Herbicide Spike 80DF later was found in the soil of the oak trees at Toomer’s Corner. Attempts to save the trees were unsuccessful. Following an investigation and trial, Harvey was punished with an $800,000 fine, as well as a six-month jail sentence. The consequences of his actions are still felt more than a decade later. I still remember being a child in the early 2000’s and being encouraged by my parents to toss a few toilet paper rolls to celebrate Auburn wins. Today, walking down Magnolia Ave reminds me of a time that brought our city to pause and a time where both Alabama and Auburn fans came together to mourn a sacred tradition.
Additional resources
- Auburn University Athletics. (n.d.). Rolling Toomer’s Corner. [online] Available at: https://auburntigers.com/sports/2019/3/28/rolling-toomers.aspx#:~:text=The%20intersection%2C%20which%20marks%20the
- Curtright, A. (n.d.). When were Toomer’s Corner trees replaced? Revisiting history of famous Auburn oaks. [online] Montgomery Advertiser. Available at: https://eu.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/football/2023/11/21/toomers-corner-oak-trees-history-auburn-football-poisoned-burned-tigers-alabama-harvey-updyke/71648363007/#:~:text=Harvey%20Updyke%20poisons%20trees%20after
- ESPN. (2010). Auburn 28-27 Alabama (Nov 26, 2010) Final Score. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/303300333/auburn-alabama
- Mendoza, J. (n.d.). Rollin’: Auburn says oak trees at Toomer’s Corner can be rolled. [online] USA TODAY. Available at: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/sec/2023/08/08/auburn-oak-trees-toomers-corner-roll-2023/70552785007/
- YouTube. (2011). Toomer’s Corner Tree Poisoned Call. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm8AqL9FV-o