Uniforms

Clothing shaped group identity as much as the other recreational activities and rituals at Bouvé. Before mass-produced clothing became common, students ordered custom fit outfits from local tailors, which ensured uniformity in cut and color. A catalog from the store of Gertrude Gibson Robinson, a graduate of the Boston School of Physical Education, appealed to potential shoppers through comfort and practical concerns. Each successive generation of students bemoaned the uniform requirement. Whether complaining about lack of choice or the restrictions placed upon movement, these frequent yet light-hearted jests became a school tradition in themselves. Uniforms for sports, camp, and the classroom evoked memories encompassing the whole Bouvé experience.