please release men

let them go to war

Recently I heard a radio commercial in which the advertiser said it was going to commemorate Women’s History Month by recognizing local women who have contributed to the community. To extend my paraphrase, everywoman might not be Elizabeth Cady Stanton, but other women do help out in so many ways. That made me think of World War I. One hundred years ago New York City picture newspapers were full of different ways women supported the war effort. Since it’s already the Ides of March I might have to put my plans for a grand collage on hold, but I can start small. One of the themes of these papers was women taking on traditionally male roles to release men for the fight. Here’s an example from the November 18, 1917 issue of The New-York Times. Edna Coleman became a truck driver, thus “releasing a man for war service.” But it wasn’t just Edna; the page also pictured the highest ranking woman in the British army, French girls learning to plow, female police officers. Also, some women joining some men on stage and screen to presumably keep the home front entertained.

teamster farmer copper star

You can find this issue of the Times at the Library of Congress, where apparently all yellowing has been put on hold. The Library also provided the image of this poster

support women supporting the war effort