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)

Illustration in the 1961 National Park Service Uniform Handbook depicting the new 'Airline Stewardess" style uniform hat. Chapter 5, Page 11. National Park Service Archives, HFC RG Y55

The 1961 pattern women's hat. This hat had a more pleasing appearance on paper than in person. It was changed to the more familiar "Buffalo Chip" design prior to the introduction of the 1962 pattern uniform. This hat has the small arrowhead crudely whip-stitched on the front indicating it was worn after the uniform change in 1962. NPSHPC-Steve Ruth Photo HFC#96-1343

The 1961 uniform regulations were very liberal in defining the uniform for women. Certain items were specifically spelled out, but variations were allowed at the numerous parks. For instance, when Helen Lindsley was hired at Yellowstone, she was informed "You will need a women's uniform hat, dress coat and skirt in the 100% wool, 19 oz. elastique material. You will need a couple of plain white blouses - in the past our girls have had the best luck ordering women's shawl collar shirts from Gregory's, Greely, Colorado . . . Don't buy uniform shoes - you will need something suitable for walking and will do best with plain dark brown loafers . . . suitable raincoat is required, and the best bet (if you don't already have one of a buff, beige, or tan color) is one in a Balmacaan style [loose single-breasted overcoat with raglan sleeves and a short turnover collar] - a zip-out lining is more versatile but not mandatory. Other than these items, hose should be a plain neutral color - seamless preferred. If you carry a purse on duty it should be plain and brown." [12]

After distribution of the new regulations, complaints and suggestions began to come in from the field. One particular item dealt specifically with women. It involved the location of the badge and nametag. The uniform regulations provided for women to wear the badge on their jacket, but the only location specified was on the left breast pocket (for men). There were no breast pockets on the women's jacket and this general location was too low for a good appearance on a woman. It was decided to raise and center both items, badge on left and name tag on right, 2" below the notch in the jacket collar. This location allowed both items to lay snug against the coat.

Another item of contention was that of women wearing the badge. The majority of the 45 career uniformed women employees performed information and interpretive functions. Since there were no women rangers at that time, the rest must have been classified as naturalists or historians. Some women expressed strong opinions against wearing the badge, while others were just as adamant for it. [13]

This was later resolved by is suing the women a silver arrowhead pin, the same size as the tie tack, "in lieu of a badge", though superintendents had the option of issuing them a regular badge, if they so desired.

Mary Bradford relates the experience of when she received her pin, she was very unhappy about it. Visitors did not consider her having any authority and would by-pass her to talk to the "ranger with the badge". So she refused to wear it and requested a badge from her supervisor. He agreed with her and issued her a regular ranger badge. Unfortunately, when she pinned it on her uniform it proved to be too heavy for the material. But, exercising that 'old ranger know-how', She stuck the pin through her jacket and fastened it to her bra strap.

Illustration in the 1961 National Park Service Uniform Handbook depicting the new "Airline Stewardess"style uniform. Chapter 5, Page 10. National Park Service Archives, HFC RG Y55

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