Rich in tradition, Auburn University offers a number of beloved celebratory rituals—the most famous of which is rolling Toomer’s Corner. Many of us cherish memories of draping the Toomer’s oaks in toilet paper after an exciting Auburn win. However, a smaller amount of Tiger fans know just how this fun practice came to be. Well, here’s a look at its history!
Origins
First came Toomer’s Drugs. This town staple came to be back in 1896. From the beginning, the store has remained tied to Auburn football. After all, its founder, “Shel” Toomer, was even on the team! As the years went by, Toomer’s Drugs became more and more essential to the fabric of the town, establishing its place as an important destination.
Ticker Tape to TP
Though we now enjoy rolling Toomer’s Corner with TP, it wasn’t always the tool of choice. Instead, celebrators used ticker tape! Plus, instead of rolling the oaks, people rolled telegraph lines. Times sure have changed since then. As the years went by, technology and post-game rituals began to evolve, bringing us to the iconic method that we practice today.
Rolling as We Know It
In 1972, Auburn was engaged in a game with its biggest rival: Alabama. Ultimately, the Tigers defeated the Crimson Tide, which had enjoyed a flawless season until that upset.
As it turns out, the choice of TP was born in reference to a comment by player Terry Henley. He declared that during the game, Auburn would do something daring: kicking the “number two” out of their rival. Once his promise came true, the tradition of rolling Toomer’s Corner began.
The Aftermath of Poisoned Oaks
Unfortunately, decades later, Auburn’s treasured oaks were poisoned. However, like the drugstore where these trees grew, fans took their lemons and made them into lemonade. Though they could no longer roll the oaks, they rolled cables over the area, waiting until the new oaks could sustain the weight of a whole town’s worth of TP. Despite what could have been a tradition-ending setback, Auburn is still growing strong, embodying the spirit of the Loveliest Village on the Plains.
Conclusion
While the ritual of rolling Toomer’s Corner has change drastically over the years, it still enjoys a popular spot in the annals of football fame. Now that the season has started again, get ready to see downtown Auburn draped in white!
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