Seal Court was almost unrecognizable last Friday night, as partygoers dressed as pirates, mermaids and sailors flooded what is ordinarily a serene dining spot. The line for drinks extended far past the entryway, snaking through the outdoor dining area down to 9th street, with hordes of sea creatures all waiting their turn to sample the Motley Coffeehouse’s themed menu.
Every semester, the Motley picks a theme for its grand debut. This spring: “Motwrecked.” The theme, however, is not announced until days before the event, when Motley managers post a collage filled with inspirational content guiding students toward a worthy costume.
This coveted 5C tradition is known for drawing great crowds, and “Motwrecked” was no exception.
Camila Leyva SC ’28, the Motley’s networking manager, explained that a lot of thought goes into the party planning process. Leyva and her fellow Motley employees put their heads together to determine a theme that partygoers could easily follow, and one that felt original to the coffeehouse.
Following the theme announcement, a Scripps alumna and former Motley employee reached out to Leyva, eager to share that she constructed a similar theme years before.
“They did an ocean-prom theme a few years ago and that made me so happy that we have similar ideas,” Leyva said. “We have similar desires for how we want this space to be and feel.”
“I think more than ever, it’s important to hold on to things that we’ve always done in the past — even something like a party.”
This coincidence was a sweet reminder of the Motley’s impact and longevity as a community space.
“Now, as we see how [Scripps’] administration is slowly trying to change how the Motley works, I think more than ever, it’s important to hold on to things that we’ve always done in the past — even something like a party,” Leyva said.
This ongoing Motley tradition gives 5C students something to look forward to. This fun and reliable tradition at Scripps’ coffeehouse brings students together.
“I love these parties, these are my favorite parties,” Noe Cohen PZ ’28 said, in reference to past Motley opening events.
Many students recognize the Motley opening event as an unrivaled Claremont party, where they gather to dance and get a taste of new products.
In preparation for the party, Motley workers created drinks with this shipwrecked theme in mind — some of the crowd favorites were “The North Sea,” a lychee limeade with mint, and “Shirley’s Shark Attack,” a Shirley Temple topped with a gummy shark.
The specialty drinks are just one of the many ways that the Motley workers’ diligent planning came to life. The party’s planning process offered another unique opportunity for gathering and creativity; various committees worked to perfect each aspect of the party, from decor to music.
“It was fun to have a lot of baristas come in and kind of tell them, ‘You can just make whatever you want,’” Leyva said. “Whatever you think the space needs, come in and draw it.”
The baristas’ detailed planning paid off: Many partygoers described the dedication that went into dreaming up their costumes.
“I followed it, I’m a sailor, and it’s awesome,” attendee Phoebe Schwab SC ’29 said. “[My friends] are all lobsters, so I’m catching them all.”
Attendee Bess Johnson PZ ’29 fondly recalls the Motley’s fall opening party. Proudly referring to the event as her favorite party of the year, Johnson loved its “Motgun Wedding” theme.
“I loved the balloons,” Johnson said, referring to an array of balloons that floated over the crowd. “They were whimsical and fun; we were passing them back and forth.”
However, Johnson felt that the Motley’s small interior was not accommodating to the surplus of guests it housed.
“The space-to-person ratio was pretty bad,” Johnson said. “If you were anywhere near the music, it was really stuffy. You couldn’t really have a conversation.”
The party’s turnout attests to the Motley’s popularity, but raises questions about its feasibility as a major event space. Still, Johnson looks forward to returning.
“I just think they’re the only good coffee on campus,” Johnson said. “I like it as a study spot, indoor and outdoor, it’s always nice.”
The Motley is one of many on-campus cafes, but its charm sets it apart. Other students shared similar opinions.
“I love the Motley. It’s my number one study spot,” Cohen said. “I love the matcha.”
The commencement party proved, once again, that the Motley is not only a beloved study spot, but also a place for Claremont students to get together, dress like lobsters and pirates and dance their way into the new semester.
Facebook Comments