Fearless Females – Working Women

From the Accidental Genealogist in honor of National Women’s History Month. March 12 Prompt: Did one of your mother or grandmother work outside the home? What did she do?

Helen F, (Coyle) Gardner

My maternal grandmother, Helen F (Coyle) Gardner [1897 – 1965] was the oldest of seven children. She worked in the home taking care of her siblings. Each day before going to school she worked in her father’s bakery. She mixed the bread dough by hand. Her father bragged to friends that he did not need to buy a mixer because he had Helen. After she mixed the dough she would make deliveries on her way to school.

After graduating from school Helen worked for The Western Union Telegraph Company in New York City. While she was working there she met her future husband, NathanielGardner, who was a boss. Helen continued to work until their daughter was born.

Years later, after the family had moved from New York City to the country and Nathaniel died, Helen went to work again to support their daughter and herself.