The Shadow
A different look at World War II – Rosie the Riveter. A fictitous character created during war time to represent the thousands of women who kept the factories running while the men were serving their country during WW II. The aviation industry saw the greatest increase in female workers making up 65 percent of the industry’s total workforce compared to 1 percent in pre-war years. The strong bandana clad worker, Rosie became one of the most successful recruitment tools in American history, and the most iconic image of working women in the World War II era.
Between 1940 and 1945, the era of “Rosie the Riveter”, the female percentage of the U.S. workforce increased from 27 to nearly 37 percent. By 1945, that number had increased to nearly one out of every four married women working outside the home. When the male soldiers returned after the war, women, especially married women, were once again presusred to return to home life. Not all were pleased with this decision. (may not want to say this)
A few highlights from Rosie the Riveter you might want to check out:
In 1942 Kay Kyser performed a song entitled Rosie the Riveter.
In 1944 Joseph Santley directed a musical film called “Rosie the Riveter” which was inspired by the iconic character of the same name.
Elinor Otto, known as “Last Rosie the Riveter”, built airplanes for 50 years, retiring at age 95. If you know a Rosie the Riveter reach out to them.
As part of Women’s History month, we would like to recognize Mae Krier and her cohort – A group better known as its ubiquitous embodiment: Rosie the Riveter. The nation has bestowed the Congressional Gold Medal to her and her cohort.
