Fall 2008 - History of the Grove House

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The Grove House was the first student cultural center established at Pitzer College. It remains the touchstone of the Pitzer campus and offers a respite from daily concerns and academic pressures. Quiet conversations; reading or writing; cultural events, such as musical performances in the lobby, poetry readings in the Bert Meyers Poetry Room, or student art exhibitions in the Hinshaw Art Gallery; a women’s center; an ecology center; and nutritious foods are all part of the Grove House experience.

Built in 1902, during the height of what has been termed the American Arts and Crafts Movement, the Grove House is an impressive architectural example of the California bungalow style, characteristic of the period. Originally located on Harrison Avenue, the Grove House was purchased from George N. Hamilton by Mr. and Mrs. Arvid P. Zetterberg on March 20, 1930. The Zetterberg House was subsequently purchased by Pitzer for $1 and, as part of a Pitzer class taught by professor emeritus Barry Sanders entitled “The Arts and Crafts Movement in America,” was moved from Pilgrim Place to the campus on July 16, 1977.

The Grove House was initially intended to function as one large living room with an atmosphere conducive to relaxing, socializing, drinking coffee, and, at that time, even smoking. The essence of the house was and remains to this day hospitality. The guest room upstairs accommodates visiting parents, alumni, faculty, and friends of the College who would like to spend a night on campus. The student caretaker’s room provides annual lodging for the elected student who supervises the maintenance of the house, works in the kitchen, and is the first individual to provide a welcoming smile to all the visitors to the Grove House.

Countless Pitzer students have described the Grove House as an integral component of their unique college experience – one that provides a home away from home.

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