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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."

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 February 1888 Dickinsonian describes the arrival of co-education at Dickinson and its positive impact all over the country. The brief commentary in the Dickinsonian details how the term "Co-ed" has become the "familiar abbreviation applied to the lady students." Since there is now this "growing demand for female education" it indicates in society a "progressive spirit in this age of enlightenment." Because of co-education's growing acceptance, the Dickinsonian affirms that now at the best colleges, boys and girls are both permitted to drink from the same fountain of learning."

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'."

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."

On June 28, 1888, the Local Executive Committee was instructed to "make provisons for the ladies during the intervals between recitations." The motion was carried.

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."

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.

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 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.

This photograph depicts four women in a physics class. The women in the image are not identified.

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 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.

Two advocators for the admittance of a women's literary society write for the 1889 March issue of the Dickinsonian. The writers speak out against the prejudice against women at Dickinson, and advocate for the creation of a literary society. They speak for the rights of the female students, that it is only fair they be able to create such a committee simply because they attend Dickinson. The other speaker discusses the benefit of allowing the literary society, for its diversity of opinion would provide an increase of interest in the society.

The November 1889 issue of the Dickinsonian mentions briefly a fellow alumnus's comments on co-education. Richard Field had spoken out positively on his experiences with co-education at Dickinson. He stated that in his first year "the girls grabbed all the prizes" and in the second year "the fellows had to study twice as hard, in order not to get left. I am for it."

The 1889 Dickinsonian comments upon the Junior class's selection of editors to write for the Microcosm. Both Elizabeth Low and Jessica Longsdorff were selected for editors of the yearbook. The Dickinsonian believed that "the usual sound judgment of this class must have been temporarily obscured by some sudden streak of gallantry" to let two of the three co-eds participate.

The 1889 Dickinsonian criticizes and attempts to give friendly advice to the new co-eds about their actions on campus. They warn them to "Don't be too fresh" and to "avoid all foolishness and flippancy which might place you in a false light...[and] provoke criticism." The Dickinsonian praises the co-eds of 1889 and 1891 as being prime examples of exemplar actions. To the new co-eds, they advise them to look towards these two classes and "consider the prejudice and opposition which they had overcome" and reflect on the respect with which they were treated. 

The Browning Literary Society was the first mention in the 1890 Microcosm of a society with female involvment. The society was completely comprised of women. It seems that almost all the women who were on campus were involved with the Browning Literary Society. The President was Jessica Dale Longsdorff, Vice-President was Leonora Whiting, Business Manager was Elizabeth A.

The 1890 Microcosm shows that there were two woman on the editorial staff of the Microcosm. Both Jessica Longsdorff and Elizabeth Low served as editors for the yearbook.

A page in the 1890 Microcosm lists the officers and members of the Junior class of 1891, denoting three women who were attending Dickinson. These three women were Elizabeth A. Low, Jessica Dale Longsdorff, and Leonora M. Whiting. Under the class officers, Elizabeth A. Low held two positions as secretary and class poet. Along with three other male names, the three women's names were politely spelled out rather than initialed.

The 1890 Microcosm shows an advertisement for Dickinson College and the services it offers. In the category of the Preparartory Department, the advertisement mentions, "The course of study covers three years, and prepares students of both sexes thoroughly for Dickinson College, or for any literary institution in the country." This shows the college's acceptance of co-education by advertising directly for new students of both sexes.

"Dreams and Realities" was a poem published in the Microcosm in 1890. It outlines the tale of a female Dickinsonian who leaves her home and "beau" in the country to pursue an education at Dickinson College. After arriving on campus, the female student is struck by the academic and social cultures at Dickinson. In particular, she is torn between her boyfriend at home and the male students she meets at Dickinson College. However, as the years pass, she finds that she was disillusioned by the grandeur of the institution and longs for home.

Published in the 1890 Microcosm, “Co-Education” describes the introduction of coeducation at Dickinson College.  The author of the piece asserts that coeducation at Dickinson was a direct result of the Methodist influence at the school and women’s participation within that church.  Thus, female students were accepted to the college on the same terms and with the same privileges of their male counterparts. Moreover, the author of the piece adds that the women at Dickinson contributed  to the beauty of the campus.

