Kappa Alpha Theta - Purdue University

KAPPA ALPHA THETA 3 A nnual H o meco mi ng O pen H ouse C elebrates C entenni al R enovations V isitors to this year's Homecoming open house at Theta were treated to a tour of the newly renovated dining room and living room. Coming through the front door, eyes were first caught by the new chandelier, shown at left. It was designed and handcrafted by Sheryl Warnock Fredendall '58 to reflect Theta—the kite, the black, and the gold. Sheryl owned Charlie's Girl Lighting in Lahaska, Pa. She started out replicating the colonial lighting of early America, but branched out into making her own custom designs for new homes. The foyer, painted in a deep rose, sets off the elegant kite chandelier perfectly. Entering the hallway and living room, guests were astonished at how light and open the room is now. The small windows on the south wall have been replaced by larger windows all the way across and the dividing wall along the north side has been removed, allowing light from the courtyard to come in. Judy Bernet Evans '64, vice president of the Facility Corporation Board and a registered architect and certified interior designer, researched design firms and potential ideas and brought them to the FCB. The board approved the budget, the parameters of the design and construction work, and approved the selection of a project manager, and architect, and an interior designer. They chose the firm of Rixey and Blum, a small architectural design firm from Cincinnati, for the renovation. Throughout the first floor, they used a lovely combination of pink, green, peach, and gold pastels. In the living room, furniture is arranged in conversation groups — making it easy to meet with friends or curl up in a corner to study. The multiple layers of paint were removed from the brick surrounding the fireplace, and an insert was installed in the fireplace that will provide warmth and an inviting place to gather. New carpeting and lighting fixtures complement the overall design. The north side of the room is a little alcove containing a table for cards or study and the beautiful Baldwin baby grand piano, that has always been at 607 Russell. It is a highlight in the room. Made in 1907, we know it was a gift to Theta from Jacqueline Decker '41, but we are still researching to find the date it was gifted. Jacqueline was from Lafayette and had two sisters who were also Alpha Chis. She was a vice president at IBM. Her nephew was one of the guests at the open house and is helping us find out more about Jacqueline and her gift. In the dining room, there are new tables and chairs, with the seating capacity increased to 96. New cabinets were added and the ceiling fans were replaced with beautiful chandeliers and recessed lighting. Outlets to plug in laptops and smart phones were installed under the tables, making studying here much more convenient and desirable. Beautiful curtains continue the lovely color scheme. At one end of the room are the architect's renderings for the 1957 house at 607 Russell and the 1992 new addition. We hope to put a third rendering here of the Littleton house to complete the visual history of Purdue Theta houses.

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