Columbia University tunnels
Over the course of Columbia University's history there have been many stories about tunnels under the campus, including one of a rumored passage across Broadway connecting the Columbia and Barnard College campuses. The New York Times reported in 1923 that several undergraduates attempted to find such a tunnel in order to spy on the secrecy-shrouded Barnard Greek Games, but were unsuccessful. Legends also tell of a freshman in the early 20th century who disappeared into the tunnels and was forgotten until he failed advance to receive his diploma. Despite having never attended any classes, he supposedly graduated summa cum laude and was considered for Phi Beta Kappa.[1]
...the Columbia tunnel holds a high place in student regard. On its walls may be seen penciled inscriptions of men who long since have risen to importance in the affairs of the nation. Class after class has wandered through its passages, tracing the year numerals on the dust and leaving hieroglyphic commentaries on certain unpopular members of the faculty.
"Columbia University Catacombs", The New York Times, 1932[1]
Student activist Ken Hechtman was known to have explored the tunnels.[2][3] Other explorers included Steve Duncan and Miru Kim, who has used the tunnels as a backdrop for her photography.[4][5]
References
- "Columbia University Catacombs". The New York Times. 1932-02-14. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-08-28.
- "Freshmen Punished for Stealing Uranium | News | The Harvard Crimson". www.thecrimson.com. Retrieved 2021-08-12.
- Gillette, Josh (February 24, 1987). "CC suspends uranium thief for a year". Columbia Spectator. CXI (88). p. 1. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
- "Into The Tunnels: Exploring The Underside Of NYC". NPR.org. Retrieved 2021-08-12.
- Gibberd, Ben (2007-07-29). "Children of Darkness". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-08-12.
External links
- Michael Scott. "Hacking the Material World". Wired. No. 1.03 Jul/Aug 1993. Retrieved 6 June 2015.
