Miss Whitlock's Graduation Dress

Mary Whitlock (1892-1977), the founding mother of URI’s Historic Textile and Costume Collection, is seen here in her high school graduation outfit. She wears a light-colored dress with a stand-up collar, full sleeves, and floor-length skirt. She is seated to show off the large bow at her waist. Her hair is also decorated with a large white bow. Such hair bows were seen on young girls, including teenagers, but not on adult women. Although it is not possible to tell from the photograph, the fabric might be lightweight cotton which would make this a lingerie dress, a common choice for graduations. The delicate fabric, ruffles, and lace trim resembled lingerie of the period. The dress was made by her mother, Ella T. Whitlock.

Miss Whitlock, as she was known at URI, graduated from New Brunswick High School in New Jersey in 1908. She continued her education at New Jersey State Normal School, Rutgers, and Columbia University. She taught at URI from 1951 to 1961.