Bloomers!

It appears that by 1924, Jamaica Plain was liberal when it came to the great bloomer debate. Unlike the fuddy-duddies of Hyde Park.


Boston Daily Globe May 14, 1924


Bloomers Costume For Another Parade

Jamaica Plain High Girls to March Today



Folks out West Roxbury was don't seem to object to their daughters appearing in bloomers to participate in open-air gymnastic drills.

Al least, Headmaster Maurice J. Lacey of Jamaica Plain High School has received no complaints as yet.

So this morning, if weather permits, girls of the school will fall in line behind the military companies of the High School, under the direction of Lieut Albert J. Kelley, the military instructor, and follow along the line of march to the John W. Murphy Playground on Carolina av, Jamaica Plain.

There at 9 o'clock Lieut Kelley will give the command that will open the annual military drill of the School Cadets.

Following the drill the High School girls will stage an exhibition of gymnastic work.

No students will be compelled to wear bloomers, but so far none has opposed the plan.



[from the same day]



Jamaica Plain Girls Hold Bloomer Parade Amid Cheers


With ideal weather prevailing, 750 Jamaica Plain High School students had their bloomer parade this morning.

Free from any protest or criticism, as exists in the neighboring district of Hyde Park, as regards parading in garments that terminate at the knee, the young women marched from the school to the John w. Murphy Playground on Carolina av, where they were greeted with cheers by a large crowd.

The procession was headed by the senior's pony cart, driven by Kathleen Mahoney, daughter of Jack Mahoney, the village blacksmith. The cart was prettily decorated with the school colors and contained three other seniors in addition to Miss Mahoney.

The participants were garbed in their blue bloomers, white blouses, black stockings and white shoes, and made an excellent appearance.

On the field they gave eight gymnastic exhibitions under the direction of Miss F.L. Carter, the physical instructor, assisted by Miss Katherine French.

The bloomer parade was in connection with the annual drill of the school cadets, who marched to the grounds an hour earlier than the girls. They were headed by the school band and were under the direction of Lieut Albert J. Kelley, the military instructor.

On parade they made a fine showing and were a fine example of the excellent training they have received under the guidance of Lieut Kelley.

The judges were Col George B. Stebbins, Maj Vincent Breen and Capt R.L. Wright.

Col George J. Brown Jr's company [?] decided the prize company. Others were placed in the following order: Co E, Lieut Col William J. McCusker, Co G,Maj Francis H. Martell; Co D, Maj Dennis M. Crowley; Co J, Maj James H. Hermiatge.

The winners in individual competition were Homer E. Blenus, John P. Shea, Charles T. Glennon, Edmund L. Kelleher, John J. McGovern, Henry T. Noon, Sven W. Winkvist, Daniel J. Sullivan, Edmund H. Storer and James J. O'Leary.

Charles R. Lovejoy won the drum competition and Norman Oaks was decided the best bugler.