The sign, say some residents, is symbolic. In 1969, students stormed University Hall to protest the Vietnam War and push for curriculum changes. The event was planned and coordinated in Dudley's basement, according to resident Richard Cole '95.

Earlier this year the Les-bian Avengers, a radical les-bian group which staged a fire-eating demonstration in downtown Boston, held planning meetings at Dudley.

Dudley Co-op itself became the site of social action in the early 1970s. When a homeless man came to the door, students invited him to stay.

The legend became the basis for the 1994 movie "With Honors."

Residents say that the Dudley Co-op still retains some of the flavor of its more radical days.

During a recent tour, Weininger pointed out to a visitor "The Wall of Communism," a panel along the stairwell, on which communist statements are written in various languages.

In many ways, this apparent commitment to social awareness and non-conformity helps unite this community.

Many members of the Co-op say they felt that the pre-professional atmosphere of the Houses was not "healthy," says Katherine M. Raab '94-'95.

A Home, Not a House

Some residents describe the atmosphere of the Dudley Co-op as being as warm as the fresh bread they bake daily.

In the Houses, "no one would say 'hello,'" says Raab.

"[In Dudley] people are thoughtful of other people," said the mother of Karin L. Riley '95-'96. "It's a place where a mother is glad to see [her daughter] has a family."

Former Dudley residents who still live nearby will often drop in for Sunday Brunch, says Cole.

"It provides an excellent mix of Harvard and independence which isn't provided in the Houses," Cole adds.

"This is my home," says Phillips. "This is not just a place to live."