Howard “Bunky” Baker, Xi ’48 (Wesleyan)

There she was, over 50 years my senior, standing proudly erect, commanding the quadrangle of Wesleyan University, and showing none of the tension, challenge and distress that would have been the undoing of a mother her age. Yes, she was a mother, many times over, and even flowering in another pregnancy today at over 100!.

But, let me explain this biological curiosity. Hundreds of her progeny, all delivered in a variety of attitudes toward mankind, are exclusively and singularly qualified to characterize their private evolutions in the womb of the Lady on the Corner. They have felt the beat of her heart even in the earliest stages of development. They have fondly labeled her core the “Chapter room” and it was the beat of this heart that nurtured the spirit, tested the moral fibers, achieved the compromises, formulated the readiness, and encouraged the aspirations of her offspring.

Her womb was complex and hard to define. At times, it was her “living room”, the gathering place for womb-mates where friendships were forged, debates were shouldered, and the Arts were styled to suit contemporary purposes. Other parts of her reproductive organs included: her “sweats”where laughter muffled the tears, study discipline vied with diversion, dreams dueled with reality, and fellowship was shaped into abiding esteem; her “chique-chaque”, the organ functioning as a kind of crucible into which lineage fused with diverse aggregations of campus persona intent on absorbing more or less basic nourishment while simultaneously reviewing all the academic, athletic, aesthetic and social questions of the day and providing the ever so temporary respite from inevitable responsibility that goes with the maturing process; and her “halls” providing the veins and arteries through which flowed the traffic of hasty greeting, a comforting slap on the back, a forgotten book, an abrupt response to nature’s call, a sprint to answer a page for a vital, incoming phone call, or a thoughtful perusal of framed reminders of her immense contribution, with the personal promise to one day be among them.

Never trendy, she would retain her composure most of the time. But, on special occasions, she would generate a mysterious fluid called, “fishouse punch” and throw any dignity into temporary suspension. Music, either from an itinerant jazz band or from the strings of her own melodious grand piano, or a bit of the discordant “barbershop” would swell her confines and, suddenly, a transfusion would fill her veins and arteries with girls….girls…girls!

She will never single out or judge the weakest and the strongest of her “delegations”. Some have found careers as professionals, some in the military, some have settled for family above all else, and some, never content, continue to challenge the 2 unknown. No matter, for we are ever mindful of her diligent preparation and inspiration. Nor has she whimpered for lack of praise for her accomplishments. She only asked occasionally for a new dress, frequent physical check-ups from “Dr”. Bill Zaro, a little self respect, and to speculate on the likelihood of another 100 years.

You might want to call her by name. She is one of the younger members of a distinguished Greek family called Psi Upsilon, and she is affectionately named, “Xi”.

That is how I remember the Lady on the Corner. I treasure the years enhanced by her custodial personality. She gave her best and we, her progeny, have tried to return her favors with respect, veneration and praise, Thus she stands splendidly, this Lady on the Corner of Court Street and High, and she relishes your company. Call on her soon. She’ll remember you!

June 16, 1993

Howard “Bunky” Baker, Xi ’48 (Wesleyan)