Tag Archives: World War Two

Slacks and Callouses, a Memoir from World War Two

Posted on January 29, 2019 by Lynn

The subtitle of this wartime memoir, “An account of the experiences of two teachers in an aircraft factory,” tells the story.  Written by San Diego High School English teacher Constance Bowman and illustrated by her Art teacher friend, Clara Marie … Continue reading →

Posted in 1940s | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Older Women and Defense Work during World War Two

Posted on November 2, 2018 by Lynn

For the month of October, I had access to an online version of Women’s Wear Daily—what a treasure trove!  My first priority was to trace the history of half sizes, but my passion for discovering the history of older women … Continue reading →

Posted in 1940s | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Hand Sewing, 1942

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Lynn

In honor of Black History Month, I’m seeking out photos of older black women.  This beautiful portrait of a woman doing hand sewing has been on my radar for a long time.  It is one of a series of photos … Continue reading →

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The Jumpsuit—A Style that Will Not Die

Posted on November 28, 2017 by Lynn

You might have noticed that the jump suit, a one piece long armed garment with pants, is back in style.  An older fashion blogger I follow, Alyson Walsh, has declared it her favorite look.  Sewing patterns for jumpsuits abound. I … Continue reading →

Posted in 1910s, 1940s | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Claire McCardell’s Pop-Over in the Montgomery Ward Catalog

Posted on September 22, 2017 by Lynn

If any designer came to embody a streamlined, no fuss “American look” during World War Two, it was Claire McCardell.  She was famous for her innovative designs and inventive use of humble fabrics like gingham and denim. One of her … Continue reading →

Posted in 1940s | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Kitchen Aprons in the War Effort

Posted on August 8, 2017 by Lynn

In my ongoing effort to show that not all female war workers during World War Two were young, I bring you these two photos from the Office of War Information.  The top photo shows two women sorting artillery shells in … Continue reading →

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More War Workers in Pants

Posted on April 23, 2017 by Lynn

My brother is engaged in a long research project on our father’s career as a navigator during the Second World War.  As a lucky spin off for me, he has been sending photos of women workers he comes across, including … Continue reading →

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Older Rosies and the Push Toward Pants

Posted on April 7, 2017 by Lynn

Although it is hard to tell from this photo, the caption by Office of War Information photographer Alfred T. Palmer makes clear that this particular Rosie the Riveter is an older woman.  “A woman worker, over 60 years old, does … Continue reading →

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Older Women in Pants, Bonner Montana

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Lynn

This photo comes from the University of Montana, via the Digital Public Library of America.  Note that all the women, from young to old, are in pants.  We know a lot about the snapshot, including the location (Bonner, Montana), the … Continue reading →

Posted in 1940s | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Employee Christmas Party at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 1945

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Lynn

At a local fancy flea market, the Long Beach Antique Market, I found this photo of an employee party at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The image is much too large for my scanner—18 inches by 9 inches—so I can only … Continue reading →

Posted in 1940s | Tagged , | 3 Comments