Dacie Moses House reopens at Carleton with celebratory brunch

On February 23, 2025, Dacie Moses House had its first opening brunch after the building’s remodel. The kitchen was buzzing with life as happy music wafted through the air, mixing with the smell of freshly baked goods. Heaping plates of food filled the counter, including a plethora of cookies, egg rolls, pretzel bites, brownies, focaccia bread, and muffins. At some points, it was standing room only, as rotations of people sat at the center table in the dining room and others scattered around the sitting room. 

Now extensively remodeled with new appliances and an expanded kitchen, Dacie’s is still upholding its traditional legacy thanks to dedicated house residents and members of the Dacie Moses House Committee. Skye Sparks ’25 and Elida Coronado ’25, the current house residents, have been baking in the Dacie Moses House since their freshman year. They fondly remember making dinner in the old kitchen every weekend, appreciating the homey environment that offered a welcoming and safe spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of campus life. 

“We both love giving and providing for people. It seemed very natural for us to step into this role,” said Sparks. “Our primary objective is to maintain the warmth of this old house. We still want the homey feeling that we felt when we first entered.”

“We want to uphold the legacy of Dacie Moses by fostering the sense of warmness of a grandmother’s house,” Coronado added. “We want to make sure that the history of the house is still present, even though it’s a [partially] new space.”

Louise Oviedo ’28, a student worker at Dacie’s, applied for the position after hearing many stories about the cookie house while applying to Carleton. Oviedo’s role as a student worker consists of maintaining the house, cleaning dishes, baking, and helping out during weekly Sunday brunches. 

“Seeing everyone eat and enjoy the space is a privilege,” said Oviedo, who enjoys providing for the Carleton community through baking.

Jeff Pipes ’83, a Dacie’s committee member, believes that the importance of the Dacie Moses House for the Carleton community lies in its ability to serve as an “open place for people to come without judgement.” Pipes explained how Dacie Moses stood for hospitality and radical inclusion, and it is the committee’s hope to continue that legacy.

“The Dacie Moses House is unique, there’s nothing else like it,” said Pipes.

Tim Vick, chair of the Dacie’s committee, reflected on the unique space that is the Dacie Moses House, describing it as a center for “hospitality, kindness, generosity, and openness to all people.”

Post-renovation, the Dacie’s community is looking forward to carrying on Dacie Moses’ legacy in a new age. Dacie Moses brunches are held on Sundays throughout every academic term, and all are welcome!

Learn more about the house and its history on the Dacie Moses website.