Virginia Dare Room


Many ceremonies and dinners have taken place here. From joyous occasions such as countless weddings and receptions to somber events such as Foust's and Byrd's funerals. From campus holiday parties to faculty senate meetings to splendid dinners incorporating university china. The murals of Virginia Dare and of John Smith's return to Roanoke, on opposite ends of the room, were painted by a London artist Sidney E. Newbold. Daisies still are incorporated in the mantel's design. The room now has two wool rugs, with colors chosen to help with the inevitable spills that may come in entertaining. There is lots of original plaster work — some so detailed you'd assume it was woodwork.

Clara Booth Byrd Parlor


Byrd's portrait still hangs in this reception room. It now resides on the exterior wall, to limit the light exposure, notes Anne Bowers '71. She and Linda Higgins '72 served as designers during the renovation. The use of gold and green colors gives the room a “gardeny feel” and makes it “light and cheerful,” Bowers says. The room serves primarily as a prefunction space. Porcelain birds accent the room, birds adorn decorative plates and there are birds in the colorful draperies. Is there a slight pun in tribute to Miss Byrd? “A little bit,” Bowers acknowledges.

Parrish Library


Named for Barbara Parrish '48, secretary of the Alumni Association from 1955 to 1989, it contains books by many alumni, Pine Needles yearbooks and mementos. Rose Kennedy gave a copy of her son President Kennedy's “Profiles in Courage” when she visited the Alumni House. The room remains paneled in its original Idaho knotty white pine. The portrait of Foust still hangs above the fireplace, while a pencil drawing of Parrish adorns a wall. The sofa has been resprung and reupholstered. The rug is new to the room — it was most recently in the center of Virginia Dare Room. This is a room that inspires thoughtful conversation.

Pecky Cypress Room


Cypress is loved for its durability. As the tree grows, a certain pathogen can affect it, creating a “pecky” effect. Byrd wanted beautiful Pecky Cypress for the interior paneling. It was brought from the swamps of Louisiana. The 16 wooden chairs around the table were bought for $11 each — and they're being used 71 years later. The newly reupholstered furniture has been resprung and recushioned. The room also has two new sofas and new light fixtures. Everything else was here before, aside from the new window draperies made from “document prints” available in 1937. Pine cones and leaves adorn the draperies, adding to the room’s rustic feel. The room is generally used for small receptions and meetings.

Horseshoe Room (Largent Room)


Used over the decades by the student judicial court, Student Government Association, alumni and other university groups, this room features a horseshoe-shaped table, which has been restored with a custom-made wood top. Moreland Smith, assistant vice chancellor for Management Information Systems and co-chair of the House Committee, notes that the table originally had a green baize top. Later, it had a black laminate top. The House Committee, intent on preservation while considering how the rooms will be used, decided that a new wood top would work best for meetings. The room is named for Vera Largent, a professor of history from 1923 to 1961.