Historically, curriculum for home economics included experiences in home management residences. In this qualitative study, nine alumnae and one advisor who lived in a home management house between 1939 and 1959 were interviewed about how their experiences influenced the quality of their lives in the 40-60 subsequent years. Alumnae of the residence experience value what they had learned about group dynamics and strategies for group cooperation. They perceived less value for the practical skills offered, explaining that many students in their cohorts already knew the basic skills. Interviewees perceive a loss in contemporary society of the social graces they practiced in the home management house.