This display case shows images of schools and the use of uniforms in the Lower Dauphin County dating from the 1900's to 2022. Uniforms can be dated back to 1222 in England, however, school uniforms did not come into the United States until the early 1900's. Uniforms were primarily used in parochial and private schools and hadn't appeared in public schools until the 1980's. Most girls in the 1930's wore dresses or blouses with puffed sleeves and skirts. Boys would wear plain colored shirts with sweaters during the colder seasons, pants, and a tie. By late 1950's, A-line jumpers in navy were common and as parochial schools became more common, demand for uniforms resulted in brown jumpers paired with yellow, tan, and mint-colored blouses. However, simple navy and white uniforms remained the standard style. Uniforms have always been a topic of discussion on whether it was beneficial to a child's education, or if it took away their freedom of expression. Most school's claim that uniforms would reduce bullying for one's appearance, help children focus, as well as make sure that each child had the clothing for school. School kids, on the other hand, explain that it takes away their freedom of expression and decision to wear what they want to wear. The other issue with uniforms has been the cost. Uniform cost has been shown to reduce attendance and enrollment among pupils from lower income families. This is partially due to uniforms only being available from a limited number of suppliers and the lack of competition allows the suppliers to keep the prices high. Within the public schools, the majority of them did not require uniforms. However, public schools did have limitations on student grooming and attire at school, and many of these restrictions have generated litigation. Dress codes usually focus on what students cannot wear, uniform policies specify what students should, and in some instances, must wear.
This photo for the Lower Paxton Harrisburg, PA Vocational High School was taken by someone interesting name ???