Only two student groups have reserved the site of the Quarry, de-converted from a dining area, for activities so far this spring. Although it was suitable for both groups, several members expressed disappointment at losing the former eatery. 

  It was first announced in November 2020 that the Quarry would be renovated to provide another social space for students, as well as a potential meeting area for spring 2021 classes. Since then, the Dickinson Christian Fellowship (DCF) and MOB have utilized the building for its new purpose. 

  Natalie Cist ’23 leads a weekly DCF Bible study which meets on Wednesday nights in the Quarry. Her group began the semester meeting in the Kisner-Woodward common room but opted to move out; a heater was broken, and they felt that they were distracting those who used the room for hangouts and studying. Cist saw the Quarry’s second floor—often used by students as a place to socialize while an eatery—as a better spot for conversation.

“I had someone from DCF who knew how to use EngageD [to reserve the floor]…so, that was helpful,” Cist said. “I knew it would be cozy. I wasn’t sure if there was going to be any furniture up there.” 

  It turned out that the second floor and its furniture hadn’t been touched at all since the Quarry closed last spring. The chairs have helped the members of the study maintain their distance, and to include those joining virtually on devices. The first floor, however, has substantially changed; Cist described it as “bare and sad”. 

MOB has taken advantage of the site as a pickup location for materials at events, including a Stuffed Animal Kit night and Craft Night in February; its latest event, Diamond Painting on April 3rd, will include the Quarry too. Weekend Events chairs Tanvi Kurup ’23 and Julia Sebastianelli ’23 were mindful of social distancing when they chose the location.

“By doing a pick up, people are able to take the kits back to their pods where they might feel more comfortable, or they’re able to find a place outside (if it’s warm enough) to complete the kit socially distanced with people outside of their pod,” Sebastianelli explained in an email. 

  Ryan Patton ’23, another Weekend Events chair, noted that previous Quarry-based events received hundreds of signups.

  “Traditionally, the Quarry has been a social hub where students would interact, talk, and get meals together,” Patton wrote. “Although it is not what it once was, the Quarry remains one of the few areas where clubs and other organizations can host events to provide that aspect of social interaction.”

  While both clubs’ activities were met with success, members were not necessarily satisfied with the Quarry’s changed function. Cist called the renovation “awful”. 

  “I think we should petition to move the dining area back again,” Cist said, adding that most of DCF and her Dickinson dance group agreed. “We miss the pretzels, we miss using our swipes for things…the SNAR has some things now, but it’s not the same. We really don’t understand why they had to do that.” 

Patton sympathized with students who were against the change, particularly first years: “I think I can safely say that the Quarry no longer being a dining option was a big upset for most students, and hopefully, it may go back to the way it was,” he wrote.

MOB Concert Chair Anne-Charlotte Frotte ’23, also helping with the Diamond Painting event, had mixed feelings. “I loved the Quarry, I have fond memories of going on late night walks with friends and then grabbing a snack at the Quarry and eating outside,” she wrote. “With that said, I do think that it will be a cool event space for all organizations.”