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Pat Dye Field => War Damn Eagle => Topic started by: djsimp on February 19, 2011, 12:47:53 PM

Title: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: djsimp on February 19, 2011, 12:47:53 PM
I'm sure that this will have to be bumped over time but I figured it wouldn't hurt to track the whole hearted attempt to save the Toomers Oaks; starting with this.

http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2011/02/auburn-announces-next-steps-for-toomers.html

Quote
Friday, February 18, 2011
Auburn announces next steps for Toomer's Corner, urges fans not to roll the trees

Auburn University is mapping out a plan to save the Toomer's Corner oaks and is asking fans not to roll the trees.

A task force has been formed that is designed to save the famed trees. It includes experts in horticulture, agronomy, civil engineering, forestry, chemistry and landscape services.

They've asked fans not to walk in the trees' bedding area, which could further damage the trees. Workers have put up a fence around the bedding area and added a tarp to keep rainwater from going into the roots.

A release by the school said soil removal begins early next week, with soil samples being taken to determine the concentration of herbicide at different depths.

Civil engineers will also install small cylinders to monitor the downward spread of the herbicide Spike 80DF.

Further actions will be based on the results of the initial steps.


Read more: http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2011/02/auburn-announces-next-steps-for-toomers.html#ixzz1EQbUdmsH
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: AUChizad on February 19, 2011, 02:00:23 PM
Not crazy about not being able to roll Toomers in the interim. For how long?

Fortunately, I don't think we have to worry about any NCAA tournament wins...
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: JR4AU on February 19, 2011, 02:20:21 PM
Im at Toomers now...they got barracsdes and signs up around the trees, lots of police.  Flowers being placed, rolls of tp being placed at the bases, but no rolling.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on February 19, 2011, 03:06:18 PM
You know, it may be looked at as a very long shot by most to save these trees but I'm gonna hold out hope that the Oaks will make it. They are Gods creatures too.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: GH2001 on February 20, 2011, 10:32:52 PM
Im at Toomers now...they got barracsdes and signs up around the trees, lots of police.  Flowers being placed, rolls of tp being placed at the bases, but no rolling.

Jim is the roxxers at smart phones.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: JR4AU on February 20, 2011, 11:09:58 PM
Jim is the roxxers at smart phones.

1989 AU/Bama program left as an offering

(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e283/jransom40/Beamed_Image.jpg)
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: AUChizad on February 21, 2011, 05:38:39 PM
http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2011/02/tents-go-up-around-toomers-oaks-no-decision-yet-on-rolling-the-corner-for-upcoming-football-season/

Quote
Tents go up around Toomer’s oaks, no decision yet on rolling the corner for upcoming football season
Written by StaffFootball, Sports, VillageFeb 21, 2011

(http://www.thewareaglereader.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Picture-482.png)
Tents placed around the base of the Toomer's oaks Monday as seen from the City of Auburn's Toomer's Corner webcam.

Auburn officials have yet to decide whether to ask fans to refrain from rolling the dying oaks at Toomer’s Corner during the 2011 football season. Experts say the trees could take up to a year to die, unless their situation changes.

“We have not had that discussion yet,” said university spokesperson Mike Clardy. “Right now we are focused on taking the steps we need to give them a fighting chance to make it to next season and beyond.”

A tarp was placed over the bedding area of the oaks Friday night to keep rainwater from going into the roots; a fence hung with signs asking fans to not roll the trees was also set up around the bedding area in anticipation of Saturday’s “Toomer’s Tree Hug” event.

Clardy says the change in scenery at the corner is short term.

“If you go by there today you will see tents around the base of the trees,” Clardy said. “The university is working with an outside tree service company to remove the affected soil around the roots. The tarps and tents are there to keep dust levels down.”

Information on the progress of the task force commissioned to save the iconic oaks, as well as decisions for the future related to fan celebrations, will be announced at www.auburn.edu/oaks .
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Tiger Wench on February 22, 2011, 01:40:52 PM
Per TWER:

Quote
According to AP reporter John Zenor, AU Prof. Gary Keever says he hopes to have poisoned soil replaced by end of today.

First good news of the day.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on February 22, 2011, 03:02:28 PM
Per TWER:

First good news of the day.

Wow, these fellas are move along very quickly.

Oh by the way, I have finally made it to a sticky po......wait, nevermind.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Snaggletiger on February 22, 2011, 03:03:50 PM
So, what if these trees make it?  It's still hard for me to think otherwise. 
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on February 22, 2011, 03:09:31 PM
So, what if these trees make it?  It's still hard for me to think otherwise.

That would be AUsome if they were to make it through this. What a story that would be to pass along to the next generation.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: AU_Tiger_2000 on February 22, 2011, 03:26:37 PM
That would be AUsome if they were to make it through this. What a story that would be to pass along to the next generation.

If this happens I'm for naming the trees Toxic and Avenger.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on February 23, 2011, 11:50:18 AM
Here is the live link viewing the Oaks.

http://www.auburnalabama.org/cams/Toomers/Default.aspx
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on February 23, 2011, 02:21:28 PM
Here is a link to a pdf with a very detailed description, along with pics, of the efforts to save the Oaks.

 http://ocm.auburn.edu/news/toomers_remediation110223.pdf
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on February 24, 2011, 09:18:45 AM
It seems they are a tad bit more hopeful from what seems like a little bit of good news. Check out the link.

http://www.aces.edu/timelyinfo/Ag%20Soil/2011/February/feb-23-2011.pdf
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on February 25, 2011, 03:52:10 PM
http://ocm.auburn.edu/news/oaks_110224.html
Quote
Soil Replacement, Feb. 24, 2011
Landscape Services replaced soil in the beds excavated the previous day. Clean top soil was acquired from a local source. The process to replace the soil included adding additional activated charcoal in between layers of soil hand shoveled into place. Hand shoveling allowed us to place soil more accurately and insure the fines were agitated into the open spaces not necessarily visible. Holes were cut into the protective plastic tents for access, but we kept the basic structure in place to reduce the amount of charcoal dust that would carry in the air and be deposited on the plaza and elsewhere. Once the soil was placed, raked and settled by means of agitation, we watered the site to further settle the new soil into any remaining voids. As expected, soaking did settle the grade line and additional soil was brought in.

(http://ocm.auburn.edu/images/oaks_update_110224.jpg)

The final step was the addition of clean pine bark to the beds. This serves multiple purposes, key ones being to retain the moisture, to add weight to aide in the settling and to dress the beds so the final appearance looks professional. The beds were then enclosed with protective barricades to lessen compaction of the soil in the beds.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on February 28, 2011, 12:19:15 PM
It seems the national media is still following along somewhat.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/02/25/alabama.auburn.trees/index.html?html?hpt=T2
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on February 28, 2011, 11:09:27 PM
Add USAToday to that mix.
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2011/02/auburn-toomers-corner-trees-optimism/1
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on March 01, 2011, 10:33:39 AM
http://ocm.auburn.edu/news/oaks_charcoal.pdf
Click the link to see pics
Quote
Activated Charcoal Application to the Plaza 02-24-11
Because of the detection of Spike beneath the plaza, the working group decided to apply flowable activated charcoal to the plaza pavers and the exterior of the granite curbing surrounding the tree beds. The majority of the plaza pavers are porous to allow water percolation, but this same property allows organic components to ‘cling’ to the pores. The action of applying and then washing in the activated charcoal through this area would expose those organic compounds to the binding characteristics of the activated charcoal. Additionally, any organic compound just beneath the pavers in the aggregate base would also be contacted by the activated charcoal. We expect most of the feeder roots to be below the aggregate base, and hope to lessen the downward movement of herbicide into the root zone by binding it to the charcoal. The crew used the same rate applied in the tree beds: 64 ounces per 1000 square feet of treated area.

Quote
Leaf Tissue Sampling 02-24-11
All previous sampling has been of the soil in the beds or beneath the plaza. Initial leaf tissue samples and photosynthesis readings prior to the tree’s metabolic increase from winter dormancy set the base point for further analyses for herbicide uptake and translocation. Foliage was collected from the trees’ upper canopy which should be a sink for much of the herbicide absorbed by the root system and transported throughout the tree.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on March 01, 2011, 10:37:44 AM
http://ocm.auburn.edu/news/oaks_110228.html
Quote
Toomer's Oaks Task Force methods and offers of assistance, Feb. 28, 2011
Several individuals and groups have contacted Auburn University and offered their ideas, time, and services to help save Toomer's oaks.  We greatly appreciate these offers; however, it is not possible to respond to every inquiry or offer of help due to the nature of the problem and the rapid pace of the on-going response.  The university has assembled a task force composed primarily of Auburn faculty with expertise covering all aspects of the response. 

