Everyone at Tilghman knows of our longstanding rivalry with Mayfield high school and what we do during our Mayfeild week. we dress up during the week, decorate the halls, our funeral for Mr. Mayfield, and his burning at the end of the week pep rally. all of these things are what make Mayfield week such a special and fun thing at Tilghman, and while these have been traditions for quite some time they have changed and been modified over the years.
After watching a video from 1989 I learned that Tilghman used to burn a crafted football player rather than the bird that we are burning this year. Attached above is a screenshot from a video from that burning. Also, rather than having Mr. Mayfield burned at the end of the day during 7th period this was an after-school event in which members of the community would come and join in. This was only changed because the school wanted more students to be involved and knew the best way to do that would have it during school hours.
Another difference is that back during Mayfield week it wasn’t as friendly as it is today. Many teachers that were students at some point agree that the rivalry was very serious. During that week they were sworn enemies and acted accordingly but once that week was over they always supported one another and had each other’s backs as if Mayfield week had never happened. This game also used to be played on Thanksgiving Day, these two schools would gather together, play the game, cheer and yell. Then at the end of the day once someone lost or won, they would all head home and have thanksgiving dinner with their families. Now today by dressing up for during the week, painting up for the games, and cheering for the players. You are carrying on the tradition that is Mayfield week, and everyone at Tilghman hopes this Tilghman pride will continue for many more years to come!
https://youtu.be/GxXPAIfPTbo?si=Ecm7q2_Qm6KeBCJ7
This is a link for an amazing video from 1989 Tilghman vs Mayfield game and shows some clips from our side of celebrating and Mayfield’s.
