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Juliette Low - 1923 |
Juliette Low |
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The program improvements of 1914 included the break from the Girl Guide blue
uniforms to a totally American khaki. The change was in direct response from
members for a uniform better suited to hiking, camping and service work.
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Basically
there were 2 styles of uniform; one piece (dress) and two piece (blouse and
skirt). The two piece outfit had two styles of blouse; one called a middy
and one with a lower neckline. Official bloomers (baggy shorts gathered at
the knee) were NEVER to be worn without the
dress or skirt, unless the girl was in Girl Scout camp. Girls wearing
bloomers in public was considered a serious issue. Official announcements
were issued to correct the problem. The triangular neckerchief's official
color was black, but other colors were allowed, especially after 1919, when
the patrol shoulder cords were discontinued. It was hoped that a patrol or
troop would adopt a single color neckerchief. Hat styles varied over the
years; both felt and fabric and wearing a gold tone "GS" was encouraged.
"GS" squares were available in 1918 to stitch on to the collar of uniforms. |
The
adults in Girl Scouting were called Officers. Troop Leaders
and Co-Leaders were called Capitans and Lieutenants.
Girls ages 10-17 were called Girl Scouts. Younger girls
were called either Brownie or Junior, but the terms were interchangeable.
They work unofficially for years and were first mentioned in the handbooks
in 1918. They wore the same uniform, only smaller and worked in packs
instead of troops or patrols.
 
Capitan and Lieutenant Pins for adult leaders.
(Images donated by Terry Beye and
the Altvaters)
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There were many changes
with the uniform during this period. At first both leaders and girls wore
the same uniform and both earned badges, stitching them to the sleeve
of their uniform. Leaders wore special pins and hat cords. Most uniforms
were still homemade and continuity was a problem. Eventually official
styles, fabric, buttons, belt buckle, hats and other items were introduced. |
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Early
Trefoil Pin - trademarked February 10, 1914 |
Handbook 1920-1927 |
 
Patrol
Shoulder Ribbons were supposed to co-ordinate with the Troop Crest.
Shown are 2 "thistle" crests, one on black felt, the other on khaki.
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Early Trefoil Logo for Scarf |
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Buttons came in 2 sizes |
Buttons
held a special interest for the uniform that is hard to understand today.
Official buttons were issued to girls for their homemade uniforms and if a
girl left Girl Scouting it was expected that the buttons be returned. The
khaki outfit could continue to be worn as a regular outfit with new,
non-Girl Scout buttons. Back in the early days of Girl Scouting an outfit
was not simply discarded. This practice was encouraged through the 1950's.
It was decided 1919 that the adults of Girl Scouting
would exclusively wear the Norfolk jacket , creating the first time there
was a difference between the girl and adult uniform. A large black
embroidered GS crest was on the hat.
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Skirt
Bloomers
were never to be worn in public, only under the skirt or dress or while
at Girl Scout camp!
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2nd and 1st Class Ranks |
Patrol Leader
Corporal |
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Scout Aide |
Milliner |
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For girls who did not have a uniform,
armbands were an option. |
Squashed
Trefoil Belt Buckle 1922-1936 |
1917
version belt buckle |
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Unusual Label stitched on the top |
Common Sideways Label
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Fabric Watermark |
Watermark on hat |
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This is only a
tiny snippet of information on the time period of Girl Scouting, meant to
give you a general idea of the early days. Girl Scouting grew quickly, but
official changes happened slowly, since most news traveled by mail. Girl
Scout troops were few and far between, in most cases. There were other
organizations developing for girls during this time - including a group in
Iowa called the Girl Scouts of America. Therefore the timeline of
information can blur a bit and get confusing.
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Image from 1918 Catalog |
Image from 1927 Catalog |
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Vintage Girl
Scout Online Museum 