History

Thompson is named after James Westfall Thompson (1869-1941) who was an American historian specializing in the history of medieval and early modern Europe, particularly of the Holy Roman Empire and France. He also made noteworthy contributions to the history of literacy, libraries and the book trade in the Middle Ages. Thompson received a PhD in history from the newly-founded University of Chicago in 1895. Thompson remained at Chicago as a professor of history until 1933, when he left for the University of California, Berkeley.

Culture

If you want it, Thompson has it. Our close proximity to Ratner makes it easy to get some exercise, but our even closer proximity to the house lounge makes it just as easy to sit around and undo all that exercise. Thompsonites play everything from basketball to Starcraft to jazz piano. We obsess in every aspect of global culture, be it Japanese calligraphy or Joss Whedon's monumental contributions to television programming. Our housemates who don't enjoy baking certainly enjoy eating, just as we complement one another in so many other aspects.