One of Boise Junior College's early traditions was the burning bronco, nicknamed Elmer.  BJC president Eugene Chaffee described Elmer in his book An Idea Grows: A History of Boise College (page 47):  "He began as a wooden or paper mache semblance of a horse and after each Homecoming game was cremated."  President Chaffee quoted the 1937 college yearbook, "From his ashes rises the spirit of new conquests and victories."