With respect to potential soil and groundwater contamination by the herbicide:
Faculty from the Civil Engineering Department (Environmental Science Group) and the Agronomy and Soils Department, in collaboration with Auburn University, private environmental firms and state regulatory staff, have developed and are implementing a strategy for assessing the magnitude and distribution of contaminants related to the herbicide Spike 80DF in soil and groundwater.

With regards to using nutritional Supplements, fertilizers, or other growth stimulants to help save the trees:
An important factor in tree health is that they have moisture, nutrients and carbohydrates available for leaf and twig growth. When nutrients are present in the soil, trees respond by actively growing new root tips and translocating nutrients and water from the soil to the leaves.  Unfortunately, the herbicide used to poison the trees is water soluble and is easily taken up by the roots.  Once into the xylem the herbicide is transported to the leaves where the compound interferes with photosynthesis and destroys the chlorophyll and cell membranes. In contrast to favorable growing conditions, when trees are under stress they compensate by shutting down transpiration, and the translocation of water and nutrients from the soil.  Therefore, to limit the movement of herbicide to the leaves and the effects of the herbicide on new tissue growth, the use of nutrients or carbohydrates to "feed" the Toomer's Oaks was not considered a good option at this time.

With regards to using biostimulants to enhance microbial degradation of the herbicide:
While this technique has been successfully used for remediation of certain soil contaminants, it has not been demonstrated to be effective for tebuthiuron degradation within conditions similar to the Toomer's oaks poisoning. Tebuthiuron is extremely persistent in the soil. Although microbial degradation of tebuthiuron can occur in soil, it is not considered to be the dominant mechanism of dissipation in temperate climates. Since microorganisms around the tree roots have no prior exposure to tebuthiuron, microbial degradation, even with application of biostimulants, is not likely to occur fast enough to bring tebuthiuron concentrations down to a non-toxic level within a short period of time. Despite the costs, excavation of soil is the most rapid and effective way for removing high concentrations of tebuthiuron.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: boartitz on March 06, 2011, 04:54:00 PM
Are they taking twigs off and rooting/cloning them? Any saved acorns? Make a thicket of them. Surely there are folks that have gathered acorns and planted them at home over the years.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on March 06, 2011, 11:29:12 PM
Are they taking twigs off and rooting/cloning them? Any saved acorns? Make a thicket of them. Surely there are folks that have gathered acorns and planted them at home over the years.

There are several trees that the University has been growing from the Toomers Oaks for the better part of a decade now. They are not vey big right now though.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on March 20, 2011, 12:08:22 PM
http://www2.oanow.com/news/2011/mar/18/toomers-oaks-poisoning-test-results-warrant-furthe-ar-1598648/

Quote
Toomer's Oaks Poisoning: Test results warrant further excavation
By Kristen Letsinger
Published: March 18, 2011


 Auburn University students may be taking time off for spring break, but the staff members working to salvage the poisoned Toomer’s Oaks are not.

Friday afternoon, workers could be seen once again removing soil from around the tree beds.

The two live oaks that sit at the corner of College Street and Magnolia Avenue are thought to have been poisoned with an herbicide known as Spike 80DF shortly after the Iron Bowl.

Auburn horticulture professor Gary Keever said the university recently received soil samples taken after the school removed the contaminated soil.

“We’ve got the test results back from the bed, and it showed that the herbicide had penetrated into the soil deeper than we had removed during that initial excavation,” he said. The poisoned soil was originally removed from the beds in February.

Keever said the university has contacted American Plant Services to partner with the school’s landscape services to remove the soil.

Even though the soil samples show the herbicide penetrated deeper than school officials originally thought, Keever said there is some good news: Those same soil samples also show only low levels of the herbicide in the plaza surrounding the tree beds.

“It certainly suggests that the herbicide was applied just to the beds and not to the plaza,” Keever said.

He said the university is still waiting on water samples to come back.

Harvey Updyke Jr. was arrested Feb. 17 and charged with first-degree criminal mischief in connection with the poisoning. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

According to court documents, a preliminary hearing for Updyke has been scheduled for April 20 at 9 a.m. in front of Lee County District Court Judge Russell K. Bush.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on March 25, 2011, 09:48:09 AM
http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/03/toomers_corner_trees_auburn_cr.html#incart_hbx

Quote
Toomer's Corner trees: Auburn creates library collection of items placed after poisoning
Published: Thursday, March 24, 2011, 6:27 PM     Updated: Thursday, March 24, 2011, 7:36 PM
By Press-Register staff al.com


AUBURN, Alabama -- Auburn University is creating a special collection of memorabilia collected after the Toomer's Corner oak trees were poisoned, Auburn officials announced today.

University officials said that in the "spontaneous outpouring of both grief and high hopes for the health of the trees and the determination that the senseless crime would not break the Auburn spirit," a number of items were placed at the base of the approximately 130-year-old trees. Those items included articles, signs, get-well wishes from small children and emotional tributes from current and former students.


The Auburn University Libraries' Special Collections and Archives Department decided to collect and preserve the items and treat them as artifacts for a special collection "as a way to preserve this trying chapter in Auburn's history," university officials said in a news release. They acknowledged that the collection involves material outside the norm of a normal special collection, which might include things such as unpublished writings by a particular author.

"I'm not sure anyone has ever tried to archivally preserve a roll of toilet paper with writing on it," said Greg Schmidt, special collections librarian at Auburn University Libraries. "Toilet paper is meant to break down and is a very delicate medium for the written word. We have many such rolls collected from the Toomer's Corner oaks, and ensuring they last in our archives is going to be a challenge."

The public will have an opportunity to view many of the artifacts at a special exhibit that will be housed in Ralph Brown Draughon Library during A-Day activities Saturday, April 16. Details about the exhibition will be announced in early April.

The Special Collections and Archives Department collects, preserves and houses rare and unique items relating to the histories of Auburn University, the state of Alabama, the Southeast, the Civil War, Native Americans and aviation.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on March 25, 2011, 02:01:54 PM
http://ocm.auburn.edu/news/update110322.pdf
Visit link to see pics

Quote
Toomer’s Oaks Update
March 22, 2011

Additional Soil Removal.
On February 21 and 22, soil was removed and replaced in the beds
surrounding the Toomer’s oaks in an attempt to remove as much of the herbicide as possible. Soil
samples were taken during the excavation process to help determine the depth the herbicide had
reached in the beds. The upper 20 inches of soil were removed, which is below the trees' mass of feeder
roots, and below which the herbicide was likely to have penetrated, according to the manufacturer.
Test results from samples taken during soil removal indicated that herbicide levels were very high even
at the 20-inch depth, where it was expected to be much lower. The university then sampled undisturbed
soil from 20 to 26 inches deep in the beds, and results indicated the herbicide was present at high levels
at that depth.
How deep the herbicide may have penetrated is impossible to determine; however, to prevent roots
from growing into this contaminated soil or the herbicide moving in the soil solution into root zones,
Auburn contracted with American Plant Services (APS) to remove soil from the beds at greater depths.
Work commenced on Friday, March 18, and was completed on Tuesday, March 22. Uncontaminated soil
added after soil was removed in February was removed by AU Landscape Services and APS. APS then
loosened soil from around the roots using high water pressure, and vacuumed the soil/water slurry into
a containment truck. The depth of soil removed varied with the root density. For example, the dense
root mass present within the boundaries of the old concrete curbing removed two years ago contained
little soil in the upper foot; this soil was removed but removal of soil below the root mass was not
possible. Outside the dense root mass but within the beds, soil was removed as deep as 47 inches below
the top of the granite curbing.
Following soil removal, core soil samples were taken into undisturbed soil in each quadrant of the beds
by driving galvanized pipe about 13 inches into the ground. The pipe was removed and cut into two
equal lengths, and the samples labeled by bed, quadrant, and depth (upper or lower). Flowable liquid
charcoal (64 oz/4 gal) was sprayed over the exposed root system, and topsoil was added to within 3 or 4
inches of the top of the granite curbing. The added topsoil was watered in well to promote settling and
to eliminate air pockets, and the beds were mulched with about 2 inches of medium-grade pine bark.
Sample Results from the Plaza. Herbicide levels in soil samples taken in the plaza outside the beds and
further into Samford Park were much lower levels than in the beds, suggesting that it was applied only
in the beds and has not traveled as far into the park as initially feared.
Next Steps. Some new shoots are appearing on the trees which will allow the university to begin
measuring photosynthesis, as well as testing the new foliage for the presence of Spike 80 DF.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on March 25, 2011, 02:03:30 PM
 Dr. Stephen Enloe, an Auburn University professor of agronomy and a specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, is part of the Toomer's Oaks Taskforce. You can hear an update from Dr. Enloe in this podcast.

