ELKINS — Our Town’s Rosie the Riveter Committee is currently searching for women from Randolph County who worked for pay in a war-related industry or agency during World War II.  

The women are being sought out to be a part of the organization’s fifth annual Rosie the Riveter Celebration and Recognition event, scheduled for Aug. 9 at the St. Brendan Catholic Church. The women selected will be inducted into the Our Town Rosie the Riveter Honor Roll.

“We already have four ladies who have been brought to our attention for this year’s list,” Our Town volunteer Bobbi Trimboli told The Inter-Mountain. “Last year we had a large number and what we would like to do is continue to find women until we can’t find any more.” 

Rosie the Riveter is a cultural icon that represents the women who worked in factories and shipyards during the war. Any woman who received pay for any essential work during war is considered a Rosie. 

“We don’t have a cap limit of how many we will accept, so we will gladly take as many ladies as we can after the four women that we already have,” Trimboli said. “Sometimes families don’t even realize their loved ones, their mother, grandmother, aunt, or whatever, qualify to be a Rosie. We want to find as many Rosies as we can so that we can honor them.”

Some of the industry and agency jobs that women filled during WWII included: shipyard worker, aircraft factory, armory, ammunition plant worker, and work within the War Department. Some other examples include: service station operator, police officer, taxi or bus driver, farming, and construction worker. Work usually done by a woman, not related to the war, does not count. 

“Despite the famous photo that depicts a Rosie the Riveter, not every woman recognized as a Rosie actually used a riveting gun,” said Trimboli. “They held many different jobs in many different capacities.”

Last year’s event took place at the Randolph County Arts Center, and 15 new Rosies were recognized for their accomplishments. More than 120 family members, friends and community members attended the celebration.

To submit a family member for the 2025 Rosie Honor Roll, please contact Trimboli at 304-636-0415 for further information or with any questions. Family members will be asked to submit a one-page biography and a picture to be displayed at the celebration.