27 Jul 2026 · Cornell University · pranks · pumpkin · college lore
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Image: User:Wasted Time R, User:Beejamjam — CC BY-SA 3.0In October 1997, a pumpkin was placed on the lightning rod of McGraw Tower at Cornell University. This peculiar act sparked national interest, leading to a dedicated webcam and a flurry of theories about how it got there. The pumpkin, which was about two feet in diameter, remained perched high above campus until March 1998, when a crane accidentally knocked it down during a rehearsal for its removal.
Before its fall, the pumpkin was the subject of much intrigue. It was reported as an unidentified object, leading to speculation about its origin. Many thought it was a simple prank, while others questioned whether it was indeed a pumpkin at all. Students were especially engaged, creating collections of pumpkins at the base of the tower and even launching a segment called "Pumpkin Watch" in the university newspaper. The pumpkin captivated not just students but reportedly attracted coverage from media outlets, including MTV.
In an effort to definitively identify the object, students employed remote-controlled weather balloons equipped with various tools, including a hypodermic needle. Theories about how the pumpkin was placed ranged from helicopter drops to tall tales from university officials. The university considered pressing charges against the unknown prankster but also pondered amnesty for the culprit.
On the planned day of retrieval, spectators gathered in droves to witness the pumpkin's descent. However, an unfortunate gust of wind caused the crane's empty cage to knock the pumpkin off its perch, sending it plummeting onto scaffolding below. Once it was retrieved, university scientists verified its pumpkin status through detailed analysis. The remains were freeze-dried and displayed in various locations around campus until they deteriorated.
Years later, claims of responsibility for the prank continued to emerge, adding to the legend. The incident left a lasting mark on Cornell University, now celebrated annually by students and faculty alike, ensuring the pumpkin's place in university lore.
