Rosie the Riveter was the star of a campaign aimed at recruiting female workers for defense industries during World War II, and she became perhaps the most iconic image of working women. American women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers during the war, as widespread male enlistment left gaping holes in the industrial labor force. Between 1940 and 1945, the female percentage of the U.S. workforce increased from 27 percent to nearly 37 percent, and by 1945 nearly one out of every four married women worked outside the home. (Source: https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/rosie-the-riveter)
The first slide of his presentation at this week’s Rotary meeting was dated August 26, 2007, and DeKalb County Forest Preserve Superintendent Terry Hannan described the devastating flooding that frequently occurred at the Evergreen Trailer Park on the east edge of Sycamore. Hannan then shifted to an overlay of the recently created Sycamore Forest Preserve with its spacious, lush landscapes adjoining the east bank of the Kishwaukee River. The dramatic transformation was the result of a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant and multi-jurisdictional cooperation which now links trails, offers meeting shelters, includes a fishing pond, and adds some unique viewing opportunities on the north side of Route 64 across from the Sycamore Park District Golf Course.
The Sycamore Forest Preserve is currently the western trail head for the Great Western Trail that leads eastward across DeKalb and Kane Counties. Hannan explained that plans are underway to extend the trail further west with a bridge across the Kishwaukee River where it would meet up with paths maintained by the Sycamore Park District. Hannan showed how the trail’s former railroad right-of-way is being cleared of small trees and overgrowth. This includes using a machine capable of cutting down 6-to-8-inch scrub trees in its path. Improvements are expected to cost $800,000 with 80% covered by a federal grant.
Besides the trail attraction, the Sycamore Forest Preserve is undergoing a major revitalization with prairie plantings. A 30-acre floodplain area was seeded over the winter and should produce a colorful landscape of flowers and grasses. Also, a Forest Preserve employee has used his skills with a chain saw to produce dramatic carvings on tree stumps adding to the visual uniqueness of the property.
Hannan concluded his presentation by answering a question about the Riverwood Forest Preserve on the south edge of Genoa. This preserve is on the site of the former Oak Club Golf Course and represents the county’s first neighborhood-type property since it is surrounded by homes. The 103-acre site has former fairways being converted to prairies and paths being developed on routes formerly used by golf carts.
March 10, 1862 – The first issue of U. S. Government paper money occurs as $5, $10, and $20 bills begin circulation. The largest denomination of currency ever printed by the Federal Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) was the $100,000 Series 1934 Gold Certificate featuring the portrait of President Wilson.
March 12, 1888 – The Great Blizzard of ’88 struck the northeastern U. S. The storm lasted 36 hours with over 40 inches of snow falling in New York City where over 400 people die from the surprise storm.
March 11, 1918 – The “Spanish Influenza” first reaches America as 107 soldiers become ill at Fort Riley, Kansas. The worldwide death toll from the virus approaches 20 million by the end of the epidemic in 1920.
March 8, 1971 – Billed as “The Fight of the Century,” undefeated heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier fought undefeated champion Muhammad Ali in Ali’s comeback bid following a government-imposed exile. Frazier wins in 15 rounds although Ali won two subsequent rematches.
March 9, 1451 – Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci is born in Florence, Italy. He explored South America and the Amazon River. Believing Vespucci discovered a new continent, a German mapmaker makes the first notation of the land as “America”.
March 13, 1733 – Scientist and clergyman Joseph Priestly is born in Yorkshire, England. He discovered Oxygen and advanced the religious theory of Unitarianism.
March 10, 1903 – Politician, journalist, and playwright Clare Boothe Luce is born in New York City. She serves in the U. S. House of Representatives from 1943-1947 and becomes the first woman appointed as ambassador to a major country (Italy).
March 11, 1952 – English author, screenwriter, and humorist Douglas Adams is born in Cambridge. His work “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” was originally broadcast as a radio comedy over the BBC in 1978 and was later adapted into novels, comic books, a television show, video game, stage shows, and a 2005 feature film.
Sycamore Rotary's "Cabin Fever" event on March 6 was hosted by the Egyptian Theatre.
