At the very edge of the houses along the Charles sits massive Eliot House--one of the University's most puzzling buildings in more respects than one.
Architecturally-viewed at any angle from the outside, Eliot looks like the product of an insane designer. No two walls seem to meet at right angles; walls curve; and wings jut out in several directions.
Because of its seclusion, its distance, and its single entrance, this anomaly in brick is all that many people see of Eliot. But once inside, one discovers that Eliot does have a plan. Viewed from the inside courtyard--the largest among the houses--"the triangle with its tip chopped off" becomes apparent as one senses the design of the almost perfectly symmetrical and well proportiontd building.
Puzzling Reputation
But more important than the building is the puzzling reputation and outsider's impression of the house. Eliot has long been called cold, snobbish, prepish, "the clubby house," and "the home of the pseudo-intellectual." All of these titles are, in a sense, true. But they are far exaggerated and have stereotyped and labeled Eliot far more than the actual state of affairs justifies.
Eliot is unfriendly in the sense that its members do not say "hello" to each other in the courtyard; unfriendly also in the sense that one may easily not know those living next door to him, let alone those in the same entry. Although it is definitely unfriendly in this sense, it is perhaps more friendly than any other house in another sense. In general, Eliot friendships, once made, are not artificial. One is a friend not in the sense that he lives upstairs and "it's proper to say hello to him." Eliot men, on the whole, are friends with only those in whom they have a genuine interest--both in agreeing with and disagreeing with them.
Certain Pitfalls
Of course, there are pitfalls in such a made of living. It is not hard to avoid meeting anyone "different" this way. In fact, it is not hard to avoid meeting anyone. As far as Eliot's alleged snobbishness is concerned, the freshman must choose between a sincerity and non-artificiality in friendship which still leaves open the opportunity to meet those who are different and a forced diversity and seemingly universal friendship. No one, who is himself interesting and friendly, will fail to find others like him, and who will like him in the House.
There are perhaps more "students" in Eliot than in any other house. But there are also probably more "hackers" in this house than elsewhere. Eliot tied with its perennial roval, Lowell House, for the top number of senior Phi Beta Kappas this year. Eliot House alone produced almost one tenth of all Rhodes Scholars in the nation last year. At the other extreme, however, there are many men who study hardly over--spending their time partying, drinking, card playing, talking, and at clubs and organizations. In between, of course, there is a large group of both gentlemen scholars and plodders who fit into neither group.
The tone is primarily set by the peripatetic and always charming and interesting Mr. Finley, its master. Professor Finley, however, will be on leave at Oxford next year. His place will be occupied while he is in England by Archibald MacLeish. House members are already anticipating his year of residence.
Eliot House's tutors, led by the universally respected John Conway, Aliston Burr Senior Tutor, are good. The present tutorial staff is particularly strong in English, Government, and History.
Physically and numerically with 452 members, Eliot is the largest house. Outside of Adams, it has the largest rooms in the system. Its stately and heavily paneled dining room--connecting through French dooms to the patio in the courtyard--is both pleasant and spacious, even though it is served by the Central Kitchen.
Largest Library
The library, at the apex of the house triangle, is the largest physically and is quite comfortable. The lighting--long a source of complaint--was improved two weeks ago. Also available are several piano rooms, one of them in the tower, a photo dark room, billiard and ping-pong tables, a record listening room, and a chapel.
John Finley's house may not be quite as representative of Harvard as a whole as several of the other houses--even though it contains all types--but its test perhaps is in the attitude of its members. The majority of Eliot House men are highly satisfied--in fact, highly proud of their house. Many never thought of any other house and most never would, if they had the choice again.
Present size of House: 452
Vacancies for Freshmen: 171
Type of rooms available: 11 doubles, 39 triples, 8 quads.
Price range available (per man per term): doubles, $130-190; triples, $150-205; quads, $105-195.
