Georgia Tech Decal (MF026)

History of Georgia Tech Decal

Like most other American colleges and universities, the Georgia Institute of Technology has produced numerous items such as buttons, decals, and other paraphernalia to promote school spirit. The "Rambling Wreck" reference used in many of these items is a quotation from one of the traditional school songs, known as either "Ramblin' Wreck," "Rambling Wreck," or "Rambling Wreck from Georgia Tech." This song's lyrics first appeared in the 1908 Blueprint, the school's yearbook. In that publication, the conclusion of every verse is given as follows: "I'm a rambling wreck from Georgia Tech, and the ---- of an engineer." The publication leaves out the word "hell" each time it occurs. According to an oral history by Harold D. Cutter, the phrase "rambling wreck" itself may date from as early as the 1880s. At first, it may have been used in reference to the students at Georgia Tech, but in modern times it also refers to a Model "T" Ford decked out in the school colors, which makes appearances at home football games.