Call Number:

07.004

Repository:

Drexel University: Archives and Special Collections

Extent:

1.42 cubic feet

Language:

English

Date:

1904-1961 (inclusive)

Abstract:

Physical education became part of the Drexel curriculum for both men and women beginning in 1892, shortly after the institute's founding. The Department of Physical Training took a holistic approach to physical education, emphasizing gymnastic exercise rather than competitive sports because it benefited many people instead of a talented few. Competitive sports were organized informally by students, and the Women's Athletic Association was founded as the Young Women's Basketball Association sometime before 1908 to coordinate intramural sports for women, which became increasingly popular after World War I. In 1921, intervarsity competition began, as the women’s basketball team had its first game against Swarthmore College. Within the next twenty years, women at Drexel formed teams in badminton, volleyball, field hockey, archery, riflery, bowling, tennis, ice skating, and horseback riding. The Women's Athletic Association ended in 1974; formal classes in physical education were required for both men and women through 1997.

The bulk of the collection consists of minutes of Women's Athletic Association meetings from 1908 to 1913, 1928-1949, and 1956-1958 and financial records from 1904 to 1914 and 1946 to 1960. At earlier dates, financial records of the WAA and the physical education department are maintained separately, but during the later period they are interfiled together. The collection also includes a series of sheet music; articles, programs, and publications relating to physical education for women.

Minutes and most financial records are organized chronologically. Some financial materials and all articles, sheet music, and programs are currently interfiled alphabetically.