Pigeon Field

From CarlWiki

Pigeon Field is one of Carleton's several recreational fields, used primarily for intramural sports. Pigeon Field has the sad distinction of being the remotest of these fields.

Pigeon Field is located in the southwest corner of the Upper Arb, on the west side of Spring Creek, adjacent and downhill from the Laura Baker School. It is only accessible through a pathway from the southeast corner of Bell Field, which is hidden from view from campus by a line of trees. Its remoteness occasionally works in its favor, such as when hosting the Nude Olympics.

History

Pigeon Field was once called Prentiss Field, a women's riding field acquired by the college in 1942 and named in honor of the benefactors, Samuel S. and Maude Lair Prentiss. It was used in riding exhibitions (in association with Mai Fete) as late as 1963 (Carletonian, May 15th 1963). It was converted to an athletic field due to the demand of the new Rotblatt league in 1965, which was initially locked out of the main Library Field by the senior-only Continental League. It was renamed, possibly unofficially, after the primary occupants of the equestrian barn at that time, the pigeons. The remaining riding facilities were razed by 1974 (Carletonian, November 14th 1974).

Pigeon Field was also referred to as the "Goodhue Rugby Pitch" for a time in the 1970's, when it was the main rugby facility (Carletonian, May 11th 1972).

The name Pigeon Field is now the official name of the field, and appears as such on campus documentation and Arb Maps.

It is particularly warm on hot days during the spring as it is shielded on all sides by large trees and gets very little breeze.