FROM LAST TIME

Circus in Saratoga?



Susan Ferber ’78 recognizes President Joe Palamountain and trustee George Colton at a groundbreaking ceremony, but that’s as far as she can get. She allows, “I don’t know what the elephant is doing there, other than goosing Joe, who always knew how to take advantage of a photo op.”

In fact, the groundbreaking was for the Convertible Classroom Building (designed to be adaptable as classroom, office, or dormitory space), which later became Harder Hall. That same day something of a circus was on campus for Spring Fling, and, as Lynn Doe Shipway ’70 recalls (she was secretary of the college at the time), “We thought it would be huge fun if the elephant joined us at the groundbreaking. It did, after a long, circuitous journey: elephants don’t fit under the covered walkways on campus.” And once arrived, she adds, “where does an elephant stand at a groundbreaking? Anywhere it wishes!

It did move around a bit as the event progressed…hence George’s backward glance and Joe’s smile. This photo was one of my favorites from my Skidmore years and was always on a shelf in my office.”

As for the when, Shipway points out, “The pin that Joe
Palamountain is wearing dates the picture to 1984–85. ‘Strive ’85’ was the fundraising slogan for the class of 1985 senior gift.”