| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Jul 11 2013 : 6:05:31 PM
One of my favorite - and America's most famous - icons has always been Rosie the Riveter. A familiar kindred spirit from first sight, over the years there have been many times when I've heard her unspoken encouragement whispering in my ear. I have especially felt her strength of conviction whenever people have told me things I've wanted to do "simply couldn't be done." Ha! Not so! If Rosie could do it, then surely so could I - there was no stopping either one of us when we set out to accomplish our missions! I am, after all, woman: Hear me roar! <Meooow... LOL!> Whenever I hear words designed to discourage and sway me from the path of my goals, my resolve becomes like Rosie's steely muscle, and my response always echoes hers: "I Can Do It!" And sure enough, our dear Rosie has always proven to be right. As Grandma always said, "You can do whatever you set your mind to do, with the help of God." To her blessed wisdom, I would only add, "And with Rosie's resolve and a Farmgirl's ingenuity!" ;)
This past weekend, my family and I had the privilege of visiting Pittsburgh’s wonderful Heinz History Museum. Imagine my thrill to turn a corner only to find my beloved friend Rosie there, with her curly locks tied back in her steadfast bandana, her tenacious bicep flexed with determination, and her glamorous yet resolute eyes proudly reaching out over her decisive chin to greet me with a long-awaited "Atta girl!" She took my breath away. (My son's, too - only he took pause thinking her pose meant something entirely different than "Yes We Can!" He thought it was more of an affront akin to telling one where he or she could go! LOL!)
Anyhow - The museum allows pictures to be taken, so I wanted to share the exhibit with all of you.
The plaque above reads as follows:
“Westinghouse artist J. Howard Miller created one of the most iconic images of female empowerment. In 1942, Miller used a photograph of a Michigan factory worker for his legendary poster showing a Westinghouse Electric worker rolling up her sleeves to lend muscle to the Allied war effort. The woman depicted in the famous poster, however, was not yet called ‘Rosie the Riveter.’ Rosie herself actually originated in 1943 when a popular American song by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb coined the name. Shortly thereafter, Norman Rockwell’s painting, ‘Rosie the Riveter,’published on the cover of the May 29, 1943, Saturday Evening Post, contributed to the mythical figure’s widespread popularity. Because of its wide distribution and powerful , aesthetic appeal Miller’s ‘We Can Do It’ and the name ‘Rosie the Riveter’eventually became one in the same.”
Pictures on the plaque include: (1) Women Working in the War Industries, 1944, in which women (one from Pittsburgh) posed in front of the B-29 in which they installed electrical components at Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, WA; (2) Welders at the Dravo Corporation, 1943, in which Pittsburgh women who “heeded Rosie the Riveter’s call… worked around the clock welding the hulls of naval ships;” and (3) a picture of a woman constructing glider wings at the Heinz Plant on Pittsburgh’s North Side during the War.
After doing a little research, I came across this link I thought you might enjoy at the Ford Motor Company which further expounds upon our beloved “Rosie:” http://corporate.ford.com/news-center/press-releases-detail/657-rosie-the-riveter
I am sure that many of you have amazing stories to share about the "Rosie the Riveters" in your circle of family and friends - please do share and post any pictures for all of us! These women’s heroic contributions to the war effort on the home front were beyond measure. Even more important, however, is the impact they have had on the role of women in the workplace today. We owe them a great debt of gratitude for having paved the way for all of us to become anything we desire to be! Truly, we must always honor their memory by ensuring their stories are told!
And as an aside – Meg, I still cherish the Rosie the Riveter tote you sent me back when I was Farmgirl of the Month… It took my breath away when I received it, and it does even moreso today! Thank you, again!
Always remember, girls: “We Can Do It! ” And thanks to the efforts of Rosie, today we can confidently echo in reply, “Yes We Can!”
Sharing high fives and hugs through history –
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Rosemary |
Posted - Sep 01 2013 : 09:49:42 AM
Might do that, Nini, just as soon as I roll up these 500-pound sleeves! ;) |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Sep 01 2013 : 09:12:18 AM
You know, Mara - that is an excellent question! I am going to have to piece my thoughts together to answer... Why don't you start a new strain posing that question? I think that our farmgirl sisters will have wonderful insights to share!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Rosemary |
Posted - Aug 28 2013 : 1:51:54 PM
Jonni, what a fabulous photo! You look great! My mom was a Rosie, too. Worked in a defense plant in Edison New Jersey, testing weapons for imperfections before they were sent off for use in the field. Funny, though she used pretty advanced equipment in that job, later in luife she could barely figure out AM/FM radio!
