These archival photos remind us that Bryn Mawr College was also a pioneer in the physical education of women. Many believed in the early 1900's that "woman's strength lies in beauty and gentleness, not in muscle." Progressives of the day challenged that view, and Constance Applebee, first Athletic Director of Bryn Mawr and the first to introduce field hockey to the U. S., convinced President M. Carey Thomas to make physical education an integral part of the curriculum at the College. "The Apple" emphasized physical fitness, mental hardness in understanding "the great power and strategy of games," as well as the "spiritual side" of sport which said to "love your neighbor even if you wouldn't let her have the ball."
Athletic Director Applebee is seen in two of these photos. She is in the Fencing Team photo (right rear), and is also seen observing the dance class, on the left side of the photo.

Bryn Mawr College, archival photos
$19.95 - 20 card assortment, 5 each of 4 images. With envelopes.
Blank cards - NC356