“It felt great, especially when you have brothers overseas. You figured you were doing something worthwhile.” 
                                 Shirley Kickbush

World War II opened up new industries in BC, but it was difficult to find workers because so many men were fighting overseas.  The Alberni Plywood plant hired hundreds of women when it opened in 1942, including some as young as 16. Many of these women were happy just to find work, while others left low paying jobs as waitresses or babysitters.  These women, affectionately nicknamed the Plywood Girls, were the first to work in the forest industry in Port Alberni. 

next >>        

Image credit:  From the British Columbia Lumberman,  April 1944, Volume 28, No. 4