The Chapel Bell, perched on the University of Georgia’s North Campus near The Arch, was originally used to call students to class in the 1800s. The bell’s first documented football celebration came after Georgia’s 10-8 win over rival Auburn in 1894.
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
The Red & Black, UGA’s student newspaper, described the scene after the 1894 victory:
“The people of Athens awaited the arrival of the party at the Athens depot with a brass band and plenty of enthusiasm. Merchants opened their stores and told the boys to help themselves to boxes. Soon a large bonfire lighted up the campus, the college (bell) rang on the night air and the college yell was heard on every hand. The night had far spent itself when the last echo of the bell was heard and the dying embers of the great bonfire was all that was left to remind the passer by that the great day was over. Georgia had triumphed!”
Now, the tradition is set to continue as Georgia begins a season that features home dates against both Alabama and Texas, each ranked in the top 10.
