Picture this A majestic house stands before you. This is Marquand House home to AUB presidents for generations. It’s more than just a building. It’s a silent witness to history.
Marquand House is significant. It’s been the residence of every AUB president since 1880. Only Presidents Fredric P Herter Robert M Haddad and David S Dodge lived elsewhere. This was after the assassination of President Malcom H Kerr.
Imagine life within those walls. Hassan Drar was the caretaker for over three decades. He saw six presidents come and go. He witnessed wars and kidnappings. He even lived through the Beirut bombings. His wife Zeinab helped him run the household. They managed everything from daily chores to grand receptions. Hassan started his day at 4 30 am with prayers. He finished around 2 30 pm unless there was a dinner party. He said he knew he had a job for life. His kindness was legendary. He recalled President Kirkwood chatting often. He described Mrs Kirkwood as a fatalist. She never sought shelter during the heaviest bombing. He remembered President Plimpton asking him to leave the back door open for a quick escape.
The Kerrs were also kind. They sent pictures of their babies years after leaving. President Waterbury was demanding yet humorous. He and Kerr were the best Arabic speakers. The Drars’ children Mohammad and Dalia attended AUB. Dalia is now a TV anchor. Mohammad studied in Texas.
Marquand House hosted important visitors. Mark Twain and Teddy Roosevelt stayed there. So did Dom Pedro II the last Emperor of Brazil. The Shah of Persia visited too. Even Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri visited after a bombing. Marquand House is an integral part of AUB’s history. It has welcomed world leaders. It’s seen joy and sorrow. It stands as a symbol of resilience. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Lebanon. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Beirut.