I’m burnt, dusty and tired. I’m willing to bet most of you are too. The day after Lumberjack is always one of my least favorite days of the year. I love Lumberjack. I love being a part of the organization that organizes it every year. Everyone in the group takes immense pride in their role in making sure everything runs as smooth as possible.
The event we now know as Lumberjack was first held in mid-1960s, when a prominent member of the six section ventured off to Amish country and found a rather run down farm. He met with the owner of the land and brokered a deal where the fraternity would come out and fix-up the property and in exchange, the old farmer allowed the boys to host a party for the entire campus on his farm. With that, the tradition was started.
Last year, we seemingly found ourselves in a similar situation. We were unable to reach an agreement with the site that housed the event in the years before. For the entire year leading up to the event, we scoured Wayne County for a plot of land that would fit the bill needed to host Lumberjack. Maps of the surrounding area were hung on walls with potential sights circled and noted. Random doors were knocked on with the hope that we could work something out. It all seemed like it was crashing down on us until the 11th hour when one of our contacts came through, and we closed a deal. Much like 50 years ago, a portion of the deal was to help out on the farm, then we could have our party.
This is where the majority of that pride is found. The work necessary to make Lumberjack happen is mostly hands on and uncomfortable. The fire is built every year by the newest pledge class. Working all week to make the fire as big and dense as possible is one of the last big projects your pledge class takes part in. Waking up the next morning and seeing your fire still going is one of the most fulfilling moments I have had here in Wooster.
This year, I found myself sitting in the seat of the president of the group hosting. I was responsible if anything catastrophic were to happen. The two weeks leading up to this past Saturday, I was a bundle of stress and anxiety, making sure the permits were in and the orders were filled. I almost began to look forward to the day after just so I could know I would be done. These emotions were all misplaced. By the day of the event, everyone was pulling their weight and the fire looked to be one of best we’ve ever had. As the night went on any issues we had were handled.
I want to thank everyone who came out and had fun. If my optimism annoys you, I am sorry, but I love seeing everyone out and hanging out together. It reminds me why I love going to a small school. This time of year, when the big state schools have their outdoor fest and I see the subsequent Instagram post and Snapchat stories, it is easy to feel like you are missing out. With Lumberjack, we get to even the score a bit. I wouldn’t trade my college experience for anything else and Lumberjack is just as big a part of that as I.S. Monday or the times I got to Line the Hill on Saturday’s behind the pipers. I love Lumberjack and I cannot wait till next year.
