The Early Days (continued)

President John Bascom, longtime advocate for women's education, came to the defense of Wisconsin's coeds, noting his frustration at the Visitors' unprogressive stance so soon after the debate had presumably been settled:

"We regret these opinions because they tend to open a controversy just closed, and to compel us to travel a second time over ground already painfully trodden. . . . To be pushed back into the water, when we have just reached shore, is trying. . . . Contrary to the opinions of the visitors, the young women do their work with less rather than with greater labor than the young men."⁶

Bascom goes on to describe an informal survey he conducted regarding absence from class due to illness. In an 8-week period, he noted 155 absences for men, and only 18 for women, who at that time comprised just over 25% of the student body.

The Visitors remained concerned for the health of the fairer sex, however, and continued to call for exercise accommodations throughout the 1870s. In particular, they recommended boats and a gymnasium. By this time, there were some "appliances" in Ladies' Hall, but no dedicated or extensive facilities.

During the early 1880s, women were involved in a number of activities that were loosely organized, if at all. President Bascom was suspicious of very strenuous physical activity but approved of low-key recreation, so during his tenure physical activity remained largely informal.⁷ In their spare time, women played croquet, tennis, and catch, took walks around Lake Mendota, and rode bicycles. By 1886, the Board of Visitors had changed their tune, praising the Wisconsin women for their good health.⁸