WHO IS MR. MAXWELL? The Robert J. Maxwell Media Center and Library is named for Mr. Robert J. Maxwell, Jr., a local philanthropist. Mr. Maxwell believed that “God had blessed him with wealth, and his burden was to use it wisely,”* and so during his life and through his estate, he gave generously to those . . .Continue reading Who is Mr. Maxwell?
Tag: Furman University History
The History of Swan Lake
Swan Lake is perhaps one of Furman University’s most iconic and relaxing features. On a beautiful day such as today, it is common to see folks from campus and the greater Greenville community walking, biking, or relaxing lakeside. The lake itself is not a natural occurrence. It came into being in the mid-1950s when the . . .Continue reading The History of Swan Lake
Freshmen Hazing at Furman
Freshmen hazing was an accepted part of life at Furman University throughout most of the twentieth century. Freshmen, referred to as “rats,” were required to wear “rat caps” like the beanie pictured above. They were sometimes required to wear rat ears and signs around their necks identifying themselves as rats. A ceremony called Rat Court . . .Continue reading Freshmen Hazing at Furman
Discover Greenville Woman’s College
Greenville Woman’s College (GWC) was founded in 1854 on what is now Heritage Green in downtown Greenville. In 1938, it merged with Furman University, and in 1961 its campus closed down permanently. In the century it existed, GWC celebrated many unique traditions such as an annual May Day festival and pageant, and a rich history . . .Continue reading Discover Greenville Woman’s College
Furman University Oral History Project
Furman University Oral History Project This growing collection contains oral histories taken and recorded by history professor Courtney Tollison and her students. Many of the recordings feature Furman’s own rich history and the history of Greenville. Some of the notable interviewees include Max and Trude Heller, Charles Townes, President John E. and Martha Johns, John . . .Continue reading Furman University Oral History Project
The Furman Hornet
Furman University athletes have always worn purple and white. However, the mascots they played under have changed over the years. The earliest teams were referred to as the “Hornets,” a name they shared with the student newspaper. In the 1920s, the football team began to be referred to as the “Purple Hurricane.” The basketball team . . .Continue reading The Furman Hornet
Homecoming Photos
We had a great time seeing everyone at Homecoming! Here are a few photos in case you missed any of the fun. The library tent featured photos of our former student assistants. Library floorplans were also on display and alumni were encouraged to write their names near their favorite study area.
James C. Furman Collection
James Clement Furman was born on December 15, 1809, in Charleston, South Carolina. His father was Richard Furman, namesake of Furman University, then pastor at Charleston Baptist Church. His mother was Dorothea Burn Furman, second wife of his father. James Clement was the thirteenth of fifteen children born to Richard and Dorothea Furman. He was . . .Continue reading James C. Furman Collection
Furman Historical Images
The burning of the Furman Bell Tower, the scarlet fever quarantine of 1906, the May Day pageants of Greenville Woman’s College – all this and more can be found in the new “Furman Historical Images” digital collection. Spanning 150 years, the collection contains nearly 2800 photographs and glass plate negatives of Greenville Woman’s College, Furman’s . . .Continue reading Furman Historical Images
Special Collections Opening Reception 2/18 4pm
“A Return to Normalcy?” Growing Pains, Furmanville, and Life at Post-World War II Furman By Tyler R. Edmond ’17 Exhibition Dates: February 1 – May 31, 2016 Opening Reception: February 18 at 4:00 PM After the United States entered the war in 1941, American colleges and universities experienced a drastic decrease in student attendance. Male . . .Continue reading Special Collections Opening Reception 2/18 4pm