Male-only bastions, coat lengths fall in '69
By JULIE THATCHER
Kansan Staff Writer
The weaker sex became stronger in 1969 as women invaded traditional male strongholds and made their presence known.
Women were mentioned more frequently and in higher positions than ever before as they diversified to conquer everything from Princeton and Yale to male-only saloons and the FBS' Ten Most Wanted list. Famous as well as unknowns made headlines to climax a decade of change.
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In 1969 no target was off-limits to the female push. Successive victories over male-only bastions and increased coat lengths led to a "year of the fall" label and even greater recognition for women. The ankle-length maxicoats didn't slow their strides as they pushed into the promising Seventies.
Antarctica and even the racetrack were not safe against the female onslaught. After six years, the National Science Foundation agreed to let six women assist with explorations on that continent. Their presence at American bases will bring an end to male dominance and destroy one of the largest remaining sanctuaries.
In February Diane Crump became the first woman to race at any recognized track in America. Barbara Jo Rubin had earlier applied for a license but a boycott by male jockeys stopped her bid. Now more than a score of women have donned racing silks.
In Northern Ireland, Bernadette
Jan. 6
1970
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Devlin, 22, became the youngest woman to sit in the British House of Commons. A leader in the civil rights movement, she toured the United States and Canada to raise money during the religious riots.
Golda Meir became Israel's fourth premier in March. The former Milwaukee school teacher pledged to carry on the programs of the late Levi Eshkol in the face of continued Arab-Israeli conflict. She and the ruling labor party were returned to power in the October general elections.
In this country more women were marching for moratoriums and against marriage bureauals. As discontent with the war in Vietnam increased, thousands of women participated in national demonstrations against the war and wives of prisoners traveled to Paris for news of their husbands. On the University of Kansas campus, more than 200 students interrupted the Chancellor's ROTC review to protest the war. Marilyn Bowman, Merriam senior and Student Senate vice-president, was suspended for her participation.
Marriage bureaus were picketed by a group known as Feminists to show their rejection of marriage. They said it represented a social organization designed to keep women enslaved. On both coasts and in Kansas other groups worked for still greater freedom and sponsored "Ban the Bra" days. Women also sought repeal and reform of abortion laws.
In the business world pant-suits trimmed with chain belts, vests and scarves won limited acceptance. But women weren't satisfied with their progress and joined forces to end discrimination in hiring, promotion and salaries. Restrictions and discrimination against women was attacked by KU students forming the
Women's Liberation Front. Suzanne Atkins, Leavenworth sophomore, led this movement after a vote to abolish the freshman curfew barely passed the Associated Women Students board.
While some openly crusaded against traditions, others mounted their attack from within. Mrs. Shirley Chisholm became the first Negro woman elected to Congress. The appointment of Shirley Temple Black to the United States delegation to the United
ROTC Review 1969 Marilyn Bowman
Nations General Assembly extended her involvement in national affairs. More than 42 million church members governed by the National Council of Churches will be led by Mrs. Throlore O. Wedel, the first woman ever elected to the presidency.
The Kennedy name was linked to another event last July. Miss Mary Jo Kopechne drowned when Sen. Edward Kennedy's car plunged into a tidal pond on Chappaquiddick Is land. Her death was ruled accidental but is still under investigation.
Exposes by women created their own stir. Jacqueline Susann, author of "Valley of the Dolls," sold the movie rights to "The Love Machine" for 1.5 million dollars, the highest price ever paid. Mrs. Mary Barelli Gallagher disclosed Jackie Kennedy's budget problems in "My Life With Jacqueline Kennedy."
Another politician, former president Lyndon Johnson, recently revealed the extent of Lady Bird's influence on his career. He said it was her decision for him not to seek re-election.
Mrs. Richard M. Nixon accompanied her husband on his world tour and sponsored another of her own. Daughters Julie (now Mrs. David Eisenhower) and Tricia made numerous good-will appearances and Tricia attended the investiture of Prince Charles in Wales.
A former KU student built a political bridge when she became engaged to the secretary of state's son, Douglas Rodgers. Nancy Hardin, whose father is Secretary of Agriculture, graduated in June as a Phi Beta Kappa and Outstanding Greek Woman. She is now studying law in West Virginia.
Death brought others into the public forefront. Mrs. Mamie
Eisenhower was voted the woman Americans admired most in 1969. She returned to the national spotlight as a result of the death and funeral of her husband, former president Dwight David Eisenhower. Her selection ranked her above Mrs. Nixon, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Mrs. Meir and last year's leaders, Mrs. Robert Kennedy and Mrs. Rose Kennedy.
Judy Garland, the former Hollywood child star who gained fame by singing "Over the Rainbow," died after a tragic life of drugs and alcohol.
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