Lowell House

Lowell House is one of the twelve undergraduate residential Houses at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1930, it is named for former Harvard President Abbott Lawrence Lowell, the architect of the Harvard College House system. The House is renowned for its distinctive Georgian design, vibrant community, and notable traditions, including the ringing of its Russian bells.

History

The construction of Lowell House was part of the ambitious expansion of the Harvard College residential system championed by President Abbott Lawrence Lowell in the late 1920s. It was built with a generous gift from Abbott Lawrence Lowell's brother, Percival Lowell, a noted astronomer and founder of the Lowell Observatory. The House opened its doors to students in 1930, with its first Master, Julian Lowell Coolidge, a distinguished mathematician and descendant of the Coolidge family. Throughout its history, the House has been a center for intellectual discourse, hosting figures like the poet Robert Frost and serving as a wartime training site for the United States Navy during World War II. In 2017, Lowell House completed a comprehensive renewal project that modernized its facilities while preserving its historic character.

Architecture and grounds

Designed by the firm Coolidge, Shepley, Bulfinch and Abbott, Lowell House is a prime example of Georgian Revival architecture, drawing inspiration from the grandeur of Oxford and Cambridge colleges. Its defining features include a large, enclosed courtyard, a prominent clock tower, and elegant brick facades with white trim. The House's most famous architectural element is the set of 17 Russian bells hanging in its tower, a gift from the Romanov family and originally from the Danilov Monastery in Moscow. The beautifully landscaped grounds include the secluded "Lowell House Lawn" and the "Juniper Path," providing serene outdoor spaces for residents. The House's dining hall features ornate wood paneling and portraits of notable figures like James Russell Lowell.

Student life and traditions

Student life in Lowell House is characterized by a strong sense of community and unique, long-standing traditions. The most famous is the biannual ringing of the Russian bells by student society the "Lowell House Society of Russian Bell Ringers," a practice begun in the 1930s. The House hosts a lavish annual Winter Ball in its decorated courtyard and a festive Spring Fling. Intellectual life is fostered through regular "Master's Teas" with guests like Nobel Prize winners and renowned authors. Social hubs include the "Lowell House Grille," a late-night snack bar, and the "Junior Common Room." The House fields teams, known as the "Lowell Lowellians," in intramural competitions like the Harvard-Yale Regatta and House football.

Notable alumni and affiliates

Lowell House has been home to a remarkable array of influential individuals across many fields. In government and law, alumni include Sonia Sotomayor of the Supreme Court of the United States, former Prime Minister of Canada Pierre Trudeau, and diplomat Richard Holbrooke. Literary and cultural figures include poet T.S. Eliot (an early resident), author William Styron, and filmmaker Terrence Malick. Notable scientists and academics include Nobel Prize in Physics laureate Roy J. Glauber and philosopher Robert Nozick. Other distinguished affiliates include former faculty deans like classicist Helen North and economist William A. Kirby.

In popular culture

The distinctive architecture and ambiance of Lowell House have made it a recognizable setting in several films and literary works. It served as a filming location for the Academy Award-winning film Love Story, which depicted a romance between Harvard students. The House is also featured in the political thriller The Good Shepherd, which chronicles the early history of the CIA. In literature, the House and its bell tower are referenced in novels by John Updike and other authors associated with the Boston literary scene. Its iconic courtyard is a popular subject for photographers and artists capturing the essence of Harvard University.

Category:Harvard University Category:Residential colleges in the United States Category:Buildings and structures in Cambridge, Massachusetts