Greenville Woman’s College was an independent college for women that was established in 1854 by the South Carolina Baptist Convention. In the financial uncertainty following the Great Depression, it merged with Furman University but maintained a separate campus for nearly 30 years. In 1961, when Furman University moved to its current site, the two campuses were fully integrated. In spite of its close ties with Furman University, Greenville Woman’s College had its own rich and unique set of traditions. One such tradition was the annual celebration of May Day which involved the dancing of the Maypole, theatrical performances, and the crowning of a May Queen along with her full court.
Photographs of the May Day festivities dating from 1929-1931 can be seen in the digital collection Greenville Woman’s College.
A view of the 1930 May Day celebrations. On the left is the May Queen and her full court. In the center is the May Pole and the May Pole dancers. Click image to zoom in.
View all May Day photographs here