I was searching for something on the Internet and came across Banta’s Greek Exchange, September 1922 on Google Books. Once I started to read, I couldn't stop. There was an article starting on p. 213, called “Report of Health Committee of the N.P.C.” I’m posting a few excerpts that either made me spit out my water or left me speechless:
Gamma Phi Beta: “each girl is required to wear soft, heelless bedroom slippers on the second floor both in her room and the halls, after 8 o’clock in the evening…”
Pi Beta Phi: “No Pi Phi is seen wearing high heel shoes on campus now”.
Delta Gamma: “After the evening meal, each girl was encouraged to dance in the chapter house or walk around the block and forget about all studying for a while”.
Kappa Alpha Theta: “ Reporting to her (to the University Health Service) all members who were liable to have a nervous breakdown…”
Delta Delta Delta: “Girls who are under weight shall have a special diet. Girls who are over weight shall have a special diet…No food shall be eaten between meals…Girls who are under weight are required to have at least nine hours’ of sleep”
Chi Omega: “Each girl attempts to take fifteen minutes’ gymnasium exercises each day. Older girls are trying to street correct posture.”
Phi Mu: “Three phases essential to health of the modern American girl are: Nutrition, swimming and physical exercises. These are the foundation materials on which Phi Mu hopes to build her perfect chapter. “ (I guess Zumba wasn’t around yet) … “Physical exercises were given every night. Those who preferred special exercise remained after the regular class and were given the opportunity to reduce or develop their necks, waists or hips”.
http://books.google.com/books?id=dPD...201922&f=false