Uniforms 1891-1933

The uniform dress code was strictly enforced at Georgia Normal and Indstrial College, from the first class in 1891, up until the 1930's. A college catalog from the early 1900’s states, “In most female colleges where a uniform dress is attempted it turns out to be little better than a sham or pretense. Such is not the case in this College. The rules in regard to the matter are most rigidly enforced. Any attempt at evasion or partial violation of them by pupils will be in every instance promptly and positively put down.”

Students in fall/spring uniform 1899

The goal of the dress code was to provide every student with affordable clothing in order to create an environment free of social classes. The students were allowed to wear a dark brown coat (other colors were not allowed), the Oxford Student’s Cap which was to be worn anytime the student appeared in public, and dark colored gloves. By 1915 students were also allowed to bring a red sweater to campus, to be worn in the fall and winter.

Students were strongly discouraged from bringing any clothing from home that was not associated with the uniforms. Uniforms were inspected at intervals during the school year. Dresses not conforming to the code were condemned, and students were required to purchase new clothing.

The dress code went beyond the college campus. Students were required to wear their uniforms traveling to and from campus, and they were suppose to wear their uniforms while visiting their homes on short holidays. The only time students were released from the dress code was during summer vacation.

The college operated under these strict rules and regulations until the 1920’s. In 1924 the dress code was lifted for seniors, and in 1934 the new president, Guy Wells, effectively eliminated the dress code when he announced wearing uniforms would be optional for all students.

Winter

The winter uniform was to be an inexpensive outfit. Material for the entire suit cost $6.50 in 1902. For $2.50 the dress would be made by the Dressmaking Department. It was suggested that students have two of these suits, one for everyday use and one to be worn only on Sundays. The college catalog states that the student could make the dress herself “under the immediate supervision of the teacher of dressmaking, and precisely after the prescribed model.”

By 1908 the dress for winter had undergone some modifications. The new dress cost $11.00 and could not be made at home. A company in Atlanta, Davison-Paxon-Stokes Co., measured each student in September and October, and supplied the dress which was to be worn after the middle of November.

Winter Uniform 1902

Winter Uniform 1908

Spring & Fall

The fall and spring uniform consisted of a jacket and a skirt. The students were to have three blue and white striped shirts, three red and white striped shirts, and 2 “lawn” shirts. All of the shirts had to be worn with an upright collar, and all skirts were to be worn with leather belts.

Spring Uniform 1902

Fall Uniform 1902

Physical Culture The physical culture uniform was to be worn for outdoor activities which included tennis and basketball. The entire uniform cost no more than $4.50 in 1902 and consisted of a divided brown serge skirt, lawn-tennis shoes, and gymnasium shoes.

Physical Culture Uniform 1902

Sunday Dress 1909

Sunday Dress By 1908 wearing every day dress on Sunday was no longer acceptable. The Annual Catalog for 1908-1909 states that the white dress worn at commencement would also be worn on Sundays. By 1915 specifications for the Sunday Dress became more specific.was no longer worn for commencement and specifications for the Sunday Dress became more detailed. It is described as a white linen skirt and belt which was to be worn with a brown suit coat in the winter. The suit had to be tailor-made and cost $12.50.

Commencement Dress In 1902 the commencement dress was a white dress which was to cost no more than $5.00 and to be of the highest quality. By 1920 seniors were provided with a cap and gown. The cap and gown was to be worn to church, public occasions, and receptions.

Commencement Dress

Cooking Dress The 1908 catalog describes the cooking dress as: “usual fatigue suit with white cap and long white apron and white lawn cuffs, coming up to the elbow.” By 1915 cooking dresses were simply described as white aprons made by each student in Domestic Science.

Cooking Dress 1902

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Pictures taken from:
Georgia College & State University Archives
Georgia Normal and Industrial College Catalog (1902-1902)
Gerogia Normal and Industrial College Catalog (1908-1909)