Not many high schools have an ax.
But at Oak Park and River Forest High School, one makes its presence known once each year.
The ax, more than a century old, is pulled out at the high school’s graduation ceremony. In a tradition that dates back to 1905, the graduating student council president hands the ribbon-adorned ax to the incoming student council president. Each graduating class adds a ribbon to the ax.
On May 26, outgoing student council president Ava Nicholson handed the ax to her successor, Caroline Vietzen, in front of the graduating class and their guests.
“The ax that I hold is more than a mere instrument for cutting wood,” Nicholson said as she prepared to hand over the ax to Vietzen.
“To generations of DOOPers, Dear Old Oak Parkers, it has a special meaning. It is the sacred ax that symbolizes all that is good at Oak Park and River Forest High School. First presented by the Class of 1905 the ax has been transferred each year to the incoming senior class by the outgoing class as a visible symbol of the responsibility to uphold the traditions of those things that are best,” she said.
“The ribbons on this ax date back over 116 years. It is with pride and respect that I now pass to you, Caroline Vietzen, as the next student council president this ax as a symbol of Oak Park and River Forest High School. I know that next year’s Class of 2025 will take great pride in carrying on the traditions that are part of all of us.”
In his address Supt. Greg Johnson explained the origins of the tradition of the ax.
“In the 1890’s, the phrase “to fling the hatchet” was used to describe the behavior of those who were speaking in exaggerations, extolling their accomplishments loudly, quickly and dramatically,” he said.
In 1895, John Farson, a local businessman, created what was called a hatchet oration contest that was held during commencement week.
“Each oration by a member of the senior class would boldly proclaim their accomplishments in all facets of school life: academics, stage, athletics, clubs, publications, anything you can think of,” Johnson said. “The speaker would then challenge the junior class to try and match or even exceed the accomplishments of the current seniors.”
In 1904, senior class president Francis Sullivan presented the incoming class with the very hatchet, or ax, that is still used today. Sullivan suggested that the ax be kept at the school as a symbol of the oration.
“In 1904, Senior Class President Francis Sullivan presented the incoming class with this exact hatchet adorned with the ribbons in the colors of his outgoing class,” Johnson said. “Sullivan further suggested that it be kept at the school as a symbol of the oration and from then on, this ax, as it was called, changed hands year after year starting the tradition. Now, while the annual hatchet oration ceased at some point, and there isn’t much room to add ribbons to its handle, the tradition of passing the ax continues as a visual reminder of those things that are best.”
Other than being taken out for graduation, the ax sits in the OPRF’s student activities office for the rest of the year.