Women at Work

Rosie the Riveter

My husband sent me this link today. It's pretty amazing. Did you know that the Library of Congress has a Flickr account? They do and it's a treasure trove with no copyright restrictions. They have vast collections of old photographs and illustrated newspapers, too.

Though I have yet to peruse them all, I did comb through one set: 1930's-40's in color, with vivid color photos from The Great Depression and World War II. There were plenty of photos of women at work in the factories, and though there are famous posters of Rosie the Riveter wearing a head scarf whilst flexing her biceps, these are the first actual photographs I've seen of women at work. I think it's amazing how they generally managed to look meticulous while working in factories, under especially stressful and difficult war-time conditions.

Women at Work
Women at Work
Women at Work

{ Photos courtesy of The Library of Congress. }

Comments:   { Add your own }

I love the 1940's!! The clarity of these pictures is amazing!! Now I must peruse that flickr page.

mariahttp://lululetty.blogspot.com

Love these images! The quality and clarity of the color is amazing considering the time period.

Dianahttp://kittyscreations.wordpress.com

The ladies do look all put together, but I think that's the result of two things: a time when women didn't leave the house without lipstick, and the fact that these photos appear staged. :)

Krishttp://www.absquatulate.com

there are clip art versions of this. Amazing photos

Freyahttp://www.foxie.info

These are so great! Seeing photos of women working is very inspiring, I especially love the two women with the wide legged pants, and red socks with loafers.

solanahhttp://vixenvintage.blogspot.com

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