Houston Hall commemorates centennial

An oak gaming table complete with chess board and pieces stood in a corner of the Bowl Room in Houston Hall yesterday, a symbol of the building's historic significance. The table, used during the building's inaugural year, is just an example of how the student center is commemorating its 100th birthday. The relic was among the pictures and artifacts on display at the centennial's opening event yesterday afternoon. The celebration featured an eclectic collection of Houston Hall memorabilia, as approximately 40 students, faculty and administrators began to learn the history of a building they thought they knew well. "Houston Hall was the first model for other student unions," Student Life, Activities and Facilities Assistant Director Kim Allen said. "That is something Penn students should be proud about." The legacy of the Houston family and their affiliation with the University extends over 150 years. The Houstons hold an admissions record -- 27 family members have attended the University. Henry and Sally Houston contributed $100,000 toward the student center's construction, dedicating the building in memory of their son, who died in 1879, the year after he graduated from the University. Yesterday's exhibit included photographs of the newly constructed Houston Hall, and those in attendance could compare them to snapshots of the student union today. Those photos showed that the ground floor of the building used to house a swimming pool. And the billiard room which existed in 1906 is now the Office of Student Life, Activities and Facilities. A large timeline graced the Bowl Room's wall, tracing the history of national events from 1896 to the present, while also documenting memories of Houston Hall recalled by past and present alumni. One 1963 graduate remembered "watching Kennedy threaten action against the Cuban missiles on one of the only TVs available." College senior Alexandra Wipert recalled a time she was visiting a friend in Houston Hall, when, as she left, a "deluge" of rain greeted her outside. "Rather than run for shelter, I took off my shoes and played in the puddles between Houston Hall and College Hall," Wipert wrote in the timeline. "No one else appeared -- it was just me, the rain and a lot of history." The opening celebration went beyond pictures and timelines to present the student union's history. A small display case, for example, contained artifacts such as a preserved Houston Hall lodger from 1896 and china soup bowls from the 1930s. An admissions booklet from 1896 described Houston Hall as a place "where all may meet on common ground and the purpose is to furnish them with every facility for passing their leisure hours in harmless recreation and amusement." Yesterday's event kicked off a week of commemoration of Houston Hall's centennial. Other events will include a house party Saturday night and a day of special dedications and celebrations Wednesday. "We want everyone to come to all the events," said College senior Lija Bentley, one of the week's organizers. "There will be food, drinks and merriment." Allen, who is co-chairing the commemorative events, noted that organizations beyond the University are also recognizing Houston Hall's birthday. The Association of College Unions International, a group of college student union directors, will hold a professional conference in Philadelphia to honor the centennial. Those who could not attend yesterday's event will have ample opportunity to see the Bowl Room exhibit, since it will be on display until March.