Twitterdom has informed me that today is Mountain Day. It is a day which Mount Holyoke women long for all fall. The actual date varies from year to year and it is a surprise for all except the very few who get to make the decision.
Mountain Day is Mount Holyoke College’s oldest tradition. It began in 1838, one year after the college was founded by Mary Lyon. If it’s a perfect fall day and the college bells ring for five minutes at 7 a.m., it can mean only one thing. It’s Mountain Day! Classes are cancelled, the library is closed, and the actual Mount Holyoke becomes the center of the day’s activities. Students are invited to hike the summit and ice cream is served at the Summit House atop the mountain.
Lynn Pasquerella, the college’s 18th President and a proud MHC alumna, greets the students who trek to the top of Mount Holyoke.
A photo from the photo album of Pearl Whitcomb Class of 1907, from the collection of Donna Albino.
Alumnae who do not live near South Hadley or those who live in the Pioneer Valley but cannot take time off from work just because it is Mountain Day must content themselves with hastily made plans to meet other alumnae and share ice cream. The groups try to congregate at 18:37 (6:37 p.m.) to celebrate the year the college was founded. A cone or spoon will be raised in memory of Mountain Days past.
My favorite Mount Holyoke alumna posted this on her facebook page “Happy Mountain Day Mohos! As Anne of Green Gables once put it, ‘I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.'” As am I, my dear daughter, as am I.
