Today, rolling Toomer’s Corner in toilet paper is a widely known and beloved tradition
of celebration in Auburn today. Though Toomer’s Corner has been a prevalent place for
celebration in Auburn University since at least the 1930s. It is clear that the physical act of
throwing paper in downtown Auburn at celebration is much newer.
Depictions of Auburn, Alabama and its accompanying university often include an oak
tree covered in toilet paper, among many other images. Why is this so important and unique?
Well, it stands out. Typically, in other parts of the world, a tree being wrapped in toilet paper is
considered a fun prank, because it can be very difficult and messy to clean up. It is also very
striking in color, stark against dark wood and the various shades of leaves.
What does it mean in Auburn? It means celebration. The tradition possibly stems from
ticker tape parades, because originally it wasn’t toilet paper thrown at all, but rather the paper
used in telegraph machines, known as ticker tape. Ticker-tape parades started in New York in the
early 20th century; strips of ticker tape would be thrown onto oncoming parades as they passed
by to show support for the paraders.
However, the known reason why the ticker tape is used is because Toomer’s Drugs was
the only place in town, in the 1960s, where there was a telegraph machine, and thus the only way
to know if Auburn had won an away Football game. Initially, the tape was only thrown onto the
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power lines in the square. However, in the following decades after the tradition began is when
the power lines went underground. But Auburn citizens, students, and faculty still needed a way
to celebrate their win. And thus, the tape was thrown at the Oak trees.
So when did the toilet paper start. Some people say it started after an Auburn game in the
early 1970s, although sources conflict abut which one. Many say that it started with a vulgar
paraphrased saying, “we’ll wipe our [expletive] with them”. There is some indication that the
toilet paper may have also existed within the zeitgeist of residence of Auburn Alabama because
in 1962 and Auburn professor, two Auburn students, and unaffiliated person of interest were
arrested for the stealing of toilet paper from a nearby cafe and bringing escaping back to Auburn
with their stolen goods. That theory is unconfirmed.
-Riley Nelson
