Crim Dell Bridge
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Crim Dell Bridge is a wooden bridge on the College of William & Mary’s campus in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA and is considered one of the College's most scenic areas. The "Crim Dell" itself is actually the pond that the bridge crosses over, but the bridge is commonly referred to as the Crim Dell.
The bridge made its debut on William & Mary’s first-ever Parents' Day in 1966.[1] Davis Pascall, the College President at the time, had the idea to build a newer, more elaborate bridge than the bare, unpainted one that had previously occupied the spot.[1] For a short time, the spot was considered to be the grounds for a new library, but was ultimately decided against. The Crim Dell was funded by three primary sources: the 1964 senior class gift, a man by the name of John Baer who was a friend of the College, and the family of John W. H. Crim. John was a distinguished alumnus (Class of 1901) of the College.[1]
On a mounted plaque near the bridge is a quote by Paschall to commemorate the Crim Dell’s dedication on May 7, 1966 (see picture). It reads:
"…that one may walk in beauty, discover the serenity of the quiet moment, and dispel the shadows."
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[edit] Traditions & urban legends
[edit] Lover's bridge
The Crim Dell, aside from being an important facet of the College’s campus, is also the center of several myths and traditions. It is rumored that if two lovers cross the bridge together and kiss at the crest of it, they will be together forever.[1][2][3] If that couple separates at any point thereafter, however, the lady must throw her ex-lover off of the bridge and into the water to break the curse of being forever single.
Another similar urban legend is that if someone crosses the Crim Dell alone, they will be alone forever.[1]
[edit] Playboy Magazine’s rankings
Tour guides at The College love to tell prospective students that Playboy Magazine once rated the Crim Dell as "the second most romantic spot on any college campus" in America.[3] No one is entirely sure where, or how, this rumor started, but it has been confirmed as false.
[edit] Stage 3 of W&M’s "Triathlon"
One tradition includes William & Mary’s own version of a triathlon (aptly called "The Triathlon"). It is a set of three tasks to be completed by each student prior to graduation. These include jumping the wall of the Governor's Palace in Colonial Williamsburg after hours, streaking through the Sunken Gardens, and swimming in the Crim Dell.[1] Though the only task to be "officially" streaked for is the Sunken Gardens, it is understood that to partake in a true Triathlon, all three parts must be done while undressed.
[edit] References
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