Card Section in the Football Stadium

In fall 1939 an activity that would become nationally famous and would continue through the 1963 football season was started by having a card section in the football stadium. Dr. Robert Rapp devised card pictures—some of which (like the sinking of Commodore Vanderbilt’s ship) moved as cards were raised and lowered. The Beaver Club sponsored the activity. Members of the Beaver Club painted the figures on the seats, issued the cards each week, taught the student body to follow instructions, and gave the instructions for the card formations. The first tricks done included a picture of Ayres Hall, a picture of Norris Dam, and a picture of Robert Neyland. Joe Beans first gave the directions—“Cards . . . down. Trick number five. Cards . . . are you ready? Up!”