Editor’s Note: these blurbs are from a recent string of emails trying to unravel the mystery of the unfortunate disrobing of one or two pledge brothers on the party bus taking us and our dates to the Fiji Island party. Fortunately no known photographs exist.
{Wobs} Bill’s account has the ring of authenticity. So does Marden’s most recent expose.
I too recall the double moon rise, now that Bill mentions it. Some people on campus who witnessed that terrible sight are still in treatment.
As for me, I was astounded to learn the next day that someone had actually put *alcohol* in the fruit punch in my jug. (I believe a number of us are fortunate that cell phones with cameras had not yet been invented.)
As to aging badly, many people think of me as a Cary Grant lookalike, except much better built. They don’t say it, of course, but I know that’s what they are thinking. {Editor’s note: Of course if Cary Grant was still alive he would be 115. Not sure that looking as good as a 115 year old actor gives Wobs major bragging rights}
{Trull} Guys,
Like John, I was going to stay out of this “discussion”, but I do recall some of the antics of the Fiji Island on the bus our freshman year. Maurice was stripped of his 1 yard loin cloth and yes believed that was all you could wear. Yes, Lu S was shocked to say the least, but John assured her it was only an accident. But then at least 2 brothers decided to moon the campus (I think Mitchell and Maurice) out the window. Again, John assured Lu it was just a one time prank. Once at the island, things really started to rock. Lu told me later that this must be the animal house her dad had warned her about.
{Haase} Don’t recall being appointed the class historian but I can help you out with the Lu S story. Recall that preparing for Fiji Island was as festive as the party. Moss and I were assembling our attire and beverages (copiously sampling the latter) when he asked what I was wearing under my frock. “Nothing” I replied – he conformed. Lu was my date siting on my lap inches away from Moss’ “accident”. Time stood still. I can still see that wiggly little thing waving at Lu. It was the beginning of my many failed romantic relationships.
{Martin} Also, I think Haase had a date with Lu, didn’t he? (Great idea—bring vice-chancellor’s daughter to Fiji Island Party = Social Probation!) I’ll get him in on this question.
{Marden} John has convinced me that Lu was double-teamed. I’m still sure that someone pulled the pin on Moss’s sarong.
{Martin} OK, I was trying to stay out of this, but I have to go with Clev on this one. I think Little Mitch was under the impression that the Fiji Island style required that there be nothing under the loin cloth or whatever the hell it was. Then he reached up and grabbed ahold of the luggage rack/top sides of the bus and swung his legs up to catch them as well. So he was hanging by his hands and feet, with the loin cloth falling open right in front of Lu’s face. I’m sure she was never the same after that. No offense to our beloved Maurice, but I don’t think he could have pulled that trick off.
Now mind you, I was in the back of the bus reading my bible at the time, so I didn’t really see any of it. Hearsay, as they call it in the law business.
{Marden} Guess we’ve rightly absolved Maurice of any responsibility for the flashing incident since he was the victim of the disrobing - as I recall without any awareness on his part (or parts). My main memory of the incident is that Wobs immediately doubled his intake of purple passion in an unsuccessful effort to wipe the image from his memory. Not trying to plant any seeds for the reunion dinner, but Corbin is only a block from the Oread hotel … . just saying’.
{Wobs} I was thinking that Little Mitch lost his clothes as well. Am I wrong? (My recollection is hazy after all these years, although it was probably equally hazy the next morning)
{Maloney) It was the Moss and my main recollection is the horror on Lu S’s face; it was hysterical! I also think a number of us ended up in the Chi Omega fountain that night.
