Diners commemorate Woodstove Lounge era

Author: Cloe Shasha

While a March 6 a farewell party was held for Proctor's Woodstove Lounge to give regular visitors to the space a chance to gather together and celebrate the lounge, the spot will likely remain open until at least spring break, according to Dining Room Servery Worker Stephen Draper.

The lounge may close in order to serve as an extension of the College Bookstore while Proctor Dining Hall undergoes renovation. The College is looking at potential other locations to store the books that would not require the closure of the Woodstove Lounge.

All of this remained unbeknownst to the students who intermingled on the horseshoe of blue couches and sat on the benches of the decorated booths at the March 6 party. For over an hour, WRMC provided the music for the event. The room reached its most crowded point around 6:45 p.m., as students, some seated on the floor and some standing, talked and gathered in the space.

Students brought in Proctor Hall Dining Room Servery Supervisor William Saunders and Draper to speak at the party. Saunders waited until the murmur of student conversation faded before addressing the fans of Woodstove Lounge.

"It's not the place, it's the people," he said, to which students responded with applause.

As cameras flashed at the two guests, more people cheered. Saunders told the party that the lounge's booths would be moved behind the dishwashing area of the main dining room. As he left the lounge, he made a peace sign with his right hand, which instigated another round of clapping.

Frequent lounge diners decided to hold a party for Woodstove Lounge because they feel its potential closure marks a turning point for the culture of Proctor. Students who eat in the lounge feel that the regular dining hall is too noisy and crowded. They believe that the space is more conducive for personal interactions and conversations.

Workers began to assemble equipment and barriers for the renovation, March 10. The temporary home for much of the equipment will be the parking lot between Proctor and Hillcrest Environmental Center.