Helen Leqve, a real-life “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II, is a 103-year-old resident of Kasson, who shared her memories at the annual meeting of the Dodge County Historical Society (DCHS).
Helen, along with her daughter, Karen Tracy, talked about her wartime experiences April 22 at the Annadine in Dodge Center during the DCHS annual meeting.
Helen was a “Rosie the Riveter,” as a young woman, along with many other women who worked for the U.S. government constructing military necessities, including airplanes and guns. She worked in California and later in Ogden, Utah, where she met her future husband, Merlin. Helen used a rivet gun that weighed more than ten pounds, and due to her small stature, she was sometimes assigned to rivet the interior of the wings of the Lockheed airplanes she worked on.
A variety of bundt cakes were served, and newly elected members of the board of directors, Dale Rood, Elaine French and Mary Sue Sandeno were welcomed. Linda Jerviss, Dallas Ness and Lori Kryzer completed their terms.
The DCHS Museum in Mantorville will open for the season on Thursday, May 22. Open hours will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons 1 to 4 p.m. though mid-October. To visit at other times, please make an appointment by calling 507-635-5508 to leave a message or email dodgecountyhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
