Swimmers in Hewitt Gymnasium pool photograph, 1926
Title
Swimmers in Hewitt Gymnasium pool photograph, 1926
Description
The 1926 Polyscope yearbook states: “the department of physical education for women has developed to a large extent during the past two years under the able leadership of Miss Eleanor Sikes…the Women were permitted to choose their sports from as wide a field as the men.” In addition to swimming, women could play hockey, tennis, golf, dancing, volleyball, basketball, baseball, track and gymnastics.
The Polyscope also explains “At least two hours a week of work in physical education is required for Freshmen and Sophomore women. The aim of the department is to establish health habits, to encourage participation in physical activity, and to develop strength, grace, and poise of body.”
This photo captures a meet marking the close of the swimming season that pitted three teams--the Garter Snakes, the Pirates, and the Mere-Maids—against one another in racing, diving, and other stunts. Marian Ruch, Gladys Hedstrom, and Edith Giessow captained the teams (and donned sashes for the photo). Other swimmers included Rena Cornell, Eugenia Robertson, Maurine Montgomery, Lucille Smith, Marian Ruch, Beth Massey, Hortense Coyle, and Gladys Hedstrom.
The Polyscope also explains “At least two hours a week of work in physical education is required for Freshmen and Sophomore women. The aim of the department is to establish health habits, to encourage participation in physical activity, and to develop strength, grace, and poise of body.”
This photo captures a meet marking the close of the swimming season that pitted three teams--the Garter Snakes, the Pirates, and the Mere-Maids—against one another in racing, diving, and other stunts. Marian Ruch, Gladys Hedstrom, and Edith Giessow captained the teams (and donned sashes for the photo). Other swimmers included Rena Cornell, Eugenia Robertson, Maurine Montgomery, Lucille Smith, Marian Ruch, Beth Massey, Hortense Coyle, and Gladys Hedstrom.
Date
1926
Subject
Women college students; Swimming
Rights
For official publication permission or to request high resolution images, contact Special Collections at specialcollections@bradley.edu or (309)677-2822.
Citation
“Swimmers in Hewitt Gymnasium pool photograph, 1926,” Virginius H. Chase Special Collections Center, accessed May 8, 2024, https://bradleyspecialcollections.omeka.net/items/show/33.