Oberlin Rocks presents Yellow Ball Tennis Camp

Back again, the Yellow Ball Tennis Camp. Photo taken June 27, 2009.

Back again, the Yellow Ball Tennis Camp. Photo taken June 27, 2009.

Suzy Vance writes “My father, Elbridge (Fuzzy) Vance, long-time professor in the Oberlin College mathematics department, died February 17, 2007. A Memorial was held for him in May 2007 in Oberlin. My brothers and sister and I really don’t know who painted the rock – maybe someone who knew him who knew we were having a memorial for him that weekend. Anyway – we don’t know who did it and we don’t know what “The Other White Meat” means… and who knows, maybe Fuzzy doesn’t even refer to our dad (that WAS what people have called him since college). People in the photo: Trip Beynon, Doug Vance on the left – me, my sister Emily Beynon and Kathy Vance (Doug’s wife) on the right. Missing are Peter (my brother) and Ellie (his wife).” Thanks for the story and photo, Suzy. Can anyone tell us for sure if the rock was a memorial to Fuzzy Vance?


Matt Monarch and Angela Stokes, leaders in the raw food movement, are getting married today, June 21, 2009. The rock was painted to celebrate their marriage. The three paper flags taped on the rock represent the home countries of Matt (United States), and Angela (U.K.), and where they plan to live (Ecuador). A photo of the painted rock was sent to Matt and Angela for the time capsule they are burying today as part of their wedding ceremony, which they made note of receiving in this video. Plans are underway to have Matt and Angela speak in Oberlin or nearby in July of 2009. Rock painted and photographed on June 14, 2009.
A snippet of the painting in progress.


Sari Gardner, OC ’09 shares “This is the real story behind the “Will you” rock that appeared on your website in early June. On the night before commencement (May 24, 2009), my then-boyfriend Casey Fein (Tufts University ’09) enlisted my friends and family to paint one of the Tappan Square rocks to read “Will You” on one side and “Marry me Sari?” on the other while we were out to dinner at WeiaTeia. Upon our return from dinner, he surprised me by bringing me to that very rock and proposing! It was a beautiful scene, as hundreds of Japanese Lanterns were strung up around the square in celebration of commencement the next day. I was not the one to paint “yes” over the rock, but I’m glad someone else appreicated his proposal method
We are now happily engaged, living in NYC, and planing a summer 2011 wedding. The attached pictures are from the night of the proposal; the last picture is us after the fact.”
Thanks very much, Sari, for sharing the real story and setting us straight. Congratulations to you and Casey!

Comment » | Love and Marriage, Marriage proposal, Shipherd/Stewart memorial


Silas and his parents painted the rock for his friend Ella on June 12, 2009, to send her greetings for her upcoming birthday.

Photo taken June 7, 2009. Aracely and Gene traveled from Southern California to be married June 6, in Oberlin, Gene’s hometown. Gene’s sister Mimi and helpers painted the rock late in the evening of their wedding day as a surprise to the bridal couple.



Photos taken June 7, 2009.

And on the front of the rock:

By the next morning the rock had been covered with a net. ?


Night photos taken on May 25, day photos taken on May 26, 2009.