User:Olsonandrew1/Rakeops

Rakeops are a brotherhood of men originated in Decorah, Iowa in 1953. Often referred to as, the Rakes. The word "Rakeop" comes from the list of its founding members, all Luther College students.

Luther College Students Ron Baribeau, Alan Martinson, Keith Rosheim, Eldon Rogstad, Omar Ersland, and Paul Suby formed the association during their Fall Semester at Luther College.

They elected a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer to handle their affairs.

The Rakeops symbol is a Bull. The bull is adorned with a cap displaying the LC (Luther College) initials. The Rakeop patch consists of the Bull, the name, and is made up of the organizations colors: Blue and White. The patch is worn on the traditional Rakeop Jacket.

The Rake Jacket, or Coat, is the traditional 2 tone varsity letterman's jacket. The cloth body is Royal Blue, while the leather sleeves are white. The jacket is worn around Decorah and signifies one's status as a Rake. Upon completion of the pledging process a new Rake, or "Baby Rake" will be given a current Rakes jacket. The new Rake will wear this until he purchases his own jacket at which time the old one would be returned to its owner. Once membership and the jacket is obtained it is worn proudly by the new Rake.

Ma, ma, ma, ma, ma, ma, ma...

M - I - C, see ya real soon,

K - E - Y, why? Because we love to drink beer.

M - O - U - S - E.

Bring out your blue and white, goblet with your Rakeop crest upon it, and we'll all have another keg of beer.

For it wasn't for the knowledge, that we came to Luther College, but to raise hell while we're here.

Once per week the Rakeops hold a meeting. The meetings were usually held on Tuesday nights, but in the later years were on Wednesday nights. There were often weekend meetings as well, to commemorate big events such as Homecoming, Pledge Nights, Old Rakes being in town, or just a need for more than one meeting during a week.

Participants would gather at The Pub, later called Roscoe's, around 7:30 on the given night. A typical meeting consisted of anywhere between 7-15 men. These included the Rakes and their guests on the given evening. An ideal total would consist of 8-12. Any fewer or any more and things could get even more out of hand than the usual. During the frigid Iowa winters, meetings often consisted of 3 or 4 men, and legend even speaks of a 2 man meeting. Conversely, spring and summer meetings could gather 30 or more participants.

Over the years, many venues in Winnesheik County, IA held Rake meetings. The most notable is "The Bridge" or Bridge #9. The actual name is the Henry Bridge. Another location used for many years was the "Hog House".

Other places where Rake Meetings were held included The Cascades and The Quarry. Both venues offered the best of what North Eastern Iowa's Bluff Country has to offer.

The Rakeop beer of choice is Hamm's Brewery.

The Rakeop whiskey of choice is Old Crow.

The Rakeop Fun Club, the Rake's IM sports team, dominated Luther College's leagues. The Fun Club routinely won titles in Softball, Basketball, and Broom Hockey.

Ferris Bueller (Class of 1989) Secretary, Vice-President and President

Otis ('98-'02) IM Reporter, Fire Builder, Secretary, and President, currently of Minneapolis

Spicoli ('98-'03) Fire Builder, Secretary, President

Gimpy ('94-'96) Fire Builder and Secretary. Milwaukee, WI.

Crispy-Critter (1996-2000) Vice President and President.

Bob Murkie (1961-1963) where are you today?

Hutchie (1961-1963)

Ole (1993-1997) President, Secretary, Treasurer, Fire Builder. Currently resides in Sturgeon Bay, WI.

Johnboy (1987-88) Enlisted in U.S.Army, veterinarian Las Vegas NV