Event Details

This Saturday at 1 p.m., the stories of women who embodied the spirit of “Rosie the Riveter” will be showcased during a special presentation at Wilson Brewer Park. Author Linda Betsinger McCann from Shell Rock will lead the discussion at Mulberry Center Church, sharing insights from her extensive research.

The Research Journey

McCann began her project in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, interviewing 35 women who worked in factories during World War II. These women, now in their 80s and 90s, were integral to the war effort, challenging the norms of their time.

During a previous presentation in southeast Iowa, McCann was surprised to meet six of these brave women in attendance, highlighting the local history of women in the workforce.

The Impact of Iowa Women

Many believe Iowa women primarily relocated to larger industrial hubs during the war; however, McCann’s research revealed that there were 70 factories within the state alone that held military contracts.

“I was completely shocked at how many (Iowa) factories we had with military contracts during World War II,” McCann noted, illustrating the vital roles local women played.

Women Entering the Workforce

Before the 1940s, job opportunities for women were largely confined to roles such as teaching and secretarial work. The onset of World War II marked a pivotal shift, as women took on roles in factories, shipyards, and businesses, symbolized by the iconic “Rosie the Riveter” campaign.

The campaign was propelled by a poster featuring a female factory worker, painted by artist J. Howard Miller, that encouraged women to participate prominently in the war effort.

Challenges Faced

Despite the progress made, factories were often unprepared for female workers. McCann reflected, “When a group of Iowa women from southeast Iowa went to work on the very first day, there were no women’s restrooms in the factory, and there was no such thing as (Human Resources) in those days.”

Event Information

The presentation is free to the public, with donations encouraged to support venue upkeep and program costs. McCann’s recently published book, detailing the narratives of Iowa’s Rosie the Riveters, will also be available for purchase.

Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. and the event will commence at 1 p.m. on Saturday.