Viewing page 7 of 33

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Page Two

Edith P. Mayo
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, D.C.

November 27, 1984

◦ War marriages here at home. I have a box of my mother's and dad's letters to each other that I treasure. They had a kind of Hollywood image of patriotism, marriage, and family life that did not always match reality!

If something could come of this spark of an idea, I think it would provide a meaningful resource for people in many disciplines. The problem is . . .these meaningful women are all aging and dying and there has been little noted; less remembered.

Thanks for the stimulating conversation and the inspiring courage you exhibit in just doing your work.

Sincerely,

E. Jane Beckwith
Associate Director
Public Relations

EJB/sn

Enclosure

P.S.  The engineer I mentioned is Bonnie Bender. She helped to design the F4U1 Corsair. Specifically she designed the stabilizer with two or three others. She also helped with time studies.

Bonnie says they trained her and 33 other women as aeronautical engineers to free up male engineers to go into the service. Bonnie would be willing to talk with you and might be able to provide you with many other contacts!

Bonnie Bender
355 24th St.
Avalon, New Jersey 
08202

609-967-4111