Senior Class Day Tree Gone--Traditional Exercises to be Maintained in Spite of Loss of Ancient Symbol

For the last 12 years the traditional Senior "Class Day Tree" exercises have been held around the gaunt and rotting stump of the historic "Class Day Tree." This year, however, the class of 1924 will pay its respects only to the memory of the old tree; the tree itself will not be there. It was cut down last fall.

A statement yesterday by K. S. Paffmann '24 revealed the fact that, even in the absence of the central feature of the proceedings, the "Tree" exercises will again take place in the quadrangle between Harvard Hall, Hollis Hall, and Holden Chapel.

Further inquiry by a CRIMSON reporter elicited the reason for this action, and in addition the history of the famous "Class Day Tree" traditions, whose roots go even deeper than the witness of surviving records.

The presence of the tree, either in body or spirit, is not essential to the exercises as they are now conducted. What is essential is privacy and the quadrangle still affords that. The exercises are the last opportunity of the class to assemble alone. The remarks of the Tree orator require that on that occasion no visitors be present.

Mr. W. O. Lane, librarian of the Widerer Library and author of "The Official Guide Book to Harvard University" explained the recent development of the exercises.

Beginning at an unknown date, he explained, the entire Class Day exercises were held about the tree. At that time seats were erected about the tree and visitors and class members alike were present. In 1898, however, when the space had become too crowded, all of the exercises, but the private ceremonies, were moved over to the Delta and held about the John Harvard Statue. They continued there until 1904, when the present Stadium exercises were inaugurated.