The A to Z Challenge asks bloggers to post 26 posts, one for each letter of the English alphabet, in April. Most of us choose to make these posts on a particular theme. My theme for 2023 is 1943 Washington D.C., the setting of the novel that I’m writing. Visit daily in April for a new post on my topic.

R is for Eleanor Roosevelt at Arlington Farms

As I mentioned yesterday, Arlington Farms was a large, temporary dorm complex for women war workers. The complex was across the Potomac from Washington D.C. Many of its residents worked on the Arlington side of the river at Arlington Hall or the newly constructed Pentagon. Since World War II, Arlington Cemetery has grown to take over the former site of Arlington Farms.

Arlington Farms was affectionately known as “28 Acres of Girls.” Naturally, they attracted a number of male visitors to their frequent dances. Photograph by Esther Bubley. From the Library of Congress.

First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, visited Arlington Farms twice in 1943.

Her first visit, on May 18, was shortly after the construction and occupation of the first of ten buildings, Idaho Hall. The Washington Post article reported that Mrs. Roosevelt had some say in the design of the buildings. According to her, the President thought that the walls of the dorms should be half-height, but she insisted that the residents needed full-height walls for privacy. The residents expressed gratitude for that feature.

There’s an AP photo of her visit on this page of The Berkshire Eagle.

Mrs. Roosevelt mentioned her visit in her column called “My Day,” admiring the “Cemesto” building product. In that column, she mentioned that identical dormitories were to be built elsewhere for black women.

The First Lady returned to Arlington Farms for the official dedication on October 15. By then, nine more dormitories were complete as well as a recreation hall. Mrs. Roosevelt was the keynote speaker for the event, choosing words to inspire women to work during the war. Mrs. James Doolittle was an honored guest as the wife of Jimmy Doolittle, the hero of the Tokyo Raid in April 1942.

First lady creates stir at dormitory. (1943, May 19). The Washington Post (1923-1954) Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/first-lady-creates-stir-at-dormitory/docview/151686841/se-2

Dormitories in arlington dedicated. (1943, Oct 16). The Washington Post (1923-1954) Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/dormitories-arlington-dedicated/docview/151629573/se-2