W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A . C O M
79
O
n August 25, 2016, the National Park Service turns 100, and there is no better time
to celebrate the pioneering women who fought the odds to champion America's
wild and lonely outposts. Although today women make up a third of the National Park Service's
workforce, it wasn't until 1978 that female park rangers were allowed to don the official badge or wear a proper
uniform. In the 1960s, women rangers wore stewardess-style fitted jackets, tight knee-length skirts, and pillbox
hats. eir role was reflected in a statement made in 1960 by the National Park Service that "women cannot be
employed in certain jobs, such as Park Ranger or Seasonal Park Ranger ... in which the employee is subject to be
called to fight fires, take part in rescue operations, or do other strenuous or hazardous work."
By the 1970s, the uniform had evolved to incorporate a mini-skirt and go-go boots. Not great for scaling
rock faces, fighting brush fires, or walking in deep snow. But then again, women rangers were generally only
hired in roles that were seen as 'interpretive' or secretarial. In order for women to be given equal tasks to their
male counterparts, it took an Act of Congress, a ruling by the Attorney General Robert Kennedy, and much
campaigning by the few women and some of the men in the Park Service.
Marguerite Lindsley in
her official uniform with
her trusty horse, Rex.
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by JOANNA POCOCK
photos courtesy of NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
