Can it be true?

Auburn University issued the initial Toomer’s Corner press release on February 16th. The first line alone was enough to stop AU fans in their tracks:
“Auburn University today confirmed that an herbicide commonly used to kill trees was deliberately applied in lethal amounts to the soil around the Toomer’s Corner live oaks on campus, and there is little chance to save the trees.”

The social media community spread the word quickly, and the news crews rushed to the corner of Magnolia and College. President Gogue urged us to “live up to…the beliefs expressed in our Auburn Creed.” Within a few hours, the address and background of the person believed responsible for the poisoning were already public knowledge.

For the media and university officials, the day was a whirlwind.

But for many member of the AU Family, time seemed to stop moving for a little while. Fans drove and walked to Toomer’s Corner, where they stood under the oaks and gazed at the branches above. Moms wheeled strollers down College Street to take pictures of their babies on the corner, “just in case.” Signs with messages of support were placed around the trunks, along with decorated rolls of toilet paper, pictures, and “get well soon” cards. There were even funeral arrangements.

Since the 1800s, the corner served as a place of gathering and celebration. The atmosphere was typically jubilant and full of laughter. On February 16th, the crowd continued to swell throughout the day. It grew to encompass children from nearby schools, businessmen and -women from the bank across the street, and of course, Auburn students. Yet, there was no celebration. Heads hung low and shook, there were tears, and there were random cries of “War Eagle,” but the corner was almost quiet.

Reliving memories often requires silence. And everyone on the corner that day was thinking back to “that one time at Toomer’s.”

Lee Magazine asked members of the Auburn family tree to share their thoughts and memories of the majestic water oaks.

AUBURN DAILY EXTRA: Toomer’s Corner oaks poisoned with herbicide; unlikely to survive.

The email arrived at 3:38 pm on February 16, 2011 and my phone began ringing immediately.

Thus, began probably the most hectic several weeks in my life as I attempted to act as spokesman for the University, coordinate a task force of experts, and work with Landscape Services and commercial companies to remediate the injury to our beloved Toomer’s oaks. And then there were the hundreds of emails and phone calls from across the country offering to save, propagate, or replace the trees; make something from the wood; donate money, time or product; or just offer encouragement.

I was overwhelmed but driven by what these trees mean to the Auburn family to do whatever possible to keep them alive. However, I am not an Auburn alumnus and did not grow up in Alabama. In fact, when I interviewed for a faculty position in Horticulture at AU, it was the first time I had been in the state. But over the years, I have grown to better understand cross-state rivalries and to recognize the emotions associated with celebrations around the Toomer’s oaks.

I am honored and privileged to play a small role in attempting to save the iconic Toomer’s oaks so that hopefully future generations can experience this rich tradition.

Dr. Gary Keever
Professor of Horticulture
Auburn University

Dear Auburn Students,

On Wednesday we learned of a horrendous crime that was committed on our
campus. An individual administered a lethal dose of a toxic herbicide to
our beloved Toomer’s oak trees. It is too early to know the extent of
the damage to the trees in the area. I am sure you are as shocked and
saddened as I am about this turn of events. I have worked at several
institutions of higher education and none have a tradition as special
and sacred as rolling Toomer’s Corner. This season my three-year-old
daughter and I rolled Toomer’s Corner after a few home football
victories. She is always amazed at the beauty of this tradition. I
assured her that one day she too will roll the corner as an Auburn
student. In spite of the recent events, I still believe this to be true.

Throughout the history of Auburn University our students and alumni have
faced challenges with class and integrity. What occurred was the act of
a single individual. Let us uphold Auburn standards by not taking out
our frustration on any individual or institution. Let us be congruent
with the words of our beloved Creed — “I believe in obedience to law
because it protects the rights of all” — and conduct ourselves with
class. Remember, this past football season teams and their fans visited
Auburn and commented on the first-class hospitality of Auburn fans and
students. Stories appeared in newspapers all over the country about how
well Auburn fans treated their guests. Auburn parents and alumni expect
us to uphold the tradition of excellence they worked so hard to
establish. We will not let the actions of an individual change the
character of who we are. Any act of retaliation by an Auburn student
against an individual or institution would be inconsistent with who we
are and tarnish the reputation of the entire Auburn family…

…Thank you for continuing to make me proud to be a member of the Auburn
family.

Sincerely,
Ainsley Carry
Vice President for Student Affairs
Auburn University

The Toomers Oaks have majestically stood at the corner of College and
Magnolia for 130 years and have come to symbolize Auburn University and
those who count themselves part of the Auburn Family. These trees
exemplify the spirit every Auburn man and woman share, one that is
steadfast, strong, and ready to meet the challenges that lie ahead.”

Jay Gogue
President , Auburn University

Toomer’s Corner is a tradition with deep roots in the Auburn Family that truly embodies the Auburn spirit.  It’s a place for Auburn fans to gather with family and friends to celebrate an Auburn victory, enjoy a glass of lemonade or stroll along the sidewalks and soak in the beauty of downtown Auburn.

Toomer’s has certainly been special to my wife and my daughters as we’ve rolled Toomer’s together, but one of my favorite Toomer’s memories was in 1982.  I was a junior offensive lineman under Coach Pat Dye, and following our victory over Alabama at Legion Field in Birmingham, Coach Dye brought the team buses through Auburn, to Toomer’s Corner, where he allowed us to get off the bus and roll the trees. It’s a memory that I’ll never forget.”

