By Elizabeth Bacharach
Contributing Writer
The University’s Small Houses, located behind Vedder Hall along St. George and 6th Streets, opened their doors to the campus community on Saturday Sept. 3, exposing interested students to the individual interest-based houses and their respective themes.
Sean Fortney ’12 said that the Small Houses program is “unique to any other housing option at Bucknell” for three reasons: availability, student initiative and community building.
At the Block Party, each house had a special activity or enticing refreshment for those visiting. These activities included sustainable bracelet making at Taylor House, the sustainable cooperative house; bingo at Galloway House; canvas creations at the Seventh Street House; and voter registration at Edwards House, a venue for political discourse and investigation. At Carey House, students put their handprints and construction paper hearts on posters to send to child soldiers. In addition to theatrics, lemonade was handed out at Cap and Dagger in the Hulley House, a house with a performance-based theme.
Just this year, Cap and Dagger relocated to Hulley House. According to Ethan Van Buskirk ’13, the purpose of the Cap and Dagger house is to “spread art through the campus.”
Some houses are solely for community living. Others are fully open to the community, such as the Seventh Street House for the Study of the Black Diaspora. “Everyone is welcome. There are programs throughout the year, and it is a great study place! Feel free to stop by,” said Doneeca Thurston, the Resident Adviser in Seventh Street House.
The houses can be customized based on the interests of those living there. If the group continues to live in the Small House community, they become eligible for upgrades such as new flat screen televisions, kitchen supplies, refurnishing of the living room and repainting of the exterior or interior of the house.
Becoming a part of the Small House community differs from house to house. Some houses serve as alumni housing for Residential College members, like Carey House for the Social Justice Residential College students, but others are based solely on interest. For example, at Galloway House, also known as Fran’s House, in honor of the late director of the Office of LGBT Awareness Fran McDaniel, the only requirement is interest.
The night concluded with a variety of musical and theatrical performances at 23 University Avenue, or “Das Musik Haus.” Galloway House hosted a drag queen to further advertise their community. Additionally, a DJ and a band provided music.
As music played and entertainment was displayed, students played games such as Frisbee and corn hole. When asked whether the afternoon was a success, Fortney responded, “Absolutely.” He further proved his point by saying that over 150 people attended the Block Party.
Each Small House encourages students and faculty alike to stop by and visit.