or State men painted the sophomore’s class year numbers, after which they attended an evening party hosted by the sophomore class.

Thereafter college men in competition with their rivals painted the water tower annually with class numbers, with nearby school names or with the nickname, “Angel Farm.”  

While the newspaper discreetly does not reveal the year, a 1937 review of the Crook Hunt tradition reveals that it was the hiding place of choice for at least one class - a likely reason for the increasing number of rules regarding this hide and seek tradition. 

During the early 1950s’, Phyllis Cunningham, the apparently game instructor in the Department of Physical Education, would climb the tower as part of Astro’s and Phi’s “Decision Day” celebrations to the astonishment and delight of the students. 

After a new water tank was installed "on the other side of the fairgrounds," the campus water tower was taken down in February 1963. The loss of the tower removed a familiar, if not necessarily loved, landmark from campus.