In WWII, millions of American women entered the workforce in heretofore unfamiliar jobs–in factories, in shipyards, in transportation. To help these women adjust to the demands of working in the wartime economy, in 1943 the Office of Public Health commissioned a series of posters to dispense clever advice to those scores of Rosie the Riveters. The posters were intended for display in break rooms and restrooms of wartime production plants…places where the gals might gather to chat, y’know. The character of “Jenny on the Job” chirped illuminating messages about taking care of oneself in order to maintain one’s vital role as a cog in the war machine.
Here’s Jenny’s advice on nutrition:
Image Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Hmm…I’m starting to like this Jenny. We can assume her last name isn’t “Craig,” because check out that lunch pail. Two sandwiches on whole grain bread, two carrots, two stalks of celery, an apple, an orange, and a quart of milk. A healthy and hearty array of food that is guaranteed to keep Jenny…moving.
Which probably explains the necessity for this next poster:
Image Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
In other words: Your mama does not work here and Jenny ain’t got time for your mess.
So here’s to the women who work–in the home, outside the home, under the home and up in the sky! Tomorrow I’ll share Jenny’s beauty tips…because we can defeat Hitler AND take care of our skin.
I just finished a wonderful book about women working in the “War Effort” in WWII: The Girls of Atomic City. Fascinating read about LOTS of “Jennies on the Job,” and at the end of the book, dozens of photos of that era.
My sister gave me a book of Kodachrome pictures from the Dust Bowl-WWII eras. I love the ones of the women at work in the shipyards!
Title, please? I l-o-v-e books of that ilk!
Bound for Glory: America in Color 1939-43
They were photos taken with early test rolls of Kodachrome film. Most taken by farm relief agencies.
I am ready for Jenny’s skin care recommendations!
And leaves the Axis quaking in its boots!!!