Georgie’s call goes out again: Know a Rosie the Riveter?

The faces and voices of the World War II era are disappearing from among us as time goes by and takes its inevitable course. Those who are still here are making sure the stories and memories aren’t lost – like Georgie Bright Kunkel, the 93-year-old West Seattle writer/performer/activist who not only was a “Rosie the Riveter,” but is also continuing to work to find others. She sent us this message to share with you:

Since the West Seattle Rosie the Riveter group was started by Georgie Bright Kunkel (photo right), there have been many Rosies “discovered” in our area. The blog reported on the first program held at Mt. St. Vincent several years ago. Of the original group, only two are left. There are more Rosies out there who haven’t been discovered yet, so if you read this and were working at a WWII job* please let Georgie know.

The Washington Women in Trades organization has been a mentor to the Rosies and honors them at a banquet every year.

E-mail Georgie at gnkunkel@comcast.net and join the ranks of Rosies. Each one needs to be chronicled so all Rosies will go down in history.

*Or, of course, if your mom, grandma, great-grandma, or a friend/acquaintance was a Rosie – get her in touch with Georgie. Meantime, if you missed the 2009 WSB story to which she alludes above, featuring the stories of West Seattle “Rosies,” check it out here; we have indeed since published obituaries for two of the women featured in that story – here and here.

5 Replies to "Georgie's call goes out again: Know a Rosie the Riveter?"

  • Andrea Beaty September 29, 2013 (12:06 pm)

    We owe an un-payable debt to all the Rosie the Riveters. I hope many women reach out to Georgie and that all can be recognized for their vital contributions.

    Best wishes,
    Andrea Beaty

    Author of Rosie Revere, Engineer

  • Diane September 29, 2013 (12:07 pm)

    I went to a Rosie’s event at MOHAI on my birthday, March 5, about 7 yrs ago; it was fantastic; there was a full table up front of Rosie’s; so inspiring; Georgie is awesome; hope more Rosie’s come forward, and would love to attend another event; any idea when the next will be?

  • Lee Therriault September 29, 2013 (7:23 pm)

    My grandmother, Corinne Tucker, was a chemist and a Rosie during the war. Another of her granddaughters, my cousin Elizabeth, honors our Grandma “T” and all the other Rosie’s every day. Elizabeth is a Ranger at Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, CA – http://www.nps.gov/rori/

    • WSB September 29, 2013 (7:30 pm)

      Lee, that’s awesome. Don’t think I’ve ever heard of that historical park but will make sure to visit it whenever we next get to the Bay Area!

  • Georgie Kunkel October 3, 2013 (2:21 pm)

    Thanks for all the information about Rosies.
    I am hoping that more will come forth to start a current Rosie the Riveter group in West Seattle.

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