Betty: This machine intricately embroidered collars, purses, trims, sweaters, and this style was extremely popular during the war. There was very little jewelry to adorn women because metals were all for the war efforts. Also at this time, blue collar workers were making far more money than white collar workers. There was a need, and I saw this as the best way to do some-thing I loved, and something lucrative. I was better than good at it, and I felt great pride in the goods that I made.
The working conditions were very good. She was a member of The International Ladies Garment Workers Union. Betty was a representative and explained that the union was organized because of a tragedy in the Triangle Factory many years before. A fire had swept through the Triangle Shirtwaist Company in Greenwich Village, New York. Mostly women were working there and they were trapped when a fire started. Almost 150 people died because the entrances and exits were locked to prevent the workers from taking breaks. The union ensured that working conditions were healthy and safe. By the time she worked, there were even new laws that had tough building codes and inspections were quite often. Working was rewarding, and Betty was content.
At this time, Betty was also at the right place at the right time. While growing up she, as well as her other eleven brothers and sisters, always were encouraged to enjoy their leisure time because their mother insisted. Betty's was golf, bowling and especially ball playing. She was the natural athlete in the family, and still is to this day. She would go to Central Park near her home, and play ball. At eighteen, a scout from the Racine Belles (one of thirty scouts who was searching in Canada and the United States for players), spotted her playing softball and immediately made her an offer. Betty explained that she was offered $55 a week, which was more than she was earning in the Garment District. She had to convince her mother to let her play by assuring her that she would be chaperoned. Betty's mom, however, knew that Betty would take care of herself.
Betty: The money really was not a big factor at all for me. It was just a question of playing a game that I loved, and getting a chance to travel. It was my first time to get out of New York, and playing in the league was a huge thrill for me. 1944 was my first season and it was perfect because when the season was over, I had my embroidery job which also was seasonal. For seven years I played baseball and for two years I played softball. I traveled all over the United States, Cuba and South America.
The women's league all came about because Philip K. Wrigley, the Chicago Cubs' owner, was worried in 1943 that the World War II draft would ruin baseball and the rankings of the players.
The uniquely American game had been part of the
nation's culture since the middle of the nineteenth
century...baseball had commanded national attention...
baseball was essential to American culture and
Americanism as the flag, apple pie, and mother-
hood ( Oakley 1990: 17).
He decided to fill the park with a girls' league, Betty explained. The top baseball players were joining to serve their country. The League would "furnish additional means of healthful recreation to the public who are all in one way or another under severe pressure from war work" (Macy 1993: xvi).
Ten million men were drafted, leaving many businesses understaffed due to a manpower shortage. Traditionally male jobs were calling upon women to make the guns, ships, be lumberjacks, butchers, bus drivers, and all jobs men held.
Betty: The billboards were all over saying, "If you sewed on buttons, you can learn to weld on airplane parts. Do the job HE left behind.” Over six million women joined the workforce. Rosie the Riveter was the image and there was a change in attitude toward men and women and expected roles.
Wrigley made sure the pay was great and wanted skilled, strong and attractive women for the leagues. "We could play like a man, but not let anyone forget we're women," Betty said. For Betty it was a chance to be paid for something she loved the most, and in addition President Roosevelt wanted
