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Casey Gill

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Casey Gill

The other day I read an article in the Washington Post about Women Air Force Service Pilots (W.A.S.P.) from World War II. After decades of being pushed to the back burner of WWII history, these brave women are finally getting their due, a Congressional Gold Medal. These ladies stepped up and filled the void left by so many young men sent overseas, at a time when very few women even had pilot's licenses.

As I read the article I couldn't help but think of my dear friend Gwen Stetson who had her pilot's license in those years, also. Gwen retired after many years with Wells Fargo Bank, and in 1994 she came out of retirement to work for the Wells Fargo History Museum in Old Town San Diego. She was at the museum for 16 years, and for 8 of those years I humbly worked beside her.

I loved listening to her stories of growing up on a farm in Oregon during the Great Depression, and of her time during the Second World War. One of her favorite stories began with her older brother receiving his pilot's license. Gwen decided that if he could do it then she could do it, too! Of course her brother gave her the response one might expect of those days: "Women can't fly!"

That was all Gwen needed to hear. Within the year she had her license. Mostly, I believe, to prove her brother wrong.

And boy, did she! Not only did she receive her license, but she used it during the war to do a job much needed at the time. Gwen was assigned to a training unit for pilots, and her job was to evaluate them during landing and takeoff exercises. She loved it. I can still see the pride (and a certain amount of "I told you so") in her eyes whenever she told the story.

Gwen recently passed away at the age of 87. She was as strong and fearless in her final days as she was all those many years ago. She was independent to the end, still doing the things she loved best — working, and enjoying her friends and family.

Gwen was not a W.A.S.P. so there will be no medal for her. But to me she will always be a pioneer and a hero. I miss her very much and will always treasure the time we spent together and the stories that she shared.

Charles Riggs

Tom Bennett is our Curator at the Alaska Heritage Museum at Wells Fargo, in Anchorage. He has been involved with museums for 29 years as a Museum Attendant to Director.

Tom is involved is also involved with the Alaska Zoo and is currently a Board Member with the Alaska Museum of Natural History.

"Line out!" "Gee!""Haw!" "Let's go!"

It's that time of year in Alaska: The "Last Great Race" is on, and dog mushers from around the world are competing to be first with their team of dogs to across the finish line in Nome. This year, 71 dog teams (each with at least 12, no more than 16 working dogs) will traverse the 1,049 miles, (give or take a few), generally following the Iditarod National Historic Trail and battling whatever nature decides to hand them along the way.

Wells Fargo is proudly supporting this year's Iditarod , as it has for 22 years.

The true champions of the "Last Great Race " — to me at least — are the dogs. Definitely not household pets, these are lean, lanky, Olympic-quality, calorie-burning racers. That's 10,000 calories a day, folks. The dogs train all year and get superb health care — they even get massages. (I'd take the massages. But I don't think I can eat the equivalent of 50 cheeseburgers a day.)

Huskies are born to run. Running is their job, their play and their place in the sun. I know this because my folks had a Siberian Husky, who relished digging under the three-foot fence she could have leapt from a standing start, then would run around town looking for the dogcatcher because they were the only ones who might chase her. She would stand in the middle of the street waiting for them. They never once got within 20 feet of her.

Siberian Inupiaq brought their dogs, descendents of a mix of breeds including wolf, to Alaska more than a thousand years ago to provide transportation, pulling sleds across the snow and ice.

Dog teams have played an important historical role in Alaska, hauling for gold seekers stampeding to the Klondike, then on across Alaska as each new strike developed Dog teams sped serum to the people of Nome during the 1925 diphtheria outbreak. They have carried mail, food and gear to many points along the Iditarod trail....

Charles Riggs

What better way to mark Women's History Month  and International Women's Day  than with a little music?

Now, maybe that's just me — I'm inclined to mark most days with music. I collect LPs as a hobby, and I got this one from Joycee.

25 years ago this month, Whitney Houston's  debut LP was issued. It was a smash, with consecutive hits and #1s, and it began Miss Houston's great career in music and films, that keeps going and going....

Whitney Houston is the daughter of soul and gospel singer Cissy Drinkard Houston.  With her sisters, Cissy made gospel records and sang backup on several others. One of her sisters, Lee Drinkard Warrick, managed the group and was herself mother to gospel and R&B singer Judy Clay  and pop legend Dionne Warrick. 

By the time she was in her teens, Whitney Houston had absorbed some serious musical training. She signed with Arista, and the rest is history.

