By Lizethe Martinez, Rutgers sophomore
Rutgers University is known for its school spirit — from football stadiums bursting with red to alumni proudly displaying RU memorabilia on clothes, cars, and in homes across the world. But Rutgers is less known for its school spirits, though many claim that it’s full of those, too, haunted by the ghosts of forlorn lovers, dedicated workers, and every oddity in between.
On the College Avenue Campus, if you’re lucky (or in this case maybe unlucky), you might catch a glimpse of the Grey Lady of Old Queens. This apparition is rumored to pace the building’s bell tower, glance longingly towards the Raritan, and fade into thin air. The identity of the Grey Lady is unknown, but some suggest that she is an 18th century woman who, for more than 200 years now, has been waiting for her former boyfriend, none other than Alexander Hamilton.
For a creepier encounter with the supernatural, walk a block from Old Queens, to Miller Hall. Throughout the hall’s existence, more than one university employee has mentioned hearing eerie groans, spooky whistling, and unearthly footsteps. A university administrator reportedly fled Miller because she was frightened by the noises and atmosphere of the building. Perhaps she would have dashed out even faster if she’d known that Miller Hall used to be a mortuary. Indeed, the building’s former name, McDede Burial Company, is still legible on its stone.
Perhaps these ghosts are doomed to walk our world forever, their souls searching for a rest just beyond their reach. But considering how awesome Rutgers is, maybe the ghosts aren’t trying to leave — maybe they have found the perfect place to rest. We think this is most likely the case for Jane Inge’s ghost. Legend has it that Jane Inge was a director who loved her job so much that she decided to continue working even after death. From time to time, she flickers the lights of the Little Theater on Douglass as she used to do when she needed the attention of her actors and crew. Electricians have checked the wiring but cannot explain the strange incidents. Even more puzzling is that the lights never malfunction during a performance, only during rehearsal. Peculiar phenomenon or paranormal activity? You decide…
Special thanks to Campus Information Services and Rutgers Magazine for providing the archived stories that led to this edition of “Rutgers Lore.”
CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
RUTGERS HOMECOMING KICKOFF FESTIVAL
SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1,
IS CANCELED
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010 – Due to weather conditions in New Brunswick, the Rutgers Homecoming Kickoff Festival & Pep Rally scheduled for Friday, October 1, 2010, at Buccleuch Park is CANCELED. There is no rain date for the festival.
The outdoor movie at Rutgers Stadium, Toy Story 3, is still scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Details are available at http://www.homecoming.rutgers.edu/outdoor-movie. Free parking is available in the Scarlet (West) Lot. Please enter the stadium through Gate D.
Please join us for other Rutgers Homecoming 2010 activities this weekend. Visit http://Ralumni.com/homecoming2010 for complete details.
Some activities originally scheduled for the Friday night festival may be moved to the Homecoming Scarlet Square event, which takes place on Saturday, October 2, at 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (before the Rutgers Football Game, for which tickets are still available) on the E-Fields at Busch Campus in Piscataway, NJ. Check http://Ralumni.com/homecoming2010 for updates.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Parking for Saturday’s Scarlet Square is available based on football game-day rules and policies. Visit http://www.scarletknights.com/football/stadium/stadium.asp for parking info and travel directions. The Scarlet Square event is FREE, but parking is based on football game-day rules and policies.
Check http://Ralumni.com/homecoming2010 for details about other Homecoming activities that are still going on as planned, including:
Friday, 10/1: Alumni Unite at Old Queens Tavern – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday, 10/1: Outdoor Movie, Toy Story 3, at Rutgers Stadium – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, 10/2: Scarlet Square at E-Fields, Busch Campus – 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. featuring food, games, prizes, live entertainment, contests, Kids Zone, and more!
Sunday, 10/3: Homecoming Run for RAH 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Walk & Health Fair on Sunday, October 3, at Rutgers Stadium on Busch Campus – 8:00 a.m.
Visit http://Ralumni.com/homecoming2010 or call 732-932-7061 with questions.