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The History Of Rosie


Following the United States of America's entry into Word War II in 1941, women's labor was urgently needed to help fill job shortages left vacant by American men who were enlisting in the war effort. Millions of women answered the governments' call to enter the work force, which helped supply much needed manpower for factories, plants, and assembly lines. These women broke traditional feminine ideals by wearing hard-hats and coveralls, operating heavy machinery, and accepting jobs that were only performed previously by males.

The popularity of this new kind of "working class American women" was vastly becoming well-known across the country. In 1942, a song written by Red Evans and John Jacob Loeb about a patriotic female worker called "Rosie the Riveter", provided the title that would be used to describe this new type of American woman. Posters, newspapers, and radio programs began to emerge with images of Rosie. These images would be used by the American government, the owners of businesses, and many other institutions to further progress and encourage working women in America.

The Image most widely known of Rosie the Riveter today, was created by an artist named J. Howard Miller. His Rosie known as the "Wean Do It!" Rosie, referring to the caption that he placed over her head. Coverall sleeves rolled up, bandana on her head, and a flexed bicep completely describe his 1942 portrait, and have a distinct relationship to the Rosiest of WWII. But it was Norman Rockwell's 1943 painting of Rosie that shot her to stardom after it appeared on the cover of the May 29th edition of "The Saturday Evening Post". Rockwell's version depicted a model by the name of Mary Doyle Keefe in overalls, sporting goggles, a isinglass protective shield, and a jackhammer in her lap. This image of Rosie made her and American cultural icon and doubled the circulation on "The Saturday Evening Post" the very next week. On May 22nd, 2002, Rockwell's original portrait of Rosie the Riveter sold at Sotheby's auction for $4,959,500.00, firmly planting her feet as one of America's most important spirited, and historical figures.

The widely popular "We Can Do It" Rosie has been used many times over the years by many different institutions for many different reasons. She has appeared on posters, in books, in movies, on advertisements, and in songs. She has promoted many agencies, political figures, and businesses such as ours. I believe Rosie brings a unique approach to the Drive American Muscle website. Rosie's flexed bicep obviously blends right in with the websites name, linking her directly to the type of vehicles that are being promoted. She also brings nostalgia, along with some TREMENDOUS AMERICAN HISTORY; just like the majority of classic cars and muscle cars being sold and promoted on the site. Her ties with art also relates her to the website's listing of vintage magazine and automotive photography. If time allows, please feel free to visit any of the "Rosie the Riveter" links located on our page. They are filled with very interesting facts of American history that every true American should know. Also, feel free to write or e-mail us (sales@DriveAmericanMuscle) with any interesting facts, stories, or experiences you may have had with family members and friends in the "Rosie" era...Thanks for reading, Andy Tinsley!