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STORY INDEX Population of Indiana's
northeast counties Tracking railroads: Longtime area auto dealers have 'seen it all' Amish continue long-held
traditions Cars accelerate lives of Noble County residents The price of cars: How much did it cost to drive one off the lot? Electric Interurban connected area to Fort Wayne, beyond LaGrange residents rally to save historic brick streets U.S. 6, Ind. 3: Kendallville's routes to growth Agriculture ever-changing, advancing in Noble County Comparisons: How far did the dollar stretch? Growing onions, peppermint made 'scents' in early 1900s The Gaby farm: A changing culture impacts 4-H County fair continues to be a big social event Thriving through the times: Downtown Kendallville adapts to a century of changes Dekko's philanthropy remains a 'valuable resource' Rinkel family still at the wheel of Greenfield Hills Commerce nothing new to Shipshewana: Town thrives as one of fastest-growing tourist areas in state Making do during the Great Depression: Retired hatchery owner recalls tough times, bright moments Mill a 'Star' business in Ligonier: Firm has been grinding wheat into flour for 113 years Elmer E. McCray had a major impact on Kendallville Richard R. Cole has long legacy Female executive has seen many changes in workforce Working women: From assisting war effort to competing in global markets Wolcottville a center of commerce, industry in 1800s Mongoquinong area was early LaGrange County commercial center 'The cheapest hired hand we ever had.' Electricity made life brighter, easier down on the farm Monument company's history set in stone Historic Corn School dates back to 1906
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Working women: From assisting war effort to competing in global markets By NATALIE HESS The News-Sun
KENDALLVILLE - In 1943 Cora Smolinske felt the needs of her community and country change. She was a secretary at Uhl's Service Center in Kendallville. Smolinske realized that due to World War II, she was more needed at local industry. Smolinske became employed at Kendallville's Flint & Walling. "All of the guys were going to the service. Women and guys not called to the service were the only ones left to work," said Smolinske. At Flint & Walling, she contributed to the war effort by making 22 mm tracer shells that were used in combat. The Flint & Walling of World War II required employee badges to enter the fenced-in plant. Soldiers stood guard outside. The machines themselves could not be left idle. If an employee did not come on or was late to work, employees like Smolinske would stay on their machine until a replacement came. Flint & Walling has always been alongside the railroad tracks that run through downtown Kendallville.
"When a train would pass through, all the military boys would wave and holler at us inside the plant," Smolinske recalls. "You really felt you were a part of things. We were at war!" The men who returned from the service after World War II had their jobs waiting for them. At this time Smolinske was transferred to the windmill department. Other workers who chose to stay made water system pumps. The shell-making wing of Flint & Walling shut down, and the Navy had a huge military celebration, complete with the military band. Women like Smolinske were honored with the Navy E medal to recognize "Women on the Homefront." Remaining with Flint & Walling until 1995, Smolinske became active in labor and women's issues in the workplace. Her sensitivity toward working people was inspired by her beginning days at Flint & Walling and has led to a lifetime dedicated to the labor movement and women's issues. Smolinske founded CLUW, the Coalition of Labor Union Women, in 1975 and has repeatedly been chosen as a delegate for the Democratic National Convention. She joined the political movement after seeing the Democratic Party consistently voted for the nation's working people. "I deeply care about people. I think everyone should have an equal chance to prove themselves," said Smolinske. Smolinske has done a lot for her country and community as a result of Flint & Walling's World War II effort. Today the shell-making and windmill operations are gone. Since the days of World War II, Flint & Walling has become solely a manufacturer of quality water systems, and memories like Smolinske's are rare among today's employees.
Pam Bay began working for Flint & Walling 27 years ago. Bay is a third-generation laborer at Flint & Walling, following the footsteps of her dad, grandmother, aunt and uncle. Bay has stayed on crew at Flint & Walling for 27 years like many co-workers of her generation. "A lot of us around the factory have at least 15 years in," said Bay. "That's because whoever came, stayed." Bay feels employees at Flint & Walling are a close-knit group. They work among either family or friends that started with them. "We're treated well. The ethics are good. Safety is a top priority, and people are conscious about quality," said Bay about present work conditions. When Bay compares the present conditions to the conditions older generations worked under, she is thankful. "Things were easier when we got here. The machinery and equipment had been brought up to date. The women who worked here before probably had rougher conditions and more manual labor," Bay said about women like Smolinske who worked at the Flint & Walling of World War II. "Sexual harassment and safety issues have come a long way." The Flint & Walling of the upcoming millennium differs from the World War II Flint & Walling. The World War II factory was employed primarily by women and focused on national politics. During World War II, the women concentrated on the war that was taking U.S. men abroad. Today women at Flint & Walling concentrate on the competition of a global market. "We have to have a good product at a reasonable price now, or we'll go under," explained Bay. "We're competing with companies all around the world." |
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