Virtual Exhibitions

Yesterday we trekked to the Brigeport Library to look at old newspapers on the microfiches.  Ashley and I found some amazing ads and articles but I was mostly concerned with any news about the Bridgeport High School graduation on 24 June 1889.  The Bridgeport Daily Standard advertised the graduation on 22 June in the Entertainment section.  Tickets were only 25 cents and open to anyone.

The day after the graduation, there was a two-column segment in the paper.  This article gives us insight into what graduations 125 years ago were like.  While we have the entire program from that night, we could never be completely sure exactly what had happened.  Luckily, the article goes into incredible detail about every single moment from the graduation.  One of the first paragraphs I found relatively hilarious while insightful.

"The young ladies of the class appeared to good advantage in tasteful white gowns, out in the latest fashion.  They seemed easy and self-possessed, though realizing the importance of the occasion.  It is a beautiful and inspiring sight to see, year after year, a band of young women and young men stand forth as conquerers of difficulties and tasks that would put a Napoleon to flight.  By the training and experiences gained at the Bridgeport High School they are well fitted to comence life's battle in earnest."

What I found most interesting about that paragraph is how the author made graduating high school seem like a heroic feat, whereas now it is seen as a gateway to more school.  The differences between how these graduates are perceived and how high school graduates are perceived today is drastic.  College was not necessarily an option whereas today almost 70% of high school graduates go onto further education.  Ignoring statistics, however, the language of the article is poetic enough to romanticise a high school graduation.