1880-1889

A Co-ed Bench Vandalized by Poetry

Date
February, 1889

The February 1889 issue of the Dickinsonian documents the occurrence that the co-ed bench was vandalized in the lecture room. The "muse of poetry" had paid a visit to Dickinson and wrote a poem on the bench about the co-eds. The poem states that "this is where they [co-eds] sit: They always want to go ahead, and won't be left a bit...they always are just right...and give the class much light."`

Should there be a Ladies' Literary Society?

Date
February, 1889

"Should there be a Ladies' Literary Society at Dickinson?" is a question that the 1889 Dickinsonian asks its readers. The article gives seven reasons for consideration towards a women's literary society. The Dickinsonian proclaims in one of its reasons that women's "exclusion from the societies is a direct injustice and loss to the lady students" and it is the "ladies' right to be thus admitted" because of the privileges given to them by studying at this institution.

The Dickinsonian Calls for a Ladies' Literary Society

Date
December, 1888

The December 1888 issue of the Dickinsonian calls for the consideration towards a Ladies' Literary Society. In the column, the Dickinsonian feels that because women are so limited to organizations they can join, namely both the Belles Lettres and Union Philosophical Societies are restricted to them, they should be allowed to form their own literary society. They acknowledge that some members of the college are probably still against the idea of co-education, but they call for them to recognize that women receive all the privileges of the institution as well.

Stop the Serenading!

Date
November, 1888

In the "Editorial" section of the November 1888 Dickinsonian recalls both what the college owes to Carlisle and what Carlisle owes to it. The citizens of Carlisle called for the stopping of student serenading. Policemen were hired to keep a lookout for "student singers on the streets." The town proclaims to the college, "No serenading of fair maidens at midnight" because they had been subject to these serenades for long enough.

The Twentieth Century Will Give Women a Greater Voice

Date
July, 1888

The activities and speeches during the 1888 Commencement week at Dickinson College were recording in the 1888 July issue of the Dickinsonian. On Thursday of that week, there was a speech given on "Some Questions for the Twentieth Century." Among these questions, the speaker comments briefly on women in the future. He states that in the Twentieth Century "woman will have more voice in great questions than now."

Commencement Speech Includes Comical Characterization of Classmates

Date
July, 1888

The July 1888 Dickinsonian discusses the occurrences and speeches given at the 105th commencement of the senior class. One of the speeches includes humorous and bogus gifts for each of the members of the senior class. For the women, such as Hildegarde Longsdorff, she would receive the gift of a ballot box for her "strong opinions on Woman's Suffrage." Another female classmate, Elizabeth Bender, would receive a marriage certificate because of what is in store for her future.

The Benefits of Women's Suffrage

Date
April, 1888

Alice Kronenberg is featured in the April 1888 Dickinsonian as discussing the benefits of women's suffrage. She speaks out against the evils of gossip, blaming women's inability to participate in politics for the reason why she participates in gossip. If she was engaging in politics, her mind would be "occupied with the weighty affairs of state [and] would further elevate her race." She hopes that once the positive results from allowing women into politics is realized, they will "move the passage of a woman's suffrage bill without delay."

Co-eds Disgusted Over Their "Dismal" Waiting Room

Date
April, 1888

The April 1888 Dickinsonian displayed a complaint by the co-eds over their drab waiting room at their home. For three years, the co-eds have "put up with their present quarters, without any complaints" even though it contained only a few old chairs and a stove. The Dickinsonian calls for the ladies to be allowed some money to purchase some wall paper, carpet, and comfortable furniture so that the room could be made more cheerful. If the college decided to allot the ladies some funds, they would certainly "receive the everlasting gratitude of 'Our Co-eds'."

Co-ed Couple Disruptive in Church

Date
February, 1888

A complaint was brought forth in the 1888 February issue of the Dickinsonian. According to those attended a certain church service on Sunday, "the billing and cooing of a certain sophomore and a co-ed" was found quite disruptive to others. They felt that the "silly antics of a love-sick couple" should not be allowed to degrade the college name. The display put on by the couples was so offensive to its viewers that a "stage or dime museum" was found more preferable.

The "Lovely Co-eds" of Dickinson College are Irresistible

Date
February, 1888

A male student, "Ashley," is quoted about the attractiveness of the female students in the 1888 February Dickinsonian. Ashley defends himself from being accused of flirting during chapel exercises, because he feels that "no man can withstand the winsome appeals of the lovely co-eds of Dickinson College." He further affirms that he can only but respond to those feminine appeals, even if it is in the form of "an occasional smile."