Cover Page

Preface

Introduction

Breeches, Blouses, and Skirts

Photofile

Bibliography

Notes

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

National Park Service Uniforms Breeches, Blouses, and Skirts 1918-1991	Number 4
Breeches, Blouses, and Skirts (continued)

After all the discussions, interviews and general orientation to the needs of the women in the parks were completed, the momentous task of trying to satisfy these needs, within the scope of a budgetary constraint and a minimum number of uniforms, began to emerge. Undaunted, Glynn and Beckman began their work of designing a new image for the women of the National Park Service.

On February 25, 1970, they presented their new design sketches, fabric colors, along with swatches, to the uniform committee, who enthusiastically endorsed them. [17]

The initial concept for the new uniforms, as it appeared in the NPS Newsletter. These designs, with slight alterations, became the foundation for the new women's uniforms. National Park Service Archives/HFC RG Y55

As Joan Glynn explained to Loretta DeLozier, associate editor, for an article in the NPS Newsletter,

"In choosing the color identification, for example, she went to the roots of our natural heritage-to the colors of earth, sand and sun. The ingredients are a warm deep beige (the predominate color of most of the outfits); a clear, fresh white (used mostly for trim); and a sunny, golden orange (an accent color). Already existing in our identification symbols, these colors can serve to help unify the many elements in the natural, historical and recreational groupings within the Park Service.

"To maintain this unity of design, simple, clean lines were used—and are echoed in each of the items for easy coordination. Thus the jacket and hat may be worn not only with the dress, but also with the matching culottes and slacks. The beige coat has a zip-out lining in bright orange, which will accent the colors of the scarf.

"The outfit for supportive personnel is in the same beige color and in a similar design, but loose enough to fit several sizes. Park wives will have their own special short popover in sun-orange to wear over regular clothes while performing special duties or acting as hostesses. Chairwomen will don a comfortable cover-up in orange and white or beige and white crinkle cotton." [18]

Carole Scanlon and Betty Gentry display the new uniform in contrast with the old at the Director's private "fashion show" in Washington, DC, March 20, 1970. NPSHPC - Cecil W Stoughton Photo - HFC#70-78-26

Included were guidelines for shoes, boots, gloves, jewelry, etc., as well as heavy duty pants in wheat or brown denim; knit work tops; camel beige cardigan in washable acrylic; quilted beige long line hooded parka; butternut-beige maillot (one-piece) swimsuit with terry jacket; and a specially designed scarf with the Park Service insignia that could also be used as a gift item.

Sample garments were produced and a private "fashion show" was held for Director Hartzog and the committee on March 20, 1970, in which Carole Scanlon modeled the various uniforms and combinations. [19] The Director was so impressed, he gave his immediate approval.

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Last Modified: Wed, Dec 20 2000 11:30:00 pm PDT
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