WOMEN AND LABOR

Most everyone is familiar with the now famous poster of “Rosie The Riveter” that was used to encourage women to go into the workforce during World War II.  It was originally entitled “We Can Do It” and was one of several posters created in 1942, by Pittsburgh artist J. Howard Miller for the Westinghouse Company’s War Production Coordination Committee.

This is the original 1942 poster by J. Howard Miller for the Westinghouse Company.

“Rosie The Riveter” was first the name of a 1942 song by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb.  Later recorded by several other artists, including the Kay Kyser Band, it would go on to become a national hit, and inspired millions of women to enter the workforce.  Some sources estimate that the song inspired a social movement that increased the number of working American women from 12 million to 20 million by 1944.

Although these women, many of them housewives, were expected to return to the home after the war, many did stay in the workforce, and that trend has continued on to today.  Little did anyone know that a song and a poster would have the social impact that they did, and the change that would come from that! 

This contemporary interpretation of "Rosie The Riveter" is by artist Jessica Turtle.

As we honor all laborers on this Labor Day, let’s especially remember the women workers of yesterday for their contributions, and for breaking the ground for all women workers today.

HAPPY LABOR DAY EVERYONE!!!

***How are you spending your Labor Day holiday?