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)

In 1960, the National Park Service issued a written statement on the employment of women in uniformed positions, urging administrative officials to consider fully all qualified applicants for vacancies within the Service. It states that the National Park Service should "employ in its uniformed positions the best qualified men and women available." However, it goes on to say "women cannot be employed in certain jobs, such as Park Ranger or Seasonal Park Ranger...in which the employee is subject to be called to fight fires, take part in rescue operations, or do other strenuous or hazardous work..." but that "Participation by women employees in lecture programs, guided tours, museum and library work, and in research programs would be entirely appropriate and very helpful in many Parks. Increased attention may also be given to children's programs in some Parks and to extension work to schools for which women interpretive employees may be even more effective than men." [10]

This interpretation of the roles of women in the Service probably had more to do with the design of their uniforms than any overt act of discrimination in quality or variety.

New regulations had been issued in 1959 to take effect on January 1, 1961. These new regulations only provided for dress uniforms for women. A winter version made from 19-oz. all wool elastique and a lightweight tropical weave, 50-50 wool-dacron , version for warmer climates. Both were to be forestry green in color. Corresponding material was to be used for hat, jacket and skirt in each uniform. Sketches were included in the regulations of the hat, jacket and skirt.

"Dirty-work" clothing was to be civilian "garb" without any identifiable National Park Service garments or insignia. The uniform was to be worn only by women employees whose duties involved primarily contact with the public. Occasional contact or brief relief assignments in which contact with the public occurred did not qualify them to wear a uniform.

Mrs. Mitsuko T. Shikuma, 1962. Shikuma was an Information-Receptionist, at Park Headquarters and Visitor Center, Hawaii National Park, Hilo, Hawaii. While not substantial enough for field duty, the 1961 uniform was well suited for this type of activity. NPSHPC-HFC#96-1328

The hat was to be designed after those worn by American Airline Stewardesses (Delta Uniforms #A-707) at that time. USNPS was to be embroidered in gold on the front in 1/2-inch letters. However, this was changed to silver on March 21, 1960, prior to the regulations taking effect, when it was noted that gold was not consistent with the other ornamentation on the uniform. (silver USNPS and badge). [11]

The jacket was also styled after that of the airline stewardess. It was a four-button model (Delta #A-703), tailored to fit, with the small arrowhead patch on the left shoulder.

The skirt was to be straight with front and rear 10" kick pleats proportioned to size. (Delta #A-703) It was to be worn without belt.

The blouse could be made out of any suitable white fabric. It was to be short sleeved, open necked, (a tie was no longer part of the women's uniform) and plain design without pleats or ornamentation. Patch was to be worn on left sleeve, same as jacket.

Shoes were changed to grace the new uniform. They were no longer just oxfords, but now any women's shoes with either low, Cuban or French (high) heels could be worn. They were to be of a plain cordovan colored closed toe and heel design, without slashing or other conspicuous ornamentation. (brilliants, large bows, ribbons, etc.)

Stockings remained a neutral shade (silk, nylon, or similar fiber) and overshoes could be either zippered galoshes, like the men, or black rubberized calf-length pull-on boots.

Jewelry, except for rings and wristwatches, was not to be worn.

Stormcoats and raincoats were to be the same as the men's.

Women's uniforms in the 1960s. The 1961 pattern uniform was authorized in the 1959 Uniform Regulations, but was not to become effective until January 1,1961, but more than likely, anyone purchasing a uniform in 1960 ordered the new pattern. For some unexplained reason, the uniform was changed again in 1962. The material and color remained the same so the effect was minimal. NPSART-Gilbert B. Cohen, artist HFC/ARM#GR-0002-6, -7

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