MSMO Classic - Women Railroad Workers During WWII
Episode 469 of the Mississippi Moments Podcast podcast, hosted by Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage at USM, titled "MSMO Classic - Women Railroad Workers During WWII" was published on March 20, 2023 and runs 5 minutes.
March 20, 2023 ·5m · Mississippi Moments Podcast
Episode Description
After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and American entered the war, young men joined the military in droves leaving big holes in the work force. Women stepped up to fill those jobs traditionally held by men, helping out on the home front and showing what they were capable of in the process.
For Women's History Month, We look back at this classic MSMO episode from February 1, 2016, featuring the story of Bonnie Stedman of McComb who went to work for Illinois Central right out of high school.
Stedman recalls typing orders for the trains, changing light bulbs, and even working as a switch man. Her memories of the challenging and sometimes hazardous work are compelling and heartwarming.
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