“Malfunction Function” ia a nickname coined in a 1967 contest to rename College Station, home of Texas A&M. The nickname is sparsely used today and is largely historical, usually said by old University of Texas alumni.
22 November 1967, Dallas Morning News, “Aggie Junction Minus Tuxedo,” section A, pg. 3:
AUSTIN, Texas (UPI)—The winner of the University of Texas Ex-Students Association “Rename College Station” contest chose “Malfunction Junction,” it was announced Tuesday.
Vicki Ann Duncan of Austin, a sophomore at the Aggies’ sister school—Texas Woman’s University—submitted the winning entry and will receive two end zone tickets to the Thanksgiving Day A&M-Texas football game.
The contest was started last summer after College Station civic leaders announced they felt their community needed a new name. Texas alumni agreed to help.
Hundreds of entries were submitted from more than a dozen states. Charles Coates of Houston, president of the UT ex-students, said many of the entries were unprintable and most came from Aggie alumni.
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
Recent entries:
•“I read old books because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“I study old buildings because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“Due to personal reasons, I’m still going to be fluffy this summer” (4/18)
•“Do not honk at me. My life is worthless. I will kill us both” (bumper sticker) (4/18)
•Entry in progress—BP16 (4/18)
More new entries...
Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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