This crinkled paper lantern is a surviving symbol of one of New Paltz’s richest traditions; Lantern Nite. In 1934 this lantern was carried across a night coated New Paltz along with hundreds of others as part of the annual end of the year ritual. Lantern Nite was disappeared since then, but this lantern can still tell the stories of the magical night.

In its current flattened state, this lantern might not look like much. But in its prime its now faded paper and rusted wire frame would expand to become to beautiful traditional Maru paper lantern. The spherical skeleton is held between a thin circular wooden base and a wooden ring at the top, both painted black. There is a now mutilated wire handle attached to the top wooden ring and some splintering where the handle pierces the wood. A delicate teal paper covers the lanterns bones, erupting with a vibrant red floral pattern along its sides. But like they say, its the inside, not the out that counts. This philosophy rings true for the lantern. On the interior side of the base there is a metal holster for a candle, the light source that brings the lantern to life. There is still remnants of candle wax hardened to the wood, letting us know that this lantern served its purpose. Written neatly in pencil near the candle holder is “Lantern Nite 1934.” And beneath that in rougher scrawled text is the name E. Kniffen. The writing looks as if our lanterns owner signed the bottom when the lantern had already been opened. You can see them extending their hand down into the lantern, struggling to leave their mark, you can feel the presence.

Her name was Elaine Kniffen, and this lantern belonged to her. My question of who is the “E.Kniffen” that scrawled their name on the lanterns base had been answered. I found her because of an invitation made to look like a paint palette that was in the archive box along with the lantern. The invitation had the name Elaine Kniffen on the front. It is an invitation to join the Arts and Crafts club at the New Paltz Normal School, dated February 11, 1935. Elaine carried the lantern on Lantern Nite in 1934. She was a lantern bearer, a prestigious honor, and hers in the lantern that was kept. Hers was the lantern that was saved all these years in the archives of The New Paltz Library, hers is the name I will remember. Elaine left her mark here at New Paltz, I discovered that the schools still awards a merit scholarship in her name to students the show strong academic performance and contribute to the college community. I want to know the women that carried this lantern and changed her school for the better. I want her to know that she is remembered.

“Lantern Services, one of the mot impressive of all New Paltz customs.” This is a quote from the June 3rd 1937 issue of The Nepano; the school news paper of The New Paltz Normal School. I read through years of articles that begin the same way, praising the rich tradition that is Lantern Nite. As a student here at New Paltz today it surprised me that none of my classmates nor myself had ever even heard of Lantern Nite. I had to know more about this lost tradition, I had to bring it back to life.

Lantern Nite was dreamt up in 1929 by Susan Sposato, Winifred Barry, and Muriel Gregory, who were the presidents of the freshmen, junior and senior classes. Lantern Nite was a ceremony held at the end of each year that honored of all three classes (New Paltz didn’t have a four year program until 1938) promotion to the next grade and their academic progress over the past year. Lantern Nite was a campus wide event, honoring everyone from the seniors becoming alumni to the high schoolers entering their freshman year.

Lantern Nite services would begin with each class entering campus while singing their marching song. Then the Lantern Bearers would form the initials of their class and the students would sing their classes song. In 1930 the ceremony was improved with the addition of the students singing the Alma Mater and the Senior Serenade, and in 1931 faculty began participating in Lantern Nite. The Seniors would march in their caps and gowns, and the remaining students would wear the colors of their respective classes. In later years all participants would wear white as they carried their lanterns across the dark campus, illuminating they night with the celebratory voices and glowing lanterns.

All students were allowed to participate in Lantern Nite, but leading your class as a Lantern Bearer was an honor that had to be earned. Lantern Bearers were chosen by faculty members and class officers and then subject to approval by Dr. van den Berg. Each class is led by a specific number of students that represent the current ratio of men to women at the college. In 1937 twenty-five girls and eight boys from each class received the honor of being named a lantern bearer, but only the girls actually carried a lantern at the ceremony. Joining the selected lantern bearers were the officers of each class who were automatically included. Lantern Nite was a refined, highly practiced event that was part of an elaborate series of commencement week rituals. Each class would have rehearsals leading up to the event, and Lantern Bearers had to attend addition practice sessions.

The tradition of Lantern Nite was a “colorful exercise [that left] a lasting impression on all those who observe(d) it” (The Nepano). For decades Lantern Nite was a beautiful part of life here at New Paltz. Each year in mid June as the sun set over campus, students were preparing for Lantern Nite. I can imagine the scene in all of its grander. The classes excitedly huddled together wearing their designated attire. Whispering and practicing the Alma Mater, recounting their year here at school and getting ready to honor all that they had accomplished. They would hold their lanterns tightly in their hands, waiting to light the candle within and begin their procession around campus. Commemorating the lives that they have led in their time here.

Imagining a scene like this takes my breath away. So then why did the rich tradition of Lantern Nite get extinguished like a used candle? Along with Elaine’s lantern there was another lantern from 1987. I searched through issues of The Oracle, which became the school news paper in 1938, and I couldn’t find a single thing about Lantern Nite after that date. It seems that 1987 was the year that Lantern Night was laid to rest. I can’t understand how such a beautiful tradition that was so ingrained in the history of New Paltz was allowed to vanish. I for one want my chance to be a Lantern Bearer, and my research about Lantern Night has inspired me to revive the tradition. New Paltz students should know of this amazing ritual, and Elaine’s lantern should shine again.

Sources: The Nepano, established May 1933, published weekly by the students of the New Paltz Normal School