Those women remain an inspiration to us, don't they? How will be inspire the girls of tomorrow, I wonder?
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| Ninibini |
Posted - Aug 26 2013 : 3:31:42 PM
Girls - do you have any pictures or memories of theirs to share with us? I find this so exciting!
Carol - if you need any recommendations for sight-seeing while you're here, let me know!
Thanks so much to all of your Grandmas, Moms, Aunts and other friends and relatives!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Carol Jean |
Posted - Aug 25 2013 : 4:10:26 PM
Yes thanks for sharing this. My mother was a Rosie too. We're planning a homeschool field trip to the Burg and need to add this in now.
~~~ It's never too late to live happily ever after ~~~ |
| Janice |
Posted - Aug 04 2013 : 8:23:26 PM
You look show much like her... kindered spirit maybe?
Janice |
| forever young |
Posted - Aug 04 2013 : 11:49:52 AM
My family of six girls are all like Rosie including my Mother and Grandmother being Farmgirls.
Last November, my husband and I took my son and his two boys to the Crystal Bridge Art Museum in Bentonville, Ar. They had a painting of Rosie by Norman Rockwell. While in the gift shop I noticed they had prints for sale of some of the paintings, but they were out of Rosie. For Christmas my son and wife surprised me with an 11x14 color print of Rosie, they had it framed in a beautiful frame, he had gone back to the museum to get a copy.
it is proudly hanging in our family/dining room for all to see and to remind me on a daily basis that I can do.
Thanks for the nice story and history.
Peggy |
| iamacountrygirl |
Posted - Jul 19 2013 : 12:26:15 PM
Great thread! I have always loved Rosie! She showed that women helped win the war just as much as their husbands and sons that put on a uniform. My cousin (my Great Aunt's daughter) was a Rosie at Boeing in Washington state.
I have many times commented to my mom (now 83) about how people came together during the depression and WWII, and the old 'accentuate the positive' as Johnny Mercer used to sing would be very welcome right now. The news media is VERY negative and our leaders seem very ineffective.
Just like someone said above, the true American (not the media's version) is spiritual, dependable, and good. We have a radio station here where I live that is constantly having charity events and they always get a big turnout. I'm amazed at how many people have 'extra' money to give, cause I don't right now. But we as a people - especially small town/rural folks - are very giving and helpful people.
I've been reading about being positive lately, and what I'm reading is - think positive thoughts - concentrate on good things and picture what you want in your head - stop the negativity. It isn't easy, but I'm trying. I'm getting about 2 positive days to 3 negatives. LOL
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| tammyc |
Posted - Jul 18 2013 : 1:28:46 PM
Nini, I did some sleuthing and found out the name of the park ranger....it's Betty Reid-Soskin. If you google her name a whole bunch of info comes up...she's on Wikipedia, etc. What a fascinating woman. I'm definitely going to make sure I take her tour. Wikipedia says at 89 years old she is the oldest park ranger...now she's 92 and still going strong! She also has a Facebook page if you're on FB. Her news segment was on our local station KRON 4 News. It was on a Sunday a few weeks ago. Happy reading about Betty/Rosie~
Cheers, Tammy
"Be who you are and say what you like because the people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Jul 18 2013 : 07:28:40 AM
Tammy! What an AWESOME website! I love it! WOW what an amazing collection of stories and pictures and artifacts! I could get lost in there for hours! I can't wait to share it with family and friends! Thank you so much for sharing!!! I'm sorry, though - I misunderstood your post. I thought the docent's interview was on the site - duh! Do you happen to know what channel aired the docent interview? Maybe I could catch that on the station's website? I hope you do get to meet her - what a memory that will be to treasure!
