Mary Ellen West Collection

Details

Who's responsible?: Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives, UNCG University Libraries (Repository)
How much has been digitized?: Only a part of this collection has been digitized.
Where can I find more information?: https://uncg.as.atlas-sys.com/repositories/2/resources/356
What's in the full collection?: The Mary Ellen West Papers primarily date from 1943 to 1948 and contain a March 1999 oral history transcript; printed materials collected by West while serving in WAVES in WWII. This includes a variety of base newsletters; military brochures and booklets; and newspapers from V-J Day. The collection also contains several WAVES uniforms and accessories; in addition to some correspondence; photographs; and personal materials from West's time in the service
Full biography: Mary Ellen West (1922-2007) of Dover, North Carolina, served in the United States Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) from 1943 to 1946. Mary Ellen West was born in Dover, North Carolina. She attended Dover High School and graduated in 1939. She was enrolled at Louisburg Junior College for two years before transferring to the Woman's College of the University of North Carolina (now the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. West graduated in 1943 with a degree in business science and secretarial administration and received her teaching certificate. West enlisted in the WAVES in 1943 and was sent to Hunter College, New York, for basic training. She was then sent to Indiana University for storekeeper school, where she learned typing, shorthand, and bookkeeping. West was assigned to Whiting Field, Pensacola, Florida, and worked opening an office at a housing project. In 1944 she was sent to Officer's Candidate School at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. She was then assigned to the Bureau of Aeronautics in the Publication Division in Washington, D.C., where she worked in publications and procuring. West was discharged in 1946. After the war West worked temporarily for the Imperial Tobacco Company. She went on to work for a general contractor as a bookkeeper and secretary. In 1968 she began work at the Electrical Equipment Company in Greensboro, North Carolina. West retired from the company in 1985.
Topics: Women's History
Military
Schools and Colleges
Branch of service: Navy -- WAVES
Conflict: World War II era (1940-1946)
Subject headings: World War, 1939-1945
United States. Navy--Women
Contributing Institution: Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives, UNCG University Libraries

: WAVES enlisted soft-brimmed hat; WAVES enlisted soft-brimmed hat with blue cover and navy tally with "US Navy" in gold letters across the front. Worn with interchangeable navy, white, and seersucker covers. This hat worn by Mary Ellen West from 1943 to 1946.

: WAVES navy trousers; WAVES navy blue slacks worn with the short-sleeve white shirtwaist and black seaman's tie. This uniform worn by Mary Ellen West from 1943 to 1946.

: WAVES officer's wool coat; WAVES officer's navy blue wool double-breasted overcoat with three pairs of Navy gold buttons, belt sewn on the back, and reserve blue stripes on cuffs. This coat worn by Mary Ellen West from 1943 to 1946.

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Women Veterans Historical Project

Mary Ellen West Collection

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