GERALDINE DOYLE (1924-2010)
Face of World War II's Rosie the Riveter Dies at Age 86
At age 17, Geraldine Doyle graduated from high school. With the men away fighting the war, millions of American women started working in factories producing what was needed to win the war. At age 17, Geraldine got a job working in a metal processing plant in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Shortly after starting, a photographer from UPI came around and took her picture. That picture was used by illustrator J. Howard Miller for a poster series commissioned by the US government to inspire factory workers. Evidently, Miller added the muscular arm as she said they definitely weren't hers.
The poster was later used by the feminist movement.
Geraldine wasn't even aware of the poster's existence until 1982.
Also, surprisingly, Geraldine also only worked at the factory for two weeks. The work was dangerous and a fellow worked was badly injured. Since she played the cello and worried about her hands, she quit.
In 1943, she got married and helped her husband set up a dental clinic, ending her factory days.
I have a metal copy of that familiar pose and "We Can Do It" right here in my work area.
Adios, Rosie.
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