https://sites.aces.edu/group/backyardwisdom/Current%20Backyard%20Wisdom%20Podcasts/Toomers%20Oak%20Update%20Enloe%20edited.MP3
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on April 07, 2011, 09:52:15 AM
There is hope:
http://ocm.auburn.edu/news/update110331.pdf

Quote
Toomer’s Oak Update March 31, 2011

Soil Sample Results: Background. On February 21 and 22, soil was removed and replaced in the beds surrounding the Toomer’s oaks in an attempt to remove as much of the herbicide as possible. Soil samples were taken during the excavation process to help determine the depth the herbicide had reached in the beds. The upper 20 inches of soil was removed, which is below the trees' mass of feeder roots, and below which the herbicide was likely to have penetrated, according to the manufacturer.
Test results from samples taken during soil removal indicated that herbicide levels were very high even at the 20-inch depth, where it was expected to be much lower. The university then sampled undisturbed soil from 20 to 26 inches deep in the beds, and results indicated the herbicide was present at high levels at that depth.
How deep the herbicide may have penetrated is impossible to determine; however, to prevent roots from growing into this contaminated soil or the herbicide moving in the soil solution into root zones, Auburn contracted with American Plant Services (APS) to remove soil from the beds at greater depths. Work commenced on Friday, March 18 and was completed on Tuesday, March 22. Uncontaminated soil added after soil was removed in February was removed by AU Landscape Services and APS. APS then loosened soil from around the roots using high water pressure, and vacuumed the soil/water slurry into a containment truck. The depth of soil removed varied with the root density. For example, the dense root mass present within the boundaries of the old concrete curbing removed two years ago contained little soil in the upper foot; this soil was removed but removal of soil below the root mass was not possible. Outside the dense root mass but within the beds, soil was removed as deep as 47 inches below the top of the granite curbing.
Following soil removal core soil samples were taken into undisturbed soil in each quadrant of the beds by driving galvanized pipe about 13 inches into the ground. The pipe was removed and cut into two equal lengths, and the samples labeled by bed, quadrant, and depth (upper or lower), and analyzed by the AU Mass Spectrometry Lab in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.
Latest Soil Test Results. Prior to the second soil excavation, tebuthiuron levels in undisturbed soil in the two beds averaged 4994 ppb and were as high as 14,079 ppb in one quadrant. In the 15 samples taken from undisturbed soil in the bottom of the two beds following the second excavation, tebuthiuron was not detected in seven samples. Tebuthiuron levels in the remaining eight samples averaged 61 ppb, a 98.8% reduction compared to levels following the first excavation. What does this mean? First, that the vast majority of herbicide still present after the first excavation was removed during the second excavation. Second, because soil was removed from much of the beds well below where active roots are located, further herbicide uptake by roots in the beds should be minimal. Does this change our outlook on the survival of the trees? These test results are good news and warrant cautious optimism. However, the over-riding unknown is, “How much herbicide was absorbed by the tree roots before we completed the removal of contaminated soil?” We can only speculate and continue to monitor shoot growth as spring progresses.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on April 26, 2011, 04:15:36 PM
Quote
Apr. 19, 2011:

Results of water samples taken from underground wells in the area of the Toomers Oak trees returned from Data Analysis Technologies in Ohio showing only minor trace elements of Spike 80DF, the pesticide that was used to poison the trees. The levels found were well below what would cause a threat to public health or the environment. Tests were conducted as a precaution even though the water in the area beneath the trees is not tied to drinking water in the Auburn area.



Quote
Apr. 14, 2011:

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5620318008_9e4e0239be_m.jpg)

Jerry Rigby (center), president of Tiger Rags Inc., presented a $30,000 check Thursday to the Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences for student scholarships. Accepting the check were Ryan Mitchell (left), president of the Student Government Association in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, and Russell Agnew (right), Toomer's Oaks coordinator for the school's Forestry Club. Tiger Rags created two special Auburn T-shirts following the news in February that the oaks at Toomer's Corner had been poisoned, with $8 of the proceeds from each shirt sold being donated to the scholarship fund. Additional donations will be made as more shirts are sold during the summer and upcoming football season. Tiger Rags has partnered with the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences since 2003 to raise money for student scholarships by selling seedlings from Auburn's famous Toomer's Oaks.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on May 16, 2011, 08:59:27 AM
Chizad has already posted this but it seems fitting to put in here anyway.

Quote
May 12, 2011:

NOTE/EXCERPT: WASHINGTON - A descendant of the Toomer's Corner oak trees will be planted on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol Friday morning, the idea of a Florida congressman who is a 1981 Auburn University alum. U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla., started the process of getting permission to plant the tree well before the original oaks were poisoned, but the attack gave the idea even more merit, he said. "That just made it more important that we get it done," Ross said Friday. The architect of the U.S. Capitol, plus House and Senate leaders, had to approve the tree's addition to the Capitol grounds. Although the oaks have become famous for their sports-related celebrations, he said it's Auburn's contributions as a land grant college he wants to honor. "It symbolizes the heritage that land grant institutions provide this country," Ross said. To read the complete article, go to this http://blog.al.com/sweethome/2011/05/post_5.html (http://blog.al.com/sweethome/2011/05/post_5.html).

Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Jumbo on May 17, 2011, 02:28:40 PM
http://www.wsfa.com/global/story.asp?s=14661507 (http://www.wsfa.com/global/story.asp?s=14661507)
Quote
Trees at Toomer's Corner showing signs of poison
Posted: May 17, 2011 11:38 AM CDT
Updated: May 17, 2011 1:09 PM CDT
 
 
 
Screen capture of Toomer's Corner from Livestream video12 News AnywhereGet breaking news emailsBecome a fan on FacebookFollow us on TwitterGet WSFA.com on you cell phoneBy Elizabeth White - bio | email

AUBURN, AL (WTVM) -  Horticulture experts at Auburn University say both trees at Toomer's corner are now showing signs of poison.

Up until last week, the tree on Magnolia was looking really good. However, experts say the tree is now beginning to show signs of the herbicide.

They say one branch in particular has brown, small leaves.

Meanwhile, the oak on College Street has been showing signs of poison since the leaves first started emerging.  However, experts say there are sections of that oak that have normal, healthy leaves.

Experts say they are waiting to see how the trees will process the poison and if they will begin to drop their leaves.

 Copyright WTVM. All rights reserved.


Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Townhallsavoy on May 17, 2011, 10:00:44 PM
We noticed the brown patches on the trees back at A-Day.  I wonder if it's gotten that much worse.

Also, Updyke's been hit with six federal charges.  Fuck him.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: GH2001 on May 18, 2011, 09:18:46 AM
We noticed the brown patches on the trees back at A-Day.  I wonder if it's gotten that much worse.

Also, Updyke's been hit with six federal charges.  Fuck him.

I was up there 2 weeks ago around 5 pm. It was sunny so I could see them well and got some good pics. They look green for the most part. But the big one on the corner has a huge bare patch toward the top left corner of it (looking from college street). I am not sure if it was there before or not, but it looks horrible. The rest of the tree looks nice and green. The other smaller tree also looks better than the big one.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: MarkChand on June 14, 2011, 01:06:11 PM
A friend of mine still living in Auburn snapped this photo this morning. Unfortunately, not lookin' too good.

