1910-1919
Belles Lettres and UPS Debate Women's Suffrage, 1914
In their 23rd Annual Inter-Society Debate, Belles Lettres and the Union Philosophical Society held a debate surrounding the question of women's suffrage. The debate prompt read, "Resolved, that the progress and prosperity of the United States of America would be increased if the elective franchise were not withheld from any one solely on account of sex." Because no women were allowed in either literary society, the question was debated and judged by male Dickinsonians.
"Topics of the Y.W.C.A. of Dickinson College Winter and Spring Terms"
In a pamphlet entitled "Topics of the Y.W.C.A. of Dickinson College Winter and Spring Terms," Dickinson's Y.W.C.A. outlines there events for the year. Such events include discussions on aid to women in other countries, health, "Mormonism as a Menace" and "What a College Girl Owes to Her Home Church." They also scheduled joint meeting with Dickinson College's Y.M.C.A.
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Meredith wants to Plant Trees around the Women's Dormitory
In a letter dated November 12, 1919, a Professor of Forestry at Penn State College (now Penn State University) wrote to Dean Josephine Meredith in reference to her letter regarding trees for the Women's Dorm. The Penn State College offered to donate the trees and deliver them in the spring.
President Morgan Advises Dean Meredith to Alter the Rules for Women at Metzger Hall
In a letter dated November 4, 1919, President Morgan writes to Dean Meredith regarding the rules of conduct for women at Metzger Hall after viewing them in a copy of the yearbook. Morgan argues that the present system of self-governance among the women is most desireable. However, he is concernd that the rules in place are lax and "too loosely drawn." This is particularly evident in reference to the rules regarding Hall absences.
President Morgan Advises Dean Meredith to Put a Stop to Hazing among Female Students at Metzger Hall
In a letter dated October 27, 1919, President Morgan wrote Dean Meredith concerned about what he termed "class interference," also known as hazing. Such incidence occurred between sophomore and freshmen women in Metzger Hall. He asked Dean Meredith to remind the women that a similar situation happened thirteen years earlier and that such behavior would not be tolerated. According to Morgan, such activity would result in expulsion.
President Morgan Urges Dean Meredith to Come as Soon as Possible
In a letter dated August 16, 1919, President Morgan urges Dean Meredith to come to campus as soon as she can. He writes that he hopes "that you can arrange to come to us pretty soon - not intendeing this to hurry you, but saying what I think you yourself also feel, that the sooner you can get here and in touch with the various elements of the situation, the better it will be." According to Morgan, there is much to do to prepare for her position.
Dean Meredith Begins Outlining the Changes She Will Make at Dickinson as the Dean of Women
In her letter to President Morgan dated August 12, 1919, Dean Meredith formally accepts the position of Dean of Women after being freed from her contract at the Woodbury School. She immediately begins to discuss the changes she hopes to make at Dickinson College as the new Dean of Women. Her plans include turning an old chapel into a gymnasium for women and turning a room into her office so she can watch the women come and go. She also discusses supplies for the women's dorm as well as the staff at Metzger Hall.