Kinsearching September 20, 2009

RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 20, 2009



KINSEARCHING

by

Marleta Childs
P. O. Box 6825
LUBBOCK, TX 79493-6825
[email protected]
 

     Due to their involvement in preserving family heritage, genealogists are naturally interested in hereditary organizations, especially those they may be eligible to join. One of the newest--and, therefore, perhaps one of the least known--is the American Rosie the Riveter Association (ARRA). Founded in 1998 by Dr. Fran Carter, the non-profit organization honors the millions of working women on the home front during World War II. Since the original "Rosies" are now in their 80s, 90s, or older, Carter (a "Rosie" herself) hopes to acknowledge their contributions and preserve their stories before the information is lost.

     Women may become active members of the association as a Rosie, female worker or volunteer in a war-related task during the years 1941-1945; a Rosebud, female descendant of a Rosie; or a 21st Century Rosie, female currently performing "man's work." Examples of a woman's eligibility to be a Rosie are

(1) employment of any kind in an industry or government agency that was directly related to the war effort;
(2) employment or self-employment in a capacity usually held by a man in order to release him for military duty:
or
(3) participation on a sustained basis in one or more volunteer activities related to the war effort.

     A few samples of the many types of qualifying labor are

(1) jobs in any capacity in a munitions plant, airplane manufacturing plant, or shipyard;
(2) work for the Department of Defense or local rationing board;
(3) job as a truck or taxi cab driver, crane or service station operator, pilot ferrying airplanes, or streetcar conductor;
(4) independent job, such as farming;
or
(5) volunteer work, such as collecting critical materials, rolling bandages, or serving with the USO or Red Cross.

     Not eligible for membership in ARRA are females who performed work that was customarily done by women or was not related to the war effort.

     ARRA members are not required to pay annual dues. They are awarded a certificate honoring the working women of World War II and receive the quarterly newsletter, Rosie's Mail Call, which tells about ARRA members and activities. Members may also attend the national reunion/convention held each year as well as meetings of a local chapter. At the present time, chapters are located in such places as the Atlanta area, GA; Baltimore, MD; Birmingham, AL; Caldwell County, TX; Choctaw, OK; Cincinnati, OH; Clarksville, GA; Columbus, GA/Phenix City, AL; Dallas/Fort Worth, TX; Dayton, OH; McKenzie, OR; Neal, KS; Oklahoma City, OK;  Roseburg, OR; Sun City, AZ; Sweet Home, OR; and Wichita East, KS.

Membership fees for women are as follows:
Rosies - $l0.00 (outside U. S., $20.00)
Rosebuds - $10.00 (outside U. S., $20.00)
21st Century Rosies - $50.00

     Men may become auxiliary members. A spouse or male descendant or relative is known as a Rivet. Males do not pay a membership fee.

     Checks, payable to ARRA, may be mailed with application forms to Mabel Myrick, P. O. Box 188, Kimberly, AL 35091. Application forms may be found by going to the website at www.rosietheriveter.net, which is both informative and user friendly.

     FDR's Little White House in Warm Springs, GA, is the national honorary headquarters for ARRA. The national office is located at 209 University Park Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209.

     To insure their legacy as the working women of World War II, Rosies are encouraged to share their experiences verbally and in written form. For more information, visit the website at www.rosietheriveter.net or get in touch with founder and executive director, Dr. Fran Carter (e-mail [email protected] or phone 205-822-4106).


Kinsearching Home Page