Yes.... it was a different time.....As you noticed, it was a different time. Not just in the way we dressed or wore our hair. 1959 also held a different attitude. There were rules, and while they weren't always followed, teachers and administrators didn't hesitate to exact consequences for breaking those rules in fear of a lawsuit. For the gals that meant when you keeled down, your dress (or skirt- no pants allowed in school for the gals) had to touch the ground.
Most infractions back then were pretty mild by todays standards. Ditching school, falling asleep, chewing gum in class, occasional fights on campus. There were no police (Resource Officers, I think that's the politically correct term.) on campus or sentries standing guard.
Fad Day was a welcomed break from the norm; a day the dress code went out the window.
Students gather in Quad on Fad Day (1959-60)