I was just looking through my MaryJanesFarm Magazines and found Meg's picture on the April/May 2013 issue -
- isn't she the picture-perfect epitome of a Farmgirl Rosie?! :)
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| tammyc |
Posted - Jul 17 2013 : 8:44:35 PM
Nini....yes the docent is still there. The segment was on our local news just a couple of weeks ago. I'm going to call before I visit and see when she works so I can be on her tour. I just know she has some awesome stories! I will be sure and take lots of photos when I go.
That is really true about the appliances. I was shopping for a new flat screen tv recently and the store (called VideoPro if I remember) only had two in the size I wanted. One was a LOT more expensive than the other. So, I picked the less expensive one but the salesman found only one in stock and it was a return and restock. I said no way, I didn't want a returned tv and that I would check out Costco and some other places. Well, what do you know...he said "I'll give you the other tv for the same price you were going to pay"....of course, I said yes and got the better tv for the cheaper price..woo hoo! Moral of the story....they want to SELL those items, so definitely ask!
By the way, what is your pie business Jonni? It sounds interesting!
Hugs, Tammy
"Be who you are and say what you like because the people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Jul 17 2013 : 6:45:11 PM
Oh! CJ! Robin looks so awesome! I love that picture! SEE?! There really IS a little Rosie in all of us!!!
Connie - that is AMAZING! What a wonderful heritage and legacy to pass on! I hope you get that wonderful shadowbox, too! Thanks to and for your Grandma just sent up to Heaven! :)
Patsy - I'm with you: it's great to be the girl! :) My Grandmother always told me that in this world (and in marriage) it takes 60/40 - 60% from the woman, 40% from the man. It used to drive me nuts, but I've found that she was right. That's okay, though... Sometimes I think we're just very industrious. We may have to put forth a lot more effort, but dang, isn't it true that we also have a lot more fun! ;)
Tammy - THANK YOU! I am sooo going to check out that website later tonight - I'm so excited! That docent sounds like such an awesome lady! I wonder if she's still there - wouldn't it be so cool to meet her!?!
Jonni - I'm so happy to hear you found what you needed! Awesome!! 'Sounds like it was meant to be!!! I second your sentiments, Lisa: You GO, Rosie Jonni Girl! Oh! That costume was a stroke of Rosie genius, I must say! ;)
Girls - Jonni's story about the fridge got me thinking, so I want to share with you all, just for future, please never ever ever ever ever walk out of Lowes or Home Depot without asking if that's their best price! I've had success at Lowe's twice now and have saved a surprisingly nifty sum of cash just because I asked. Of course, both times it was at the holidays, and I am sure they were doing whatever they could to meet their quota, but still. Always, always ask! Don't be afraid. What's the worst they're going to say? "No." Big deal. "No" doesn't hurt and then you can always mention you're just going to go check out the competitor - that might be helpful, too! Also, keep in mind, the associates usually have a head's up on upcoming sales, closeouts, etc., so the person you speak with might cut you a deal based on "inside knowledge." Salespeople need to meet quotas, too, and are on sales challenges all the time. They are also hardworking people trying to keep their head above water, just like the rest of us, so often they're very understanding of our need to save a few coins, and often they're more than willing to help. There is always someone willing to work with the customer and in his or her price range. Just take a deep breath, tell the salesperson what you want, what you can afford (always tell them a bit less than you have so you can "opt up" if you need to) and ask what they can do to help you. :) You can do it! Yes you can!!! ;)
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| nubidane |
Posted - Jul 17 2013 : 4:37:05 PM
Cute Jonni!!! YOu definitely fit the part!
& kudos on the pie business. Go Go GOOOO!
"We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” – R.R. |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Jul 17 2013 : 1:45:32 PM
Nini, I just love this thread. It inspired me today again, to go and look at a used appliance store when I felt totally priced out of fridge's at Lowes and Home Depot for the pie shop. It's just insanity what they charge for the basics.
I sent out feelers on facebook and got good responses and darn it if I didn't find one over lunch. Rosie was pushing me along!
Thanks Tammy and Nini about my costume...we always go to this concert on Halloween, my husband plays in the band and everyone dresses up. I really wasn't feelin' it (and darn, was it cold!) but at the last minute, I thought, "Hey, I've got all the makings of Rosie right at home, down to the wide leg dungarees! Those vintage curtains made the picture, I think :)
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
| tammyc |
Posted - Jul 16 2013 : 09:28:29 AM
Connie, what a great story about your grandmother! I would love to see that shadowbox and all the other great paraphernalia from her Rosie days! You always have the BEST family stories...I could listen to your stories for hours!
