Archives Exhibit

The 1940s was a decade of many changes at the U of A, with the passing of wartimes and the fluctuating number of students and campus activities. “The decade 1939-1949 was one of the most varied in the University’s history.” [1] These changes can be reflected in the wardrobe of both students and staff. 

Moving into the 1940s the U of A’s commitment to the war effort increased, leading to military uniforms becoming commonplace on campus. [2] In 1940, “All the new male students as well as the upperclassmen were to be enrolled in either the C.O.T.C. or in the newly formed Auxiliary Battalion.” [3] “For the next four years military uniforms became the standard male attire…” [4] In 1942 most male students attended classes in uniform as the campus was too crowded and they didn’t have an opportunity to change between military training and classes. [5]

In 1941 and 1942 the number of women students increased significantly. In the photo of “freshies” you can see female students putting on a “freshie” hat during the 1942 orientation week. For more information on orientation week and to see examples of "freshie" fashion see our Orientation Week exhibit. [6] During this time, women also took on forms of military training. [7] This can be seen in the photograph titled Varsity Girls in Military Drill.

Formal balls were popular in the second half of the decade. During the 1945-1946 academic year the Men's House Committee sponsored dances almost every Saturday. [8] This led to an increase in the need for formal attire. Full page ads were seen for formal dresses and attire. One ad in 1947 even featured the daughter of Superintendent of Residences, Reg Lister. [9] For gown shopping, students went downtown or just sewed their own. When they went shopping, they would put on a pair of short white gloves and most often a hat. [10] However, one student recounts during the war it was difficult to find a long dress to wear to dances, or get enough material to sew one. Therefore, many women improvised and wore long skirts with a nice top to dances. [11]

Sources

[1] Johns, Walter H. A History of the University of Alberta, 1908-1969. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta Press, 1981, p. 207.

[2] Johns, Walter H. A History of the University of Alberta, 1908-1969. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta Press, 1981. p. 171.

[3] Johns, Walter H. A History of the University of Alberta, 1908-1969. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta Press, 1981, p. 198.

[4] Johns, Walter H. A History of the University of Alberta, 1908-1969. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta Press, 1981, p. 181.

[5] Johns, Walter H. A History of the University of Alberta, 1908-1969. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta Press, 1981, p. 200.

[6] Orientation Week, Web exhibit University of Alberta Archives, 2018.

[7] Johns, Walter H. A History of the University of Alberta, 1908-1969. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta Press, 1981, p. 199.

[8] University of Alberta Student's Union, Evergreen and Gold, 1946, p. 143.

[9]  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. 328.

[10]  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. 359.

[11] 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. 353.