Three Phases, Many Visions

The founding, construction, and development of Bryn Mawr College from 1872 to 1894 was accomplished by a wide range of people, many of whom have been previously overlooked. Some of their stories are introduced in the pages below.

1872-1877: Committing to the Idea

In this section:

Joseph Wright Taylor

Francis Thompson King

1877-1879: Preliminary Plans

In this section:

Friday Evening Group

Elizabeth “Bessie” King

Addison Hutton

1880-1894: Taking the Mantle

In this section:

James Rhoads

Albert K. Smiley

James Carey Thomas

Mary Whitall Thomas

Mary Garrett

John B. Garrett

1878
Joseph Taylor gives Addison Hutton his first instructions
1879
Taylor, King, and Hutton visit Smith College. Taylor finalizes a contract with Addison Hutton
1880
Hutton draws “Schemes for College at Bryn Mawr” while in Milan. Joseph Taylor dies
1882
The intitial campus plan “Diagram B” is approved. Addison Hutton completes first elevation drawings and plans for Cottage No. 1. Board of Trustees request a less expensive plan of “Cottage No. 1”
1883
The first Byn Mawr Circular is approved, naming Merion Hall “Cottage No. 1”
1885
Merion Hall is completed

Quaker Philanthropy

Many of the Quakers who contributed to the founding of Bryn Mawr were involved in multiple philanthropic organizations and movements intended to aid Indigenous peoples and formerly enslaved men and women. Nevertheless, their philanthropic pursuits were often shaped by fundamental principles of white superiority and a Christian civilizing mission that caused severe harm. Moreover, marginalized communities were just as active in mobilizing and advocating for themselves, but this advocacy was sometimes ignored or devalued. 

data visualization about Quaker Philanthropy

View PDF version of Quaker Philanthropy graph

Return to: Founding Bryn Mawr
Continue to: 1877-1879: Preliminary Plans