The Pittsburgh Press (January 8, 1945)
Gracie Allen Reporting
By Gracie Allen
Goodness, now there’s talk about a government draft of women to work in certain industries. Uncle Sam is going to substitute the factory whistle for the wolf whistle. The theory is that any woman strong enough to dig a fur coat out of her husband can also plant a few acres of potatoes, and women complaining about nylons may soon get them in a way they don’t expect.
According to chemists, nylons are made mostly out of coal, and these gals may find themselves digging up their stockings in lump form. Other women who are upset about not getting cigarettes may find themselves working on a tobacco plantation. I can imagine a lady in a mink coat and a lorgnette giving the tobacco auctioneer’s chant with a Park Avenue accent.
The Manpower Commission is interested also in getting women to replace men in certain nightclub jobs. Can you imagine the men dying of thirst on bar stools all over the country while a couple of lady bartenders discuss recipes?