November 30, 1943

WOMEN LIKE WAR WORK

Vice President Speaks in Cleveland

CLEVELAND—Vice President Henry Wallace speaking here last week to a group of war workers at the White Motors plant offended women war workers. In part of his speech, Wallace speculated on household amenities to come after the war, including new ice boxes and automatic diaper-changing machines, after which he stated, “these things will all be waiting for you women when you go back into the home.” The overall-clad, but decidedly feminine, audience responded not with cheers, but groans. The cheers came only after Wallace hurriedly added “—if you want to go back.” Given the reaction, can the vice president be faulted for doubting women war workers will ever return to the kitchen?