Reporter T. Rees Shapiro of The Washington Post brings us the unfortunate news that the Michigan woman who served as the inspiration for the World War II “We Can Do It!” recruitment poster has died.
Geraldine Doyle lost a battle with severe arthritic complications on Dec. 26, according to her daughter Stephanie Gregg. Doyle was 86.
Doyle, then 17-years-old and just out of high school, was photographed at a Michigan metal factory while wearing the now iconic red and white polka dot bandanna. She was new on the job, and actually only worked there two short weeks before the young woman, a cellist, switched to a job perceived as less risky to her hands.
… In 1984, Mrs. Doyle and her family came across an article in Modern Maturity magazine, a former AARP publication, that connected her UPI photo with Miller’s wartime poster.
The artist did take some liberties with Mrs. Doyle’s physique, her family said.
“She didn’t have those big muscles,” said her daughter Stephanie Gregg of Eaton Rapids, Mich. “She was busy playing cello.”
According to her family, the original photo of Mrs. Doyle was featured on the cover of the 1986 Time-Life book “The Patriotic Tide: 1940-1950.”
“You’re not supposed to have too much pride, but I can’t help have some in that poster,” Mrs. Doyle told the Lansing State Journal in 2002. “It’s just sad I didn’t know it was me sooner.” …
Prior to arthritis preventing it, Doyle often signed the posters and numerous other “Rosie the Riveter” merchandise regularly during Michigan appearances.
For many women — especially those interested in politics — Rosie has become a beacon of sorts. She’s feminine without being weak. Her eyes are sharp and focused. She is strong, but not menacing. She is decisive and not apologetic about it.
Like many ideals, however, Rosie doesn’t really exist. She is a combination of a young Michigan woman, who made her way through life the best she could, and an artist’s adaptation of a photograph. We should be thankful for the art. We should also be thankful for the woman, and all the women, who have influenced, inspired and pushed the boundaries of gender in our nation.
Rest in peace, Mrs. Doyle. Deepest condolences to your family as well.
I have been looking all over the internet for the original photo taken of Geraldine Doyle, and I thank you for actually showing it.
Ms. Doyle looking strong and in control was the poster we fished out of the debris of our flooded home in 2008. We cleaned it off and hung it in the window throughout the rebuilding process. We can do it! Was our pledge to facing whatever we had to do to get our lives back together. Today it hangs proudly on our front porch. Reminding us all that as Americans we are capable of facing any threat and winning. It was good in WWII and it is good in 2011. God bless you Rosie and all the Rosie’s and GI Joe’s who faced danger and still do today at home and across the seas.