Get Your Premium Membership

Gibson's Gals

Poet's Notes
(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Chetta Achara.



Image: Gibson factory during WW2, courtesy of Atlas Obscura
Kalamazoo kids went off to war leaving giddy gals to go forward in fractured factories ~from music to munitions gay guitars would wait until battered boys came hurriedly home... or would they wait? The thought was there but Gibson's gals did not care for world war and behind the building's walls would give guitars attuned attention; first making munitions then manufacturing those magical music guitars. The Gibson Factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan is known for its iconic guitars... During World War II, many of Gibson’s competitors had switched to munition-making in an effort to support the war at home. Gibson followed suit—on the surface, at least. While it did hire more women than any other guitar-turned-munitions manufacturer, these women weren’t just making bullets—they were also making guitars. Specifically, the Kalamazoo Gals made Gibson’s Banner line of guitars, which were later used by musicians like Buddy Holly and Woody Guthrie. ~Atlas Obscura

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 3/6/2024 4:17:00 PM
This was a great history lesson. It's written in poetic form that pleases the ears. I enjoyed reading it.
Login to Reply
Achara Avatar
Chetta Achara
Date: 3/6/2024 4:34:00 PM
Than you.
Date: 3/6/2024 12:19:00 PM
a nice bit of history...or if you like ...her-story ...or their story.
Login to Reply
Achara Avatar
Chetta Achara
Date: 3/6/2024 3:02:00 PM
I knew women took over jobs traditionally held by men, but this bit struck me quite forcibly because my late husband had a Gibson. He plucked a few tunes on it. I don't think it us as old as WW2, but I still have it

Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry