Remembering the Woman Machinists of World War 2

Most of you may have noticed our preference for using images of female factory workers from the World War 2 era, like the one shown above, on the pages of our products. The reason behind this choice is that these images resonate with the strong spirit of resilience and determination that we, as Americans, are known for, especially those involved in manufacturing. No other photos embody this spirit quite like these ones do. Despite experiencing some of the darkest times in history, we confronted and triumphed over the malevolent forces, regardless of the many lives that were sadly lost. This sentiment is aptly captured in Bob Marley's words, “Better to die fighting for freedom then be a prisoner all the days of your life.”

I have a special treat this Fourth of July, 2013.  I recently received a letter from one of the women in the photo series.  She is 91, living in Mesquite, Texas, and she and her family had seen the photos on our web site.  They brought back a lot of memories which she was kind enough to share.  Here is the letter she sent to me:

To Whom it may concern,

I am Grace Brown, born Grace Ann Janota, Nov 29, 1921.  Between the years 1942 and 1945 I worked as a machinist for Consolidated Aircraft of Fort Worth, Texas.  The company made B-17 bombers.

When the war started in Dec 1941 I was working at the University of Texas Tea Room.  Shortly after the war started, the tea room was converted into a mess hall for the Naval Academy.  I was without a job and pondered on what to do.  The government was offering classes for girls who wanted to help in the war effort.  There were a few to become a pilot and fly transport planes.  Well, I was too chicken for that so I chose machinist.  The school was in Waco, Texas; it was with the N.Y.A.  We got room and board and ten dollars a month, plus we were furnished uniforms to wear to class.  Our classes were eight hours a day and we were there about six months, then hired by Consolidated Aircraft to work in the machine shop.

There were other machines but I was hired to operate a turret lathe.  I made various parts for the B-17's.  They were according to specifications and had to be very precise, using calipers.  There were other types of machines in the shop, but only about three turret lathes.  The only men were the supervisors; older men who didn't qualify for the draft.  As time went on I took a job as an inspector of the machined parts, but that was boring so I took a course in engineering and learned how to design cams for the automatic screw machine.   I got the job of designing cams and setting up the machines and did this until the war was coming to an end and we girls were sent home.

This I might add:  after working at the plant for a while, a union tried to interveen and suggested we join the union, go on strike for higher pay.  Most of the girls declined, including me, so the union lost.

I don't know how you acquired my picture to place in your ad.  It was just a series of incidences that lead my grandson to recognize it as I was twenty one when it was taken and I am now ninety one.

This must be a little boring to you, but I don't do e-mail.

Sincerly,

Grace Brown

Grace, let me assure you, I don't find it boring at all.  I am fascinated by the time and by your experiences and I hope our readers are too and will comment on it.  We owe a debt of gratitude to Grace and most all of her generation.  Let's remember them this Fourth of July.

PS  The photos are from a series done by the government back in the day to use in promoting folks to help out the war effort.  There are a number of them out there.  I don't have a good link to give you to see them, but they all have a very similar look and lighting to the one above.  Here are a few more: