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Author will discuss Iowa ‘Rosies’
Iowa Native Linda Betsinger McCann will visit Winfield Public Library, Monday, Oct. 9
WINFIELD — Iowa native and author Linda Betsinger McCann will visit Winfield Public Library Monday, Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss her newest book “Rosie the Riveters in Iowa.”
“Rosie the Riveters in Iowa” is the latest book in McCann’s long list of published non-fiction historical books about Iowa.
McCann has over 25 years of experience researching, interviewing, and writing about Iowan history, and she believes that if history is presented in an interesting way, the younger generation will be interested in it.
So, she writes the stories of those that came before to preserve memories and history by engaging the next generations.
While her other books tackle topics including prisoners of war, prohibition, Civilian Conservation Corps, and The Vanishing Towns of Cedar Valley, McCann will specifically talk about the history of Rosie the Riveters in Iowa as she visits Winfield Public Library next week.
“Rosie the Riveter was a name used to encourage women to go to work during World War II,” Winfield Library Director Jacque Lake said. “They needed to take the place of the men who were fighting the war.”
In a news release about McCann’s tour for this book, McCann said she spoke with 35 women that shared their stories as Rosies.
“The men had gone to fight the war, so the women stepped up and worked in the factories,” the back cover of Rosie the Riveters in Iowa states. “They not only worked as riveters, but also welders, drill-press and lathe operators, inspectors, and especially anything dealing with small parts. It was found by the factories that women handled the intricate work better than men. Over one hundred factories in Iowa hired women to turn out items for the war. Airplanes, tanks, ammunition, and all kinds of parts were produced in Iowa.”
According to McCann, many of these Rosies stayed in Iowa to work, while others went further from home.
“She shares their experiences when she speaks,” Lake said.
Copies of McCann’s books will be available for purchase at the event.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
