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- HISTORY OF THE HER COOPERATIVE HOUSE
The Harriet E. Richards Cooperative House, established in 1928, is one of the first cooperative dormitories in the nation. A residence for women who could not otherwise afford the cost of a university education, the House provides living arrangements at a nominal cost. The residents were expected to maintain the living quarters and cook for themselves. Now, 70 years later, the House continues to be a model for many similar residences around the country.
The first Dean of Women, Lucy Jenkins Franklin founded the House, after she visited France in the 1920’s and saw similar houses run by and for college women who could not afford the cost of university living. Fascinated by the cooperative concept, she brought the idea back to the United States and she started a cooperative for women here at Boston University. Originally located at 328 Bay State Road (the present site of the Boston University Law School), the HER Cooperative House represented the first women’s dormitory on the Boston University campus.
Initially, Dean Franklin’s good friend, Harriet Eliza Richards, contributed $100 to get the House operating. In turn, the residents decided to name the House for its benefactress. The Hollander mansion (328 Bay State Road) was purchased with the many donations from Ms. Richards and money raised by the House residents. The money was given to Boston University to purchase the building. By accepting the money, Boston University agreed to be trustee of the Harriet E. Richards Cooperative House. Then, in 1940, the Cooperative House and all its new spirit relocated to 191 Bay State Road, a beautiful 19th century brownstone originally owned by a wealthy Boston merchant. The brownstone was built in 1897 by architects Little and Brown for the merchant James Means, Esq. Highlights of the House include a French Room, oval paneled dining room with 14K gold accents, and a sitting room with four Greek columns and Roman frescoes with a glass atrium above. Today, current House residents find comfort in Harriet Richards’ spirit, which, along with the spirit of many women who have come before us, still graces the rooms.
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