New Jersey College for Women
New Jersey College for Women (NJC, later Douglass College) opened in September 1918 and provided New Jersey women with an in-state establishment to obtain a higher education. Curricula in home economics and liberal arts were offered to the 54 students of NJC’s first graduating class. Mabel Smith Douglass was the dean of NJC from 1918 to 1933. During the school’s first month, Douglass decided that music should be included in the college curriculum and purchased a grand piano. One year later, music theory and harmony courses were offered as well as an Appreciation of Music course that met the fine arts requirement necessary for graduation. As time went on, NJC acquired a music faculty (including pianist Mary Schenck and bassist Homer Mowe) and offered accredited instrumental and vocal classes. An official music department formed in 1922 and was chaired by John Earle Newton-NJC’s first full-time music professor. Music also played a pivotal role in NJC’s campus life. Students sang during chapel services and at traditional ceremonies including Sacred Path, Yule Log, and Campus Night. Additionally, they joined ensembles including the Drum and Bugle Corps, Weeping Willows, NJC Glee Club, NJC Choir, and the Voorhees Chapel Choir. It is no surprise that NJC was commonly referred to as the “singing college.”
New Jersey College for Women Piano Recital, June 7, 1924.
New Jersey College for Women Faculty Musicale Program, February 28, 1923.
“O Lord, Increase My Faith.”
This sheet music was arranged and handwritten by John Earle Newton, Chair of the New Jersey College for Women Music Department, June 29, 1935.
Repertory of the Voorhees Chapel Choir of New Jersey College for Women Sheet Music, 1929.
In September 1926, the Elizabeth Rodman Voorhees Memorial Chapel at NJC was completed. It was made possible by New Brunswick-area philanthropist Elizabeth Rodman Voorhees who shared Mabel Smith Douglass’s dream of a college chapel. Mrs. Voorhees stipulated that the chapel must have an organ and selected the Aeolian Company of New York to build one. The company provided a Duo-Art Reproducing Pipe Organ suitable for concert and chapel purposes.
From the beginning, daily services were held with a vested choir and in 1927, the College Chapel Choir, also known as the Elizabeth Rodman Voorhees Chapel Choir, was founded. It was directed by John Earle Newton who was also the chapel’s organist. The College Choir performed at daily assemblies, Sunday services, Tuesday Chapel, college events such as the Christmas and Sacred Path Ceremonies, as well as evening concert recitals. It is the only music group from the early years of NJC that exists today.
Handwritten Copy of the Douglass College Alma Mater, undated.
When New Jersey College for Women was renamed Douglass College in 1955, a new seal and alma mater was adopted. Douglass College Alma Mater was written by Jean Gruen Munzer, class of 1956, and Nancy Hoffacker Miller, class of 1954.
“Hear our voices Alma Mater. Douglass College hail to thee!
Hearts in song now join together / In a pledge of fealty.
Though our future paths may sever, / Thoughts of golden college days.
In our hearts will live forever / As a constant song of praise.”
New Jersey College for Women Music Building Dedication Booklet, October 3, 1928.
On October 3, 1928, the Music Building was dedicated and opened at NJC. It was a gift from the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs and built to further music instruction at NJC.
Before the music building was constructed, NJC benefactor James Neilson provided a music studio in a house near campus. However, this space was only temporary and Mabel Smith Douglass soon asked the Federation of Women’s Clubs to help raise money for a music building.
The Federation raised $100,000 and NJC assumed responsibility for an additional $95,000. When completed, the Music Building, home to the NJC Department of Music, was equipped with sound proof studios and practice rooms, a recital hall, and a music library. Floor plans can be viewed on the monitor near the entrance of this gallery.
Dean Mabel Smith Douglass and Members of the New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs at the Music Building's Dedication Ceremony, October 3, 1928.
New Jersey College for Women Music Building Exterior, undated.
Instrumental Music Class.
New Jersey College for Women Musical Clubs Booklet, April 23, 1932.
Drum and Bugle Corps, 1928.
New Jersey College for Women benefactor, Leonor F. Loree, organized a Drum and Bugle Corps to kick off NJC’s Tenth Anniversary in 1928. Corps members outfitted in red and white costumes performed for the anniversary and then disbanded. It is said that Mabel Smith Douglass did not like the corps and that the bugles mysteriously disappeared after the ceremonies.
New Jersey College for Women Glee Practice in the Music Building, 1954.
The NJC Glee Club formed in 1918 and was directed by Howard D. McKinney and Walter S. Young of New York City. The Glee Club gave an annual concert, performed operas in conjunction with students from Rutgers College, performed during Christmas and Easter services at Kirkpatrick Chapel with Rutgers College ensembles, and sang at Sunday Vespers at Voorhees Chapel.
New Jersey College for Women Glee Club Concert Ticket, May 13, 1922.
Weepies, 1954.
The Weeping Willows, known as “The Weepies” performing at Cooper Hall after Dean Margaret Trumbull Corwin announced that NJC will be renamed Douglass College, September 27, 1954.