Dating from around 1890, this photograph shows Lovers Lane on what is now the Academic Quad. Lovers Lane was a tree lined path from West St. and High St. to East College. Many of the trees were taken down in 1929 which makes it difficult to imagine on the present day campus.

This photograph displays a group of female students enjoying the outdoors.

The "Editorials" section of the 1890 July issue of the Dickinsonian formally apologizes to the female students over their choice of words. They apologize for the lack of proof reading and for not writing about the female graduates using the feminine gender.

The 1890 November Dickinsonian once again brings forth the question of allowing the women of the college to have a literary society. This issue has become a "yearly issue" and comes up "as regularly as the foot ball discussion." After about three years of debate, people are still of divided opinion on the subject. The Dickinsonian believes though that this is "a case for individual belief" and it would not be fair if it were up to the faculty to decide.

Taken from the George Edward Reed scrapbook, this newspaper clipping announces the marriage of Zatae Longsdorff (Class of 1997) to A. Gale Straw of New Hampshire. They married at 105 West Louther St., Carlisle, PA, and all of the Dickinson faculty were present. The article goes on to describe the wedding party, dressed in blue with chrysanthemums as well as cream silk dresses for the bridesmaids. Zatae wore a white silk dress with a veil. The Dickinson College Glee Club provided entertainment at the reception.

This oration analyzes whether or not women should be permitted to study and practice law. Low argues that since procured positions within the medical field, philanthropic organizations, newspapers and academia, "humanity has been lifted up during the period in which she has been permitted to play her legitimate part in the drama of human life." However, she argues that woman's work is not done and that women must continue to fight for equal acess as men will not freely give up their power within closed professions, particularly the law.

In her senior oration "The Development of Science from Superstition," Elizabeth Anna Low discussed the origins of modern scientific thought. Low argued that science originated from superstitious pracitices of early civilizations. She explained that, "To us, they seem absurd and ridiculous, and yet, to astrology, freed from its superstitions and prejudices, modern astronomy owes in part the firm basis on which it rest to-day." In conclusion, Low asserted that Americans must furhter distance themselves from such superstition in order to further scientific scholarship.

In the 1891 Microcosm, there is a dedication page with a satirical poem that is dedicated to girls. This poem is clearly mocking them by stating that to men they are "the creators of his happiness and the destroyers of his peace" and that this book is "affectionately dedicated" to them. On the following page is a drawing of a suggestively dressed female, again mocking women.

The June 1891 Dickinsonian in the "Alumni Personals" section, included a brief paragraph on Hildegarde Longsdorff, one of the sisters of Zatae Longsdorff. The 1888 graduate, had recently graduated from the Women's Medical College of Philadelphia and intended on "practicing her profession" in Carlisle.

In his senior oration "Co-education in American Colleges," Frank Moore (class of 1891) argued in favor of co-education in America. He first contended that women's college's were not up to par with their male counterparts. Instead of improving the women's institutions, he believed that Americans should send women to coeducational institutions.  This would allow for the further improvement of formerly male institutions.  Secondly, Moore asserted that coeducation would better prepare women for living in a man's world.

The 1891 July Dickinsonian further comments on Jessica Longsdorff's performance for the Senior Oratorical Contest. Her oration was written on "The Uncrowned," which is about paintings from the French Revolution. The Dickinsonian proclaims that hers was "one of the best orations of the evening."

The event of the Junior Oratorical Contest of 1891 was documented in the July issue of the Dickinsonian. Minnie Mack was the first speaker, who chose her subject to be "Woman's Work and Woman's Wages," which stirred much interest in those listening. She spoke on the "great injustice done to women, who...very often performing the same labor as men, yet received much less compensation." Minnie Mack then further comments on the changing times, how now women are more fitted for "mechanical or professional work" than the chief role of adorning a house.

The whereabouts of the graduated class of 1891 is documented by the October 1891 issue of the Dickinsonian. Three of the female students are among the other graduates mentioned. Elizabeth Low is mentioned as a teacher in the public schools in Berwick, Pennsylvania, Jessica Longsdorff is studying at the Woman's Medical College in Philadelphia and Lenora Whiting is staying at her home in Carlisle.