I will be in Auburn next week, I'll try to get some better photos of the situation.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Snaggletiger on June 14, 2011, 01:09:48 PM
Actually, that's what every tree in my yard looks like.  101 degrees every day and no rain for like...8 months will do it.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: GH2001 on June 14, 2011, 04:13:24 PM
A friend of mine still living in Auburn snapped this photo this morning. Unfortunately, not lookin' too good.

I will be in Auburn next week, I'll try to get some better photos of the situation.

Yeah, all those bare spots are kind of what it looked like when I saw them in May. Except it was just one spot that looked like that. Not good.  :sad:
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: AUChizad on June 30, 2011, 09:52:26 AM
http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2011/06/wilsonthoughts-etc/

Quote
Hand Removing Toilet Paper Could Keep Toomer’s Tradition Alive
Written by Staff Sports, Village Jun 29, 2011

We might still be able to roll Toomer’s come Fall… if someone takes the removal of the toilet paper into their own hands.

“We’re looking at another strategy — possibly removing the toilet paper by hand and still allowing the trees to be rolled,” Auburn Professor of Horticulture Dr. Gary Keever told WLTZ 38 in an interview yesterday.

If so—and if it was somehow pitched as a community effort—then cleaning the trees could become a tradition on par with rolling them (to the even further consternation of our rivals, no doubt). Wake Forest, which has a similar rolling tradition, has sometimes relied on volunteer student groups to help pick toilet paper up in its quad—at least the stuff on the ground. (As for the stuff in the trees, the Demon Deacons just leave it up there.)

That doesn’t appear to be an option at Auburn.

“What we do want to avoid… is the toilet paper being lit on fire,” Keever said. “We want to avoid the high pressure water and the loss of plant parts.”

The Toomer’s Oaks Task Force announced last week that the decision of whether or not to continue rolling Toomer’s Corner would be made later this summer.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Tiger Wench on June 30, 2011, 04:06:31 PM
Saw the oaks in person yesterday.

Made me cry.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: GH2001 on July 01, 2011, 11:55:14 AM
Saw the oaks in person yesterday.

Made me cry.
You are here?

And you didn't even call?  :cage:
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Tiger Wench on July 01, 2011, 01:45:56 PM
You are here?

And you didn't even call?  :cage:

We stopped in AU for lunch at Niffers. I flew in to ATL to bring my daughter to spend time with her grands.  Heading back to TX this weekend. 
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: GH2001 on July 05, 2011, 01:18:57 PM
We stopped in AU for lunch at Niffers. I flew in to ATL to bring my daughter to spend time with her grands.  Heading back to TX this weekend.
Was at the courthouse all week anyway. Had about 5 mins of free time at lunch every day!
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on July 13, 2011, 02:24:01 PM
Chizad has already posted a link regarding the possibility of rolling Toomers in '11 but there are some added pics and video updated on the link below.

Quote
June 22, 2011

The Toomer's Oaks Task Force, represented by students, faculty, staff, City of Auburn officials and Auburn landscaping experts, is still considering "rolling" options for celebrating fans this fall. An announcement will be made later this summer once all options have been reviewed.

http://ocm.auburn.edu/news/update110622.pdf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0DUzQn0Bmo&feature=player_embedded
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Townhallsavoy on August 02, 2011, 04:15:00 PM
Karibi Dede is not optimistic:

Quote
How sad. I just drove by toomers. Its dead. Dried brown leaves in the summer. For the first time that hurt me bad.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Townhallsavoy on October 18, 2011, 03:56:26 PM
Harvey's Argument:

Quote
AUBURN, Alabama -- An attorney for Harvey Updyke filed a motion in court this morning arguing that felony charges against the man accused of poisoning the historic oak trees at Toomer's Corner be reduced to misdemeanors.

Attorney Everett Wess wrote that the cost of the oak trees should be placed at $20, because such a value is specifically referenced in Alabama statute.

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/10/harvey_updyke_accused_of_poiso_1.html
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Snaggletiger on October 18, 2011, 03:59:57 PM
Just gimme' $40.00 and we'll call it even.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on October 19, 2011, 05:21:27 PM
Toomer’s Oaks Update
September 23, 2011

http://ocm.auburn.edu/news/update110926.pdf
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: GH2001 on October 19, 2011, 08:33:22 PM
Harvey's Argument:

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/10/harvey_updyke_accused_of_poiso_1.html

One of the lawyers on here can elaborate more, but simply killing the trees is the least of his worries. Strong poison was dumped into the ground. All kinds of laws were broke in the act. He and his attorney are dumbasses.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Token on October 19, 2011, 10:58:28 PM
One of the lawyers on here can elaborate more, but simply killing the trees is the least of his worries. Strong poison was dumped into the ground. All kinds of laws were broke in the act. He and his attorney are dumbasses.

What are the actual charges?
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: GH2001 on October 20, 2011, 10:21:46 AM
What are the actual charges?

What I was getting at was there was an environmental/public safety issue here, regardless of whether the trees die or not. It became federal at that point. I'm not sure how dumping one of the strongest, federally regulated poisons in the U.S. into the public soil can ever be looked at as a misdemeanor, dead trees or not.

From al.com back in May:

AUBURN, Alabama -- Harvey Updyke now faces federal charges related to the poisoning of oak trees at Toomer's Corner in downtown Auburn, his attorney tells WSFA.

Among the six indictments, Updyke was indicted for two counts of criminal mischief, two counts of desecrating a venerable object, and two counts of a state law that includes making it unlawful to damage, vandalize, or steal any property on or from an animal or crop facility.

Efforts to reach Updyke's attorney, Glennon Threatt, of Birmingham, for comment Tuesday night were unsuccessful. Earlier, a Montgomery television station reported Threatt said his client was facing federal charges.

Updyke, 62, was already facing one count of first-degree criminal mischief in Lee County District Court.


Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Token on October 20, 2011, 12:02:00 PM
What I was getting at was there was an environmental/public safety issue here, regardless of whether the trees die or not. It became federal at that point. I'm not sure how dumping one of the strongest, federally regulated poisons in the U.S. into the public soil can ever be looked at as a misdemeanor, dead trees or not.

From al.com back in May:

AUBURN, Alabama -- Harvey Updyke now faces federal charges related to the poisoning of oak trees at Toomer's Corner in downtown Auburn, his attorney tells WSFA.

Among the six indictments, Updyke was indicted for two counts of criminal mischief, two counts of desecrating a venerable object, and two counts of a state law that includes making it unlawful to damage, vandalize, or steal any property on or from an animal or crop facility.

Efforts to reach Updyke's attorney, Glennon Threatt, of Birmingham, for comment Tuesday night were unsuccessful. Earlier, a Montgomery television station reported Threatt said his client was facing federal charges.

Updyke, 62, was already facing one count of first-degree criminal mischief in Lee County District Court.


I never heard what the actual charges were, or if I did, I didn't pay attention.  I know with criminal mischief there has to be a value and that value has to be a certain amount to make it a felony.  I was just wondering why the lawyer is trying to get the mischief charges reduced if there are other felonies.  They are going to run it all concurrent anyway.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: GH2001 on October 20, 2011, 01:45:51 PM
I never heard what the actual charges were, or if I did, I didn't pay attention.  I know with criminal mischief there has to be a value and that value has to be a certain amount to make it a felony.  I was just wondering why the lawyer is trying to get the mischief charges reduced if there are other felonies.  They are going to run it all concurrent anyway.

Yep, agree.

Even if they did get that one lowered to a misdemeanor (and JR can correct me if I am wrong), the others would still hold as they are.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: JR4AU on October 24, 2011, 03:17:44 PM
Yep, agree.

Even if they did get that one lowered to a misdemeanor (and JR can correct me if I am wrong), the others would still hold as they are.

