One of the best traditions in college sports lives at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and College Street in downtown Auburn, Alabama. The famous crossroads – known as Toomer’s Corner – is descended upon by hordes of Tiger faithful after every big Auburn win, all hoping to participate in the longstanding practice of “rolling the corner.”
A true college town, Auburn is anchored by the university of the same name and is known by many as “The Loveliest Village on the Plains”, a nickname on loan from a 1770 poem written by Oliver Goldsmith. The main gateway to downtown is Toomer’s Corner, with quaint shops on one side and the college campus on the other. Flanked by several large oak trees, the corner is often subjected to relentless rolling by Tiger fans wanting to take part in one of the greatest victory celebrations in the SEC. The custom is said to be inspired by Toomer’s Drugs employees who – upon hearing of an Auburn football win – would throw telegraph ticker tape onto the power lines. While the exact date that the tradition switched over to toilet paper is uncertain, students and fans have regularly covered the oaks after major Auburn wins since the 1980s. Although originally practiced following football victories, rolling the corner now extends to triumphs by the Tigers’ basketball team and across all school sports.
Unfortunately, some of the original oak trees used to celebrate have been vandalized and destroyed over the years. Some trees were poisoned in 2010, sparking a multi-year restoration effort that resulted in new fully-grown oaks being planted. Then, in 2016, one of the trees was lit ablaze following an Auburn victory over LSU. Ultimately, two more new trees had to be planted and a short hiatus on rolling the corner had to be instituted in order to ensure that the oaks would survive future celebrations.
Meanwhile, the landmark Toomer’s Drugs store has been operating continuously since 1896, albeit under a handful of different owners. The small shop now functions as a half-gift shop, half-soda fountain. Tiger merch galore lines the walls of what was once a seating area, offering folks the chance to gear up before games. On hot Alabama days, fans can cool off with a variety of ice cream flavors or with Toomer’s delicious fresh-squeezed lemonade. Frozen lemonade is also available and is the perfect cap to a visit to one of the SEC’s most iconic pre- or post-game spots.
Toomer’s Drugs: 100 N College St, Auburn, AL 36830
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