Family History Writing Challenge - Day One

Today I have to choose whether to write a "narrative using third person" or a "memoir using first person."

This will probably be the easiest post of the month. I know who I am writing about and it is not me. It is Miss Grace Holmes Ballantyne. So I am writing a narrative using third person.

First thing I want to know is: what was a graduation ceremony like in 1899. I know that Pomp and Circumstance was not yet written. Did they march step by proper step in sync or did they shuffle and jive. I suspect the former, but I really have no clue. I don't even know if they marched. Did they keep their hats on their head or toss them in the air with a message inside at the close of the ceremony? What did we ever do without google?

I visited the website for Drake University and found the following:

~  It was started by Disciples of Christ in Iowa and first known as Oskaloosa College. It was moved to Des Moines in 1881 and became known as Drake University. It was named after Francis Marion Drake, a benefactor, who was a former Civil War General, a former Iowa governor, banker, railroad builder and attorney.

~ It was co-educational from the start.

~ In 1891 there were 8 departments, 53 teachers and oer 800 students.

~ Its founders dream was that the school be broad-based and liberally nonsectarian. They issued the following statement -
     "This University has been designed upon a broad, liberal and modern basis. The articles of incorporation provided that all of its departments shall be open to all without distinction of sex, religion or race. In its management and influence, it will aim at being Christian, without being sectarian."

Drake University's School of Law traces its history to 1865.

I found this at http://www.drake.edu/

Grace graduated from Drake University School of Law in 1899.

History of Graduations:

~ Wearing of a gown or long robe with hood started in 12th century and soon became official attire of accademics.
~ Wearing of a cap or morterboard began in the 14th or 15th century.
~ Tossing the cap started in 1912
~ Turning the tassel started in last 40 - 50 years.

http://cnynews.com/graduation-ceremony-traditions-and-history/

Therefore: Grace wore a gown, hood and morterboard. School colors are blue and white. Not sure if that was the color she wore though. She did not toss her cap or turn her tassel.

Did she march? All I could find was a history of William and Mary. It says they gathered together and walked into . . .  and out of . . .

http://scdb.swem.wm.edu/wiki/index.php/Commencement


Also looked at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_regalia_in_the_United_States