Portland Press Herald Glass Negative Collection

In the pageants, immigrant students often acted out iconic American scenes like the First Thanksgiving or the creation of the American Flag, which demonstrated their grasp of both national history and democratic ideals.

In spite of the inclusive spirit of Soule's program, the strict categories of race typical of the period shaped the curriculum.

The Chinese students are dressed in Indian costumes, while the Russian students, classed as "white" in the 1920 census, play the Pilgrims.