Frau Day
By Quinn Martindale ‘27, Resident Editor; Edited by Kat Willson ‘26, Editor-in-Chief
On May 5th, something different was stirring at Merritt North (MNo). Students took a break from the standard Ridley orange and black uniform and marched through the halls in high, mismatched socks, multicoloured shirts, clashing patterns, and layers of anything other than a school uniform. To the average Ridleian (and Ms Steele), it may have seemed like chaos. But to the veterans of MNo…It was Frau Day!
The annual tradition of Merrit North, Frau Day is no fashion show, but a celebration of a former Ridleian. Beneath the strange attire is a touching origin story that goes back generations of OR’s (Old Ridleians).
Before there was Frau Day there was Mark Josselyn, a Ridleian from the class of ’76. Mark was notoriously a messy dresser, someone who could never pull off the simplistic style that was the dress code in past years. Known for his colourful, mismatched attire, he stood out. After some teachers and peers teased him for his somewhat unconventional look, Mark decided to make it his signature, unique style which eventually became a core part of his identity on campus.
Even years later, the students of Merritt North honour Mark’s, somewhat silly legacy by embracing the mismatch. Each spring, the boys of MNo don their most poorly coordinated outfits and wildest wardrobe combinations. At the center of it all is the Frau Day photo, where the MNo boarders’ mismatched outfits are captured and preserved as a photo which will be hung in the house hallway, showcasing the decades old tradition. It’s more than just a funny day; it’s a core tradition of one house’s culture and willingness to make a spring day seem less serious, and that’s nothing to Frau’n upon.
