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Across the Fence:  Rosie the Riveter: A Beloved American Icon  |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 11 2013 : 6:05:31 PM
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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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Betty J.
True Blue Farmgirl
1404 Posts
Betty
Pasco
WA
USA
1404 Posts |
Posted - Jul 11 2013 : 6:32:57 PM
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It amazes me to this day how cohesive the Americans were during World War II. They came together, sacrificed, and got the job done. I don't think that could happen today. If anyone has an account of some one group of folks making the USA great (in today's world) I would be very interested to hear it.
Thank you for your contribution.
Betty in Pasco |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2013 : 04:12:42 AM
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LOL! I know! But Grace - can't you just see where he got confused?! LOL! He was absolutely incredulous! After pointing out his error, we all had a good laugh, too! ;) Too funny...
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2013 : 05:16:35 AM
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Oh, dear Betty... Perhaps right now cohesiveness does seem to be lacking in a big way in this country, but we sure do see so many caring people working together to improve our world on a much smaller scale. Think of small organic farmers or community garden projects in the inner city. Consider the people who deliver Meals On Wheels or who bring sunshine and happiness simply by visiting shut-ins. Remember the multitude of volunteers who rush to disaster areas to help restore hope to the suffering; or of all the individuals who respond with cards, letters and donations supporting those who have just experienced the unthinkable. Reflect upon the person who checks on his elderly neighbors when the blistering heat or bitter cold snow hits; upon the anonymous multitude who pray for the needs of those who are suffering or oppressed; and upon the church that lovingly reaches out to its community to provide meals and clothing to the homeless and poor. Celebrate the grandparents who help raise their grandchildren so their children can work to put food on the table and make a future for their family; and the grandchildren living miles away who delight their lonely grandparents' hearts with that weekly Sunday evening phone call. Contemplate the generosity of Secret Santas who are making a huge difference in the lives of hard-working families by unexpectedly paying off their holiday layaways. Remember the soldiers who have returned from war with missing limbs and have overcome severe impediments who are reaching out to the victims of the recent massacre in Boston and offering hope and support during their recovery. Think of the missionaries, perhaps the greatest unsung heroes of all, and the important work they are doing without even a thought of self. We see the spirit of goodwill in action through the hearts of mankind every single day; life-changers and light bearers can be found in every aspect and walk of American life - do not dismay! Through the lives of good souls we will always see God's light piercing the darkness; sometimes we just have to strain our eyes a little harder to see it. The most important thing to remember is that each and every one of us has that life-giving light within. Just as when struck a match has the ability to light many a candle, our own inner spark has the potential to set the world on fire. Making a difference simply starts by fanning the flame within! And when all else seems to fail, we can rest assured: There are always farmgirls! ;)
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on Jul 12 2013 05:29:22 AM |
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Betty J.
True Blue Farmgirl
1404 Posts
Betty
Pasco
WA
USA
1404 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2013 : 11:06:47 AM
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Nini, thank you for waking me up. I must have been looking on all the negative things I see. You gave me lots of positives. Thank you.
Betty in Pasco |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2013 : 12:26:56 PM
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It's very easy to do in this day and age, my friend. It's very easy to do. :)
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2013 : 12:45:10 PM
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Nini,
Thank you for sharing this! Love your photos. Wish I could have been there with you at that museum! Fun! I love exhibits like that. My niece in Texas just posted a photo of herself on July 4th, and I wanted her shoes! They were Rosie the Riveter shoes! I asked her about them. A lady hand-painted them in Roundtop, Texas. I want a pair!
Anyway, love this post. Thanks for sharing. You are awesome!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
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Calicogirl
True Blue Farmgirl
5216 Posts
Sharon
Bruce Crossing
Michigan
USA
5216 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2013 : 1:13:30 PM
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Yes, thank you Nini!!! Things are so very different, we live in a very selfish "me,me,me" society. It is rare when one helps another and patriotism is almost gone. Rosie is a good reminder and role model. And I too giggled when I read what your son thought :)
Oh, btw and totally off subject, Michael and I went for a drive Monday and came across Pumpkin-Hollow Road. I thought of you and said a prayer. We just needed to see the ginger :)
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
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Penny Wise
True Blue Farmgirl
1903 Posts
Margo
Elyria
OH
USA
1903 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2013 : 1:43:05 PM
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nini-you have brought me pride to be a woman by the rosie info!(not even born til the mid 50's!) -the museum info is great! but the rest of your thread -your reply to betty- brought wonderful tears to my eyes!
thank you, farmsister friend!
Farmgirl # 2139
proud member of the Farmgirls of the Southwest Henhouse
~*~ counting my pennies; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
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rough start farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3331 Posts
marianne
The Beautiful Pacific NW
Washington State
USA
3331 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2013 : 07:47:52 AM
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I really enjoyed this! Thank you for sharing. Your way with words is obviously a craft you have honed over your lifetime. I don't know much about you ... do you write for publications and such?
Marianne |
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Nana Shirl
True Blue Farmgirl
352 Posts
Shirley
Kit Carson
Colorado
USA
352 Posts |
Posted - Jul 14 2013 : 9:14:43 PM
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Thank you for sharing..A wonderful example of proud and true..what a role model!
You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me. ~C.S. Lewis |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2013 : 04:21:22 AM
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Awww... thanks, girls! It all comes from the heart. :)
Margo - I truly believe we all have a little bit of Rosie in us! :)
Nicole - I would LOVE to see those boots! How cool! I bet they were awesome!!!
Sharon - Thank you! You are such a peach! I needed to know that today! :)
Marianne - I would LOVE to write professionally one day! It's funny you ask because my mother and I had a long conversation about this over the weekend, and she offered me some serious food for thought. We'll see! :)
Have a wonderful day, girls!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on Jul 15 2013 3:28:34 PM |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13667 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2013 : 11:32:31 AM
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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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machick
True Blue Farmgirl
60 Posts
Diana
Park City
Kansas
USA
60 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2013 : 11:42:45 AM
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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!!! |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2013 : 3:26:25 PM
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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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Edited by - Ninibini on Jul 15 2013 5:53:24 PM |
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rough start farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3331 Posts
marianne
The Beautiful Pacific NW
Washington State
USA
3331 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2013 : 4:13:23 PM
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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 |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2013 : 5:36:02 PM
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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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laurzgot
True Blue Farmgirl
1723 Posts
Laurie
Alvin
Texas
USA
1723 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2013 : 6:47:12 PM
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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
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2013 : 7:25:24 PM
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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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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13667 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
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Killarney
True Blue Farmgirl
5368 Posts
Connie
Arlington
TN
USA
5368 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2013 : 07:42:26 AM
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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 |
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Dirtduchess
True Blue Farmgirl
693 Posts
Patsy
Decatur
TX
USA
693 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2013 : 08:46:53 AM
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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. |
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tammyc
True Blue Farmgirl
698 Posts
Tammy
Danville
California
USA
698 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2013 : 09:28:29 AM
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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 |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Jul 17 2013 : 1:45:32 PM
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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 |
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Across the Fence: Rosie the Riveter: A Beloved American Icon |
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Rosie the Riveter: A Beloved American Icon
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