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)

Carole Scanlon, c.1960s. Scanlon, an interpreter at Independence National Historical Park, was asked to represent the women in the field on the uniform committee. NPSHPC/HFC#96-1337

However, when Scanlon came on board, either she, or someone else, decided to try something different. Apparently, the women's uniform portion of the regulations was to be held in abeyance until she could sort out the details, since no articles of clothing that correspond to the sketches have been found, in either photographs or artifacts.

Her duties were to assist in the coordination of determining the needs of the women; selecting a designer, as well as a practical design; and locating a manufacturer willing to produce such a relatively small quantity within the limited uniform allowances. All this, in addition to outfitting the many women stationed in parks throughout the country.

Scanlon began seeking technical assistance and ideas by conferring with the Philadelphia Textile Institute, Moore Institute of Art, Defense Supply and Support Center, and other organizations, either having or dealing with women in uniform.

Her first impulse was to hire a "name" designer, but the Service needed more than just a design. They had to have "complete coordination" of all facets for the "front line staff'. Someone interested in function, as well as fashion, who would heed the unique requirements of field personnel.

This individual was discovered in the person of Mary Joan Glynn, a vice president of Doyle Dane Bernbach, one of the Nations largest advertising firms. As head of "product styling", Glynn had introduced the knit dress, as a uniform, in the early sixties, revolutionizing the dress of airline stewardesses. Assisting her was Irene Beckman, a product development associate and head of fashion styling at the same company. Both women believed that fashion is a reflection of living. [16]

The question now was, what will satisfy the 250 permanent and innumerable seasonal women? The answer was simple. Just ask them. The age-old system of requesting input from the field in regard to uniform changes was put into operation. Scanlon took Beckman on a whirlwind tour of the Park System, and through the medium of letters, phone calls and meetings, the wishes and requirements of women in the field began to slowly emerge.

Experimental Hat, 1969. This sand-colored "stewardess" style hat was part of an experimental woman's uniform worn by Betty Otto in 1969 at Antietam National Battlefield. It now resides in the NPS History Collection at Harpers Ferry Center. NPSHC/HFC#6-1338

Probably the highlight of the tours was a large, intense "think tank", conducted at National Capital Parks in Washington, D.C. Here, women of all sizes and backgrounds, gathered for a four-hour discussion of the uniform problems of the Service.

Many things were brought to light by these exchanges. Things like:

"The fitted jacket isn't functional or comfortable. It should move easily but look smart, particularly in the city."... "We participate in many ceremonial functions here with the military. They always wear their dress uniforms and we look pretty drab in comparison."

"We climb hills and mountains and rocks. It's rugged. We tried bermuda shorts with knee socks, but they didn't protect us from poison ivy, stinging nettles or brambles in meadows. We need something more functional. Loose slacks are fine and levis are great."

Another wanted a suitable uniform for escorting VIP's around town, as well as flat shoes for summer wear.

The feeling was pretty unanimous in the dislike of the present hat. All thought it was "unattractive, dated, and a threat to their hairdos."

Several Members of a recent "think tank" discuss Park women's uniforms. Part of the group of people that discussed the uniform needs and desires of the women in the Park Service. Left to Right: Betty Gentry, Susan Hepler, Mary Dodd, Irene Beckman (Doyle Dane Bernbach, Inc.), Al Fields, Carole Scanlon. NPSHPC - W.H. Spradley photo - HFC#96-1336

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