The rolling of Toomers Corner is a long standing Auburn tradition that has become entrenched in the livelihood of all people Auburn. This tradition dates back to the time when the only telegraph in A…

The rolling of Toomers Corner is a long standing Auburn tradition that has become entrenched in the livelihood of all people Auburn. This tradition dates back to the time when the only telegraph in Auburn was located at Toomer's Drug Store. When the Auburn football team would win a road game, the telegraph ticker tape was strewn about on the oak trees to signal that the Tigers were victorious

This tradition has since grown to include Auburn victories in all sports and special occasions and not solely away football games. The importance of these 130 year old oak trees cannot be understated to the typical Auburn Family member and that is what makes the actions taken against them more egregious. 

After the Iron Bowl, an enraged Alabama fan by the name of Harvey Updyke came to Auburn and proceeded to apply toxic amounts of herbicide to the soil surrounding the Toomer’s Oaks.  Updyke then proceeded to call the Paul Finebaum Show, a popular radio show in which Alabama fans call in to discuss all things Tide,to brag about his dastardly deed.  

Auburn authorities heard about the claim and proceeded to test the soil at Toomer’s Corner and found the venomous amounts of herbicide had already infected the area. Horticulture experts were brought in to see if there was anything that can be done to save the trees and the surround wildlife.

Enough cannot be said about the way Auburn people have handled themselves in the wake of this disgusting act. You would be right in assuming that people’s immediate reactions were retaliation in some form or fashion but the high road has been taken by the Tiger faithful.

The only reaction by the Auburn Family has been a huge out poor of support which has been a beautiful sight.  If you were to drive through Toomer’s Corner right now you would most likely see half a dozen make shift memorials to the trees or posters describing what these old, luscious trees mean to them personally.

One seemingly insignificant Alabama fan tried to rip into what it means to be an Auburn Tiger and while he succeeded in killing 130 year old oak trees, he has not succeeded in dampening the Auburn spirit. This criminal act has done nothing more than bring the Auburn Family closer than any SEC Championship, Heisman Trophy or National Championship could. War Damn Eagle.