A Tradition of Fun

Do you ever just want a day off? At Elmira College, we let you sing for it!

Dean Anstice Harris instituted the Mountain Day tradition at Elmira College in October of 1918. The day is not a designated holiday, but rather a day in which classes are cancelled allowing students, faculty, and administrators to relate to each other in memorable and less formal ways. To persuade the President to grant Mountain Day, students gather during a period of several nights in front of the President's Home singing various Mountain Day songs.

In early years, students, faculty, and administrators enjoyed a picnic lunch and hiked to Quarry Farm on East Hill. They also participated in games, planting projects, relaxing, and enjoying the colorful foliage. In recent years, Mountain Day has been more campus-orientated. After a number of morning activities, lunch is served by "The Puddle," and the remainder of the day is spent enjoying the fall weather, games, and outdoor events, including paddling in "The Puddle" with the president.