“GN&IC and GSCW: The Uniform Years” demonstrates the variety of uniforms worn by students during the early 1900s. Jamie Waugh, a graduate assistant for Special Collections at Georgia College library, compiled and curated the exhibit.

Waugh gathered photographs and notes from the recently combined Special Collections and Museum Collection. From old catalogs, Waugh learned the distinctive styles of the historic uniforms. She outlined the plans for an exhibit, and two days later completed the exhibit.

Five porcelain dolls stand in the glass case outside Special Collections, each representing a traditional uniform from Georgia Normal & Industrial College and Georgia State College for Women. The replicated uniforms were donated separately from the porcelain dolls, and Waugh effectively combined them to explain the seasons and activities of former students.

Photographs show the familiar buildings of front campus with uniformed women playing sports. One photograph shows a packed Russell Auditorium with uniformed women during an assembly circa 1930s.

Before the 1920s, uniforms featured long sleeves and large black silk ties. Even in uniform, students found a way to distinguish themselves.

“Some of the girls would tie the knots in different ways to add personality to an outfit,” said Waugh.

Many of the original uniforms were brown because of the fashion of the 1900s. Brown was chosen as a uniform color so the girls would not feel unattractive.

Uniforms became optional under the presidency of Guy Wells in 1934. His stated reason for this was “the expressed desire of the girls themselves.”
The public is invited to view the exhibit located on the second floor of Georgia College Library. State-issued photo ID is required for entry into the library.
For more information, call (478) 445-0991.