Spartan Stories
Tales from the UNCG University Archives
Mary Channing Coleman
The Dolphin-Seal Club: Aquatic Adventures on Campus
by Kathelene McCarty Smith Even before there was a pool on campus, swimming was an important part of the college’s curriculum. Early lessons were given at the downtown Greensboro YWCA facilities, but when the Rosenthal Gymnasium was completed in 1925, classes were held in the new 25 ft. by 75 ft. swimming pool, which included […]
WC’s “Little Golf Course”
by Erin Lawrimore Mary Channing Coleman, director of the physical education department at Woman’s College from 1920 to 1947, was a strong force for the development of athletic resources on the WC campus. In addition to advocating for the construction of the first building used solely as a gymnasium, Coleman oversaw the development of tennis […]
The History of Dance on Campus
by Kathelene McCarty Smith Student Dancer, 1928 (p. 275) Dance has always been a very important part of the history of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). When the college opened in 1892 as the State Normal and Industrial School, “movement” was taught as part of the Physiology and Hygiene curriculum under the […]
Celeste Ulrich: Dog Trainer and Professor of Physical Education
Dr. Celeste Ulrich, long time professor of physical education at UNCG, was also known for her dog training skills. Several newspaper articles cited her expertise with man’s best friend and her love for dogs, particularly her favorite Collie, “Rory.” But there’s much more to the story of Dr. Ulrich… Dr. Celeste Ulrich, c. 1956 Celeste […]
Mary Channing Coleman: Physical Education Pioneer
by Erin Lawrimore On March 25, 2015, a re-dedication ceremony was held on UNCG’s campus to rename the former HHP Building in memory of Mary Channing Coleman, founding head of the Department of Physical Education. At the ceremony, acting chancellor Dana Dunn noted that “the work that Mary Channing Coleman did on this campus for […]
“A Tricky Little Course:” A History of the Campus Golf Course
by Erin Lawrimore October is North Carolina Archives Month, an annual observance of the agencies and people responsible for maintaining and making available the archival and historical records of our nation, state, communities and people. The 2014 NC Archives Month theme is “North Carolina at Play: Health and Leisure in Our State.” All of our […]
The Outdoor Gymnasium
by Kathelene McCarty Smith Outdoor Gymnasium Physical education was an important part of the curriculum of the North Carolina College for Women (now UNCG). The program was expanded in the early 1920s to include gymnastics, outdoor sports, and folk and aesthetic dancing. New space was desperately needed to provide a sheltered area for outdoor sports […]
Spartan Pets: Faculty and their Dogs in UNCG History
by Erin Lawrimore Mary Channing Coleman and Bonnie In an oral history interview conducted in 2006, Celeste Ulrich (Woman’s College class of 1946 and professor in the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from 1956-1979) discussed her life-long love of dogs and her extensive time spent training animals. She noted that, when she arrived […]
“Woodsy Paths” and “Ferocious Creatures” at Camp Ahuntforfun
by Erin Lawrimore Camping and outdoor recreation have been a staple of UNCG student life since the early 1900s. The student Athletic Association, soon after its founding in 1900, coordinated short hikes around campus. In 1922, a need for longer hikes and more outdoor recreational opportunities led faculty members and students to begin renting cabins […]
