1920s Postal Ladies, Gas Mask Stitchers, and 'SheSheShe' Camps: Women Hustlin'
In a riveting century survey, women transformed workplaces more than a slow-motion factory conveyor belt. Starting in the 1920s, only 5% of the 943 village postal carriers were womenâbecause apparently, delivering mail was a gentleman's sport. Meanwhile, 20% of the labor force were factory ladies making rayon undies and tobacco products, while women of color got the agriculture and domestic service gigs (because inclusion was a work in progress). By 1945, nearly a quarter of married women shed aprons for gas mask factories, as WWII demanded female fingertips on wartime gear. When men monopolized the Civilian Conservation Corps, Eleanor Roosevelt launched the 'SheSheShe' camps for unemployed women, recycling male gigs with a feminist twist. The workplace was no longer just a doorway to marriage, unless your job title was 'secretary who gets replaced upon nuptials.' Pretty sure weâre all still terrible drivers of our own lives, but history gave working women a shinier steering wheel.
Share the Story
Only 5% of 943 village postal carriers were women in the 1920s, because who wouldn't trust men with mail? Meanwhile, women stitched gas masks during WWII while men fought, and 'SheSheShe' camps recycled male jobs into female hustle. Progress? Maybe. Comedy gold? Absolutely.
In the 1920s, delivering mail was a men-only club but sewing gas masks was the female VIP section. Meanwhile, married women only worked until someone said 'I do.' Work-life balance or just a century of strange rules?
Forget the Industrial Revolution, try the 'In-the-Workforce-But-You-Must-Resign-After-Marriage' Revolution! High heels in factories, sewing rayon undies, and supervising menâs mailâwomen did it all with style and an old-school dress code.
Source: Businessinsider | Published: 8/31/2025 | Author: Erin McDowell
More Articles in US News
Single Mom Vacations Milan, Kid Stuck With Dad's Disco Nights
US Shutdown Hits 40 Days, Senators Finally Hustle Sunday AF
Thanksgiving Airlift Cancelled: Controllers Ditch Paychecks, Not Turkeys
Trump Fights Judge Over Food Stamps Like Itâs WWE Finals
Zuccotti Park Gets Christmas Glow-UpâBankers Cry Silent Tears
