HALE– A good friend recently changed her Facebook profile picture to the iconic image of Rosie the Riveter, blue overalls, red bandana, and a flexed bicep. I asked why she chose that image. She said “I actually have an Aunt Rosie. She looks just like her. She worked in manufacturing when her husband was at war. She worked full time AND kept the family farm running until he returned. She was a very strong independent woman, and I grew to really admire and respect her.”
So goes it with Wisconsin native Claire Kitchin Dahl, probably the closest thing to the real Rosie the Riveter you’ll ever meet, and she’s coming to Hale!
The Plainfield Township Library is hosting a program featuring Dahl, funded in part by Iosco-Arenac District Library. Having a passion for strong woman in history, Dahl offers presentations as Rosie the Riveter and the B-42 Bombing Plant at Willow Run Airport.
Dahl taught middle school American History and retired from Ann Arbor Pioneer High School in 2009 where she taught Advanced Placement US History for 20 years. She then became an avid volunteer for numerous causes in her community. Her enthusiasm and commitment to spreading the story of the women who stepped up during WWII prompted the Michigan Air Museum at Willow Run Airport to appoint her as their official Public Speaker.
As men left for war in 1941, many critical jobs were left empty. For the first time in history women left their homes to work, 6 million in total. It was an era that showed the strength and ability of women, doing what was once considered man’s work, earning a paycheck for the very first time. The movement changed the workforce demographics in America forever.
Just outside Detroit, the Willow Run Bomber Plant (formerly a Ford Motor Company factory) built almost 9,000 B-24 Liberator Bombers, used by every branch of the military during World War II. One worker in particular, Rose Will Morgan (1920-1997), caught the eye of a Hollywood producer there to make a film about the “riveters”. She became the iconic symbol of the WWII female movement.
On Tues., May 13, at the Plainfield Resource Center Hall (next to the library), Ann Arbor resident Claire Kitchin Dahl will bring to life the inspiring stories of Rosie the Riveter and the historic Willow Run B-24 Bombers. Dahl explains “you will see slides of the Bomber Plant at Willow Run along with photos of the real “Rosies” who worked at the factory.” History buffs will love this presentation and Dahl points out “this is an excellent subject for a high school extra credit project!”
Light refreshments will be available. This is a free, family-friendly event but does require a reserved seat. Call 989-728-4086 for more information.