Criminal Mischief, and some statutes involving damaging public/state property, that I'm not familiar with, and don't want to take the time to look up.  I know that at Harvey's arraignment, there was an agent from the EPA present, but all my people that know about how the feds work say they likely won't take any interest in this case. 
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on November 29, 2011, 12:02:04 PM
November update.

http://ocm.auburn.edu/news/update111104.pdf
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on January 17, 2012, 11:22:42 AM
Nice read with pics on the History of the Toomers Oaks.

http://ocm.auburn.edu/news/toomers_age.pdf (http://ocm.auburn.edu/news/toomers_age.pdf)
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on January 27, 2012, 09:28:31 AM
http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/4102 (http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/4102)
Quote
University to plant new trees if current oaks do not survive
1:12 PM, January 26, 2012
AUBURN - The tradition of rolling Auburn's oaks will continue even if the trees do not survive being poisoned in 2010. President Jay Gogue this week accepted the recommendation of the Committee to Study the Future of Rolling Toomer's Corner, which proposed replacing the troubled oaks—should they die—with one or more large trees and using a temporary structure to celebrate victories until the new trees have established roots.

Auburn horticulture and forestry experts will evaluate the current oaks this spring. They are not expected to survive. Development of a timetable to replace them is under way.

"It's a bittersweet moment for those of us who love Auburn," said Debbie Shaw, vice president for alumni affairs and committee chair. "We dearly love the live oaks that have served us well for so long, but we now must focus on creating an environment that future generations can enjoy."

To assist the committee in its decision, more than 1,200 alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends of Auburn responded to a survey in December, indicating their preference for the future of the corner.

"After reviewing the comments, it is clear that the rolling tradition at Auburn University must continue," said Shaw. "We are thankful to those who took the time to read and respond to the survey. Their ideas and suggestions illustrate how passionate they are and how much they love Auburn."

Survey respondents were given four options: plant small oak trees; plant large living trees; move the rolling tradition to a permanent structure in the intersection at Toomer's Corner; or design an artificial structure that would be located at the current site of the oaks. Based on feedback and the expertise of its members, the committee proposed the large tree option, plus development of a temporary structure that would be used for rolling.

The tradition will likely continue this year with the existing oaks whether they survive or not.

"I don't expect to see significant change in the trees until at least spring when they typically put forth new leaf growth," said professor of horticulture Gary Keever. "Even if they die before next fall, they should still be strong enough to sustain rolling during the football season."

Keever said there would be several options for replacing the oaks.

"The live oak is not native to this area, so we might consider a different species," Keever said. "Either way, we want to make sure that we plant an attractive and long-living tree, one that would enhance the beauty and character of our campus."

Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on March 08, 2012, 10:08:28 AM
http://www.wltz.com/story/17103528/toomers-corner-oaks-showing-signs-of-growth (http://www.wltz.com/story/17103528/toomers-corner-oaks-showing-signs-of-growth)
Quote
Toomer's Corner Oaks showing signs of growth
Posted: Mar 07, 2012 2:47 PM CST
Updated: Mar 07, 2012 2:47 PM CST
 
 Auburn, AL

Auburn University Horticulturist Gary Keever says the oaks at Toomer's Corner are showing signs of growth. "This means the trees still have food, and are still alive," he said.

The oaks were allegedly poisoned in 2010 with Spike 80 DF. "This gives us hope that the trees might make it if they are starting to produce more foliage," Keever said.

Keever along with other university officials will go up in a lift on Friday to check the leaf development and the branches up top.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: GH2001 on March 08, 2012, 01:42:11 PM
http://www.wltz.com/story/17103528/toomers-corner-oaks-showing-signs-of-growth (http://www.wltz.com/story/17103528/toomers-corner-oaks-showing-signs-of-growth)

Saw the headline this morning and had to do a double take at it. Good news.

Would be some shit if they made it eh?
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: JR4AU on March 08, 2012, 01:44:45 PM
Saw the headline this morning and had to do a double take at it. Good news.

Would be some shit if they made it eh?

Would seriously undermine many of the charges against Updyke too.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: GH2001 on March 08, 2012, 01:48:32 PM
Would seriously undermine many of the charges against Updyke too.

Doesn't change the fact though that he dumped a shit ton of a lethal substance on public ground and caused an endangerment to the public and the environment. The shitbag did damage, and could have done more whether the trees live or not.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on March 08, 2012, 01:51:41 PM
Saw the headline this morning and had to do a double take at it. Good news.

Would be some shit if they made it eh?

Seriously would, not only because of the intent to kill the trees but it would show that the guys taking care and treating the Oaks did one HELLUVA job. That would be one giant feather in the hat.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: JR4AU on March 08, 2012, 02:00:06 PM
Doesn't change the fact though that he dumped a shit ton of a lethal substance on public ground and caused an endangerment to the public and the environment. The shitbag did damage, and could have done more whether the trees live or not.

I'm not saying I'd perfer them to die, but if they don't, it seriously undermines the charges, as all depend on there being actual damage. 

This is from al.com:

Quote
He was indicted in May on two counts of criminal mischief, two counts of desecrating a venerable object and two counts of a state law that includes making it unlawful to damage, vandalize or steal any property on or from an animal or crop facility.

If the trees don't die, then I see it being very difficult to prove any of those, none of which has anything to do with the environmental concerns.  How do you quantify the damage?  By the amount of money it took to save them?  Maybe.  I don't know, it's sort of new ground legally.   It's not like keying a car, where the damage is immediate, and apparent.   Then there's always "Attempted Criminal Mischief" but that takes it down to a misdemeanor.   I don't know about the desecrating venerable objects charge, or the crop facility charges.  Hopefully the trees can live AND they can still nail his ass. 
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on March 08, 2012, 02:09:13 PM
I'd take the trees to live and Updick to get less charges or even freed. This guy is super stupid anyways and is bound to get run over by a garbage truck at some point.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on March 08, 2012, 02:32:29 PM
Saw the headline this morning and had to do a double take at it. Good news.

Would be some shit if they made it eh?

I wonder if the real easy winter helped out?
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: AU_Tiger_2000 on March 13, 2012, 10:30:13 AM
I'd take the trees to live and Updork to get less charges or even freed. This guy is super stupid anyways and is bound to get run over by a garbage truck at some point.

What an oddly specific threat.  You don't happen to have family in the waste disposal business in Lee County do you?

Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on March 13, 2012, 10:32:10 AM
What an oddly specific threat.  You don't happen to have family in the waste disposal business in Lee County do you?

No, but shit happens
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: AUJarhead on March 14, 2012, 05:03:52 PM
I'd take the trees to live and Updick to get less charges or even freed. This guy is super stupid anyways and is bound to get run over by a garbage truck at some point.

... and then I'm sure the driver of the garbage truck would back up, just to verify if he hit something on accident.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: JR4AU on March 14, 2012, 06:22:33 PM
The Lee Co. DA's father is a lawyer I deal with on occasion.  He says it won't matter if the trees live, they are still going forward.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Token on March 14, 2012, 08:46:20 PM
The Lee Co. DA's father is a lawyer I deal with on occasion.  He says it won't matter if the trees live, they are still going forward.

I figured "intent" would apply here.  I know criminal mischief and theft are apples and oranges, but we charged a guy with theft 1st last week because he stacked a shit ton of property next to the front door in the residence.  He was about to make entry back into the residence to retrieve the property when a family member of the home owner pulled into the residence and scared him off. 

Again, I know the charges are world's apart, but intent is all the same.  Harvey very well intended to kill the trees and admitted his intention.  I'd be shocked if he isn't convicted.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: JR4AU on March 14, 2012, 08:51:24 PM
I figured "intent" would apply here.  I know criminal mischief and theft are apples and oranges, but we charged a guy with theft 1st last week because he stacked a shit ton of property next to the front door in the residence.  He was about to make entry back into the residence to retrieve the property when a family member of the home owner pulled into the residence and scared him off. 

Again, I know the charges are world's apart, but intent is all the same.  Harvey very well intended to kill the trees and admitted his intention.  I'd be shocked if he isn't convicted.

That, and I don't guess you have to prove he killed them to prove he damaged them.  If I key your car, you can still drive it with the damage, or get it fixed.   Auburn has spend a shit ton of money "fixing" the trees. 
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on April 30, 2012, 09:00:49 AM
http://ocm.auburn.edu/news/oaks_update_april12.pdf (http://ocm.auburn.edu/news/oaks_update_april12.pdf)
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: The Prowler on May 01, 2012, 09:09:15 PM
Not good...

 http://m.myfoxal.com/autojuice?targetUrl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.myfoxal.com%2fstory%2f17955924%2ftoomers-oak-show-new-signs-of-poison
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on July 10, 2012, 08:12:25 PM
Can someone else verify the ocm.auburn.edu link for the oaks update is no longer available. I can't seem to connect to it.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Aubie16 on July 31, 2012, 04:27:30 PM
Can someone else verify the ocm.auburn.edu link for the oaks update is no longer available. I can't seem to connect to it.

