Decking Out

Cross-dressing has teen popular at Dartmouth for two centuries.

1782

The code of student conduct forbids female impersonation in any dramatic entertainment.

1790

The French Revolution, written and performed at the College entirely by men, stars Matilda, "a peasant woman who suffers the advances of a corrupt nobleman," and features "a bevy of nuns."

1879

A 250-pound star athlete, E.L. Kimball 'Bl, plays Little Buttercup in a student production of Gilbert & Sullivan's new work, HMS Pinafore.

1899

In his review of The School forScandal, The Dartmouth's critic praises J.L. Barney '99 for his rare beauty in the part of Maria. A cast photo shows a bare-shouldered Barney in gown and pompadour wig.

1902

Appearing on tour with the Dramatic Club in

Washington, D.C., Henry N. Sanborn '02 appears as Mrs. Frances Burton in The Adventures ofAtwood, a farce. The Washington Post praises him as a "rather handsome blond, well-rounded and bewitching."

1913

Mary Gray becomes the first woman to appear on stage at Dartmouth as a woman.

1990

A Center Theater production of Cloud 9 by Caryl Churchill demonstrates that Dartmouth is truly coeducational. Victoria Boesch '92 appears as Edward I, Andrew Groves '91 as Betty I, and Joshua Rebell '91 as Kathy/Bill.

1992

The Dartmouth Gay and Lesbian Organization hosts a costume ball entitled

"Carnival is a Drag." The group revives an old tradition: the crowning of a carnival queen.

1993

The Dartmouth Ultimate Frisbee club hosts the sport's regional finals. The Dartmouth reports that two players, Chris Onken '93 and Sandy Ganzell '92, "were both resplendantly decked out in patterned, knee-length skirts."

As times have changed, so have the hemlines of Dartmouth's men.