Page 177 - Anthology

Women were encouraged to accept jobs at factories that were formerly considered work for a man.
Songs were written about “Rosie the Riveter” and planes were named for Hollywood stars.

The most well-known image of Rosie the Riveter

The newscast kept us somewhat informed but was limited as to what our government considered
information that would not put our troops in greater harm. Our country understood, and no one
complained. In today’s world ratings are so important to the network that we hear information that could
be damaging and could also inspire other mentally troubled souls to commit unspeakable acts.

How did we manage on the farm with all men capable of farm labor in the service? We had four families
living on the farm that were not draft eligible. One man was too old and each weekend he used his
money for liquor but reported to work on Monday. A second had medical problems but was an excellent
farm worker.

One family was considered to be a hardship case, in dire need, and the husband was deferred. They also
were extremely unkempt and just plain dirty. Unfortunately, we contracted head lice from my dad and
brothers working with them. My mother was absolutely furious and there was no drugstore remedy, just
homemade and no fun to use.

My brother and I helped by doing work that would prevent using a man capable of assisting with the
heavy labor. Springtime we pulled tobacco plants and transported them with a mule and spring wagon to
the field where the tobacco was planted. Ninety-eight acres were grown that year.

My job was learning to drive the old farm trucks for loading hay or tobacco then transporting it to the barn.
I soon learned the secrets of how to start the old contrary farm trucks and was called on several times to
help when my uncles could not coax the old engine to start.

The first summer I helped I was paid $35.00, enough to buy my first watch. The following year I earned a
bit more and bought a record player that could play 78, 36 and 45 recordings.