Jay Jacobs
Director of Athletics, Auburn University

Toomer’s Corner and rolling the oaks after victories is representative of what the Auburn Family is all about. It’s just one of the many traditions that is “uniquely Auburn.” Rolling Toomer’s trees gives Auburn fans of all ages an opportunity to celebrate together with a sense of pride and unity. It’s really special because you see one generation of Auburn men and women passing that tradition down to the next with their children.”

Gene Chizik
Head Football Coach, Auburn University

The beautiful oaks that sit on Toomer’s Corner are more than just trees; they represent the traditions, history, and passion for Auburn University that my grandfather instilled in me since birth.  My grandfather, Fagan Canzoneri, played football and basketball for API in the early 1940s and I will forever say he is the reason I have such a strong love for Auburn University, this town, and its people.

One of my earliest memories in Auburn (other than in Jordan-Hare), was after a football victory when I was probably around 4 years old.  My spot on game days, whether it was at Tiger Walk or just headed into the stadium, was usually on my grandfather’s shoulders.

After one of our football victories, my family and I made our way up to Toomer’s to celebrate the big win.  I remember as we got there I wanted to get off my grandfather’s shoulders to throw my own roll of toilet paper.  Might I add, I had brought that roll of toilet paper all the way from Birmingham and carried it all day with hopes of throwing it all by my 4 year old self.

I also remember that I couldn’t quite understand once I threw the roll of toilet paper it wasn’t “my roll” anymore and it was free for the taking.  Well, I eventually gave it a shot and you better believe I tried my hardest to throw that roll up to a branch…and though I physically couldn’t do it, even as young as I was, I remember feeling for the first time what is was to be a part of what we call the “Auburn Family!”

Mindy Street
Admissions Advisor, Auburn University
Former Miss Auburn University

Toomer’s Corner has been an important part of my life.  As a four year old, my parents brought me to that hallowed ground to celebrate Auburn’s first national championship.  While my memory of being there is shaped by what older family members have told me, I still treasure the thought of being at Toomer’s Corner to celebrate both of Auburn’s national championships 50 years apart.

My father had been the head Auburn cheerleader in 1932, and he was often invited to lead the cheers at Toomer’s Corner pep rallies before our games against SEC rivals.  I remember clearly how proud I was of my Dad as he led the cheers, and I cherish those memories today.

Toomer’s Corner also served as a political rallying point in years past.  I remember clearly George Wallace and other political hopefuls speaking from flatbed trucks to potential voters.  Mr. Wallace was accompanied by a band that sought to whip up enthusiasm for his candidacy.

Of course, our family’s trips to Toomer’s Corner during the Fall of 2010 will always be among my most vivid memories.  In that magical year, Auburn’s celebrations of its weekly victories illustrated clearly what Auburn men and women mean by “the Auburn Spirit.”

Bill Ham

My memories of the Toomer’s Corner oak trees go back to when I was head cheerleader in 1949.  It was a great place to hold pep rallies, watch the floats in the parades, and really feel the Auburn spirit.  All of us who went to Auburn as well as thousands of other fans have grown to love decorating the trees with toilet paper for many years to celebrate the Auburn tradition.

These trees have been so symbolic of the Auburn spirit, and ever since my son Stevie and I started the Garden of Eden plant nursery in 1994, we have helped customers plant, grow, and care for their own “Auburn spirit trees,” which is what I’ve been calling the Toomer’s Oaks for many years.

Tom Eden
Auburn University Head Cheerleader, ‘49
For more information about Garden of Eden’s own line of “Auburn spirit trees”, contact Garden of Eden Enterprises, 1240 Cottonwood Circle,  Auburn, AL 36832

When I visited Toomer’s Corner in March to help present a check to Auburn University from the Tide for Toomer’s fund raising effort, I was struck by how truly lovely the village on the plains is in the spring time.

As an Alabama alum, I’ve always believed the Toomer’s oaks are most beautiful when their stately branches are free of toilet paper! My time at Toomer’s was brief, but it included pictures by the famous trees and a visit to Toomer’s Drugs for some of their fabulous lemonade.

I’m a Bama girl through and through, but I know how to keep our rivalry in perspective. Our differences make it fun. But our similarities make us strong. Long live tradition and Roll Tide!

Gina Smith
Co-Founder
Tide for Toomer’s

My first visit to Auburn was for a college tour in January of 1995.  I left the cold winter of Milwaukee and set out to visit Auburn, Florida, and Clemson before heading home and deciding where to transfer for my Junior year.  As I drove into town late that night, crossing the train tracks on College Street, the most picturesque small town unfolded before me.  All the trees were lit up with white Christmas lights, and the storefronts were filled with colorful displays.  As we came to the top of the hill, I saw the big paw print painted in the street and the clock tower in the distance, and knew that this was the place for me.

Sure, I half-heartedly finished my scheduled visits to the other 2 schools, but my mind was already made up.  Auburn was the one.  Downtown Auburn, and Toomer’s Corner in particular, have held a special place in my life since that day.  So many memories.  The laughs, the celebrations, the pictures… so many different friends over the years!  And my story is echoed by so many different people, all of whom are part of the “Auburn Family”.

I feel truly privileged that I can still live and work in this vibrant, historic neighborhood.  I hope that the time I have spent in Downtown Auburn will leave it a better, stronger place for all those who come after me.

Chris Kearns
Downtown Merchants & Property Owners Association