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)

Showing off the new polyester uniforms, 1975. Left to right: Front - Roselyn Grey, Marsha Wood Rear: - Cheryl Kiatta, Linda Balatti. NPSHPC - Dan Hughes photo - HFC#75-1777-1-35

Linda Balatti, 1975. Balatti is wearing the 1974 pattern Class A uniform with cardigan jacket. NPSHPC - Clare C. Ralston photo - HFC#75-2097-21

1974 saw the uniform change once again, although not entirely as the women had desired. The new uniform was to still be the "A line" style of double-knit polyester, although now it was to be dark green. Some women quickly christened it the "McDonald's" uniform because it reminded them of those worn by fast food workers.

In the new NPS uniform regulations, the dress uniform was to consist of dark green dress and cardigan jacket; brown pumps and bag; Neutral hose and a white scarf with NPS arrowhead motif. The gold nametag with the rounded edges that was introduced in 1970 was retained and a small arrowhead patch was worn where the badge normally went. Dress options consisted of white or matching green sweater, raincoat, dress coat and straw or felt Stetson hat. This ensemble was to be used for formal occasions, in or out of the park and whenever in contact with the public, such as at information desks, in visitor centers, or on speaking engagements.

A second uniform, classified as the "Basic pant-suit" was authorized as alternate wear in all of the same circumstances, with the exception of formal occasions. It consisted of the same articles except tunic and pants replaced the dress. The options were the same, except now the scarf was also optional.

Undoubtedly to placate some of the dissatisfied women in the field, a third uniform was added. It was classified as the "Women's Traditional Uniform". This was in essence the standard men's uniform, with a couple of exceptions. An ascot replaced the tie, which was optional, a black turtleneck could be worn in cool weather and coats were not required but fell under the optional category. Those women that did opt to wear the coat, wore a short jacket they termed an "Ike" jacket, although it was cut on a different pattern than the true Second World War variety. It had a round collar similar to that on the 1962 Airline Stewardess uniform, only smaller, a zipper front and no pockets.

Other options were forest green skirt, parka and raincoat. It would seem that this uniform was an alternate for the pantsuit since the regulations specify that it was for those "employees whose primary duties on a day-to-day basis require direct contact with the park visitors". All three uniforms were to be worn as prescribed by the park superintendent.

In some of the parks, however, notably Yosemite, women had already started wearing this uniform the year before, but it took William Henderson, acting director, Southeast Region, to start the equality ball rolling. He suggested to Washington that women, when working with their male counterpart and performing equivalent work, should be allowed to wear the traditional uniform.

Upon reviewing the situation, John Cook, at that time in charge of park operations in Washington, went one step further and directed there be only one uniform for both men and women. He also recommended the Uniform Regulations include a skirt for those women that preferred it.

Continue

Last Modified: Wed, Dec 20 2000 11:30:00 pm PDT
http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/workman4/vol4c21.htm