Archives Exhibit

The 1930s were years of social change and economic depression which affected student life. [1] The students and their outlook during the 1930s was described as “Not for generations have students addressed themselves to the study of political and economic structure of world society as they have been doing in the past few years. And the mood has not been that of high hope and enthusiasm, as has characterized some of the student movements in the past. It has been realistic and practical in temper, not of the feeling that all is not well, and no structure is sacred and protected from analysis….” [2]

Several articles were published by The Gateway in the 1930s discussing different aspects of fashion. For example, an article titled "Fashion-Conscious" was published November 16, 1934 regarding the changes in the way fashion was expressed. [3] Another article tilted "Male Dress Reform" was published on December 20, 1934 and discussed the differences in men's and women's fashion and argued that men's fashion needed to change as it was uncomfortable and lacked function.[4]

An aspect of student life that carried on during these unstable years, and was very popular, was athletics and sports. This included a wide variety of women’s teams, and the biggest attraction, the men’s football team. [5] The images above are some examples of sports attire among U of A sports teams during this decade. U of A logos were incorporated into the uniforms and varied in style. 

The end of this decade included the start of the Second World War and its effects on the U of A campus can be expressed through fashion. As had been seen earlier during WWI, students could often be seen wearing military uniforms while on campus. However, it should be noted, the Canadian Officers Training Corps (C.O.T.C) interested students as early as 1931. At the end of the 1930s this interest and participation increased.[6] In the photo of C.O.T.C. boxers you can see the crossover of the C.O.T.C. and popularity of student athletics in the 1930s. By the end of the decade uniforms were also part of social events on campus such as C.O.T.C dance in January of 1939. The presence of military attire among student life and fashion on the U of A campus would carry into the 1940s as the war continued. 

Sources

[1] Johns, Walter H. A History of the University of Alberta, 1908-1969. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta Press, 1981, p. 135.

[2] Johns, Walter H. A History of the University of Alberta, 1908-1969. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta Press, 1981, p. 135.

[3] M., "Fashion-Conscious", The Gateway, November 16, 1934 p. 3.

[4] the Carpenter, "Male Dress Refrom", The Gateway, December 20, 1934, p.6.

[5] Johns, Walter H. A History of the University of Alberta, 1908-1969. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta Press, 1981, p. 138.

[6] Johns, Walter H. A History of the University of Alberta, 1908-1969. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta Press, 1981 p. 139.