Carrot cake is more than a dietary staple at Elizabethtown College, it’s a tradition that dates back over 50 years!
The tradition began with opening of the Back Door Bakery located inside Myer Hall in 1974 by the Director of Food Services Donald Yoder. Etown’s 10th President, Dr. Morley J. Mays shared his preference for carrot cake with Yoder and the two made the delicious treat synonymous with hospitality at the College. At that time, the College’s Admissions Office was also located in Myer Hall and it was decided by then Director of Admissions Rev. D. Paul Greene to provide every prospective student and their families a slice of Etown carrot cake to take home after their tour.
While the Back Door Bakery closed in 2002, this tradition lives on and carrot cake has remained an ever-present feature at campus events and prospective student tours. To this day, any student who visits campus is sent home with a carrot cake cupcake.
Throughout Elizabethtown College’s 125th anniversary year, follow along as we share 125 compelling stories about the College’s defining moments, alumni stories, and fun facts since our founding in 1899 at etown.edu.