Imagine a time when Harvard aimed to revitalize education. That’s the story of Eliot House. Opened in 1931, Eliot House stands as one of Harvard University’s twelve residential houses. It is one of the original seven. Eliot House embodies tradition and history.
Eliot House owes its name to Charles William Eliot. He served as president of Harvard for forty years. His tenure lasted from 1869 to 1909. Eliot’s impact on the university was significant. He introduced the elective system. He oversaw the construction of Harvard Stadium. He also championed the Phillips Brooks House and Johnston Gate.
Commissioned by Abbot Lawrence Lowell, Eliot’s successor, the house aimed to revitalize education. It also sought to revive egalitarianism at Harvard College. Edward Harkness’s benefaction funded Eliot House. The cost was $3 million. Harkness also endowed the other six original houses at Harvard and the first colleges at Yale.
Architecturally, Eliot House is a typical residential college. It mirrors the colleges of Oxford and Cambridge. Shepley, Bulfinch, Richardson, and Abbot designed it. The house is organized around three open courts. These are the Forecourt, the Great Court, and the Master’s Court.
The Great Court has a hexagonal shape. This is due to the site’s irregular nature. Seven buildings surround it. The west side rises five stories. The south and east sides only rise to three. An open space breaks the line of buildings. This design choice maximizes sunlight and river views.
Traditions define Eliot House. The Eliot House shield comes from the Eliot family arms. It features silver and paired wavy blue arms. These derive from the Devonshire and Cornwall branches. The Eliot elephant also holds significance. It comes from the Eliot family’s coat-of-arms crest. Its facial features were inspired by Roger “Frisky” Merriman. He was the first master of the House. President Eliot’s grandson drew it.
“Floreat Domus de Eliot” is the house toast. The response is simply “Domus.” This translates roughly to “Long Flourish Eliot House!”. All house members belong to either the Junior Common Room (JCR) or the Senior Common Room (SCR). Sophomores, juniors, and seniors comprise the JCR. The Master, Tutors, and faculty form the SCR. Eliot House also maintains ties with Jonathan Edwards College at Yale and Emmanuel College at Cambridge University.
Throughout its history, Eliot House has seen changes. Originally, it housed fewer students at a lower cost. Today, it accommodates more students. The cost has significantly increased. During World War II, U.S. Navy Office candidates occupied Eliot House. Their repeated swabbings damaged the dining hall’s original wooden floor. The linoleum floor remains as a legacy of that time.
Eliot House has made its mark on the silver screen. Its belltower has appeared in films. These include “Old School,” “Legally Blonde,” “Chasing Liberty,” and “Euro Trip”. “Love Story” and “The Social Network” also feature Eliot House prominently.
Many notable individuals have called Eliot House home. These include Leonard Bernstein. Also, Benazir Bhutto. Plus, Jack Lemmon. As well as, T.S. Eliot.
Eliot House is more than just a residence. It is a vibrant community. It fosters traditions and lasting memories. “Floreat Domus de Eliot!”