Archival material adds content and complexities that challenge stereotypes and preconceived gender roles. The phrase “Fight Like A Girl” was (is?) commonly used as an insult hurled at men and reinforces the idea of women as the weaker sex. In recent years, this phrase has been appropriated as a positive and encouraging message for girls and women. As a common theme seen in the collection Women’s March Los Angeles posters, the phrase “Fight Like A Girl” represents persistence, power, and of course, strength.
Main image are posters from the Los Angeles Women’s March collection, Collection no. 7050, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University of Southern California.
Mrs. Caroline Boeing Poole
Early 20th century
Francois Flameng
Oil Painting
Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection, Autry Museum; 282.L.1
Before receiving the personal papers of Caroline Boeing Poole, the only image associated with her was a large gilded framed oil painting. Now with her archives, more images of Caroline show her on mountain trails, boulders, and horseback. But which image captures the most authentic Caroline Poole? Do the images in her archives have to play at odds with the woman depicted in the painting? Or do these illustrations work in concert to describe a woman of varying interests, proclivities, and looks?
Caroline Boeing Poole
circa 1930
Unknown photographer
Photograph
Autry Museum; MSA.62
Diary, volume 7
December 1930–April 1931
Caroline Boeing Poole
Autry Museum; MSA.62
Traveling had a visceral effect on Poole. Going beyond the sentiments of a mere tourist, she confessed in her diary that under her “veneer of conventionality,” she ardently desired to be on her own among the mesas, stars, and daybreaks.
Members of Mannequins Auxiliary
circa 1950
Photographer unknown
Photograph
Braun Research Library Collection, Autry Museum; MS.11
At first glance, the Assistance League members look like “ladies who lunch,” a stereotype of frivolous society women. In actuality, the League was founded by philanthropists who leveraged their resources, smarts, and wealth to meet social and economic needs across the city. The Mannequin and Junior Mannequin Auxiliaries, for instance, used their love of fashion as an opportunity to fundraise.
Fashion Board of Junior Mannequins Auxiliary
1953
Weaver Photo Services
Photograph
Braun Research Library Collection, Autry Museum; MS.11
From left to right: Dardie Schaefer, Adrienne Clark, Judy Lewis, Barbara Hornibrook, Gretchen Hall, Peggy Sibert, Betty McClosky, Joanne Pauley, Louise Cavanaugh, Sally Tuttle, and Mary Margaret Coleman.
"Holidaze of Fashion" program
March 31, 1962
Assistance League Juniors
Braun Research Library Collection, Autry Museum; MS.11
Presented by the Assistance League Juniors. Modeling and walking down the runaway may not have been the foremost reason why these high school students were part of this 1962 fashion show. The event provided the participants with the opportunity to be Assistance League volunteers at a young age with the aim (as the brochure points out) of helping them develop into “experienced and useful adults in Community service.”
"I Don’t Feel Pretty" lyrics
1962
Author unknown
Braun Research Library Collection, Autry Museum; MS.11
Parody of “I Feel Pretty” song from the Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim musical Westside Story. The parody lyrics celebrate “normal daughters” who are “happy and proud,” but don’t find themselves very charming.
Bertha Parker Thurston with Atlatl Shafts found at Gypsum Cave
1930-31
Unknown photographer
Lantern Slide
Braun Research Library Collection, Autry Museum; LS.190
Bertha Parker Cody (nee Thurston), of Abenaki and Seneca descent, was one of the first Native American female archaeologists and the first to be employed by a major museum, the Southwest Museum of the American Indian. This image was taken during a Southwest Museum expedition at Gypsum Cave, Nevada between 1930-1931. It is probably the most widely used and popularized image of Cody, as evidenced by the Massive Science Tarot Card Deck and the Girls Can! Crate activity set geared towards young girls.
Bertha Parker Women of Science tarot card
2019
Matteo Farinella
This card is part of the Women of Science tarot deck produced by Massive Science. The image was influenced by the photograph of Cody at the Southwest Museum expedition site. Although there is an article about Cody on the Massive Science website, there is no reference to the original image and no information about Cody in the deck.
This project was made possible with support from California Humanities, a nonprofit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Visit calhum.org
Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of California Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The Autry Museum of American West acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands). We recognize that the Autry Museum and its campuses are located on the traditional lands of Gabrielino/Tongva peoples and we pay our respects to the Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027-1462
Located northeast of downtown, across from the Los Angeles Zoo.
Map and Directions
Free parking for Autry visitors.
MUSEUM AND STORE HOURS
Tuesday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
CAFE HOURS
Tuesday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.