Women's Work

My Grandma Hilda was just 48 when my grandfather passed away. Together they had three grown sons, and two young daughters. They owned and operated the El Monte Laundry, and as was done in those days, the laundry went to the three sons, soon after George’s death.

The youngest son wanted no part of the family business, so it went to the two older boys, who then took on the responsibility of looking after their mother and two sisters.

Hilda had always worked alongside her husband, the two a team. Yet, in the midst of her grief, a family friend convinced her it would be best for all concerned if she turned the laundry over to the sons.

As time went on, and she learned to live with her grief, my grandmother was ready to find her new place in the world. Hilda was always known for being impeccably groomed, her outfits were always stylish and neatly pressed. Her daily routine included a modest application of face powder, a bit of lip stick, and of course her earrings, and other accent jewelry. (I especially remember her pop-beads.)

Grandma decided to apply for a job at one of the upscale department stores in Los Angeles. I expect she was considering something at the cosmetic or jewelry counter, perhaps in fashions. People loved her, and I imagine she would have been very good at the job. Although Grandma didn't drive, she frequently took the street car, which was about a 30 or 40 minute trip from El Monte to Los Angeles.

Yet, before the job became a reality, her sons put their foot down. No, their mother was not going to work. Not only was it unseemly, they were determined to look after her.

My uncles were good men, and I know they loved their mother. I imagine their intentions were pure, if not somewhat archaic. They believed they were acting in the best interest of my grandmother.

I often think of that story, and it makes me realize how so much has changed in the last sixty plus years. That job probably would have been very good for my grandmother. Funny how men in those days often overlooked the fact their women would do backbreaking work (such as my grandmother’s time on the farm or her work in the laundry), yet should they want to step out and try something like my grandmother proposed, it was considered unseemly, and suddenly the men in her life would make the decision that it was “unnecessary”.

Years later my Grandmother confided to her youngest child (my mother), that she regretted not pursing the job. It was something she wanted to do. Yet, in those days women often abided by the decisions of husbands and older sons. And even the men who wanted what was best for the women in their lives, often failed to recognize that their view was not always accurate.

(Photo:Hilda and her daughters, Margaret and Caroline)