have to go out in bad weather sometimes and climb ladders to collect data and make observations.”
Had I not known about civil service examinations, I might have received the impression that wearing overalls well was a requirement for women in meteorology. However, to be sure that entrance opportunities were about the same for both sexes I asked about examinations.
“Yes. Candidates can be either men or women. Usually the head of a department has the privilege of choosing which one he prefers when passing grades are about the same.”
“Are there any women at all in the Weather Bureau?” was my next question.
“A few—mostly at Washington, D. C. Their positions are classified as stenographic and clerical though most of those in the latter are really minor observers. Of course, there are many more in the first division.”
While most Weather Bureau women may be in Washington, I know of one observer who is stationed on a regular airway, or, rather, an airway runs by the place she lives.
Just where the Hudson narrows at Peekskill, there stands St. Mary’s Academy. Fog often lingers longest in that region and forms more quickly. Pilots on the New York-Albany run know if they can get past there, they can usually reach either terminal. Sister Mary Anthony at stated intervals sends in a full meteorological report, so that they may know the weather at that important point.
