History of the Grove House

The Idea

In 1975, Professor Barry Sanders taught a class called “Arts and Crafts Movement in America.” It was out of this class that the idea for the Grove House was born.

As Professor Sanders explained, "We were studying...that period of craftsmen architecture between 1890 and 1915 when it was believed that art should be functional as well as aesthetic. What better way to study the works of Louis Tiffany, Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, and others associated with that movement than to find a home that reflected those influences!"

"We wanted a home-like, relaxed atmosphere that was different from the institutional look of college buildings," explained student Laura Weinstein.

“There are several reasons why we want to acquire a new building. First, students have long felt a need for a type of student activities center that would have a friendly, comfortable, home-like atmosphere. This kind of ambience is difficult to create given contemporary building methods and costs. 

 

Historical Claremont is rich in older houses valued for their historical or architectural significance. Their scale and cohesiveness, their familiarity. These houses provide a sense of continuity which can serve as a stabilizing element in today’s rootless society. Many of these houses lie neglected and untended; some are doomed to be razed for other newer buildings. In many instances, these houses are emerging as renewed centers of activity and community appeal. 

 

The Zetterberg House could become such a place for Pitzer students. It would provide the Pitzer community with an opportunity to work on and participate in the restoration of a fine house from the Arts and Crafts period.”

 

—Professor Barry Sanders

As then Dean of Student Activities, Leonard Harper said, "We wanted a student center where students could relax, play guitars, hold meetings, small dances, poetry readings and have a retreat from the pressures of studies."

Original members of the committee to procure the Grove House (then called "The Pitzer College Zetterberg House Committee") inlcuded Arthur McCloud (staff), Leonard Harper (staff), Barry Sanders (faculty), Ronald Rubin (faculty), and students Luara Weinstein, Cathy Curtis, Bill Ashley, and Brian Weisbrod.

History of the House

Originally situated on five acres of land in western Claremont, it is believed that the house was built in 1902 by C.F. Loop, a business man who lived in Pomona. George N. Hamilton, a lawyer who moved to Southern California from Chicago, purchased the house in 1911, and then, in 1930, the house was purchased by its last owners and long-time residents, Mr. and Mrs. Arvid P. Zetterberg. The Zetterbergs lived in the house for 45 years. 

in 1975, the house and its surrounding property were sold to Pilgrim Place. 

The house was slated to be demolished in 1978, a agroup of Claremont residents and the Pitzer College Zetterberg Committee fought to stop its destruction. Thanks to large donations — particularly $100,000 from the Crosby Kemper Foundation — as well as fundraising efforts and student voluntary pledges from their activity fees, the house was saved, brought up to safety code standards, and eventually brought to Pitzer. 
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