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)

Viola V. Shannon - Worked at Cavern from 1941 to May 1968 - Started as elevator operator, later guide, finally Supervisory Guide. Photo was taken on 2/17/1962. NPSHPC-CAVE#1833

On January 30, 1962, Amendment No.4 to the uniform regulations brought yet another change for the uniformed women of the National Park Service. The new uniform, although of a different cut, was made from the same material as that previously worn. Consequently, it only altered their appearance slightly. The reason for the change is not known, since existing official correspondence does not address this issue.

In addition to the uniform changes, the regulations now allowed women employees on duty in areas administrated by the National Park Service to wear the uniform, when authorized to do so by the Director or superintendent.

The USNPS on the front of the hat was now to be replaced with the new small size arrowhead, (1-1/2" x 2") although the earlier style continued to be worn for some time by those that had purchased them prior to the change. Two fabric-covered hatpins were also specified. In addition, the hat was not required to be worn by uniformed receptionist-typist and receptionist-secretaries or anyone doing desk work.

A new "Airline hostess type" jacket was specified. This new jacket was made out of the same materials as before, but now it was "semi-form fitting with three buttons equally spaced 3" apart, lowest button at smallest part of waist." It was to have a natural shoulder line (no padding) with a "shawl collar 1-3/4" to 2" wide at nape of neck tapering to top button. Length of jacket to be 5" below natural waistline, all the way around skirt of jacket."

A new feature of this jacket was a hidden inside pocket 4" wide by 3" deep, positioned 2" below the top button hole on the right side seam of jacket. Because of the variations in temperature and other conditions and activities, uniformity of wearing or doffing the jacket was to be maintained locally. The standard size (3-3/4") arrowhead patch was to be worn on the left sleeve as before, plus an "Embroidered name tag" was to be placed on the right side of jacket to the side of lapel. The sketch that came with the amendment specifies "Embroidered or plastic name tag." There is no evidence that an embroidered nametag was ever made. (see: Book No.1 - Badges and Insignia)

The "Airline hostess type" skirt was also changed. Even though it is still specified as "Delta Uniform #A-703 or equal", it is constructed entirely different, unless of course, Delta changed their design also. It was now to be "straight, no flair, three gores—single gore front and two gores in back. Back of skirt has double inverted 8" pleat, proportioned to size, set into back center seam with diamond tack of matching silk thread;...Waistband to be 1-1/4" wide...double button and buttonhole adjustment."

Mary B. Weatherwax, Roosevelt Vanderbilt, 1961. As this photograph testifies, not all women ran out and purchased the new uniform as soon as it came out. Even so, they were supposed to have switched over by January 1, 1961. NPSHPC - HFC#96 - 1331

Beatrice Lunt, Colonial National Historical Park. Lunt is wearing the Model 1962 stewardess uniform with the plastic nametag and Arrowhead pin ("in lieu of badge"). The "regs" called for the USNPS to be worn on the blouse collar, if worn outside, but she has hers on her coat lapels. NPSHPC - HFC#96-1332

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