Meet The Gnome
The most mind boggling question floating throughout the Student Recreation Center last semester has been, "what's with the gnome?" I mean, it's kind of hard to miss the 30 foot gnome poster smiling at you as you bike or run. On top of that, multiple gnome t-shirts are floating around to patrons who participate in adventure trips.
Determined to tell the gnome's story, I spent endless hours getting any information from anyone who was willing to talk. Here's how it goes.
Originating as a mythical creature in German folklore, the gnome travelled the woods taking care of the land and animals. He also acted as the protector of the environment. From Germany, the gnome travelled throughout Europe crossing the Atlantic on a merchant ship to the United States. Here the gnome shared his knowledge of caring for the environment to the people.
It wasn't until February of 2000 that a gnome was discovered by a hiker on an ORC adventure trip. The ORC hikers and the gnome shared stories, and recognized their shared love of the outdoors. Having spent the winter living in a snow cave, the gnome was especially eager to enhance his social wellbeing. "May I come with you, on all your adventures?" the gnome asked the ORC Adventure Facilitators. The rest, as they say, is history. The group brought him back to Pullman, where he became the mascot of the Outdoor Recreation Center. He has since travelled all over with the ORC.
Perhaps you've shared an adventure with him in the Wallowa Mountains in Oregon, soaking in Stanley Hot Springs in Idaho, rafting the Salmon River, exploring Glacier National Park, nearby Kamiak Butte, Granite Point, or the Snake River.
The gnome was selected as the mascot because of his dedication to the outdoors. He taught the ORC the principles of leave no trace, showed them the best hiking trails, and taught them the importance of enjoying the outdoors safely and responsibly, though he has proven himself to be mischievous, too. Living the journey instead of aiming for the end is one of the gnome's mantras.
With his origins and character in mind, the next question to be answered is what is his name? He would like to be named by his tentmates. A recent survey taken by adventure trip patrons suggested names such as Old Gray, Biff, Gustav, Percival, and Ollivander. Starting in the Spring 2009, adventure program participants will be able to rank their top choices, and officially name the Gnome.
Gina Maulupe, ORC Attendant & Adventure Facilitator
