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Foundation of the Frenh House
As the first French House in the United States, it is founded by Professor H.A.Smith and Mme Jane Harouel Greenleaf in 1918. During the time, improving a foreign langage by studying overseas or learning within a cultural environment was extremely difficult. With this French House's emergence, students had the opportunity to interact with each other in French while they were in the French House. -
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Formal Establishment of the French House
The French House, or La Maison Francaise for the enhancement of French language was founded in 1918. However, the support for this house wasn't stablized until 1922 when The French House Corporation was established. -
The 1st Location of La Maison Francaise
The fraternity house by Lake Mendota was empty at the ttime because of the war. This little brick house was located at the end of the Frances Street, right across the French House's present location. The house only accepted females at the time. -
The 2nd location of La Maison Francaise
The French House moved to 1105 University Avenue one year after its establishment. However, the committee was desired for a permanent location for the House but they were ubable to persuade the University to build its own "French House" -
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Financial Difficulties
The French House almost banckrupted during the depression periods. Students were unable to afford the rent to live in the house. In addition, because the French House emphasized the improvement of oral instead of grammar, many viewed its teaching strategies as not American. The French House was criticized a lot during those years. -
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Number of UW-Madison students who enrolled in French classes
Over 2,500 students registered in French courses. After nearly a decade, the number increased by 1,000. -
French House was urged to receive repairs
In the early 1930s, the house's many parts included the celing, rroof, chimney, and the plaster all needed to be repqired. The manager must borrow money from Madison banks to make the repariments. -
French House's 1st Scholarship
Professor Smith finally succeeded maintaining a small amount of money as scholarships for students. This annual scholarship came from the French Government. Professor Smith made huge effort to get the government's consent. At the same time, the University agreed to pay the French House as well for their contribution to the students on campus who came to the place to improve French. -
French House in Huge Debt
The house was under significant debt of more than $15,000 by 1933. However, it finally managed its debt in the following years as the prestige of French language increased. -
Celebrations after WWII (1939-1945)
Events such as concerts were frequently held after the end of World War II. The most memorable event happened in 1956, when the financial problem of the house was finally over. However, because of the expansion of campus properties, the Chemistry Building took the place of the French House at late 1950s. -
President of the French House
Hélène Cssidy, the President of the French House from 1962-1976, received credit for her work from the French Government. -
The 3rd & Ultimate Location of La Maison Franciase
A long-time friend to the French House decided to leave her home located at 633 North Frances Street to the French House members. Since then, the location never changed. -
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Safe Years with No Need
The French House's Directos had almost no need during these 20 years. The house managed itself so smoothly that the Board of Directors didn't hold any meetings until the end of 1990s. -
Residents' life in La Maison Francaise
The community in the French House held regular dinners and lunches since the 1970s, and having conferences and classes in the building. -
1st Annual Meeting in the French House
The first annual meeting of the Board of Directors was held in 1999 in the French House. The French House Foundation was established to explore more events for the students. -
Expanding Scholarship
The new scholarship contained more financial support for students. Also, it provided utilities to help the house functioned better. The house welcomed anyone who had a love for French.
