Jewett to honor its past in centennial celebration

Stephen Cheng Staff Writer

Juliana Kiyan Senior Editor

In honor of Jewett House’s 100th birthday this year, the Jewett House Team is hosting a day of activities to celebrate the dorm’s rich history as well as its past and current residents.

The building’s interior underwent an extensive two-year renovation that was completed in 2003, transforming Jewett into what many students complain is a sterile, hotel-like environment. Nonetheless, the President of Jewett House Christopher Smith ’07 said that the Centennial on April 21 aims to relate and commemorate Jewett’s history, its influence on campus, and “the memories current and former residents have for the Phallus Palace.”

The Jewett House Team has been planning for the Centennial since summer 2006. Along with activities and sustenance for the whole Vassar community, the House Team has organized historical displays that will promote Jewett pride and legacy. The Jewett parlor will be dedicated as the Jewett Historical Gallery, containing historical memorabilia, stories, and photographs from the past century.

Smith contacted a number of alumnae/i who had lived in Jewett, who sent along photos, video, and countless stories from their time at Vassar. These items, along with research from Vassar’s Special Collections and the Vassar Encyclopedia, will be part of a series of historical displays available for viewing the afternoon of April 21. Buildings and Grounds also provided a brass floater from the water tank that used to be in the attic of the Jewett tower and a replica of one of the terra cotta faces that wrap around the tower’s exterior.

The west multi-purpose room will be renamed the “Class of 2007 Lounge,” in honor of the first class to live in Jewett following renovations.

On Saturday, the Jewett Centennial Celebration will kick off in the afternoon with a carnival on the Quad. Along with a bouncy castle, inflatable obstacle course, and putting green, attendees are invited to partake in badminton matches and a three-legged race and watch vintage films.

“Beyond the reflections on Jewett’s past,” said Jewett House Treasurer Alexandria Dempsey ’09, “we want to create a day that celebrates Jewett’s historic reputation as a social center of campus by inviting everyone
to enjoy a day of fun and merriment.”

Music and entertainment will liven up the affair, with scheduled performances from Matthew’s Minstrels, the Shakespeare Troupe, Broadway A Capella, Unbound, Measure 4 Measure, Night Owls, Philaletheis, and some local artists.

In the early evening, visitors can feast on a barbecue catered by the All College Dining Center and a nine-layer cake in the shape of Jewett, and wash it all down with free drinks. The outdoor portion of the celebration will conclude with a bonfire at 10 p.m.

Festivities will proceed indoors with a semi-formal party at 11 p.m. in Jewett, during which the House Team will dedicate the parlor as a Jewett Historical Gallery. After the House Officers lead a champagne toast, Dempsey said that partygoers can enjoy “classy catering” and one hundred bottles of champagne, each representing a year of Jewett’s long life, into the early hours of the next day.

The Jewett House Team worked with an extensive budget. “We wanted to go all out for our 100th birthday,” said Dempsey.

Total costs will run from $15,000 to $18,000, supported by Vassar Student Association special events funding, College departments and alumnae/i, and the Jewett House budget. The House Team also organized fundraising events and points drives. Most of the costs will go to catering, Security, Buildings and Grounds and fire watch.

Campus Dining, the Office of the President, Vice President of Finance and Administration Elizabeth Eismeier, the Office of Residential Life, Dean of Students Daniel Brown, Dean of the College Judy Jackson, and Buildings and Grounds were all involved in preparations for the celebration.

Smith encouraged the whole campus to turn out for this once-in-a-lifetime event, saying, “Jewett’s Centennial will be a spectacular event for the entire Vassar community to come together for a day of fun and celebrate the history of Jewett House.”