Word: finall
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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Meanwhile, a few wealthy students pay to hang out by day and imbibe by night in some of Harvard Square's finest real estate: the final clubs, among the last bastions of old Harvard's ugly side...
...Harvard, students drew together in artificial cliques created by the clubs, the fraternities, and even the Houses--after all, the Masters once chose residents who would "fit in" after a series of teas and other versions of the final clubs' "punching." The cliques did nothing productive during their existence at Harvard, but everyone knew they could give a young man the breaks after graduation, since he could always expect help from his adoptive brothers. They rewarded the likeable but not necessarily the competent...
Rising property values are also making it tougher to own a final club in Harvard Square. Those big picturesque old piles are just as old and valuable as Harvard's--but Harvard's are tax-exempt, and the clubs must pay taxes at the high business rate...
This leaves them with a decline in dues-paying members and an increase in taxes every year. Rich alumni may step in to help financially, but they cannot make the clubs popular as well as wealthy. The final clubs are on their way out, and quickly may they crumble, because new Harvard's students need their office space...
sprint: the final portion of the race. Many races are decided during this crucial stretch...