Photo: Courtesy, University of Arkansas
A landmark on the University of Arkansas campus was damaged in a construction accident, UA officials announced via a social media post today on Facebook.
From the post:
We are sad to report that one of the university’s oldest landmarks, Spoofer’s Stone, has been heavily damaged in a construction-related accident. The limestone rock broke apart into several sections but a primary section including the plaque remains intact. Ironically, the stone was a left over from the construction of Old Main, completed in 1875.
The stone dates back to the construction of Old Main, when an oxcart broke leaving the large piece of limestone behind. Workers left the stone after the construction project was over, the the spot became a popular resting spot for students.
Spoofers Stone before the damage / Photo: arkansasalumni.org
It was also an important part of courtship on campus back in the day.
From the UA Alumni website:
In the early days of the University, male and female students were not allowed to fraternize in any way while on campus. This put a great strain on the social life of the “Campsters.” And thus a great tradition was born. A female student would take a seat on the stone and slip a note for her sweetheart in the crack of the stone; she would then rise and walk away. A short time later the male student would stroll over to the stone, take a seat, and retrieve his mail. This continued to be a popular custom with the students for many years. Spoofer’s Stone also became a popular place for marriage proposals, and couples who became engaged would often remove small portions of the stone for mementos.
UA officials said in their Facebook post announcing the damage that plans to repair the stone are already in the works.
