Quincy Clamps Down on Hoi Polloi

For at least one day a week, the “People’s House” will no longer live up to its egalitarian moniker.

Beginning tomorrow, Quincy House will implement a new policy allowing only its residents to eat dinner in its dining hall on Thursdays.

The plan, put forth by the House tutors, is part of an effort to bring together residents of the House and establish a closer sense of community.

Quincy embraces its “People’s House” image, using the nickname in its own newsletter. Named for the antislavery Boston mayor and 15th Harvard president, Josiah Quincy, Class of 1790, it is the largest of the 12 undergraduate Houses and has, up until now, placed no restrictions on out-of-House upperclassman diners, according to the University Dining Services We site. Freshmen could eat there when accompanied by a Quincyite.

Melissa M. Trahan ’07, co-chair of the Quincy House Committee (HoCo), said that the new dining rules should not be viewed as a restriction.

“We hope that by securing this meal for Quincy residents, we will further see our House spirit and camaraderie blossom,” she said.

James P. Sharp ’07, the other HoCo chair, said Quincy residents have often complained that their dining hall gets so crowded that they cannot find a seat for lunch or dinner.

“In general we are proud of being open to everyone. There are 19 other meals in a week when people can come enjoy Quincy,” Sharp said. “We think this night will be a really nice compromise.”

One Quincy resident, Samson F. Ayele ’09, said that while he is not opposed to the restriction, he does not feel that it is necessary.

“The dining hall never seems particularly crowded,” Ayele said. “It’s not an Adams situation and I can always find a place to eat.”

The new restriction could create problems for students who frequent Quincy dining hall due to its convenience. Students living in the Quad and freshmen from the Union dorms often eat in Quincy.

Amanda J. Watkins ’08, a Leverett resident and member of the women’s varsity softball team, said that members of her team eat their dinners at Quincy most nights after practice.

“It will be inconvenient for Thursdays,” she said. “It’s only one day, though, that we aren’t allowed to be here, so it shouldn’t be too bad.”

Both HoCo chairs stressed that Quincy will not impose any further restrictions.

“Outside of that sole meal, Quincy will remain the ‘People’s House’ and leave its doors open to all,” Trahan said.

—Staff writer Aditi Banga can be reached at abanga@fas.harvard.edu.