Campus Life

Study time

The State Normal School offered high school and professional courses. The "Regular Course" was high-school level education and the "Professional Course" was the formal, two-year program to prepare women to become teachers. Students could study for other industrial arts degrees including manual arts, household arts, or rural arts diplomas. Students had designated study time every day except Sunday, and often they were found in the library in Monroe Hall preparing for their classes.

Social time

Social entertainment flourished between busy class schedules and study time, and dozens of clubs were created to provide opportunities for students to share their interests with others.

Dancing

Female students looked forward to dances as opportunities to socialize and meet young men. Formal dance organizations including the German Club, and later the Cotillion Club, were the hub of the social wheel during the 1930s. Each club chose its 60 members by secret ballot and the faculty sponsor, Mrs. Bushnell, had the final vote.

Once in the club, members and guests could look forward to fall, midwinter, and spring events. The German Club was modeled after pre-WWI dance clubs such as the Richmond Germans. The Cotillion club was created in 1938.

Through the years at Mary Washington, clothing styles and dance moves may have evolved, but the special excitement of planning and attending dances remains the same.

Radio

In 1939, newly completed George Washington Hall featured "exciting technological opportunities" for the student body through a new radio broadcasting studio. The studio was soundproof, fully equipped, and capable of recording and transmitting programs. A direct wire connected the college studio with Station WFVA in Fredericksburg. New courses and activities, including beginning and advanced radio broadcasting and the MIKE club, were offered by instructor Harold H. Weiss.

The Band

Musical Director Ronald Faulkner established the Mary Washington Band in the 1940s. New band uniforms (short white skirts, blue jackets, white boots, and a helmet-type headdress) caused quite a stir when first worn during a band performance.

Through the years, the band performed in numerous area events including the National Safety Patrol Parade in Washington, the Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, the Tobacco Festival in Richmond, and Thalhimer's Toy Parade.

The War Effort

Mary Washington students rallied and made every effort to do what they could for their country during the years of World War II. Events to promote War Bonds and War Stamps were held on campus as well as in downtown Fredericksburg. In 1942, Mary Washington qualified for the minuteman flag, an award given to organizations with employee purchases of War Bonds at or above 90 percent. The Schools-at-War flag was earned by Mary Washington students for a similar accomplishment. Mary Washington was the first institution in Virginia to earn these awards, and Governor Darden presented the flags to President Combs on April 28, 1943. He said, the achievement "surpassed that of any establishment or institution in the state."

The MWC Cavalry

MWC's Cavalry members were trained as civilian defense workers. With cotton in their ears and guns in their hands, many of the more adventurous girls weekly blazed away at the Fredericksburg police pistol range until they were justifiably confident in their ability to shoot well. The primary purpose of the organization was to aid the College and the City of Fredericksburg in civil defense work. It was believed that a mounted troop could render important service in the event of an air raid or other emergency.

Riding for Fun

Many of the students enjoyed riding horses for credit and for fun. Virginia "Ginny" Schier Drury '47 fondly recalls two-week pack trips up to Skyline Drive.

Fencing for recreation

The Fencing club was first organized in 1956. Its purpose was to provide the opportunity for recreational, educational, and competitive fencing. Student fencers met twice a week for exercises, instruction, and to practice good sportsmanship.

Swimming with the terrapins

Synchronized swimmers presented annual exhibitions and Aquacades (water shows set to music). They also found time to sponsor the Junior Swim Club, Devil-Goat Day, and dorm and class swimming meets. They won top places in both southern and national swimming competitions.

Speaking up for peace

From 1965 to 1970, members of the student body participated in a number of marches, rallies, and demonstrations in protest of the Vietnam War and U.S. military involvement in Cambodia. Tensions were highest after the tragic death of four students at Kent State University, and, in response, students led a memorial service and some "anti-war" activities.

An editorial in The Free Lance-Star defended MWC students: "At a time when violence and turmoil has overtaken many of the nation's college campuses, Fredericksburg should be proud of Mary Washington College and its students whose protests have been peaceful."

Desegregation at Mary Washington

Developing a racially diverse student body has been a slow, gradual process. In 1962, Jacquelyn Pulliam attended summer classes, and in 1963, Gaye Todd enrolled as a day student. A policy of desegregation was formally approved in the spring of 1964. The first African-American dormitory student was accepted for the 1964-65 session. Venus Romance Jones '68 was the first African-American awarded a degree at Mary Washington. Ms. Jones then attended medical school at the University of Virginia.

Male Students on campus

The introduction of male students to the all-female student body gave the College a new and more diverse atmosphere. Male students living on campus were housed in Hamlet House and later Trench Hill. In 1970-71, there were 22 male students, only one of whom resided on campus. He lived in an apartment on the second floor of Hamlet House. By 1971-72, the number had grown to 42; four of these were residential students.

At commencement exercises held May 20, 1972, the first male students since post-World War II days graduated from Mary Washington. These pioneers, all transfers from other institutions, were Raymond Cote, John Sansone, Joseph Grimes, and Lemuel Gunn. Each of the four received thunderous applause from the audience, although a few in the audience were surprised to learn the College had become co-educational.

Sports

Sports activities at Mary Washington have played a large role in campus life. Field hockey, soccer, tennis, volleyball, and basketball have been played for many decades. Mary Washington has won Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) Championships in nearly every sport, and garnered national championships in tennis, track, and swimming.

Performing Arts

Student creativity was showcased in various performances and exhibitions throughout the years. Whether drama, dance, art, or music, Mary Washington students left their mark on the world.

Dramatics occupied a prominent place in college activities long before any courses in this field were included in the curriculum. The '70s brought forth many innovations to Mary Washington productions, including the use of original music, played by a jazz combo. "The Country Wife" was the first to make use of a revolving stage that would permit rapid scene changes before the audience. However, this time period also marked the loss of Dr. Albert Klein, an influential contributor to the Mary Washington Theatre Department. In the field of dramatics, Dr. Klein set a high standard for courses in stagecraft, dramatic literature, and creative writing. Klein Theatre in duPont Hall was dedicated to him on October 22, 1971.