The "Locals" section of the 1891 Dickinsonian included a quote by Professor Harman about male and female students. He is quoted as stating that, "Yes! The boys play foot ball and the girls take the prizes."

The November 1891 Dickinsonian declares in its pages about the prospective wedding of Zatae Longsdorff. She is to be married to a Dr. A Gale Straw on the fourteenth of November, 1891. Zatae's maids of honor were Lenora Whiting (Class of 1891) and Jessica Longsdorff (Class of 1891), her sister. The Dickinsonian "sends congratulations and well wishes after the happy couple."

This photo depicts a Chemistry Lecture in 1892 in which female students are seated together in the back of the room. The women in the photo are identified as Miss Mapes, Miss Humerich, and Miss Spencer.

The 1892 Microcosm was the first yearbook to show class pictures of the 1893 students, which included female classmates. The women shown are Eurania Ruth Mapes, Laura Spenser, and Mary Ann Humrich. It also documents that Laura Spenser was the class Vice-President.

"To Whom It May Concern" is a poem written in the 1892 Microcosm about co-ed romance. The poem talks about a male student who has reformed all his devious ways for his "darling Archibald," a Sophomore. The poem concludes that the girl he is in love with is a co-ed, and that their romance is unknown to their parents.  

The 1893 Microcosm was the first one to display advertisements of colleges for women.There are two colleges being advertised, both Irving College in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

In a letter to Zatae Longsdorff, Dean Clara Marshall M.D. informs Zatae that she sucessfully passed her examinations and was recommended for a Degree of Doctor of Medicine. Longsdorff, the first female graduate of Dickinson College, graduated from the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania and practiced medicine throughout her life.

Singer, a male student, is reprimanded by his professor for trying to make "himself agreeable to the coeds" which is recorded in the 1892 April Dickinsonian. Professor Himes calls out Singer on his flirtatious actions asking him that when he is finished talking to the ladies, "the lecture will be continued...Please don't sit so close to them in the future."

The first mention of a sorority is documented in the 1893 Microcosm amidst the pages of fraternities. All that is stated is the initials A.H.L. as well as their colors, gold and lavender. The members include Mary A. Humrich, Eurania R. Mapes, Margaret A. B. Line, Elizabeth Root, Charlotte B. Gardner, and Margaret S. Maxwell. No further explanation is given about the chapter and it is never mentioned again in any subsequent yearbooks.

In her senior oration "The Achievements of Our Age," Mary Ann Humrich discusses the many technological advances of the nineteenth century. In particular she argues that the electric light bulb, matches, electric automobiles, and the introduction of table manners revolutionized the era. She concludes her oration and wrote that "'The past is sublime but the present is sublimer.'"

Written in the 1893 Microcosm is a memorium to Angella E. Harry, who would have graduated in 1896. The poem inserted was written by her sister, Emma V. Harry, who also attended Dickinson College and was in the class of 1895. Further documentation states that Angela died in Carlisle, but the cause of her death is not documented. Her death was also unmentioned in a following account of the class of 1896's events that year.

The March 1893 Dickinsonian published a section in memoriam of Angela E. Harry, a Freshman at Dickinson College and the daughter of Professor J. B. Harry. On February 5, 1893, Angela died in her home of a long illness. The Dickinsonian mentions fondly that her "characteristic traits were innocence simplicity and truth." The Freshman class sent her a beautiful floral tribute as a token of respect to her.

 The November 1893 Dickinsonian about Co-education from the Yale Courant. Ridiculing intellectual students who spend their time looking for the facts about love in books, the poet suggests that they now take advantage of co-education, which would provide many more answers to this life-long question of love.

" You have a key now to the situation , / To learn of love just try Co-education."

A year after the death of Emma V. Harry's sister, Angella Harry, she writes a poem about her sister in the Microcosm. Titled "The Vale of Rest", Emma describes the place "where our fair Angella sleeps" as well as her speculations on what heaven must be like. This is also the second poem Emma has printed in the 1894 Microcosm.