Before They Were Students

Bowdoin’s student-run yearbook, The Bugle, was published annually from 1858 until 2012. The Class of 1890 used the condescending and derogatory language of referring to women as “co-eds.” The author’s perceived superiority of men is also evident in the use of the phrases “You can’t comprehend us, I fear” and “I suspect you’d respond to a kiss.” The stone wall solidifies the segregation between men and women, which mirrors the commonly held thought that men and women occupied separate social spheres and should be educated as such.

“Bowdoin Co-Eds” in the Bowdoin Bugle, student yearbook 1890