Kirkland Rests Its Case On Achievements, Sports

Kirkland's reputation has always depended more on the achievements of its members than on its physical plant. On this basis, the Deacons have had a good deal to boast about since the war.

Academically the House has held first place, sending five men to Europe on fellowships last June and producing one Rhodes scholar in February, Kirkland also supplied four of the eight Junior members of Phi Beta Kappa this fall.

But all Deacons are not grinds by any means K. House carried off the full football championship and leads now in the competition for the Straus Trophy, Five men hold captainships on varsity teams, a drop of two since last year.

The House is probably best known abroad for its representation in activities. Proofs of this lies in the fact that six out of the 14 members of the '49 Class Day Committee and 5 of the 12 men on the '49 Permanent Class Committee come from Kirkland.

Deacon's Domain

Energy is not altogether spent outside, however. That Kirkland should excell in that nebulous thing called "House spirit" is due more than anything else to the interest. Deacons take in their domain. The bi-monthly concerts of chamber music in the Common Room have become well known in the University. Ond the Deacon's Testament has achieved fame as the only House yearbook.

Regular concentration dinners with speakers from the University help to widen acquaintance. These are supplemented by House dinners several times during the year. The Christmas dinner, crowned but a whole pig, apple in mouth, and the spring dinner with outstanding guests have become K-House traditions. Additional meetings, such as that with Robert Frost this winter, occur not infrequently. Semi-annual Nocturnal Collations--beer parties--and the Spring Formal complete the list of significant events. Activities of this sort have contributed to the House's reputation as the most democratic.

Kirkland has the youngest group of tutors and so perhaps best carries out the original intent of the Houses to provide dinner table education. This plan has bad some formal aspects this year in House courses and in a program of General Education forums.

Cordiality

There is a standing invitation to all members from Housemaster and Mrs. Hammond. In fact, Mrs. Hammond's Thursday teas have the unusual distinction of being regularly attended by a crowd of men who come because they want to.

Physically, Kirkland offers no illuminated tower nor television set. Its library is unique, however. Converted from a Colonial house, it contains nine small rooms, particularly well stocked in history, French, and German. One of the largest House record collections adjoins an unsurpassed listening room with a high fidelity player. In addition there are two music practice rooms and a photographic dark room.

Kirkland's food is equalled only by the four other Houses who are fed from the central kitchen, and surpassed only by Adam's homecooking.

"Varsity" and "Integration" are the two words which best describe the population of Kirkland. So no matter what your interest, you will undoubtedly find your place there.