Jonni, your costume was perfect. That picure of you....you really got that costume down....and that vintage fabric in the background...love it!
Nini, thanks for sharing all the great information. We have a Rosie museum here in the SF Bay Area that I just found out about. The link is www.nps.gov/rori/index.htm
It is only about 30 minutes from my home and I can't wait to check it out! I saw a piece on one of our local news stations where they interviewed one of the docents. She was 92 years old, a former "Rosie" and she was still leading tours! I would love to have her as my tour leader!
Tammy
"Be who you are and say what you like because the people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss |
| Dirtduchess |
Posted - Jul 16 2013 : 08:46:53 AM
Wonderful stories. Thank you for sharing. Women always do more than their share when circumstances need it. I love being a woman.
Patsy
Farmgirl 4678
Leave room in your garden for the fairies to dance. |
| Killarney |
Posted - Jul 16 2013 : 07:42:26 AM
Thanks! for the wonderful tribute to "Rosie!" My grand mother was a Rosie and was honored to be on the national monument is Washington D.C. She passed away the summer of the dedication ceremony so she did not get to attend, but was sent all the Wonderful Ceremony Papers, which included her service to the War effort. She helped assemble the famous "MEMPHIS BELLE" that was also made into a feature film. My mom has her Name tag from the Aircraft company and her employee paperwork in a shadow box. I would so love to own it someday! Sincerely Connie
Imagine....#3392 |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Jul 15 2013 : 8:37:13 PM
Well, here is my daughter, Robin . . . aka "Birdie", on our Road Trip in 2011. A farmgirl with "can do grit".
We've had many discussions about this "can do" attitude and what "grit" is.
CJ
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..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Jul 15 2013 : 7:25:24 PM
You're welcome, Laurie!
Here is a link to a page at the Heinz History Center that has a couple more links that you all might be interested in. :) http://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/secondary.aspx?id=164
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| laurzgot |
Posted - Jul 15 2013 : 6:47:12 PM
Nini, thanks for sharing Rosie. And yes we can!
"Smile and be yourself everyday"
Country girl at heart
Laurie
Aprons and More by Laurie is on my FB page. www.facebook.com Aprons and More by Laurie/2487022
www.etsy.com/people/Aprons And Home Decor |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Jul 15 2013 : 5:36:02 PM
Thank you so much, Marianne, truly. You're such a peach! :)
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| rough start farmgirl |
Posted - Jul 15 2013 : 4:13:23 PM
Nini, Take a page from Rosie's book and just go for it. You know you have much to say that would be appropriately published in MJF magazine. I enjoy your posts immensely. Both your point of view and choice of words. I know I am not alone.
Marianne |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Jul 15 2013 : 3:26:25 PM
Amen, CJ! Amen!!!
Joooonnnniiiii!!!! I loooove your costume! You are SOOO Rosie!!! That is AWESOME!!!! (If you ever need a "pie shoppe" pep talk, I'm here for you, girl - you CAN and WILL do it!!! I have every confidence in you! You GO girl!)
Well, Diana AND Jonni, we owe your Mom and Aunt Bernie a great debt of gratitude! That is so awesome!!! Do you have any pictures you can share? We'd love to see them!
Don't ever let anyone tell you it can't be done girls... THEY might not be able to do it, but we farmgirls can do ANYTHING!!!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| machick |
Posted - Jul 15 2013 : 11:42:45 AM
Thanks NINI. this is beautiful.. My Mom was a " Rosie" during the war at the Boeing Co. Here in Wichita.
She also taught me we girls CAN DO IT. I think that is where I got my farmgirl sprit. When someone tells me I can't I will break my neck to get it done for them.
GO FARMGIRLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May your bobbins always be full!!! |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Jul 15 2013 : 11:32:31 AM
YES WE CAN!!! Thanks, Nini, for this post. My Aunt, Bernie was a Rosie the Riveter and all the women in my family have had that "can do" spirit. This post is very timely for me as I embrace some changes that are coming my way and some very new territory with the pie business beginning.
Wanted to share "who" I went as for Halloween this past October--can you guess?
This is me in my kitchen!
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
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