Before They Were Students

The spouses of men faculty and staff were instrumental in the integration of women into the Bowdoin community. The Bowdoin Wives Association met frequently and used Bowdoin facilities to publish a periodical with information about job postings, recipes, and community news. The association’s original motto, “Happy wives mean contented husbands,” was later changed to “Happy wives mean a better Bowdoin.” They organized dances and luncheons and created a community of women dedicated to the College. In this issue, “Chit Chat” announces a new president, offers homemaking tips such as buying baby clothes that open on the side or back rather than clothes that slide over the baby’s head, and even includes a witty joke in the bottom right corner!

Chit-Chat, Bowdoin Wives Association newsletter, May 17, 1948