Of the many historical traditions at Auburn, students agree that Samford Lawn comprises all the elements of the perfect first date.
The most romantic of the monumental folktales that lie on Samford’s grounds is the Lathe, located on the right side of William J. Samford Hall. As the tale goes, an Auburn student must kiss a significant other at midnight next to the Lathe. The significant other has a true Auburn heart if the wheel does not move, and the two shall marry.
One of the most prominent pieces of Samford Lawn is the vibrant colors, especially in spring when everything is in bloom. The bright copper red of the brick on Samford Hall, the fresh-cut green grass, the many colors of flowers, and of course, the trees that are much more than just trees to the hearts of Auburn fans.
With one of Auburn’s other staples, Toomer’s Lemonade, right around the corner along with some of the best eats in town, Samford Lawn truly lies in the heart of Auburn.
Ella Haywood, freshman in accounting, said that one of her favorite things about Samford is the flowers.
Some Auburn locals may be used to the beauty that resides on Samford Lawn, however, for graduates that move away from Auburn, it's easy to miss. Auburn University alumna of 1999, Candice Johnson, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science, shared that her favorite thing about Samford is the beauty and the history.
“For me, it’s nostalgic,” said Johnson.
Both natives of Montgomery, Johnson started dating her husband, Eric, also an Auburn University alumnus of 1999, before high school, and they have now been married for almost 24 years.
“We would have picnics when the weather was nice. Nothing more romantic than lying on our backs looking at the beautiful sky,” said Johnson.
Cross Summers, freshman in aerospace engineering, said the perfect date at Samford would be to “make a picnic while we watch the sunset on a blanket.”
Everyone has a favorite time to relax on Samford Lawn, whether it’s winter, spring, summer or fall, students want to enjoy the pleasant environment found on the lawn.
“Definitely Christmas time in the late evening when the air is cold and the Christmas lights are on,” said Summers on his favorite time to enjoy Samford.
Annabel Court, freshman in finance, shared that her favorite time to be on Samford Lawn is, “right before sunset because the sunsets on Samford are beautiful.”
Court shared that her favorite thing to do on Samford is to read a book.
Many students agree that a picnic on Samford is a great way to start a relationship. Molly Lacy, freshman in speech language and hearing sciences, said, “a picnic but specifically, Irritable Bao with Toomer’s Lemonade.”
Zoe Barrett, freshman in biomedical sciences, said, “If I were to plan a date I would want to set up a picnic and maybe bring a dog with me.”
Barrett shared that her favorite thing she’s seen at Samford is the dogs all around her and seeing the weekly pictures on Barstool Auburn’s Instagram of the dogs in front of Samford Hall.
While Samford Lawn is experienced differently by everyone who visits, the charming atmosphere led students to love it not only as the perfect date spot but as a place that reminds them of their love for Auburn.
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Culture Writer
