Sarah Shug Richardson Bryan (Benedict), May Queen (Ward-Belmont, 1933 or 1934) with Maypole in background

Photograph

Harpeth Hall School

Name/Title

Sarah "Shug" Richardson Bryan (Benedict), May Queen (Ward-Belmont, 1933 or 1934) with Maypole in background

Entry/Object ID

2021.070

Description

Framed photograph of the 1933 May Queen, Sarah "Shug" Richardson Bryan (Benedict) at Ward-Belmont College for Young Women.

Photograph Details

Subject Person or Organization

Bryan (Benedict), Sarah Richardson (Shugg or Sug) 1933, Sarah Bryan Benedict (1933)

Context

The annual May Day Festival was described as "the highlight of the social year at Ward-Belmont" (Milestones, 1945). The festivities involved dancing, processions, the crowning of the May Queen and her court, and the traditional May Pole Dance. The Lady of the Hall, Harpeth Hall's highest honor, evolved from the May Queen ceremony.