Lyceum & Book Club - Week 34 - Jan.13, 1947 - Women’s Clubs in County Pledge Support

Article printed in the Jan. 13, 1947 edition of The Miami Herald on page 11-A

Headline - 41 Women in Aviation Feted by Federation - Women’s Clubs in County Pledge Support if Fliers Barred From Miami Maneuvers

There was the warm camaraderie known only to the mutually downtrodden. There’s always a special cordiality about salutary luncheons given by the Dade County Federation of Women’s clubs. But Saturday when 41 women in aviation were feted at there Coral Gables Country Club, the feeling was heightened by commiseration over the barring of women from the All-American Air Maneuvers. Neither hostess nor guest was at a loss for words on the subject.

When Mrs. James B. Davidson, Federation president, turned the meeting over to the “M.C.,” Mrs. McCaffrey commented pertly: “When we started these brunches honoring the women fliers (in 1938) it was because we were asked to do it. The men wanted us to entertain them and bid them welcome. I seem to remember, too, that the first year the Federation sold tickets to the maneuvers was the first year the show got out of the red!”

“Next time,” she cautioned her air-minded audience, “don’t let this thing get away from you. If you’re having trouble, let us fight for you, because,” she promised, “we’ll do it!”

Mrs. Gladys Pennington, chairman of the “rebound” all-women’s air meet scheduled for March 15 and 16 in Tampa, declared organizations of women fliers “are pretty mad about this.” She pledged, “and don’t think we’re through with it.”

Forthwith, she invited all present to come to the Tampa meet. No admission will be charged, she added.

Conciliatory words were offered by CAA flight test examiner, Mrs. Verna Burke Craft, of Miami. As guest speaker, Mrs. Craft spoke resigned words, “The only way we can win the men over, is to take it on the chin, take their kidding and their uncooperative spirit. Not,” she admonished, “by seeking publicity, as some have, undeservedly. We don’t all appreciate that approach. Just remember - an airplane cannot distinguish the sex of its pilot.”