Editor’s Note: The following article is a synopsis written by staff members and volunteers of the Cary Memorial Library in Houlton highlighting one of the suggested reading books, as determined by the staff.
Around 100 years ago the United States had a women’s army. Not so, you say? Well, according to author Erin Hagar, this women’s army made a difference in the world and a bit of history in the bargain.
“Doing Her Bit” illustrated in the style of the time by Jen Hill, is the based-on-the truth- story of the Women’s Land Army of America.
As the war was on and men were recruited for service, the government tried to recruit women for the farm work needed to raise garden vegetables and tend farm animals. Soldiers have to eat as well as the general population. Posters were scattered around liberally and many girls and women decided to join this army to help.
Well, first there was a learning session complete with dirt, sore muscles and sunburn in New York. Then, the farmers needed much encouragement, believing women could not do such labor or do it well enough to matter.
Called “Farmerettes” these girls went to work and showed one farmer, then another, and another just what they could do, sometimes for no or little pay, just to prove their point. And yes, by doing their “bit” as well as they could, they helped America have enough food to carry on for the war’s duration.
A nice touch is the sample of posters showing the working fashions of the day and the basic tools used at that time. Good story and again, new knowledge for this reader.
The Cary Memorial Library is open Mondays-Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 532-1302.
