Our Very Own Rosie

People coming of age during World War II were labeled members of the greatest generation. The war sent our military all over the world not only to protect our freedom and liberties but also to protect all humanity from discrimination and destruction. Most specifically my great grandparents had four members of their immediate family that served in the war and for the war effort. They had two sons that enlisted and served in the United States Army, Raymond and William Russell, and two daughters, Rudell and Brunette Russell who took up the cause in the factory and the shipyard to do their part. Brunette was my Nannie, young and beautiful she headed to Evansville, Indiana to Republic Aviation to work as a riveter. Her older sister Rudell had already been there for a while working as a welder in the shipyard. Nannie was trained to become a riveter, similar to Rosie the Riveter.
Republic Aviation was built in 1942 on Evansville's North side, the factory's goal was to build the P47 Thunderbolt; a nimble fighter aircraft. The factory produced around eight thousand jobs and built half of the P47 Thunderbolts that flew in the skies over Europe during World War II.
When I think back on good memories of Nannie and stories that she shared with us, I always remember her talking fondly about the years she spent in Evansville working. She and my Great Aunt Rudell (who later became Rudell Clay) stayed with their Uncle and Aunt, and in their off time helped out with the housework, and watching their young cousin. They also found time to hit up the stores, and shop for new dresses. One particular story that Nannie told a few times with a laugh I will share:

Nannie was from our home town of Dawson Springs, Kentucky, which is a very small place. When she left for Evansville her Dad gave her a roll of quarters to keep in her purse for protection. One day while she and her sister were getting off a bus they were approached by a friendly sailor. Shortly after some guys came up and began to get rough with them. Quickly she remembered the roll of quarters in her purse. She swung her purse around and hit one of the bullies and before she could make it to the next, they had quickly headed in a different direction. She saved the day.

Nannie saved the day in so many ways over the course of her life. After the war she returned to Dawson Springs and married my grandfather Decola Franklin, who had served in the U. S. Navy on a Mine Sweeper in the South Pacific.
They had two daughters, Patricia and DeNell ( my mom). Nannie was always finding ways to do nice things for others and contribute to some cause all her life, just as she did back in the early forties. That is one of the reasons I know first hand those people truly were a great generation, because she was so great. As a group the majority of those people stepped up to the task of supporting or serving their country at great sacrifices to their personal lives. She always spoke fondly of those years during the war, and I felt the need to share a little about her service as a tribute to her. Nannie passed away in 1995, her name was Brunette Russell Franklin Cato, and in 1942 she became one of many Rosie the Riveters.