Tau Zeta Epsilon : Our House

Upcoming Events

  • 01.31 Tri-Society Open House at 4pm
  • 02.02 First Tea at 5pm
  • 02.05 Second Tea and Open Meeting at 3pm
  • 02.08 Third Tea at 6pm
  • 02.13 Final Tea at 4pm

Recent Events

  • 12.03 Tri-Society Winter Formal
  • 11.17 Music Lecture on Modern Jazz
  • 11.02 Davis After Dark

Newsflash

  • Our Spring 2012 Tea season is about to start
  • soon at the end of January.
  • We look forward to meeting you there!
  • Content © 2009 Tau Zeta Epsilon
  • Site © 2009 Lia Napolitano
  • Last Modified: January 2012 by Sachi Shah
    and Kathryn Christman


House History

This English cottage, reminiscent of the Cotswald tradition, has a unique and varied roof of multiple elevations. Although the house can be viewed as four blocks or units, the roof integrates the units by sweeping from one elevation to another without angular breaks, unifying the building. From the slightly elevated roadway approaching the house, the roof produces a dramatic impression, and its polychromatic slate shingles contrast nicely with the brick exterior walls to create the charming effect of the Tau Zeta Epsilon Society House.

The Society Houses at Wellesley College are important for the light they shed on the extra-curricular life at the college and the interest of furthering the academics beyond the classroom. Founded in 1889 as the Art Society of Wellesley College, Tau Zeta Epsilon is one of six societies established in the late nineteenth century. Societies were formed to provide an informal setting in which to pursue certain academic interests and also served as social centers for the selected members. This Society was established to further the study of arts in a scholarly fashion. From 1900 the Society held yearly studio shows exhibiting student art work.

The site of the society house was approved and plans were developed by three Wellesley College graduates, all of whom were members of the Society: Eleanor Raymond ('09), Helen Baxter Perrin ('23) and Esther Parsons ('23). Before being built, the plans and site were reviewed by Arthur Shurtleff, consulting landscape architect.

From The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

House Rental

Any member of Tau Zeta Epsilon or the greater campus community may rent the TZE house for an event. Examples of past events for which the TZE house has been rented include class meetings, lectures, luncheons, baby showers, bridal showers, and weddings.

Features of the house include a full service kitchen, fireplaces, Steinway & Sons piano, and a deck with four french doors opening onto it. The house has a capacity of 100 people.

Tables, chairs, flatware, and table linens may be rented from local rental companies. Parking space for up to five cars is available on Tupelo lane right next to the house, additional parking is available in the campus visitors' lot, at a 5-10 minute walk from the house.