Togas Worn in 1836

What the well dressed Harvard man were a hundred years ago--a fancy, colored calico, "toga" trimmed with lace--was revealed for the first time when, the only known remaining example of the strange garb was placed on display in the Harvard University Library.

The garment, which could be red, green, or blue as the student desired, and which resembles the modern smock, was the student costume at the time of the Harvard bicentennial exercises in 1836. It is being shown as part of a Tercentenary exhibit of rare early American books and manuscripts which will continue at the Harvard library throughout the summer.

The students were the "toga" to informal exercises such as morning prayers, and while studying or relaxing in the taverns of Harvard Square.