Meredith, Josephine B.

"Girls' Fraternities" in Josephine Brunyate Meredith's report "Women at Dickinson College"

Date
c1935

In her essay "Women at Dickinson College," Josephine Brunyate Meredith has a section in which she discussed "Women's Fraternities" (now referred to as sororities) at Dickinson College. Meredith explained that "We have never had such good spirit existing between the Fraternities as exists at present. Pan-Hellenic rules and rushing methods, the result of years of hard work and experiment are now fairly satisfactory to everybody." Pleased with the women's work, Meredith argued that the college must provide better housing for the female fraternities as they do for the male fraternities.

Women's Extracurricular Activities in "Women at Dickinson College" - by Josephine Brunyate Meredith

Date
circa 1935

In her essay " Women at Dickinson College," Josephine Brunyate Meredith discussed women's extracurricular activities at Dickinson College. Meredith first examined the women's literary societies. She argued that the two women's literary societies were not as well organized as the male literary societies. She wrote that "The Literary Societies, however, provide the only chance for many of the students to learn how to speak and if properly helped by the Faculty many students would work hard and enjoy the work.

"The Y.W.C.A. and Religous Life" in " Women at Dickinson College" - by Josephine Brunyate Meredith

Date
circa 1935

In her essay, "Women at Dickinson College," Josephine Brunyate Meredith took an in depth look at female students' role in religious life. She first looked at the Y.W.C.A., citing them as "somewhat of a problem" because they did not "reach many girls in a vital way...and lack definite objectives." However, the joint Y.W.C.A. and Y.M.C.A. meetings were well executed and well attended. She also discussed the organization of student called the "Freshman Commission." The organization held a weekly service on Sunday evenings in Metzger Hall.

Dean Josephine B. Meredith's Report "Women at Dickinson College", circa 1935

Date
circa 1935

During her time as the Dean of Women at Dickinson College, Dean Josephine Meredith wrote a report entitled "Women at Dickinson College." Dean Meredith, an early female graduate of Dickinson College (class of 1901), utilized both her experiences as a female student and the Dean of Women to compile a report on the conditions for and experiences of female students. Thus, in 18 sections, she highlights living conditions, extracurricular life, social life, religious life, and academic life at the College.

Josephine Brunyate and Kathryn Kerr's College Room

Date
circa 1901

This photo depicts the room Kathryn Kerr and Josephine Brunyate's shared during their college days. The caption reads, "Where things happened. Room 264 Pomfret Street."

Kathryn Kerr and her Beau Elmer Williams

Date
circa 1901

This photo depicts Kathryn Kerr and her beau Elmer Williams at a "cave hill." The caption below the photograph reads, "In the spring the young man's fancy lightly turns to the thought of love." The caption further explains that Kerr and Williams were eventually married.

"At the Creek"

Date
circa 1901

This photo depicts Kathryn Kerr and Josephine Brunyate at a local creek. The caption reads, "Cleanliness is next to godliness."

Women and Fraternity Dances

Date
circa 1920

This essay by Dean Meredith outlined the problems faced when women attended fraternity dances. She argued that such dances were chaperoned however, before and after the dance was not. Often women would to travel to such events and it was impossible to watch them all the time. Thus, improper behavior occured between men and women.