Here in the offices of The Utah Chronicle, we keep archives of our newspapers. They provide a fascinating look into what the world and campus were like in past decades. What were they talking about? What concerned them? Sometimes that answer is interesting and thought-provoking. And sometimes it’s just funny.
In the Dec. 16, 1941 issue of The Daily Utah Chronicle, there was a story titled “Social Group Issues Plans for Code of Campus Etiquette.” Apparently, there was a hip new trend at the time known as “lip-to-forehead” dancing, and it was quite controversial. So controversial that it led to a news article about a student group attempting to abolish it.
Here it is, straight from 1941:
“A movement to raise social standards and establish a new code of campus etiquette was started this week by members of the social standard committee, Chairman Val Sheffield announced Tuesday.
Following a meeting of representatives from various campus groups, who were selected by members of the ASUU executive council, a code of standards relating to university social functions was formed. The code considers customs concerning the style of dancing and proper etiquette at evening and matinee dances.
In presenting suggestions for modes of dancing, the code states “In view of the fact that dancing should be considered a graceful art, it is felt that the conventional form of dancing is proper and that the strictly local custom of lip-to-forehead dancing and unbecoming posture are in extremely poor taste.”
According to committee members, this problem was recently brought to a head when a number of university students were asked to leave the floor during a dance at a neighboring college because of their dancing style.
It is felt by members of the university group that the manner in which a number of university students dance is simply not “smart.”
Under the heading of evening dance customs, the suggestions include the trading of more dances, welcoming of patrons by students attending the affair and the use of good judgment in the selection of corsages.
In relation to matinee dances, the code emphasizes that students should feel free to come and go unescorted. Since afternoon sessions are informal, they should foster friendliness and give everyone a chance to get acquainted, it further explains.
“The code is being presented to a number of campus groups this week and it is hoped that through a gradual effort on the part of these organizations, the code will be carried out at all dances on the campus,” Sheffield stated.
Groups who were represented on the committee include ASUU council, Associated Men Students, Associated Women Students, Mortar Board, Interfraternity Council, Pan Hellenic, Spurs, ASUU dance committee and matinee dance committee.”
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