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In 1896, Smith trustees were astonished when the college was bequeathed a large sum of money from Eliza Appleton Haven. She was unknown to alumnae, faculty, or trustees. Equally surprised were some of her family members, who contested her will. It is believed that Ms. Haven wished to demonstrate her support for the education of women. Her generosity allowed Smith to purchase two houses along Elm Street. Today they are known as Haven-Wesley, and provide housing for 71 Smith students.
 Although composed of two buildings, the complex is strongly unified. Residents are said to have the best location on campus, since the houses are close to both Neilson Library and the Campus Center.
There are a total of 25 single rooms and 23 double rooms in the two houses. Part of the houses' charm lies in the unique traits that many of the rooms possess - some have sloping ceilings and odd-shaped windows, others have odd-shaped closets or private porches. Laundry can be done in coin-operated washers and dryers in the basement of each house.
One of the particular appeals
of the Haven/Wesley complex is the extensive use of the living
rooms. Each house has
a large living room with a piano, and Wesley has two study
rooms as well. The complex is rich in tradition -- there
is an annual Halloween Haunted House and two cocktail parties
on Winter and Spring Weekends. Other activities include "Covert
Cupids," Big Sister-Little Sister, and the Senior Banquet.
There is even an annual non-talent show! Havenites and
Wesleyites pride themselves on living in a diverse and spirited
house. The bright yellow color of Haven
makes it one of the most attractive houses on campus. On
autumn and spring days, residents can be found on Haven's
porch swing talking and enjoying the weather.
Haven-Wesley
is also notable because writer Sylvia Plath once lived
there.
 Wesley House was relocated to its current location between Haven House and Hopkins House to accommodate the construction of Smith College's campus center. The building received two small additions to provide for an accessible entrance and a new egress stair tower. New thermal pane windows and a new coat of paint, as well as slate and copper roof materials, dressed up the exterior. The interior reconfiguration included new finishes throughout, egress improvements, new fire separation doors, and a complete renovation of the house bathrooms.
Modifications for accessibility
included the new entrances, a fully accessible first floor
and barrier
free access to all public spaces in the building.
Haven and Wesley / Kathleen Crowe '99 |
