Charm School for WAFs

Throughout WWII, American women worked in a tremendous variety of fields in which women had never worked before. Joining the ranks of the WAFS or other military services took women out of offices and placed them in some dangerous situations. By 1951, it was determined that women were part of the military to stay. Adding etiquette and social skills training was one way to boost recruitment.

WAFs Got the Word On Personality, Poise

Join the air force, lady, and learn about poise, confidence and personal appearance. Experts will teach you. Classes in personal appearance have been added to the training schedules for WAFs at sprawling Lackland air force base here.

“Women, especially those in uniform, can be just as dainty. feminine and carefully groomed as ever,” explained Robert L. Detchemendy, head of the Personal Appearance Department at Stephens College, Columbia, Mo. Detchemendy spent a week at Lackland lecturing, demonstrating and organizing the courses.

Individual styling of hair and skin grooming are part of the courses. Cleanliness, wholesomeness and neatness are stressed. Posture and etiquette are treated extensively. Points are given on diet, as an aid to naturally attractive complexion and to sports and exercise as aids to maintaining a trim figure. — San Antonio, Texas (AP), 1951

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia