Bridgers, Ann Preston

Ann Preston Bridgers (1 May 1891-3 May 1967), teacher and actress, was born in Raleigh, N.C.. During most of her childhood, she lived in Adrian, Ga., with her parents, Annie Preston Cain of Hillsborough, N.C., and Robert Rufus Bridgers, Jr., of Wilmington, N.C.. She had two sisters, Elizabeth Bridgers Daniels (Mrs. Jonathan) and Emily Norfleet Bridgers; and one brother, Robert Rufus Bridgers, Jr. Bridgers attended Mary Baldwin Seminary in Staunton, Va., and then Smith College in Northampton, Mass., where she received a B.A. degree in 1915.

After her graduation from Smith, she studied with the Henry Jewett Players of Boston, where she played a few minor roles. Returning to Raleigh, she taught in the public schools and served with the Selective Service Bureau. She went overseas in 1919 with the Smith College Unit of the YMcirca Returning to Raleigh, she opened a gift shop and became president of the Raleigh Community Players.

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