Offensive content Filter is ON
SHELLBACKS AND POLLYWOGS
MAYBE THREE TIMES A YEAR, A CERTAIN OUTFIT OF THE
NAVY CROSSES THE EQUATOR WHILE ON ROUTE. THIS IS
CONSIDERED A BIG DEAL TO CROSS THE EQUATOR, ESPECIALLY
FOR THE FIRST TIME. IF IT'S THE FIRST TIME, YOU ARE
CONSIDERED A POLLYWOG, IF IT ISN'T THE FIRST TIME,
YOU'RE A SHELLBACK. THIS ALL DAY AFFAIR IS A ROUGH
TIME FOR ANY POLLYWOG. THEY ARE BEATEN, HEADS ARE
SHAVED AND THERE IS A FREE FOR ALL, ROTTEN EGGS,
PAINT, OIL, RUNNING THROUGH TUNNELS OF GARBAGE, THE
POLLYWOG IS SUBJECTED TO ALL OF THIS MISERY.
AT THE END OF THE RICKETTS OLDEST FATTEST SHELLBACK, CALLED
KING NEPTUNE, SITS FOR ONE LAST RIB. EVERY SAILOR, AT LEAST
WITH THIS OUTFIT GOES THROUGH THIS NO MATTER WHAT RANK HE
IS AS LONG AS IT'S HIS FIRST TIME ACROSS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 11-22-1971