• Chevy Chase Junior College

    Chevy Chase Junior College

    Overview

    Chevy Chase College and Seminary, as it was called when it opened in 1903, was a senior high school that also offered two years of post-high school courses. Often called a “finishing school,” by the time of its closure in 1950, it was a fully accredited junior college offering the terminal associates degree to all its students, many of whom went on to four year colleges. This exhibition explores the history of Chevy Chase Junior College and features personal artifacts, photographs, academic materials, and memories from students that attended the school. 

    Image credit: Chevy Chase Junior College sign, c. 1940-1949.

     

  • Chevy Chase Junior College

    Chevy Chase Junior College

    Private education for girls and young women, 1903 - 1950 

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  • Suburban Location

    Image of Chevy Chase Junior College

    Explore the school's proximity to Washington, DC and how it was advertised

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  • School Books & Clubs

    Group image of students posing with bouquets of flowers

    Learn about student life, academic courses, social clubs and sporting events

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  • Postcards Home

    A postcard with handwritten note

    View and read picture postcards sent home while away at school

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  • Tea with General Pershing

    Junior College Students with General John J. Pershing

    Read an account of students having tea at Chevy Chase, DC home of General John J. Pershing in the 1920s

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  • Tangos & Turkey Trots

    Image of students dancing

    Learn how dances were key social events for the students and one of the few opportunities to interact with boys and young men 

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  • Chevy Amazons

    Students partaking in archery

    This section features how students participated in physical education and sports throughout the life of the school

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  • Chevy Girls & WWII

    Students practicing nursing techniques

    Explore the ways students took time away from their studies to volunteer their services during World War II

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  • Marriage? or Career?

    Students learning how to sew and mend clothing

    This section describes the changing motivations for students to attend school 

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  • Faculty & Staff

    Students surrounding a faculty member

    Read about the faculty and staff who taught courses, maintained facilities and chaperoned students

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  • Headmasters & Presidents

    Group shot of faculty, students and headmaster in front of the college

    Learn about the leadership of the school from 1903-1950

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  • End of an Era

    Image of graduates on college steps wearing caps and gowns

    Read about the unexpected closing of Chevy Chase Junior College in 1950

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  • Ruth Cain Lee's Scrapbook

    Photographs in Ruth Cains Scrapbook

    NEW to the exhibit! A beautiful 100 year old scrapbook belonging to a Chevy Chase student 

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  • About the Exhibit

    Image of students sitting in a circle on the ground

    Learn about the collection this exhibit is drawn from, The Julie Rude Thomas Collection of Chevy Chase History at the Chevy Chase Historical Society 

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