Douglass College - Quair Yearbook (New Brunswick, NJ)

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The history of Douglass College has oft been recounted in this year of the 50th Anniversary. There are few who are unaware of the fact that New Jersey College for Women opened its doors to 54 students in 1918 largely through the efforts of Mabel Smith Douglass and many interested womenls clubs throughout the state, yet how many of you knew that the names Queen's and Middlesex Colleges were also considered but discarded for obvious reasons? Thus we would like to offer for your enjoyment a brief reverie of the anecdotes and reminiscences which we feel were a real part of the spirit that characterized life at Douglass--and which might otherwise be left unsaid. On the slim chance that there are some of you who have escaped the deluge of historical facts during the year, a brief note would be in order. As early as 191 l attempts had been begun by various women's clubs to seek the admission of qualified girls to Rutgers College. Heading these efforts, Mrs Douglass began a vigorous campaign to enlist support for their goal. From the Governor of the State to the President of the University, to any potential benefactor, she brought her desire and determination. The road was not an easy one and obstacles were many. At Mrs. Douglass's behest, the College Club of Jersey City even went so far as to initiate a one dollar subscription fund. Meanwhile, a plan for a womenls college was approved by the Rutgers' Trustees provided that money was obtained to build and maintain it. And finally, enlistment of state support proved to be a key factor in realizing Mrs. Douglass's goal. Any history of the founding of the college would be remiss without mentioning the names of those whose support, both financial and moral, was invaluable. Mr. Neilson not only donated a large area of land but always remained a true friend to the college and especially to the students. In addition, the names Loree, Carpender and Cooper deserve much praise and gratitude for their,role in the development of the college. After years of the proverbial trials and tribulations, the college was founded under the helpful directions of a board of managers and at the helm was Mrs. Douglass whom President Demarest of Rutgers had asked to serve as Dean of the College. Needless to say, the life of a newly founded college is not Dean Mabel S. Douglass and President Wm. H. S. Demarest a smooth one. On September 18, 1918, 54 students embarked on an exciting voyage: the task of creating a college from the ground up. There were no traditions, no rules-all of these things were still to come. And yet the girls came, ready to become a part of such a bold adventure. What were those first 54 girls like? The Class of 1922 described themselves on the occasion of their thirtieth reunion: Those hrst freshmen wore no lipstick, rouge or nail polish. Their hair was long and held in place by hairpins and a hairnet. Under her dress every girl usually wore a vest, a corset, a brassiere, drawers and a slip or corset cover and a petticoat. Stockings were always worn even in the summer to the beach. Every one wore a hat and no one ventured on the streets of New Brunswick without it. Smoking was forbidden Class of 1922 in Class Play as was gum chewing. To ride in a car with a boy without a chaperone was unheard of. She had never seen the inside of a bar and turned her head when she passed a swinging door because the odors that emanated therefrom were offensive to her. It all sounds rather strange and dull to us, but the task of making a good impression as the first class must have been a difficult one. Even as the Class of 1922 remembered it, however, the harshness of the rule was softened by reality. 'fWe obeyed the rules that were laid down for propriety until they interfered too much with our freedom, then, like the college girl of today, we either broke them or insisted on new ones. These girls were pioneers in the truest sense of the word and despite the stringent codes and rules they did have fun. Under the guidance of Mrs. Douglass a spirit of friendliness developed between the girls and the administration. Mrs. Douglass made it her job to know each girl and she was never too busy to listen to the problems that the fledglings faced.

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Mother's Day 1922 Traditions and customs must have a beginning and many of those we still observe today at Douglass had some rather inauspicious origins. Campus Night is just such an event. It all began when several girls purchased little red tam-o'- shanters which were the vogue of the day. Mrs. Douglass took a dislike to them for reasons known only to herselfg and after she talked with some of the culprits, they obligingly agreed to burn the tams in a great bonfire. Dean Douglass suggested that they make it an all-college event with a hot dog roast. As time passed, the singing became part of the tradition and the tradition itself assumed its present format. Early Yule Log Ceremony in College Hall fDecember 1921?J