Celebrating Zinck's Night Around the World

Where were you on October 20?

Theodore Zinck's pub on North Aurora Street, called the Hotel Brunswick, was a popular gathering place for Cornellians in the 1890s--so popular that, after his death in 1903, several Ithaca bars continued using his name. When the last "Zinck's" closed in the mid-1960s, celebrating the spirit of Zinck's became a favorite Thursday night Collegetown tradition. Not long after, Cornellians adopted the custom in their hometowns. Today, the memory of Zinck's remains strong through the annual International Spirit of Zinck's Night, held on the third Thursday in October.

Zinck's Night has become much more than a time to trade treasured tales about a cramped bar, a colorful barkeep, and a catchy tune ("We'll all have drinks / At Theodore Zinck's / When I get back next fall!"). It's an occasion dedicated to celebrating Cornell University, no matter where you may be. Zinck's celebrations take many forms: you can meet alumni in your area, listen to a speaker, enjoy a meal, test your knowledge of your alma mater, and, of course, enjoy a beverage with friends. Here are examples of how Cornellians around the world made the most of Zinck's Night 2005.

Worcester, Massachusetts--Cornellians from throughout central Massachusetts came together at the Worcester Art Museum to celebrate. Amid masterpieces that chronicle 5,000 years of human creativity, Cornellians of all ages enjoyed food, drink, good company, and stories of life on the Hill. The evening started with an optional tour of the museum collection that highlighted, appropriately, party themes in art. The evening was in full swing as the tour returned to the Museum Café, where alumni were treated to a free Oktoberfest beer tasting, says Christine Del Favero '96, "testing if their post-college oenophile ways had helped, or hindered, their appreciation of fine beer."

Morristown, New Jersey--Although the alumni presence was small in Morristown, everyone enjoyed the Famish Frog Bar and Restaurant and the company of their fellow Cornellians. "Even alumni from 1955 stopped in to say hello!" says Wil Andersen '93.

Tokyo, Japan--Many alumni came to Fujimamas Restaurant, representing all schools and years. A Cayuga's Waiters CD played in the background and a slideshow of campus scenes scrolled on a screen while Big Red enthusiasts enjoyed a fusion buffet and plenty of drinks. After the initial welcome, the history of Zinck's Night was presented and trivia questions began, says Marina Amakasu '02. "Everyone was a winner, even if they got only one answer right." After feasting on a cake inscribed in chocolate with "Zinck's Night 2005," the revelers ended the evening with a preview of upcoming events for the Cornell Club of Japan, says Amakasu. "The event instilled interest in the younger graduates and motivated them to become more active in the alumni association."

Dallas, Texas--Zinck's Night took place at Monica's Aca y Alla, home of the best margaritas in Dallas, according to the Dallas Observer. Many attendees were newcomers to Zinck's who were intrigued enough by the name to come out and learn what it was all about; a few experienced alumni attended as well. Discussion centered on favorite watering holes in Ithaca and which places have survived and which are distant memories, reports David Albright '76. "Everyone had that great feeling of being back on the Hill, at least for a few hours!"

This is just a small sampling of the reports from ninety-eight International Spirit of Zinck's Night events held around the world. Where will you celebrate on October 19, 2006?

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