Morning wear in America: Harvard 1961 Commencement from LIFE Magazine

voxsartoria · Dec 5, 2009

- B

robin · Dec 5, 2009

That's a good one. Nice find vox.

pejsek · Dec 5, 2009

I'm not one to look back too wistfully, but these pictures fill me with something like a true sense of loss. How did we fall so far so fast? It's one thing to see individuals. Does anyone imagine that we could assemble a group like this anywhere in the US anymore? I mean, the Austro-Hungarians might give it a run. But US? And it's not like 1961 was all that long ago.

Working Stiff · Dec 5, 2009

The combination of tails and crutches looks particularly dashing. What it be gauche to carry a pair of vanity crutches?

LabelKing · Dec 5, 2009

Originally Posted by pejsek

I'm not one to look back too wistfully, but these pictures fill me with something like a true sense of loss. How did we fall so far so fast? It's one thing to see individuals. Does anyone imagine that we could assemble a group like this anywhere in the US anymore? I mean, the Austro-Hungarians might give it a run. But US? And it's not like 1961 was all that long ago.

This is what happens when reel to reel tape recorders fall out of use and CDs began their reign.

The Japanese still seem to give formal daywear a run with the women in strange Victorian-esque gowns.

voxsartoria · Dec 5, 2009

Originally Posted by pejsek

I'm not one to look back too wistfully, but these pictures fill me with something like a true sense of loss. How did we fall so far so fast? It's one thing to see individuals. Does anyone imagine that we could assemble a group like this anywhere in the US anymore? I mean, the Austro-Hungarians might give it a run. But US? And it's not like 1961 was all that long ago.

The guys still wear them naturally, don't you think? And I'm sure that many of them fought in WWII or even WWI.

The line of top hats hung up is particularly nice.

I mentioned in your gingham thread that we went to a white tie thing last winter where it definitely had a dying embers feel. I was by far the youngest guy there and I'm 47.

I agree that the passing of it is sad.

- B

LaoHu · Dec 5, 2009

Vox, what's with the peek-a-boo avatar?

voxsartoria · Dec 5, 2009

Originally Posted by LaoHu

Vox, what's with the peek-a-boo avatar?

Hard to say. Could be Orgy Week nostalgia.

- B

AgentQ · Dec 5, 2009

A good number of people actually showed up in morning dress at this year's commencement. Though I think most faculty/staff nowadays stay in academic regalia throughout.

pejsek · Dec 5, 2009

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

The guys still wear them naturally, don't you think? And I'm sure that many of them fought in WWII or even WWI.

The line of top hats hung up is particularly nice.

I mentioned in your gingham thread that we went to a white tie thing last winter where it definitely had a dying embers feel. I was by far the youngest guy there and I'm 47.

I agree that the passing of it is sad.

- B

Yes, like a Busby Berkeley sequence the freakiness is all in how the many become one. I was struck by the hats too.

The passing of the age is sad in a strange way. I don't yearn to live in that world, but the present is a slight bit tawdry in comparison. It seems on par with the loss of biodiversity.

SpooPoker · Dec 5, 2009

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

- B

With all the decorum in this set of photos, I wonder why it was necessary for him to stand on a table. Someone at Harvard surely could have found him a proper podium, no?

Slewfoot · Dec 5, 2009

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

The guys still wear them naturally, don't you think? And I'm sure that many of them fought in WWII or even WWI.

The line of top hats hung up is particularly nice.

I mentioned in your gingham thread that we went to a white tie thing last winter where it definitely had a dying embers feel. I was by far the youngest guy there and I'm 47.

I agree that the passing of it is sad.

- B

Vox - Thanks for the glimpse into a bygone era. I agree with all your points above. Having a fondness for history, it's very poignant. Look forward to seeing your next round of unearthed photos.

M. Charles · Dec 5, 2009

Thanks, Bill, Very nice. Sadly an Ivy League commencement no longer looks anything like this at all, at least the three I've been to.

intent · Dec 5, 2009

Originally Posted by M. Charles

Thanks, Bill, Very nice. Sadly an Ivy League commencement no longer looks anything like this at all, at least the three I've been to.
It's because they started letting "others" in. I kid, I kid. But it does make you think. How many people can afford clothing like this nowadays?

Wrenkin · Dec 5, 2009

Originally Posted by intent

It's because they started letting "others" in.

I kid, I kid.

But it does make you think. How many people can afford clothing like this nowadays?

Harvard Commencement! How many could afford it then?

Morning wear in America: Harvard 1961 Commencement from LIFE Magazine

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