Photo by Tom Campbell

I have some help regarding the tin cup.

My paternal grandfather, David C. Pfendler, Purdue Ag, 1897, who died in 1924, so I never met him. His class donated the “Gates to the University” that have been reinstalled in front of the library.

My maternal grandfather, John Fink, Purdue Mechanical Engineering, 1903, who told me many stories when I was a boy. His class donated the lion fountain.

My father, David C. Pfendler, Purdue Ag, 1932, who is namesake for the recently refurbished “Pfendler Hall.”

My grandfather Fink told me that when he was a student, there was a water tower on top of a hill. I remember seeing the old black cylindrical tower when I was a boy, but I don’t recall where it was. He told me that there was an annual tradition in which each class would try to paint their class numerals on the water tower. Over the years this became major military-type battles with planning, organizing, skirmishes, and rather rough play. On at least one occasion, the victorious class paraded their captives from the other classes down Main Street while bound with balls and chains!

The “Battles of the Water Tower” were officially terminated after one student was accidentally pushed off the tower and died.

The cylindrical tower shown on the cup is the proper shape for the water tower I remember. I am sure that the class of 1910 was victorious that year and made the tin cups for celebration during their 25th reunion. The photos suggest that the cup is in surprisingly good condition.

I hope that this is helpful for you.

David F. Pfendler, BS ’63