1968: Ideally Speaking

In 1968, “Ideally Speaking,” a standards book researched, written and edited by Ritajean Hartung Butterworth (University of Washington), was added to the pledge education program in 1968. An incredibly comprehensive guideline for young women, the book covered topics that ranged from the proper treatment of housemothers to the personal merits of productive citizenship. At the same time the Hippies were introducing tattered jeans and tie-dyed shirts to college campuses, Ms. Butterworth’s incredibly comprehensive guide included a table that assigned points for various items of clothing and accessories and explained, “A well-dressed woman does not wear more than ten points for work or daytime wear, and she does not wear more than fifteen points for dress or evening wear.”