Introduction
MWC students demonstrated a strong commitment to wartime efforts, actively engaging in various ways. Whether they had paused their education to volunteer with the Red Cross on the front lines or remained on campus, they displayed a resolute dedication to protecting both their college and their country.(1) This dedication was evident in initiatives such as the 24-hour manned plane-spotting towers, which diligently monitored aircraft activity in the Fredericksburg area, and the collective effort of summer school students who pooled resources to attempt to purchase a machine gun for campus defense.(2) The women of MWC approached their contributions with seriousness, and the forthcoming photographs will illuminate the extent of their impact right here in Fredericksburg.
Stamps and Bonds
The young women of MWC showed unwavering dedication to promoting the sale of war bonds. Numerous images capture their endeavors, including individual sales, fundraising events, and auctions. Spearheaded by the MWC Defense Program, these initiatives were at the forefront of their efforts. By the war’s conclusion, these determined individuals had collectively sold $45,173 worth of stamps and bonds (equivalent to $783,183 in 2024).(3)
MWC Public News
Throughout World War II, Mary Washington College garnered attention in local and regional newspapers on numerous occasions. The dedication of MWC students in raising bond money was recognized, earning them prestigious awards such as the U.S. Treasury MinuteMan flag.An award that was presented for meeting or exceeding U.S. bond sales.(4) Additionally, they were showcased to local residents for their involvement in various college-related activities. These specific images were published in the Washington Post. Which, at the time, mainly reported on events pertaining to the greater Washington D.C. area.(5) The efforts of these women were well-documented, and presented people with a new view on not only women’s war efforts, but also the effort put forth by college students.
Cavalry Troop
One of the standout groups to arise from MWC during World War II was the esteemed Cavalry Troop. Formed by the campus Equestrian team, the troop served not only as their contribution to the war effort but also as a readiness measure in the event of an air raid or similar attack.(6) Although the Cavalry troop did not experience wartime action, their commendable efforts were recognized, particularly in their assistance during the 1942 Fredericksburg flood (further details available in the Fredericks Flood page). These featured images are from the Cavalry Troop’s 10 day pack trip to Shenandoah National Park in 1944. The purpose of the trip was for bonding and acquiring wildlife experience such as camping, fishing, and more.(7)
MWC Veterans
Numerous staff and students from MWC volunteered to serve their country during wartime. In recognition of their bravery, MWC yearbooks and local Fredericksburg news outlets chose to honor them by dedicating pages to these courageous individuals.
Works Cited
1-2: Edward Alvey. History of Mary Washington College; 1908-1972, Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1974.
3: CoinNews Media Group, U.S. Inflation Calculator, Software, E-Resource. https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/.
4: Steven Knowlton, “The Minute-Man Flag and Army-Navy ‘E’ Flag: Unifying Symbols for the American Home Front in World War II,” Raven: A Journal of Vexillology. Vol 26. Published 2019.
5: Washington Post Staff, “Washington Post company history,” The Washington Post. Published January 2021.
6: Edward Alvey. History of Mary Washington College; 1908-1972, Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1974.
7: “Shenandoah National Park, Mary Washington College Cavalry Troop”, 1944, SB1-019, Box: 9, Object: 4. Scrapbooks, MSS.0010. University of Mary Washington Special Collections and University Archives. https://aspace.umw.edu/repositories/2/archival_objects/2454 Accessed April 21, 2024.