Taken down because of the gag order with the Updyke trial. Stupid that it applies to the health of the trees as well imo.

Quote
The media gag order on persons involved in the Harvey Updyke case apparently extends all the way to the oaks caretakers themselves. No more roller coaster status reports. No more canopy rides. No more “come check out the Toomer’s tomato…”
Auburn University’s official Toomer’s Oaks updates page has even been taken down.
Meanwhile rumors on the oaks condition—and the condition of their possible replacements—continue to circulate.
The gag order is expected to stay in effect throughout Updyke’s trial, which resumes October 1.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on July 31, 2012, 04:31:33 PM
Taken down because of the gag order with the Updyke trial. Stupid that it applies to the health of the trees as well imo.

Wow, how fucking retarded. 

Thanks for the info by the way.  :bar:
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Townhallsavoy on August 08, 2012, 03:28:34 PM
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/251866_447111578645598_724411656_n.jpg)
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Buzz Killington on August 08, 2012, 03:53:12 PM
Damn, that is disgusting to see.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: bottomfeeder on August 08, 2012, 04:01:54 PM
I'd take the trees to live and Updick to get less charges or even freed. This guy is super stupid anyways and is bound to get run over by a garbage truck at some point.

I'm stealing this.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on August 08, 2012, 04:08:46 PM
Damn, that is disgusting to see.

Instead of practice today they should have had the players come and watch.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Tiger Wench on August 08, 2012, 04:40:30 PM
That picture would hurt my stomach a little less if Updyke's dessciated, crow picked, toilet papered, drawn and quartered corpse was hanging from one of those branches...

I hope he gets cornholed on an hourly basis in prison. 
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Snaggletiger on August 08, 2012, 05:38:47 PM
I was there this past Saturday and it looks like there's maybe 20% growth left on both trees.  Just F'd up!!!
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Jumbo on August 08, 2012, 06:33:03 PM
Before and after pictures.....I'm so fucking pissed off.
(http://www.thewareaglereader.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Screen-shot-2012-08-08-at-4.12.51-PM.png)
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: Buzz Killington on August 09, 2012, 09:00:06 AM
That picture would hurt my stomach a little less if Updyke's dessciated, crow picked, toilet papered, drawn and quartered corpse was hanging from one of those branches...

I hope he gets cornholed on an hourly basis in prison.

He should be daily raped with one of the larger branches they just pruned from the trees.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on August 20, 2012, 01:20:11 PM
Well, sad news. It was reported on 560 AM in Dothan that it has been decided the Toomers Oaks
will be removed.

What most expected but still sad to hear. There was an article out not to long ago that Auburn was still
going to allow for the Oaks to be rolled this year. Not sure if that is still the plan.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: GH2001 on August 20, 2012, 01:30:44 PM
Well, sad news. It was reported on 560 AM in Dothan that it has been decided the Toomers Oaks
will be removed.

What most expected but still sad to hear. There was an article out not to long ago that Auburn was still
going to allow for the Oaks to be rolled this year. Not sure if that is still the plan.

Saw them in person up there yesterday. It was awful to look at them.
Title: Re: "Saving the Toomers Oaks" tracking thread
Post by: djsimp on August 22, 2012, 01:04:44 PM
August update:

http://ocm.auburn.edu/news/oaks_august2012.doc
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: djsimp on February 04, 2013, 02:42:32 PM
Well, since they can't be saved, we can still remember them.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: AUChizad on February 28, 2013, 09:52:37 AM
http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2013/02/plan-for-toomers-corner-2-0-narrowed-down-to-two-designs/

Plans for redesign down to two, and will be voted upon on a future date.

Very subtle difference in the two, but I suppose the circle design is slightly cooler because you could roll from all directions instead of just one.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: djsimp on February 28, 2013, 09:55:41 AM
http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2013/02/plan-for-toomers-corner-2-0-narrowed-down-to-two-designs/

Plans for redesign down to two, and will be voted upon on a future date.

Very subtle difference in the two, but I suppose the circle design is slightly cooler because you could roll from all directions instead of just one.

I agree, I like the Circle Wall Scheme a little better.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: AUChizad on February 28, 2013, 09:58:43 AM
The shitty thing is in both designs the trees are much further from the street.

War Eagle anyway.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: Townhallsavoy on February 28, 2013, 10:39:18 AM
The shitty thing is in both designs the trees are much further from the street.

War Eagle anyway.

I like them both.  Being further from the street doesn't bother me so much as long as the AUPD still blocks off the road after a victory. 
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: CCTAU on February 28, 2013, 10:56:20 AM
I like the arcing path. Seems as you look down it, you have a path of unknown destination. A journey, so to speak.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: Buzz Killington on February 28, 2013, 03:21:05 PM
The Circle Wall Scheme just looks like a nice place for a gathering.  The Arching Path looks like it's heading nowhere...much like the Athletics Department.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on February 28, 2013, 03:29:59 PM
Either one, but this is what I'll see:

(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u1/miked0003/Tree_zps523a6cbc.jpg)   
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: AUChizad on March 19, 2013, 09:30:37 AM
http://youtu.be/tvohKKupO0Q
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on March 19, 2013, 04:39:33 PM
http://youtu.be/tvohKKupO0Q

Don’t mean to be pissy, but of all the things they could come up with, They come up with women’s golf, women’s soccer, and 2010 Football.

Are the people in charge truly mental?   :facepalm: :haha: :facepalm: :haha: :facepalm: :haha:
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: djsimp on March 21, 2013, 10:02:16 AM
Not sure if this has been mentioned but it would be nice to see Auburn make some sort of wood structure or monument with what they have when cutting down the Oaks.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on March 21, 2013, 10:40:02 AM
Not sure if this has been mentioned but it would be nice to see Auburn make some sort of wood structure or monument with what they have when cutting down the Oaks.

True, but from a business aspect, there is alot of money to made selling small portions to people. I know I would but it.

$25.00 for 3x3 chunch and bigger prices for bigger chuncks.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: djsimp on April 23, 2013, 08:11:16 AM
Well, the oaks are being brought down as we speak.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on April 23, 2013, 10:33:40 AM
Well, the oaks are being brought down as we speak.

http://www.auburnalabama.org/cams/Toomers/Default.aspx     

you can watch (if you want too)
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: Buzz Killington on April 23, 2013, 10:35:17 AM
I've been watching it most of the morning.  It's really dusty here in my office today too...
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: djsimp on April 23, 2013, 10:43:52 AM
Ugh. I watched about 30 seconds of it. Can't really do much more than that. It just fn sucks to see it actually happening.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on April 23, 2013, 10:52:23 AM
Muthafuck every Turd fan that has ever walked the earth or fucked his sister.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: AUChizad on April 23, 2013, 05:06:39 PM
My grandfather died shortly after this last Christmas.

He got cancer about two years ago. He got gradually worse every day during that time. The last couple of months, the writing was on the wall that he wasn't going to live much longer.

I thought it was kind of strange that I didn't really feel all that upset about it, even at Christmas when he was barely speaking in gibberish. I guess it didn't seem real, even though I knew it was.

At his funeral, however...waterworks.

Watching Toomer's get torn down today was a very, very similar feeling.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: Snaggletiger on April 23, 2013, 05:20:35 PM
Just pulled up a pic on my phone I took last year of mini up on the wall with the trees in the background.  I've got quite a few over the years with my kids and some of our friends rolling the trees or wrapping themselves up in TP. Every single time we take Snags Light to a game, the first thing out of his mouth is "Are we going to Toomer's after the game?"  He cares nothing about foosballz.  Only Dippin' Dots and rolling Toomer's.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: WiregrassTiger on April 23, 2013, 05:37:54 PM
True, but from a business aspect, there is alot of money to made selling small portions to people. I know I would but it.

$25.00 for 3x3 chunch and bigger prices for bigger chuncks.
What is the difference between a chunch and a chunck? Is this based on weight? I didn't do so hot with the metrics.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: Buzz Killington on April 23, 2013, 08:56:12 PM
What is the difference between a chunch and a chunck? Is this based on weight? I didn't do so hot with the metrics.

