World War II reshaped the lives of two young sisters from Mission Hill, drawing them into the iconic workforce of women known as “Rosie the Riveter.”
Lorraine and Evangeline “Sis” Hauger put their high school educations on pause and, in January 1943, joined the National Youth Administration (NYA). There, they trained in defense-related work to contribute to the wartime effort.
By June 1943, after completing training in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 17-year-old Lorraine and 16-year-old Sis left behind their family and community. They traveled to McClellan Air Depot, later called McClellan Air Force Base, located in Sacramento, California. Lorraine was placed in charge of the large tool room, where she managed the distribution and return of tools to the workers. Sis wore coveralls and was assigned to work on lathes, drill presses, and other tasks wherever she was needed.
It was a remarkable journey for two teenage sisters who joined millions of women stepping into industrial roles left vacant by men deployed overseas. These “Rosies” kept America’s wartime production going and helped sustain the home front effort during one of the most challenging times in history.
Their three sisters and younger generations of the family could not be more proud.