Eliot

Eliot House has its own legend and lore. Its name evokes images of Master John Finley wandering from table to table in the dining room mentioning those all-too-familiar figures of antiquity. Its name produces visions of nattily-dressed preppies scampering from a Master's tea to the Club, and of House jocks and future Rhodes scholars energetically supporting a virtual madhouse of intramural activities.

But this is the myth. The reality is an assorted conglomeration of students, no one group really predominating. Its sports are taken seriously by some while ignored by others--although the House crew has traditionally dominated intramural competition and even returned from Henley with honors.

In the dining hall, the conglomeration breaks down into tight groups that last from year to year, and have little communication with each other. And so it is with the tutors, for although Faculty members like Robert Chapman, and Walter Kaiser are friendly, it is up to the student to strike up conversation.

Above all, the House lets its members do what they want. This year's unusually active House Committee has set up Literature and Science tables. The music room often vibrates to the R'n'R tunes of groups like the Forerunners, and the Junior Common Room hosts occasional recitals. In the fall, football games are prefaced by cookouts in the courtyard. In the spring, the courtyard is criss-crossed with bowling balls and the air echoes with the slap of croquet mallets.

Eliot house rooms are unusually large and vary in views from the scenic MBTA yards to the oily Charles. The library is big, comfortable, and well-stocked.

If Eliot men guard their individuality, Master Finley treasures the myth. He cheers on House football, and joins in with tennis players. He seeks frequent opportunities to light up the House tower in honor of special events. And his famous recommendations have brought House members more than their share of Rhodes and other awards.

Eliot House, like the Old South, exists somewhere between myth and reality. You have your choice of both.