How much is a cubit anyway?
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: WiregrassTiger on April 23, 2013, 09:05:45 PM
How much is a cubit anyway?
It has something to do with a rubik.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: Snaggletiger on April 24, 2013, 10:08:59 AM
How much is a cubit anyway?

Noah

Yes Lord

I need you to build an ark
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: AUJarhead on April 24, 2013, 10:42:38 AM
Noah

Yes Lord

I need you to build an ark

How long can you tread water?  HAHAHAHA.


And agreed 100% about the pics you spoke about.  I pulled up some of my daughter from back in 2011, sitting on the wall, holding up a roll.  And then I want to mommy part punt every Updyke out there.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: Hare Dye on July 25, 2013, 01:35:48 AM
Spike 80 was developed at Univ. of Tenn.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: Snaggletiger on July 25, 2013, 10:02:25 AM
Spike 80 was developed at Univ. of Tenn.

You don't say much, but when you do, you don't say much.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: Buzz Killington on July 25, 2013, 10:45:25 AM
Spike 80 was developed at Univ. of Tenn.

Are you related to Shug Dye?
Title: update on trees.
Post by: dallaswareagle on January 16, 2015, 12:51:33 PM
Looks like new ones are coming.

http://orangeisourcolor.com/2015/01/toomers-corner-2015-change-is-coming/ (http://orangeisourcolor.com/2015/01/toomers-corner-2015-change-is-coming/)   


The new Auburn Oaks will be planted at Toomer’s Corner on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2015. Apparently this date was announced back on Nov 7. I don’t remember noticing the announcement at the time. That was the day before the Texas A&M game.

Anyhow, the planting of the new trees, an event that’s been hiding in the nebulous future for some time, is now basically here. If you’ve developed any affinity for oak-less Toomer’s Corner, you best soak in all you can while you can. The view from the webcam is very soon to change.

The new Oaks will be 35 feet tall. How tall were the original Toomer’s Oaks? Answering that question took more googlin’ than I expected. But, eventually this page at The War Eagle Reader steered my search in the direction of this Historic American Landscapes Survey (PDF), which tells us the following.


The two trees that once occupied the site were Southern Live Oaks (Quercus Virginiana), a species native to the southern United States. The College Street tree reached a height of 44 feet with a canopy span of 64 feet, and the Magnolia Avenue tree grew to 30 feet in height with a 46 foot canopy diameter.

So at 35 feet, the new Auburn Oaks will be taller than one of the original Toomer’s Oaks, but shorter than the other. They will certainly be taller than the wires. How high off the ground are the wires? I haven’t found that documented anywhere. My guess is they’re about 18-20 feet high.

The wires seemed a sad stand-in for the Oaks when first suggested, but the tradition’s origin—rolling the utility wires, which have since been moved underground—lent respectability to the temporary arrangement. Just how temporary will the wires’ career at Toomer’s prove to be?

The Auburn Plainsman reports that the city plans to remove both the wires and their poles this summer.

I’ll miss the wires—at least initially. They’ve grown on me, despite the fact that, unlike trees, wires don’t grow. Actually, these have.

The original installation comprised two wires running from the College Street median pole to each of the north-side corner poles. In August 2014 the triangle was completed with three wires running between the two non-median poles. A third wire was also added to each of the preexisting sets. So the wires grew from four in 2013 to nine in 2014. Their reported reduction to zero in 2015 is a bad idea.

There are two reasons for keeping the wires up. Firstly, rolling is bad for trees. So keeping a rolling alternative in place could mitigate the damage. Secondly, the University doesn’t want people rolling Samford park. If the wires were kept in place, the intersection could be shut down for only the biggest celebrations, and on those occasions the rolling could spill into the street, under the wires, rather than migrate toward Thach. Perhaps I’m only arguing for the wires’ retention because I truly have grown fond of them.

The wires are one more little thing that makes Auburn unique. No one else has had reason to set up a temporary rolling structure. Sure, I wish we hadn’t either! But we did, and the wires were the solution, and we rolled them after the greatest moment in the history of sport.

So there’s reason enough for relic treatment, though I’m sure the city has their reasons for wanting them down. Change is coming. It’s already come to the coaching staff, it’s coming to Toomer’s Corner, and it’s coming on the field as well.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: djsimp on January 16, 2015, 01:47:42 PM
This makes me happy. Although,  I thought I read some time ago that it would still be a year after the new trees were planted before rolling them was allowed.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on January 16, 2015, 01:51:03 PM
This makes me happy. Although,  I thought I read some time ago that it would still be a year after the new trees were planted before rolling them was allowed.


I have real concern about some turds trying to copy numnuts. I am sure the trees will be monitored, but can someone react fast enough if someone does anything?
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: CCTAU on January 16, 2015, 01:54:46 PM
Yes, but what is the new canopy diameter?

Length is not everything!
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on February 12, 2015, 04:05:15 PM
New trees heading to there new home.     :aubie:


(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u1/miked0003/1801129_10152250656202325_2405651625579290457_o1_zpsf06ed700.jpg) (http://s164.photobucket.com/user/miked0003/media/1801129_10152250656202325_2405651625579290457_o1_zpsf06ed700.jpg.html)
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: Snaggletiger on February 12, 2015, 04:20:26 PM
woot :thumsup:
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: Townhallsavoy on February 12, 2015, 04:58:54 PM
Are they going to keep those in a vase until Saturday?
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on February 12, 2015, 05:27:36 PM
Are they going to keep those in a vase until Saturday?

with two aspirin
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: djsimp on February 14, 2015, 01:01:47 AM
This is AUesome. It is pretty cool now to read this from the first post to this point.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: djsimp on February 16, 2015, 10:16:31 PM
http://youtu.be/lq8eLdb1P4Q (http://youtu.be/lq8eLdb1P4Q)
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: dallaswareagle on March 18, 2015, 02:44:29 PM
Trees getting some railing.

(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u1/miked0003/11075141_917099201646831_7929054282183311682_n1_zpssgxcqwud.jpg) (http://s164.photobucket.com/user/miked0003/media/11075141_917099201646831_7929054282183311682_n1_zpssgxcqwud.jpg.html)   
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: djsimp on September 05, 2015, 08:37:59 PM
(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/11890028_10153556588943194_1043131084044259183_o.jpg)
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: djsimp on September 15, 2016, 09:28:39 AM
Couldn't get the url without the Facebook but here it is.....

https://www.facebook.com/cbssportsnetwork/videos/10153633463757574/

.....the 360, the full circle, the omega of an event that was horrible but now its all good again.

Oh, and fuck you Updike, you little bitch.

WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: GH2001 on February 14, 2017, 11:46:02 AM
And we've come full circle with this shit again. ~sigh~

http://m.wtvm.com/wtvm/db_376055/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=V0V4CD9V

Quote

AUBURN, AL (WTVM) - Auburn University will remove the current Auburn Oaks at Toomer’s Corner and replace them with two new live oaks the morning of Saturday, Feb. 18.

“The fire in September severely damaged the Magnolia Avenue tree,” said Gary Keever, Auburn University horticulture professor. “The appearance of the tree is unacceptable, and we don’t believe it will recover within a reasonable time period.”

University officials decided to replace the College Street tree, too, after finding two replacements that match each other in size and appearance.

“The College Street tree has failed to become established as you can see by dead branches at the top,” Keever said. “If it had not been for the fire, though, we would have pruned those branches and continued nurturing both trees.”

The famed, original Auburn Oaks were found to have been poisoned in early 2011. The university attempted to save the trees, but had to remove them once it was determined they would not survive. Two new trees were transplanted in 2015. The oak on Magnolia Avenue did not survive the move, so it was replaced a few months later by the tree that was subsequently damaged by the fire.

Title: Toomer's Oaks
Post by: Snaggletiger on August 30, 2018, 02:39:47 PM
Here's a piece from Garden & Gun magazine on rolling the oaks.  I imagine they're only talking about the two newest oaks that were planted, and the rest of the trees are fair game.  I was up there a couple of weeks ago and the new ones are pretty small. 

