A centuries-old tradition is alive and well in Brentwood. Each spring, all over the world, Maypoles are erected to herald the coming of spring, to announce change. At the Archer School for Girls, they are proudly keeping that custom alive.
The school, now in its twentieth year, is continuing the tradition of the previous tenants of the building. Built in 1931, the building was a retirement home for members of the Order of the Eastern Star, an appendant to the Freemasons.
“The neighbors of the building would come in and secretly put up a maypole at night for the women of the Eastern Star Home,” said Archer senior Sydney Stone.
The tradition has evolved in the ensuing years and is now a rite of passage for the outgoing senior class at Archer. “Senior’s and their families come the weekend before May Day and put the pole up,” said Stone. “Tying the ribbons down with your is a very special thing to do with your classmates.”
The event is an important reminder to the outgoing class of seniors of their time at Archer and the underclassmen, something to look forward to their senior year.
“It means that spring is here, the end of the year is here,” Stone said. “It’s really fun.”
