On October 8, 1997, Cornell University’s McGraw Tower became the site of one of the most iconic college pranks in U.S. history. A large pumpkin, nearly two feet in diameter and estimated to weigh around 50 pounds, mysteriously appeared atop the spire of the 173-foot tower.
What started as a seemingly simple joke became a campus legend, sparking national media attention, widespread curiosity, and decades of speculation.
The Prank: How Did It Happen?
The origin of the prank is shrouded in mystery, with the prankster or pranksters never officially identified. Theories abounded regarding how they managed to place the pumpkin on the tower, which features a steeply pitched roof and requires significant skill to access, even for maintenance crews.
Some speculate that the person responsible was an experienced rock climber, given the physical demands of scaling the roof to the spire. Others suggest that the prankster may have hidden inside the tower during the day and waited until nightfall to make their move. Several theories even involve the use of ropes or pulleys to haul the pumpkin to the top. However, none of these theories have ever been confirmed, leaving the incident as an enduring mystery.
Despite a university archivist offering to keep the prankster’s identity secret if they came forward, no one ever claimed responsibility.
A Campus Sensation
The pumpkin quickly became a sensation, with students, faculty, and the broader Cornell community fixated on the mystery. Media outlets like the Today Show picked up the story, and the university even installed a webcam so people worldwide could track the pumpkin’s fate. Would it fall? Would it survive through the winter? It remained in place for an astonishing 158 days, slowly decomposing but holding fast to the spire.
Removal and Preservation
In March 1998, the university finally decided to remove the pumpkin. During a crane operation to retrieve it, the pumpkin was accidentally knocked off the spire and landed on scaffolding about 20 feet below. It was carefully retrieved by the university provost, who oversaw its removal.
To the surprise of many, Cornell confirmed that the pumpkin was indeed real. A team of plant biology professors verified it through analysis, putting to rest rumors that it was a plastic replica. The remains of the pumpkin were preserved through freeze-drying and displayed in a glass case at various locations on campus over the years, cementing its place in Cornell’s history.
The Legacy of the Cornell Pumpkin
The pumpkin prank remains one of Cornell’s most enduring traditions. It inspired campus events and discussions, from Halloween celebrations to memorials on its 10th and 20th anniversaries. The prank not only captivated the Cornell community but also showcased the creativity, ingenuity, and sense of fun among college students.
The Great Pumpkin Mystery has become a symbol of both student life and the unexpected joy that comes from a perfectly executed prank. In 2023, during the ongoing renovations of McGraw Tower, a new pumpkin mysteriously appeared on the scaffolding, reviving memories of the original prank and reminding everyone that some traditions never fade.
McGraw Tower’s Restoration: Preserving History
While the pumpkin prank is a fond memory, the tower itself has faced serious challenges over time. Built in 1891, McGraw Tower is an architectural masterpiece that houses the Cornell Chimes. However, after nearly a century of exposure to the elements, its lead-coated copper roof showed signs of severe deterioration.
The original roof, with its intricate system of vertical and diagonal battens, had led to water pooling at the intersections of the battens. This caused the lead coating to wear down faster and led to damaging leaks.
A Thoughtful Restoration: Balancing Tradition and Durability
The $7 million restoration, initiated in 2023, and expected to be completed in November 2024, aimed not only to address these pressing structural concerns but also to preserve the tower’s historical and aesthetic significance. The team faced the challenge of staying true to the tower’s original design while ensuring it would remain sound for future generations.
One of the major changes involved simplifying the roof design. To minimize the problematic water pooling at the intersections of the battens, the number of vertical battens was reduced from five to two. This adjustment would help create better slopes for water to run off and prevent future damage.
Choosing Sheet Lead for Longevity
Another significant decision was replacing the lead-coated copper with sheet lead. Sheet lead offers better durability and a longer lifespan, making it an ideal choice for the roof’s restoration. Although the new material will give the roof a slightly mottled gray appearance, it will closely resemble the original while offering far better protection against the elements.
Minor detailing changes were also made, though they are designed to be imperceptible from the ground, ensuring the tower’s iconic silhouette remains intact.
A video from Cornell University detailing the roof restoration can be found a the bottom of this article.
Another Pumpkin
On October 20, 2023, a new pumpkin appeared atop McGraw Tower, reviving memories of the infamous 1997 pumpkin prank. Two anonymous students claimed responsibility, saying they wanted to see if the feat was still possible, aided by the scaffolding currently surrounding the tower for renovations. This ease of access, compared to the original free-climb in 1997, led some to view the new prank as less impressive.
Despite the similarities, including the mystery surrounding the pranksters, the 2023 pumpkin didn’t capture the same lasting attention as the original, which had remained on the spire for 158 days and became a national sensation. The new pumpkin was swiftly removed, but it reignited the campus’s fascination with one of Cornell’s most beloved traditions.
The Pumpkin and Roofing Industry: A Fun Connection
The Cornell pumpkin prank is more than just a humorous event—it’s a campus legend that has left a lasting impact. For over two decades, it has sparked curiosity, debate, and nostalgia. Cornell’s pumpkin will forever be remembered as a daring feat, both in student life and in the annals of Cornell history.
McGraw Tower’s restoration is a testament to the university’s commitment to preserving its rich history while embracing necessary change.
From the Great Pumpkin Mystery to the meticulous roof renovation, McGraw Tower continues to stand tall.
