In the pages of the current edition of the Tennessee Baptist, readers learn of a proposal advocating new uniforms for the students of Mary Sharp College, a female Baptist institution in Tennessee. A shortage of northern goods, including clothing, is already plaguing the South. But the South has plenty of cotton that can be made into clothing.
It has already been mentioned in the Baptist that the Graduating Class of the Mary Sharp College appeared and read their Essays in home made cotton dresses. This was a pleasant surprise to most of the Trustees as well as the strangers present. It was designed to be emblematical of the intention of these young women to make themselves all that the present condition of our country may require her daughters to be. We have since heard of some of these graduates appearing at church in the same humble but most becoming garb, where it elicited the earnest admiration of the right thinking of the other sex.
After the exercises at the Examination were over, and most of the pupils and their friends had gone, the subject of introducing the Cottonade dress as the School uniform, in winter, until the war is over, was much talked of among some of the Trustees and the remaining teachers. It was suggested that a bolt of cotton goods of the best quality, and of such pattern and colors as the lady teachers should agree upon should be ordered from some of our own factories, and kept at the College for the supply of the girls—to be furnished to them at cost. They could thus be all dressed alike, and hence all temptation to extravagance would be removed. The dress would be uniform in thickness and fashion,and hence none of those “bad colds” which come from changing from thick to thin dresses, from close to open sleeves, etc. It would furnish a warm and comfortable garment not easily torn or readily soiled, and would comport better than lighter material with the strong shoes which school girls shouldalways wear. The teachers with whom we conversed were more than willing to adopt it for themselves as well as encourage its adoption by the pupils.
The trustees have not adopted it as the uniform of the College by any formal vote, but we are sure there is not one that would not gladly see it introduced by the voluntary action of parents, teachers and pupils. We have heard of some pupils who are determined to wear it at all events. Can it not be a general thing? Will not the President of the Mary Sharp give some public intimation of what would be desirable in this time of our trouble. Will not the friends and patrons of the school prepare in time for the coming session, and advise those who are in Winchester to order the goods and have them in readiness.
Source: “Home Spun at Mary Sharp,” Tennessee Baptist, August 24, 1861 (link)
