We’re not always fashion forward here in the National Archives (archivists wear blue coats over the street clothes to protect themselves from the dust and dirt that come from working in the stacks), but we were inspired by the jaunty hats and shiny shoes worn by these two women. And so were many of you, apparently! We had a hard time choosing among captions that referenced Project Runway, crayons, and song lyrics.
We turned to archives technician Diane Petro, who shouldered her judging duties like a bandolier of bullets. Diane has been down in the trenches for the last several months working on the 1940 census, but now that it has been released, she has returned to her civilian life in the Research Room.
Congratulations to Michelle! Your caption was chosen by Diane as the winner! Check your e-mail for a code for a 15% discount in the National Archives eStore.
And congratulations to Florence Johnson and Rosamund Small! These two women in the photograph (ARC 520612; 80-G-45240) were the first WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) to qualify as instructors on electrically operated 50-caliber machine gun turrets. Here they are walking to the target range at the Naval Air Gunners School in Hollywood, Florida (April 11, 1944).
Our last photograph featured statuesque women, but this week’s photo features statues. Put your wittiest caption in the comments below!
“Ronnie, be careful. they’ll have YOUR head!”
“You know Ronnie, I don’t think these warriors are going to help me win the war on drugs. Maybe I should try a catchy slogan instead….”
“The chinese government was thrilled to uncover 2 Terra Cotta figurines with the coloring still intact”
“Nancy, I don’t think we’re in California anymore!”
It looks as if we’re the 1%.
Now these Secret Service guys probably didn’t fool around with the locals!
“Why can’t congress be like this?”
Do not look at Medusa.
Ronnie, put the head back. I think we’re on camera.
“Just try to blend in, dear.”
I don’t know if I should sign a treaty with these people, Nancy. They’re so stone-faced.
The Reagans catch members of Congress BEFORE they put on their suits and makeup.
OK boys, now’s a good time to invade Russia…
When Ron and Nancy talked about “old-fashioned values,” no-one had realized HOW old-fashioned they meant!
Ronald and Nancy Reagan tour the emperor’s terracotta statues prior to the state funeral of Emperor Shi Huang Di of the Qin Dynasty.