Bittersweet Endings, Hopeful Beginnings
After 13 calendars consisting of over 150 interviews and photos, producers Robin Murphy and Cindy Payne hung up their calendar bandannas with this year’s production, The Triumph of Humility. It was a wonderfully inspirational and enriching road and we offer arms-full of gratitude to everyone who played a part, from the women and their families, the stories shared, the folks who helped find Rosies, the media enthusiasm and connections with community organizations--all these combined--created a true phenomenon.
In 2002, the Rosies were a piece of forgotten history. On a whim, WA Women in Trades gathered over 100 women to thank them and recognize their work during WWII. Little did we know that the following 17 years would result in such a rich body of work, countless friendships made, some epic Rosie road trips and the best memories ever.
This very special calendar featured 9 women from Oregon--from Coquille to Portland--and 3 from Washington. As always, their stories span far beyond the few years they worked in WWII factories. They are teachers, farmers, artists, activists, building inspectors, seamstresses, cowgirls, caregivers, drafters and printing press operators. They are moms, aunts, sisters and wives. And finally, they're our friends, mentors and the best tradeswomen cheerleaders we know.
Front Cover Photo: Marcella Von Tangen
Purchase a calendar here.
January
Sally Sweeney
Airplane Manifold & Parts Inspector
Grifis Airforce Base, Rome, NY
born March 29, 1926
died April 22, 2023
April
Ginny Lester
Welder,
Swan Island, Portland, OR
born April 2, 1925
died, August 22, 2019
July
Florence Rexroad
Riveter at Boeing
Seattle, WA
born July 18, 1928
died October 22, 2023
October
Lavina Nadeau
Electrician
Swan Island, Portland, OR
born October 20, 1922
died December 3, 2019
February
Ruth Herren
Welding Inspector
Boeing, Seattle, WA
born April 14, 1919
died September 27, 2021
May
Katty Acree
Welder,
Western Pipe & Steel,
San Francisco, CA
born April 14, 1928
August
Rita Hathaway
Bucker at Boeing
Seattle, WA
born August 6, 1922
died February 21, 2023
November
Lorette Wedlake
Drafter
Browning Automatic Rifle
Danvers MA
born November 6, 1929
died September 16, 2021
March
Marcella Von Tangen
Boilermaker & Riveter,
Keiser & Albina, Portland, OR,
Doak Aircraft, Torrence, CA
born March 5, 1925
died June 10, 2023
June
Dolly Marshall
Plane Spotter
A High School Playfield in New Jersey
born June 8, 1929
September
Stella Camacho
Riveter, Lockheed, Burbank, CA
born August 9, 1929
died June 1, 2021
December
Betty Bolt
Bike Messenger
Kaiser Shipyard, Vancouver, WA
born August 21, 1925