History and Charm of the University of Alabama's Weider House

Exploring the History of Weider House at the University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is home to a robust Greek life system, with over 9,000 students participating in sororities and fraternities. As young women embark on the iconic Alabama rush week, many will be hoping for a bid to join one of the prestigious sorority houses on campus.

One of the most well-known sorority houses is Weider House, home of the Alpha Omicron Pi (AOΠ) sisterhood. With a rich history and distinctive architecture, Weider House is an iconic landmark on the University of Alabama campus.

The Origins of Weider House

The Weider House was built in 1931 in the Colonial Revival style of architecture. It was commissioned by the college's chapter of AOΠ women as their official sorority house. The Southern mansion with its stately white pillars established an elegant yet welcoming presence on campus.

The house was named after Rebekah Weider, an esteemed honorary member of AOΠ. Weider contributed generously to finance the construction of the sorority house. Her passion and generosity allowed generations of AOΠ women to call Weider House their home away from home.

Key Architectural Features

Weider House showcases characteristic elements of the Colonial Revival style. The two-story white building is symmetrical in its design. The front central portion featuring the main entrance is framed by white columns that extend two stories high. These classic columns supporting the portico roof are designed in the iconic Greek Revival style.

The front door is accented by a small balcony and railing on the second floor. Two wings extend from both sides of the central portion. Multi-pane double hung windows allow plentiful natural light to fill the rooms. The hipped roofline adds an elegant touch. The back of the house features a two-tiered veranda overlooking the backyard.

The Convocation Ceremony

As rush week kicks off, new recruits will get their first glimpse of the house during the convocation ceremony. Held within the University of Alabama quad, convocation represents the starting whistle for rush activities. As sorority members cheer and clap, rushees feel the excitment and sisterhood emanating from each house.

The Weider House members traditionally wear their signature cardinal red dresses in honor of their red and white colors. Their matching outfits reflect unity and pride in their sisterhood. Their bold presence leaves a memorable first impression on potential new members during the important convocation event.

Experiencing the Interior Elegance

Stepping inside the Weider House, visitors are enveloped by a sense of warmth, beauty, and comfort. The interior design reflects the same colonial themes as the exterior.

The Foyer & Living Room

Entering from the front iconic portico, the foyer features white wainscoting on the walls and warm wood floors. Doorways lead into the house's elegant living room featuring a marble fireplace as the central focal point. Plush yet refined furniture includes camels back sofas and antique chairs ideal for hosting distinguished guest speakers and dignitaries.

Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with light. The living room opens onto a dining room and then flows into a newly expanded glass-enclosed garden room and kitchen area.

Bedrooms & Study Spaces

The second floor features bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate around 70 sorority members. Each room has beautiful views of campus or downtown Tuscaloosa. Mature oak trees frame picturesque window scenes.

Shared study lounges on each floor contain desks, chairs, and white boards for perfect study hall sessions.Given the balanced academic and social focus of Greek life, beautiful yet functional study spaces help members excel both intellectually and socially.

The Backyard Retreat

One of the most beloved spaces of Weider House is the backyard veranda and surrounding landscaped grounds. Towering mature Magnolia trees dot the landscape and provide welcomed shade. from the hot Alabama sun. Cypress trees reflect beautifully in a tranquil rock fountain.

Outdoor Gatherings

Outdoor spaces like the two-tiered veranda are used frequently for chapter meetings, social gatherings, photo shoots, and sisterhood events. Special string lights overhead lend a warm glow for evening get togethers. The expansive back patio provides plenty of room for the full sorority to unite.

Garden Parties

The pristine backyard with vibrant flower beds has hosted garden party fundraisers, Easter egg hunts with local children, and formal teas. The possibilities are endless thanks to a landscape that sparks creativity and community.

Whether members are cheering together at Homecoming float decorating parties or reflecting quietly while strolling the garden paths, the grounds of Weider House foster connections. Lifelong sisterhood bonds are formed and nurtured within the beauty of this special retreat.

The Heartbeat of Sisterhood

For over 90 years, the stately Weider House has been gracefully standing at the corner of Colonial Drive and Magnolia Avenue in Tuscaloosa. While the exterior brick and columned porches maintain their historic beauty, the interior spaces have been thoughtfully expanded and updated for modern sorority life.

But beyond just bricks and wallpaper, Weider House represents the strength and growth of Alpha Omicron Pi’s sisterhood. Through campus traditions, shared life experiences, and cherished memories, it has become the heartbeat of sorority life. Weider House forever links together spirited Alabama women of the past, present, and future.

FAQs

Who is Weider House named after?

Weider House is named after Rebekah Weider, an honorary member of AOΠ sorority. She generously donated funds to finance the construction of the sorority house in 1931.

What architectural style is Weider House?

Weider House is designed in the Colonial Revival architectural style. Key features include a symmetrical facade, Greek Revival columns, multi-pane windows, and a hipped roof.

How many members live in Weider House?

Weider House can accommodate around 70 AOΠ members at a time across its two floors of bedrooms and shared living spaces.

What notable features does the backyard have?

Noteworthy backyard features include a two-tiered veranda, fountain, magnolia trees, string lights for evening gatherings, and vibrant flower beds used for garden parties and events.