Rivets, Roses & Resilience: The Memories of Margaret Bernice Thompson
Welcome to a living archive of one woman’s story from America’s home front during World War II.
This blog follows the journey of Margaret Bernice Thompson, a proud Rosie the Riveter who worked at the Goodyear Aircraft factory in Akron, Ohio. Like thousands of women across the nation, Margaret traded her apron for a pair of work gloves and rolled up her sleeves to support the war effort.
Here, you’ll find original newspaper clippings, vintage magazines, photographs, and wartime letters that illuminate not just her life, but the world she lived in. From riveting aircraft to ration stamps, from bustling factory floors to quiet handwritten notes sent across the sea, this blog will showcase the resilience of a generation.
After the war, Margaret’s life led her west to Oregon, where she built a family and raised four children, carrying with her the strength and determination forged during those extraordinary years.
Each post will share a slice of history — a tangible reminder of a time when ordinary women did extraordinary things.
Margaret was born in August of 1925. She met my grandpa Charles Thompson and they were married in October 1943. He was sent to Rhode Island with the Navy and was later sent overseas to fight in the war. Margaret the n went to work for Goodyear Airplane Factory in Akron, Ohio.
Margaret worked on the line doing riveting, counter-sinking and anodizing. She was a stand-out in her squadron and was selected to attend evening classes twice per week to be trained in all departments. In her all-girl squadron, Margaret remembers that they all had to pull back their hair in a bandanas and wear pants while working.
Margaret says her time working as a Rosie was wonderful and she has found memories of that work and what she was doing to help her county.
Yvonne, president of the American Rosie the Riveter Association, along with Elaine (another “Rosie”) recognized Margaret with a certificate honoring her service and presented her with iconic “Rosie the Riveter Bandana.” Yvonne read a thoughtful poem commemorating the work of the Rosie and thanking Margaret for her service.
