Potter Lake could tell a whale of a tale
By CHARLA JENKINS
By CHARLA JENKINS There's a "whale" of a tale concerning Potter Lake!
If one can believe the legends, all men receiving lakings are not alone. According to Potter history, during the dedication in 1911, a whale was seen spouting in the middle of the lake. A boatload of heroes went to investigate, capsized, and scared off the whale. It has never been seen since.
Potter has always been the scene of much activity. In the 56 years it has seen swimming, singing, canoeing, boating, golfing, loving, dunking, drowning, and draining.
The Board of Regents provided for the building of the lake to insure fire protection for the campus. A pump, motor, and other fire equipment was installed. It was completed in March, 1911, and named for T. M. Potter, Peabody, a former Regent.
SINCE THAT TIME Potter has been a campus landmark. If Potter could talk, it would describe KU and its graduates. Generations of students have their own memories concerning good 'ol Potter.
In June, 1911, the first Commencement Regatta was held at Potter. In the past, it had been held at the river. Dedication of the lake was made during the regatta, which was complete with canoe races, band concerts, and swimming and diving competitions. It was during these ceremonies that the whale was spotted.
A HIGH DIVING TOWER, diving boards, a pier, and dressing rooms were erected in 1924. Because of accidents, all swimming was forbidden.
Also in 1911 the first drownning occurred. A group of civil engineering students returning from a party decided to take a swim. Coming back across, one member went down in 12 feet of water. Five or six more drownings were reported before swimming was outlawed in 1927.
Up until 1948, a golf course wound around the lake. At that time the course was allowed to deteriorate and was abandoned, much to the dismay of the Athletic Department and Coach F.C. (Phog) Allen.
Potter Lake has always been a catch-all for dunkers. In the past, a "stag week" was held on campus. All men found talking to females were immediately thrown into the lake. Pledge trainers, newly pinned men, and all girls have been fair game for Potter's water.
EVEN DOGS ARE not immune.
In 1948, the fire department was called to rescue a dog from the lake. It was on a raft in the middle of the water.
Daily Kansan Friday, April 21, 1967
Vandals have always been hard on Potter. Oiling and burning have caused much damage. Littering has also become a problem.
The final insult came in 1958 when the lake was completely
3
drained. Silt had piled up on the bottom until the deepest part was only six feet deep. All fish were removed and Potter was emptied.
Potter is located behind Strong Hall. It looks innocent enough to a passer-by, but to KU students, past and present, it is the scene of many carefree and funfilled days and nights.
Majoring in clothes for Campus Wear
Junior Miss
821 Mass.
Elevator from Men's Store
K-ansas
A-thletes
N-ever
S-top
A-nd
S-tumble
So Fellas
R-un
E-ach
L-ap
A-nd
Y-ou'll
S-ucceed!
Go Jayhawks
Key Rexall
In the Malls Shopping Center 23rd & Louisiana
We would like to take this opportunity to wish all competing athletes the best of luck in the upcoming Kansas Relays. We at Key Rexall are proud to serve the students of Kansas University. At Key Rexall the finest service and highest quality products are standard. Our employees are there to serve you and a registered pharmacist is always on duty to see that your medical needs are filled efficiently and scientifically. Stop in and see us. You'll be glad you did.
Go Jayhawks!
Attend the 42nd Annual Kansas Relays