Social codes/rules

Social Opinion Survey FLAK

Date
March 10, 1972

Alumni Trustee Vincent J. Schafmeister, Jr. wrote to Dean of Women Mary Francis Carson requesting a clearer copy of the Social Opinion Survey distributed by the Women's Group. Schafmeister expresses his concern over some of the questions in the survey, claiming that he would be "compelled to speak to this business at the Commencement Weekend meeting of the Board of Trustees."

Not the type of women we generally find

Date
March 9, 1972

Dean of Women Mary Watson Carson sends a memo to Dr. Rubendall regarding the "Social Opinion Survey" of the Women's Group. She explains that she did not give permission for them to attach her name to the survey. According to the dean, the Women's Group distributed the questionnaire in residence halls and mail boxes. Dean Carson reports that the group formed early in the fall and invited some faculty women to meet with them. The same week that Carson wrote this letter, Student Senate officially recognized the group as an organization.

Sunday

Date
October, 1943

Under the "Social Situation for the Guidance of Women Students," Sunday mornings, afternoons, and evenings (until 9:30-when the dormitory closed for the night) were regulated. Sunday mornings female students were allowed to attend church services accompanied by an Army Air Force cadet, but social activities were prohibited. Sunday afternoons female students were allowed to go for a "walk, hike, bicycle, visit and play games at the dormitories," however, women were restricted from playing tennis and dancing in the dormitories.

Walking in Couples

Date
October, 1943

According to the "Social Situation for the Guidance of Women Students," couples (defined as female students and male Army Air Force cadets) were only allowed to walk along the "main-traveled" streets of Carlisle and as far as the "paved roads extend." Women were required to wear "correct street attire."

One Absolute Prohibition

Date
October, 1943

Under the "Social Situation for the Guidance of Women Students," female students were prohibited from entering bars, taprooms, or liquor stores. Regardless if female students were "escorted" or consumed alcohol they were restricted from entering any "liquor selling establishments."

Social Opportunities Offered to Female Students and Cadets

Date
October, 1943

Included in the "Social Situation for the Guidance of Women Students" is a list of "Social opportunities" offered to female students and Army Air Force cadets. Social opportunities include regulations on walking in couples, hiking in groups, bicycling, horseback riding, buggy and carriage riding, bowling, tennis, movies, dances and dancing, prohibition, and out-of-town social events.

Modus Operandi

Date
October, 1943

"Modus Operandi" (Method of Operation) is a section in a memo on the "Social Situation for the Guidance of Women Students" on social relationships between cadets and female students. The document states that "social relationships between women students and cadets will be managed through a Conference and Appointment Bureau." The purpose of this bureau was to "introduce cadets to women students and to carry out the regulations set by the administration."  This bureau operated only while the cadets were on campus.

After Hours

Date
1963

According to the 1963 publication of "Red Tape," female students were expected to abide by strict rules concerning closing hours of dormitory halls. Students were not allowed to leave the dormitory prior to 6:30 am unless special permission was granted by the House Director. Female students were strongly "urged no to be outside her dormitory after dark" unless accompanied by another female student.

Proper Dress for Classes

Date
1963

Acceptable dress for female students to classes or appointments with faculty consisted of "campus clothes" (a skirt, sweater, blouse, and casual dress). Exceptions to the dress code were made during lab and final exams where "sports clothes" were allowed to be worn.

 

Hours for Men Guests

Date
1963

Strict hours for "men guests" in female residence halls are listed in "Red Tape," a guidebook published by the Women's Student Government. "Men guests" could only be entertained in parlors and recreation rooms of female dormitories and were restricted from bedrooms. Hours for male visitors began at noon and ended at the hostesses curfew. All female students were instructed to use "good judgement" when entertaining male guests in the lounges and were cautioned that there should be "lady-like conduct at all times."