Touchdowns and Toilet Paper
Why the long-running… er, -rolling… Auburn University tradition is taking a break again this year
by Caroline Sanders
August 29, 2018
(https://gardenandgun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1_AUP0314-1100x734.jpg)
photo: Aleem Ahmed
Auburn fans swarm Toomer’s Corner after the “Final Roll” of the original oaks on April 20, 2013. The trees were removed three days later.

On fall Saturdays in Auburn, Alabama, tailgaters come prepared: coolers packed to the brim with beer, barbecue spreads to lay across folding tables, orange and blue flags to hang from tents and car tailgates—and rolls of toilet paper to celebrate after the game. Since nearly any living Auburn fan can remember, a Tiger win has meant rolling two Southern live oak trees that flank Toomer’s Corner, where Magnolia and College meet.
It’s a tradition that some date back to the days when news about away-game wins arrived via telegraph, and employees of Toomer’s Drug would throw the machine’s ticker tapes over power lines outside the store. Others point to 1972, when a brash student predicted Auburn would beat the “No. 2” out of their undefeated rivals, the University of Alabama. When the Tigers returned home from beating the Tide, they found the corner covered in two-ply. Since then, after every football win—and big wins for other sports, as well—the two oaks look like snowcapped peaks and the streets the aftermath of a blizzard.
(https://gardenandgun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/first_roll.jpg)photo: Courtesy of Auburn University

The aftermath of an Auburn win.
But this year, for the second in a row, officials are asking the Tiger faithful to give the beloved tradition a break. “We’ve asked fans not to roll those specific trees, but we’ll get back to the tradition soon,” says Mike Clardy, assistant vice president of communications.
In 2011, in one of the most infamous call-in radio confessions of all time (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yyc7lcGCMI0), a vengeful University of Alabama fan announced that he’d poisoned the oaks on Toomer’s Corner with spike 80DF, an herbicide that blocks photosynthesis. At the end of the 2013 season, Auburn held a bittersweet “last roll” celebration before removing the dying trees and renovating the corner. New, mature oaks were planted in February 2015, but deemed too fragile to roll that season. When rolling resumed in 2016, another tragedy struck: someone lit fire to a strand of toilet paper, setting one of the trees ablaze, severely damaging both. Resilient as ever, the university planted two new trees last February, but they need time to settle in.
(https://gardenandgun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/DSC_0715-1100x729.jpg)photo: Courtesy of Auburn University

Crowds gather to watch the replacement trees being planted on February 14, 2015.
“The Auburn Oaks are a symbol of strength,” Clardy says. “They’re sentinels on the corner where the university meets the town.” Come fire, flood, or angry fans, he’s sure as long as there are football games there will be trees on Toomer’s Corner—hopefully for Auburn fans, covered in toilet paper.

Title: Re: Toomer's Oaks
Post by: djsimp on August 30, 2018, 02:56:33 PM
You know, there is a specific thread for this dummy.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: Snaggletiger on August 30, 2018, 03:09:05 PM
Bitches movin' my thread get stitches.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: AUJarhead on August 30, 2018, 03:10:17 PM
Bitches movin' my thread get stitches.
Spike his warn meter.
Title: Re: Toomer's Oaks
Post by: CCTAU on August 30, 2018, 03:14:03 PM
You know, there is a specific thread for this dummy.
This is incorrect.

This current thread is to remember the old trees. His comment was about the new trees.

Please allow the intelligent posters to organize the forum correctly.
Title: Re: Toomer's Oaks
Post by: djsimp on August 30, 2018, 03:47:31 PM
This is incorrect.

This current thread is to remember the old trees. His comment was about the new trees.

Please allow the intelligent posters to organize the forum correctly.
Go pour yourself another Metamucil vodka you old fart. Old tree, new tree, both are the Toomer's Oaks goob.
Title: Re: Toomer's Oaks
Post by: Snaggletiger on August 30, 2018, 03:49:24 PM
This is incorrect.

This current thread is to remember the old trees. His comment was about the new trees.

Please allow the intelligent posters to organize the forum correctly.
(https://i1.wp.com/euroleagueadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/friday.jpg?resize=630%2C250) (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjmju_AxJXdAhUhheAKHX9OCK0QjRx6BAgBEAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Feuroleagueadventures.com%2Fpodcast-121-you-got-knocked-the-fck-out-maaan%2F&psig=AOvVaw27jaE9pkdYqGwCbxhTMf6u&ust=1535744539282466)
Title: Re: Toomer's Oaks
Post by: GH2001 on August 30, 2018, 10:34:24 PM
Go pour yourself another Metamucil vodka you old fart. Old tree, new tree, both are the Toomer's Oaks goob.

Dont make him get on his new hybrid bike and come whip your ass. 
Title: Re: Toomer's Oaks
Post by: CCTAU on August 30, 2018, 10:50:55 PM
Dont make him get on his new hybrid bike and come whip your ass.
I ain’t got no bike yet bitch. I may get one with a motor! And then come whip ass!
Title: Re: Toomer's Oaks
Post by: GH2001 on August 31, 2018, 09:51:20 AM
I ain’t got no bike yet bitch. I may get one with a motor! And then come whip ass!
The British call them motor bikes. Mate. 
Title: Re: Toomer's Oaks
Post by: djsimp on August 31, 2018, 09:53:06 AM
I ain’t got no bike yet bitch. I may get one with a motor! And then come whip ass!
(http://data.amirite.net/user_images/58a76e0c272d7.jpg)
Title: Re: Toomer's Oaks
Post by: CCTAU on August 31, 2018, 10:04:04 AM
(http://data.amirite.net/user_images/58a76e0c272d7.jpg)
I chortled!

I was thinking something like this:
(https://i1.adis.ws/i/washford/157366?w=637&h=403)
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: Buzz Killington on September 10, 2018, 02:32:00 PM
(https://media.giphy.com/media/zcB7p1YNfKCPK/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: CCTAU on September 10, 2018, 02:46:39 PM
Pffft!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBk6exCazQ4
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: djsimp on September 10, 2018, 03:30:51 PM
Pffft!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBk6exCazQ4
That actually looks pretty fun. However you would really have to secure your walker or lose it.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: chityeah on September 11, 2018, 10:33:35 PM
Whut?....
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: djsimp on December 30, 2022, 11:42:40 AM
FYI, Toomers corner looks 100%. Thank you Harvey! Come get some...
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: Snakebite on August 08, 2023, 10:16:30 PM
Fans are allowed to roll ‘em again this year. And hopefully a shit ton. Excited for that to be a part of my kiddo’s core memories just as it is supposed to be.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: Snaggletiger on August 09, 2023, 10:38:22 AM
Fans are allowed to roll ‘em again this year. And hopefully a shit ton. Excited for that to be a part of my kiddo’s core memories just as it is supposed to be.

No doubt.  Got quite a few pics/memories over the years of the kids launching a sweet roll of Northern Quilted.


Mostly other people's kids.  But, they're great pics.
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: Snakebite on August 09, 2023, 10:49:19 AM
No doubt.  Got quite a few pics/memories over the years of the kids launching a sweet roll of Northern Quilted.


Mostly other people's kids.  But, they're great pics.

I thought you were suicided, Jeffrey?
Title: Re: "Remembering the Toomers Oaks" thread
Post by: Kaos on August 09, 2023, 01:34:03 PM
I thought you were suicided, Jeffrey?

Last real fight I was in came at the corner.  And it wasn't much of one. 

My daughter (oldest) was a little thing then. The Burger King was still a block over, next to Tiger Rags. 

My kid brought her own toilet paper to throw. Really excided to be out there in it.  Been so long now, the details are hazy but there was a drunk dad with some pre-teen kids who took it upon themselves to snatch the rolls out of her hands and then when she tried to get them back from his obnoxious brats, drunk dad put his hands on her and shoved her away. 

Lost my mind.  Put the full weight and power I had at the time into a rared back right hand into drunk dad's face. Remember his hat flying off, his head rocking back, him falling backward into the crowd.  Sucker punch, yes. But a really, really good one.

Even as he fell, my street-savy daughter had my left hand and knew it was time we vacated the premises.  We darted across the street, ducked into the alley that led to the back of Tiger Rags and mingled in the throng heading to their vehicles.

If it was one or a member of your family that was struck?  I categorically deny this event ever took place.