During the 6 years that I’ve spent around campus, I’ve heard some crazy things. Some that can be verified by credible sources and others that are sure to myths built on pure speculation. That being said, future generations of Boilermakers need to keep the stories and mysteries alive to maintain a part of Purdue tradition. Here are a few of my favorites:
1. “We’re going streaking through the Quad!” – Nowadays, the “Nearly Naked Mile” is merely a fundraising event, in which scantily clad coeds take a brisk jog to raise money. However, this event stems from what used to be called the “nude olympics”, during which hundreds of brave colleges students would gather on what was expected to be the coldest day of the year to strut their stuff in their birthday suits and literally go streaking through Cary Quad. Word would spread like wildfire in the hours before the event and viewers would come from around campus to see the spectacle.
2. There’s an active nuclear reactor underneath campus. Some suspect that the mere presence of the device is enough to land Purdue on several government protection lists. Interestingly enough, rumor has it that the reactor only gives off enough power to turn on a few street lights. Others say that due to missing components, it is no longer functional.
3. A building most students have never heard of, Michael Golden Labs, houses a very particular unfinished basement. The odd design forms a system of catacombs in which several areas are only discoverable if you actually know where you’re going. It’s rumored that the hallways have been used to help several important speakers, including the president, escape unwanted crowds during hostile times at Purdue.
4. While Purdue is known to be a rather conservative school, it is also one of the leading universities when it comes to researching the use of recreational drugs. But that’s not all. Apparently there are large facilities on campus that grow marijuana for research purposes, including the creation of something similar to a breathalyzer that tests for THC. Purdue also dabbles rather heavily in hallucinogen studies, including LSD.
5. We’re potentially a safe haven for the President of the United States. Word on the street is that there’s a bunker hidden somewhere on campus, some speculate that it is under Hick’s library. Others report seeing Homeland Security and unmarked cars speeding down campus streets late at night. It would make sense for Purdue to house a bunker, as Purdue has a very capable airport, an active military program, and is geographically close, but not too close, to major cities like Chicago and Indianapolis.
6. Purdue is a backup for NASA. In the event that their computers are having problems or the country is experiencing a natural disaster, it’s said that Purdue is one of the location responsible for protecting their information. This comes as no surprise as Purdue has close ties with the astronaut program, as well as the university’s long-term dominance in super computer research.
7. The dining court food gets even better. It’s been here for a long time, but not many students know about it. The All-American dining court lies underneath Cary Quad and offers choices like lobster, steaks, and other high-priced meals on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the only students able to eat at this buffet style dining court are athletes and the people who work there. Every once and awhile, they’ll have an open night for a special occasion, like Valentine’s Day, but I wouldn’t hold your breath.
8. The 17 steps leading up to Haas Hall symbolize the 17 people who died during a train wreck in 1903, including 14 football players. Headed to the Indiana/Purdue rivalry game, the train collided with coal cars parked on the tracks. Upon realizing the mistake he had made, the operator fled the scene, never to be seen again.
9. John Purdue is buried on campus. Well, he was buried on campus. Oddly enough, after big wins it is rumored that crazy fans would try to dig up his body in celebration to let his corpse party with them. As a result, it is said that his body has either been moved to a safer location or is lost with time. His grave is still located on the “Hello Walk” looking onto the fountain, if you want to check it out.
10. Ross-Ade stadium has specially designed uprights to prevent them from being knocked out of the ground. However, it’s not because of the crazy Midwest weather like you might expect. During the 1960s, football fans would celebrate victories by ripping up the goalposts and carrying them down to the Wabash, where they would be tossed into the River and sent downstream.
Bonus:
11. John Purdue has treasure buried on campus.
12. The Bell Tower’s 4 is IIII instead of Roman numeral IV to avoid referencing Indiana University (IU).
13. The original Oaken Bucket was ordered from Sears, until it was replaced by Ernest and Huddle with an actual Oaken Bucket.
14. Purdue used to have many more underground tunnels before they were sealed off. Allegedly a sealed tunnel connects Phi Delts to Harry’s.
15. The pineapple structures around the engineering mall represent Purdue’s friendship with the University of Illinois, thanking them for their light work on the fountain.
16. Trees sprouted in space can be found around campus, including Pickett Park.
While many of these items are merely rumors or myths, passed down from Boilermaker to Boilermaker throughout the years, it’s an important part of Purdue tradition that these tales continue to be told.
Off the Golden Tracks 