RPI Traditions - The Cane Rush

Introduction

The traditions of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute go back to its founding in 1824. Many of these traditions have a long history but are no longer a tradition at the school. One of these lost traditions is the “Cane Rush” which was first held in 1874, the 50th anniversary of the founding of RPI.

History

At the time, canes were a popular fashion accessory and also a college status symbol. Freshmen had to earn the right to carry a cane which resulted in the tradition known as the Cane Rush. This took place annually on the first Saturday or Monday of the school year after a 5-inning baseball game between the freshman and the sophomores. Before the battle, the men would grease themselves with Vaseline to prepare for the brawl. Two men from both the freshman and sophomore classes were elected to hold the cane in the center of the field. The rest of the members of their class lined up on either end of a 100-yard field. A pistol shot from the Grand Marshall signaled the beginning of the competition, and the men would rush towards the center to try and get their hands on the cane. The battle lasted for 7 minutes and 1 shot was fired to signal the final minute of the competition. The competition ended when 3 shots were fired and officials counted the hands from each class on the cane to declare a winner. If the freshman won the competition, they could carry the canes before Washington’s Birthday. If they lost, they could not carry the cane.