Traditions and History
For over 125 years, Tarleton State University has upheld the vision of its founder, John Tarleton, by providing accessible education to students from all walks of life. The rich history and tradition date back to the university’s opening in 1899 as Tarleton State has focused on creating memories for students that will transcend time and establish permanent bonds and relationships.
From Oscar P to Purple Poo and every Purple Thursday in between, Tarleton State University’s tradition and history is one of a kind. The Purple Book offers insight on each of Tarleton State’s most cherished traditions, including the bonfire and the infamous Purple Poo.
A historical timeline tells the full story of how a gift from a local rancher evolved into the university of today, Tarleton State’s rise to become a founding member of The Texas A&M University System in 1917, and so much more.
Important Figures
John Tarleton
From New England through Tennessee to Stephenville, Texas, John Tarleton’s journey and vision paved the way for our university’s legacy and impact. His investment into 10,000 acres of land led to his $85,000 gift and the creation of Tarleton State University.
Oscar P
The Legend of Oscar P is one of Tarleton State’s most unique. The story suggests that Oscar P is the pet duck of John Tarleton, who traveled everywhere with him including the trek from Tennessee to Texas. Today, Oscar P is viewed as the larger-than-life unofficial mascot at campus events. The Purple Poo rally students to raise the spirit of Oscar P.
Purple Poo (TTP & TTS)
The Purple Poo is the oldest spirit organization in the state of Texas, evolving from the early 1920s Ten Tarleton Peppers (TTP) and Ten Tarleton Sisters (TTS) spirit organizations. The Poo, whose members are secret, attend many student activities on campus, masked and dressed in costumes, with the mission to promote the spirit of Tarleton State.
‘States Up’ Spirit Gesture
Tarleton State Texans show their spirit by raising their left hand folded in the shape of Texas. The shape is created by extending the thumb out, the pointer and middle fingers upward while folding the ring and pinky fingers inward to point at where Stephenville would be located on a map of Texas. This gesture is referred to as the “States Up” and came into common practice around 2010.
The Texan Rider
Although Tarleton State’s athletic history dates to 1904, the first nickname came in 1917 when the college joined The Texas A&M University System and were known as the “Junior Aggies.” In 1925, legendary coach and athletic director W.J. Wisdom offered the attractive figure of $5 to any student who could come up with a sports moniker that he liked. The story has it that one day while walking across campus, Wisdom thought of “Plowboys” because of the school’s rich agricultural history. He liked the name so much he kept the money, and the teams took on the name.
In 1961, university officials sponsored a contest for a new mascot to reflect Tarleton State’s new status as a four-year college. Top three vote-getters were “Texans,” “Rockets” and “Packrats,” with “Texans” winning out. When women’s athletics moved to intercollegiate competition in 1968, the ladies took on the moniker of “TexAnns” which lasted until 2019 when the Student Government Association approved to move all teams under the Texan name. The Texan Rider emerged in the 1970s as the university mascot.
Annual Events
Duck Camp helps incoming students learn about campus activities, organizations and Tarleton State's rich traditions. It’s a bonding experience helping new Tarleton Texans start their college days off with excitement and enthusiasm.
The first week of school each fall is Howdy Week – a friendly and fun kick-off for the year! Student organizations and university departments welcome new and returning students with super fun events, free food, and giveaways.
Launching of the Ducks, Midnight Breakfast, Silver Bugle Hunt and so many more events bring current students together and welcome Alumni back to campus.
During convocation, the start of Howdy Week, incoming students are officially welcomed to the Tarleton State family. Each student lights a candle whose flame will burn until their life is finished, and their Tarleton State brothers and sisters extinguish their flame at the Silver Taps Ceremony.
The Founder’s Day Celebration, which originated in 1902, was a tribute to John Tarleton celebrated each November to coincide with Tarleton State's birthday. Today the Student Government Association coordinates Founder’s Day activities in April. Events include the Silver Taps Ceremony and May Féte.
The Silver Taps ceremony is a somber event that honors the faculty, staff, students, and alumni, who died during the previous year, it has been held for many years in conjunction with Founder's Week activities.
L.V. Risinger Bonfire
On November 29, 1939, North Texas Agriculture College rivals flew over the Tarleton campus and attempted to destroy the annual bonfire while also raiding by land. Tarleton State students threw objects, including a famous piece of 2×4 lumber, at the plane and forced a crash landing. The NTAC students were captured, given a block-T haircut and sent on their way. Today, Tarleton State’s annual homecoming bonfire bears the name of the hero of that defense, L.V. Risinger, who died in 1994. The homecoming bonfire is annually the biggest bonfire in the state of Texas.
Campus
True Tarleton State Texans honor the campus by not walking on the grass. This long-standing tradition is one reason the Tarleton State campus has retained its beauty for more than 100 years. In addition, Texans refrain from walking on the Texan Rider mosaic in front of the Tarleton Center and the university seal in front of the Thompson Student Center.
The number of trees on campus matches the number of counties in Texas. Each tree has a small silver tag on it. Every year campus trees are damaged or lost due to natural causes. Tarleton State's tree renewal efforts provide for planting new trees annually to replace those that have been removed.
The story of the red brick used in many iconic Tarleton State buildings began early in the 20th century. Coaxed by Tarleton State benefactress Pearl Wiley Cage, brick plant owner Edgar Marston donated material in 1902 to build the campus’ first red brick building. Marston and other business owners later provided funds to make Tarleton State part of The Texas A&M University System. Today, much of campus boasts an actual Acme Brick color, Tarleton State Blend.
Alumni Island features the statue of our founding father, John Tarleton and his pet duck Oscar P. This statue is 10 feet tall and is a symbol of history, tradition, and far-reaching vision. University events are held in this area and it is also used by students to meet and socialize between classes.
The Tarleton State iris was developed by J.V. Laird in the mid-60’s. Laird was a member of the Tarleton State faculty from 1941 until his retirement in 1974, when he was designated as Professor Emeritus of Agriculture by the Texas A&M System. Laird experimented with hundreds of types of irises until he came up with the perfect color combination for Tarleton State. He cultivated the seeds and planted them all over campus
-Alumni J-TAC, Summer 1997