- Newcomb Symbols
- Posted August 7, 2007
Department: Symbols
In 1918, Newcomb College moved to its present site. Acorns from the
oaks of the Garden District campus were planted and have become the
stately oaks that line the edges of the Newcomb quad. Traditionally, acorns represent long life, perpetual youth, and fertility.
Clara Baer, the first chair of the Department of Physical Education and
a gymnastics expert, encouraged the wearing of bloomers during gym
classes beginning in 1894. Prior to that, Newcomb students wore long
skirts. Because the outfits were considered by many to be inappropriate
in the conservative Victorian culture of the early 20th century, it was
not until 1914 were bloomers worn outside of the gymnasium. Bloomers
were worn for gym classes until the 1930's, and today continue to
symbolize Newcomb's progressive attitude toward a holistic education
for women.
Chapel was an important activity for Newcomb women from the beginnings of the college. The original chapel was constructed in 1895 near the corner of Chestnut and Sixth, and included specially-made Tiffany stained-glass windows. The Myra Clare Rogers Chapel, built in 1975, incorporates several of these windows in its design.
Daisies often symbolize purity and innocence. They are a common symbol of women's colleges, and Newcomb College is no exception. Daisies form an integral part of one of Newcomb's oldest traditions, the Daisy Chain.
The Newcomb gate marks the entrance to Newcomb's campus at 1229 Broadway. The iconic wrought-iron design features the Newcomb seal.
Newcomb Pottery is considered one of the most significant American art potteries of the first half of the twentieth century. Influenced by the English Arts and Crafts movement, Newcomb pottery was exhibited around the world, sold in shops on both coasts, and written about in art journals throughout the United States and Europe. Newcomb potters (always men) and designers (always women and girls) were awarded eight medals at international exhibitions before 1916. Click here to learn more about the legacy of Newcomb pottery.
The Newcomb seal incorporates the familiar oak tree symbol of Newcomb as well as a small TU, for Tulane University. The words "Art," "Science," and "Language" encircle the crest, emphasizing the diversity of a Newcomb education.
Live oak trees have long been a symbol of Newcomb College, appearing on the College seal and in student and official publications. The old Garden District campus included many oak trees, and the oak trees planted on the Broadway campus in 1918 symbolize the continuity of past and present. Newcomb's campus is surrounded by live oaks just as it has been for more than one hundred years.
The old chapel bell was donated to the Washington St. campus chapel by the Class of 1900. This bell rings to announce the procession of the Daisy Chain at the Newcomb Institute's Under the Oaks ceremony for Tulane women graduates.
Mrs. Newcomb, founder of Newcomb College, commissioned Tiffany stained-glass windows for the original Newcomb Chapel (constructed in 1895). In one of them was an angel figure resembling Sophie Newcomb. This window, together with three others, was installed in the chapel on the Broadway campus in 1975. The remaining Tiffany windows can be seen in Woodward Way, the walkway connected the East and West Wing of the Woldenburg Art Center.
