The History of Magic

This week at Collins is annual Hogwarts week, full of activities revolving around the beloved book series by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter. So far, these have included Harry Potter film screenings, book discussions, a special "Daily Prophet" edition of the Collins Columns, and fireside chats with experts on literature and history. Later in the week there will be performances by Wizard Rock bands, a musical, and a Quidditch tournament, among other things. To support my "house," Hillcrest, I decided to attend "The History of Magic," an informational talk about the history of Collins with alumna Kristen Murphy. After the talk, we got to ask questions and chat about the differences between Collins then and now.

I learned some really unusual things about Collins! Here are my favorite 5 facts I learned this evening:

1. The duty office in the formal lounge used to be an apartment where Ralph L. Collins lived during his years here.

2. The Collins dining hall used to have a waffle-maker.

3. The annual Collins Viennese Ball was started by a student of the Jacobs School of Music. Naturally, the first Viennese Ball had a 25-piece orchestra!

4. The Cheshire Cafe was started as a Q-199 project by a couple who met in Collins, and who are now married.

5. Before Collins was Collins, it was the MRC, Men's Residence Center. The guys had to wear formal attire to the dining hall every evening, including ties.