Mary Lou Schiltz papers on Purdue in World War Two

Collection — Box: Communal Collections 66, Placement: 09

Identifier: MSA 370

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection contains several clippings, pamphlets and announcements belonging to Mary Lou Schiltz, who was a Home Economics student at Purdue during World War Two. Of particular interest are materials relating to the experiences of women students during this time, including: program material for the Work to Win Conference that was compulsory for women students, an article about the RCA engineering cadette program that was modeled after the Curtiss-Wright Cadettes, and other articles pertaining to student life and special training for women during the war. Also included is a pamphlet that was distributed on campus and contains a war-time address from President Elliott.

Dates

1942 - 1943

Creator

Schiltz, Mary Lou (Person)

Language of Materials

Collection material is in English.

Access Information

The collection is open for research.

Copyright and Use Information

Portions of this material are in the public domain. Other material copyrights held by Purdue University or original creator. Consult with Purdue University Archives and Special Collections prior to the reproduction of materials.

Historical Information

During World War II Purdue, like many universities, became involved in the war effort. As a land grant university and nationally recognized leader in engineering education, the University's role in the war effort was to ensure that military members and civilians alike were adequately trained to serve both overseas and at home in the factories. For women students, the war provided a unique opportunity to gain training and work experience that was typically restricted to men. As a result, American pop culture saw the development of icons such as Rosie the Riveteer and Wanda the Welder. Women were also given unprecedented training opportunities due to collaborative training and placement programs such as the Curtiss-Wright Cadettes and the RCA Engineering Cadettes. Women at university and homemakers alike were encouraged to consider work outside the home in support of the war effort, and some were recruited for military service in women's branches (i.e. SPARS, WAVES, etc)

MSA 370, Mary Lou Schiltz papers on Purdue in World War Two, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries
MSA 195, Totsye Harper Winslow collection on the Curtiss-Wright Cadettes, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries

biographical information

Mary Lou Schiltz was originally from Elkhart, Indiana. She earned a Science degree from Purdue University in 1946. While at Purdue she was a member of Delta Gamma, the Panhellenic Council, and the V.C. Meredith Club. Schiltz was married to Arthur J Herrmann, Jr. who earned a Bachelors (47) and Masters (48) in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue.

Extent

0.025 Cubic Feet (One folder containing several items, housed in communal container.)

Additional Description

Acquisition Information

Collection donated by Beth Ann Schneider on April 16, 2018.

Related Materials

MSA 195, Totsye Harper Winslow Papers on the Curtiss-Wright Cadettes, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries.

Processing Information

Materials were removed from Schiltz's scrapbook before being donated to the Archives. All newspaper clippings have been copied for preservation purposes and originals have been placed in archival sleeves. All materials have been placed in acid-free folders and boxes.