Freshmen Clean the ‘R’
On April 17, 1926, a group of freshmen from the University of Redlands teamed up to clean the giant “R” on the mountain. This letter, a symbol of school pride, had become covered in brush and debris over time. After hours of hard work, these students finished the task in just over two and a half hours. They only took ten minutes longer than last year’s group, which shows their dedication and teamwork.
The school’s “R” measures an impressive 400 feet long and 200 feet wide. This year, it was especially messy, but the freshmen handled it like pros.
The hike was a mix of fun and challenges. Each student had to carry a pipe, even if they weren’t used to smoking. The experience led to some amusing moments as the newbies tried to puff away their discomfort while sleeping in the great outdoors.
While cleaning the “R,” the freshmen also formed the “29” club, nurturing unity among athletes. This club’s aim was to strengthen the bonds between sports enthusiasts in their class. William Heller became the president, Norris Sorenson the vice president, and James Fox the secretary-treasurer.
Interestingly, the “R” was created way back in 1913, guided by the university’s leaders. It still stands proudly in the San Bernardino Mountains, a testament to school spirit. Students continue to hike up to clean it, carrying on the tradition, but likely without pipes or donkeys now.
Auto Salesman’s Wild Ride
On April 23, 1926, chaos erupted on the streets when a sedan was reported stolen. As sirens blared, officers scrambled to find the thief. Officer Robinson jumped on his motorcycle and raced north, while Marshal Thomas sent his son Hildreth in the opposite direction.
After a brief search, Hildreth spotted the car’s description and followed it to a garage, where he found one of the salesmen driving it. Confused, the salesman insisted it belonged to another dealership. However, Hildreth quickly pointed out the registration showing it was owned by G.A. Peterson.
Realizing the mix-up, the salesman was relieved but embarrassed. He chuckled afterward, vowing to stick to selling trucks rather than borrowing cars again.
This amusing incident highlights how quickly misunderstandings can escalate. It also sheds light on 1920s car culture, where dealerships were rapidly expanding and the excitement of the automobile was palpable.
Both stories give us a glimpse into life in 1926—a mix of youthful enthusiasm and community spirit in a changing world.
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