1910's

During the early years of the University of Alberta (U of A), students and professors could be found wearing convocation robes while attending classes and around campus. In this time period students were required to wear robes while attending classes. Beginning in 1908 robes could be purchased through the library on the first day of classes. [1] This can be seen in the photographs of the class of 1912, “We Are Seven”, and of students Hazel Tilloston and Marie Mitchell in their residence (1916-1919).

In the first decades of the University the male student population outnumbered the female population. [2] Male students and staff wore suits to class, along with their robes. Examples of male fashion can be seen in the photographs of the University of Alberta's first engineering class and medical students and staff in 1914.

In 1909 there were fourteen women students at the U of A. [3] A student named Agnes recounts women spending many hours putting their long hair into bun-like curls all over their heads as it was the fashion of the day. As well, women wore no make-up. “Make-up was not considered by ’nice’ girls….and the only concession to glamour was talcum powder…” [4]

Miss. F. Stubbs, [1916-1919]

Class of 1912

Marie Mitchell and Hazel Tillotson in Residence, (1916-1919)

We Are Seven, 191-

Class of 1912 tree planting ceremony

University of Alberta First Class in Engineering, 1910

Medical Students and Instructors, 1914

Dr. Alexander Cameron Rutherford, 1911

Strathcona Collegiate Institute Women's Hockey Team, 1912

This decade also included the First World War, which had its effects on student and campus life. Some students were called to serve under the Military Service Act. Some under military age joined the Flying Corps, or enlisted in the Army Medical Corps. Male students also joined the Canadian Universities Tank Battalion. [5] This led to the emergence of military uniforms being seen on campus.

Soldiers on Steps of Athabasca Hall [1914-1916]

U of A Company C.O.T.C., 1916-1917

U of A Tank Contingent, April, 1918

U of A Soldiers Comfort Club, [191-]

Sports teams at the U of A, including women’s teams, existed during this decade. An example of the U of A logo is shown on the 1914 men's rugby team (see below). However, at the time not all uniforms contained the U of A logo or branding. This can be viewed in the U of A women’s varsity I basketball team photo. Athletic and sports team logos and uniforms would change throughout the years to come.

Click on the images to view some examples of fashion during this decade from both students and staff.

University of Alberta Provincial Champion Rugby Team, 1914

University of Alberta Basketball Team Varsity I, 1918

Sources

[1] Schoeck, Ellen. I Was There: A Century of Alumni Stories About the University of Alberta, 1906-2006. Edmonton, AB: The University of Alberta Press, 2006, p. 69.

[2]University of Alberta, University of Alberta's Fifth Annual Convocation, 1915. (accessed Sept. 21, 2021).

[3] Schoeck, Ellen. I Was There: A Century of Alumni Stories About the University of Alberta, 1906-2006. Edmonton, AB: The University of Alberta Press, 2006, p. 135.

[4] Schoeck, Ellen. I Was There: A Century of Alumni Stories About the University of Alberta, 1906-2006. Edmonton, AB: The University of Alberta Press, 2006, p. 83.

[5] The War, Board of Governors Report, 1918, University of Alberta Archives, First Fact File WW1.

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