Aerial photograph of MWC campus in 1942.

Student Life

Despite the conflict of the world around them, the students at MWC made sure to still have collegiate activities that did not pertain to the war. When they weren’t selling stamps and bonds, the students could be found participating in various clubs including Spanish and German clubs.(1) The students also ensured to upkeep varying campus traditions that made student experience at MWC unique.

Celebrations

Spanish Fiesta

During the early 1940s, MWC saw a surge in Hispanic students, primarily from Puerto Rico, leading to the emergence of events known as “Spanish Fiesta.”(2)  Initially organized by the Spanish Club as convocation programs with a nominal entrance fee, these fiestas later evolved into full-fledged celebrations. They provided an opportunity for both students keen on learning Spanish and those with Spanish or Hispanic heritage to revel in the culture, all the while generating funds to sustain the Spanish Club’s activities.(3)

Students on a stage. One women in the center dancing.
Students on a stage. A man in a suit is sing at the center.
Group photo of students on a stage that participated in the Spanish Fiesta.
Students on a stage, demonstrating bull fighting with a person as the bull.
Students on a stage, demonstrating bull fighting with a person as the bull.
Students on a stage. Three women demonstrate a Spanish dance.
Alvey Records Photographs

May Day

Undoubtedly, May Day stood out as MWC’s most cherished celebration during this era. Despite the challenges of wartime, the students upheld the tradition of this European-rooted holiday.(4) They continued to stage re-enacted dramas and crowned a “May Day” queen, preserving the essence of this beloved tradition.

Photograph of MWC students putting on a performance for May Day.
Photograph of MWC students putting on a performance for May Day.
Photograph of eighteen MWC students dressed up for the May Day celebration.
May Day

Devil Goat Day

Newspaper clipping with the headline "Devil-Goat Rally Slated for April 2"
Devil-Goat Day
Illustration for devil-goat rally of a goat the text "Who'll be winnah?" and a devil underneath.

Arguably the most celebrated tradition passed down from the Mary Washington College era to the present University of Mary Washington is Devil-Goat Day.(5) This tradition revolves around the rivalry between graduating classes of even-numbered years and those of odd-numbered years. During wartime, Devil-Goat Day events maintained a festive and lighthearted atmosphere, featuring a friendly competition between the “Devils” and “Goats” to raise funds for war bonds.(6)

Activities

Wacky Mary Wash

Assorted photographs capturing more light-hearted moments of MWC students during wartime.

Newspaper clipping on a page from an article about Mary Washington Girls participating in a dog show. There's an image of three women holding dogs.
Photograph of seven MWC students posing next to a large, fake hatchet next to a tree.

Works Cited

1-3: Edward Alvey. History of Mary Washington College; 1908-1972, Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1974.

4: Ben Johnson,“May Day Celebrations,” Historic UK, Accessed April 21, 2024, https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/May-Day-Celebrations/.

5: William B. Crawley Jr., University of Mary Washington: A Centennial History, 1908-2008 (Fredericksburg: University of Mary Washington Foundation, 2008)

6: Edward Alvey. History of Mary Washington College; 1908-1972, Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1974.