Gilly’s Elevator
New College is relatively young, just 36 yrs old, but in such a short time there have been many traditions developed and events that are part of the folk history of the place.
In this type of environment our residents will often attempt the unusual or suggest the outrageous. So when the Dean of Residents, James Pietsch received a letter from Stephen Gilmour in February 2004 during the construction of the 4th floor suggesting that he be honoured in a specific way, he wasn’t surprised.
“Dear Mr Pietsch, As you might know, I was a resident in New College last year with my home being 2D8 (the courtyard room). I spent much time while at New College to make that room mine, and to leave a bit of myself within. It has come to my attention that the room, 2D8 is no longer in operation. Instead an elevator has been installed and I would like to lodge a formal complaint. I would like to make a proposal (See Figure 1.2) which might prevent myself from taking legal action on the college for emotional damages (loss of door), and for the deprivation of other students to experience the “Gilly” legacy. I propose that the new elevator (pun not intended), be named after myself, Gilly. Hence the plaque on the elevator should say the “Gilly’s legacy.”
The Dean responded immediately:
“We will do whatever we can to appease you given the severity of the offense and the amount of distress that the current situation must be causing to yourself who has every reason to feel deeply aggrieved… Certainly there is a historical precedent of such actions causing grief in times past in which the concerned parties were not fully consulted before action was taken – the invasion of Kuwait, the land distribution in Soviet Russia, the merging of Tanganyika and Zanzibar to form Tanzania and the removal of the stocks from the New College courtyard to name but a few. It is my intention to see that responsibility for such actions cannot in the future be laid at the feet of myself, nor the administration which has served this community so faithfully. I hope that this situation can be resolved amicably in the near future.”
Mr Gilmour was NOT happy. He replied:
“I am writing for the second and last time in regards to the “Gilly’s Elevator” proposal. Owing to the lack of action on your part in implementing this proposal, I have taken it upon myself to gain support. If you would kindly take note of the attached petition (and it’s 40 signatures), you will see how important the proposal is. Not only to me as the victim, but to the college as a wider community.”
In starting his petition Mr Gilmour had also developed two proposals for consideration. Indeed, if you check Mr Gilmours voice mail you could still vote in relation to the proposal, but alas things have moved on.
As it turned out there was a third letter with yet more demands and detailed proposals for how the 2nd floor might actually be called floor Gilly – it was ignored.
The Dean and I tried a counter proposal that would have involved a small plaque on the northern side of the elevator shaft (inside the shaft!), but he was on to us and rejected it out of hand.
Eventually, we gave in to Mr Gilmour’s audacious plan and at a formal dinner we asked him to unveil a plaque to mark the decision.
And it read:
This elevator is officially dedicated to all past residents of 1D8, 2D8 & 3D8. The name “Gilly” has been chosen for no good reason. Rather, it is a consequence of the initiative and tenaciousness of one Collegian – Stephen Gilmour, the last occupant of 2D8. This elevator now bears his sobriquet (So-bri-kay).
Trevor Cairney
Master
c. 28th July 2004