100 years ago in Spokane: Girls’ school uniforms proposed

A Spokane mother proposed a “simple, serviceable” school uniform for all the girls in Spokane public schools.

Mrs. I.A. Robinson had taken her plan before school officials and other civic leaders, and in most cases, had “met with the approval” of most people.

School superintendent O.C. Pratt said that he was in favor of it, if no major opposition developed. The girls of the graduating class of Emerson School wore Mrs. Robinson’s proposed uniform for their graduation ceremony, and they were in favor of the plan, and so was their principal.

“Girls are not dressing warmly enough and the style of high heels is degrading to the health, as any doctor will give proof,” said Mrs. Robinson. “A simple uniform and low-heeled shoes adopted for girls of the public schools would mean the health of our girls. Boys dress warmly enough and the temperature of the rooms has to be kept warm enough to keep the girls who wear too little clothing.”

However, the principals of both of Spokane’s high schools were wary of the plan. The North Central High School principal said he feared “the individuality” of the girls would be lost.

From the basketball beat: The Lewis and Clark High School girl’s basketball team won the league cup and went undefeated for the entire season. The Spokane Daily Chronicle ran a team photo on the front page.