Miss Houston's eponymous debut featured stellar songwriters, producers and players, including Julia  and Maxine  Waters, who released tons of records and sang with everybody. (Julia and Maxine sang as Supremes, sort of, on the 1969 hit "Someday We'll be Together,"  after the Motown legends had gone their separate ways.) Since that first record, the Whitney Houston sound has become the standard for so many pop singers. TV's "American Idol" is a stream of singers doing their best Whitney Houston  for better or worse.

Whitney Houston's career is 25 years old. She comes from a mighty female heritage and an amazing vocal heritage. She has worked in a business where many women have succeeded, in front and behind the scenes. She has inspired millions of women since.

Whitney Houston is our historical marker today.

Marianne Babal

I ride the bus to work almost every day. Because I board the bus at one of the first stops on the route, I have my choice of seats — usually up near the front of the bus. A couple weeks ago, as I sat down, I noticed a sticker  on the window commemorating the 10th Annual Rosa Parks Day  on February 8, 2010.

Of course I know the story of Rosa Parks , whose defiance of Alabama state law and refusal to give her seat on a city bus to a white man December 1, 1955 led to her arrest and sparked a year-long boycott of the Montgomery bus system.

It was during that 381-day boycott  that young Martin Luther King, Jr. rose to prominence as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement.  And it was in Montgomery that Dr. King eloquently voiced the determination  of the city's African American community, "to work and fight until justice runs down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream."

Rosa Parks' courage and Dr. King's words inspired thousands of bus riders to walk and ride share, sending a powerful message about determination and human dignity to the powers that enforced Jim Crow laws. 

Rosa Parks  said she did not get on the bus to get arrested that day — she just got on the bus to go home. But seldom has an act by an average citizen had so much of an impact on our nation. In 2000, the State of California designated the first Monday after February 4 (Rosa Parks' birthday) as Rosa Parks Day every year. In 2010, that date fell Monday February 8, and I was proud and honored to have shared my seat with Rosa Parks on my way into work that morning.

Charles Riggs

My colleague Marianne Babal is a VIP in the Public History world  (scroll down a little). A friend of hers teaches at The College of William & Mary  in Williamsburg, Virginia, and earlier this year his/her students found a treasure trove.

In an attic (totally by chance!), they found records  related to Maggie L. Walker.  Walker was the first woman to charter a bank in the United States, and one of few women bank presidents.

Her story led us to include her in our exhibit in San Francisco, "Women Making Financial History."

Maggie Walker  lived in Richmond, Virginia, where she raised a family as well as involving herself with civic activities. She was active in the Grand Order of St. Luke, later renamed the Independent Order of St. Luke. The Order was a benevolent organization , many of which existed in the 19th century (and today) to aid members with education, insurance, recreation, charity, dispute resolution and friendship. In 1899, Mrs. Walker became the leader of the organization, and her business skills helped the Order to prosper.

Walker's ambition was to found a financial institution by and for African Americans. In 1903, she organized the St. Luke's Penny Savings Bank , which loaned to black businesses, students and homebuyers. Assets grew, and Walker's bank was able to survive the Great Depression — legend has it the bank was one of the few banks that did not close during the "Bank Holiday" in 1933.  Her bank survives today as Consolidated Bank and Trust. 

Maggie Lena Walker  was someone who made history without necessarily trying to. She went to work and did everything she could to make her ideas become realities. She did it, and developed a community for women and for African American in the middle of Jim Crow. She provided financial services — bank accounts, investment services and loans — for people who might not have had other options. Her home is now a National Historic Site , rightly so.

But it's additional honor to her that we all keep her history current, by recognizing her hard work, and the positive impact she had on her community.

Biographies mention Mrs. Walker was a great and inspirational speaker. The lady had it all!

Ryan Baum

When I was a kid, I viewed Veterans Day  as another holiday to commemorate distant events, and one of two times a year my Cub Scout  troop would place flags on graves at a local Veterans Cemetery.  In hindsight, I didn't even converse or thank my closest Veterans, my grandfather and father.

Following the attacks of 9/11, my subsequent joining the Navy Reserve , and a deployment to the Middle East, I have a different perspective.

This Veterans Day I would like to express appreciation to all Veterans and their spouses. To Wells Fargo, I add my appreciation — the Company is an outstanding employer of Veterans, and an outstanding banker to men and women in uniform.

Veterans Day  was originally founded as Armistice Day, a day to commemorate the cessation of fighting on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Unfortunately the "War to End all Wars" was not — and the world and United States have been party to another World War, and countless conflicts since then. In 1954, President Eisenhower converted the holiday to Veterans Day, to honor all American Veterans.

Wells Fargo's service to the military and its members goes back a century and a half. Wells Fargo transported coin and currency for military payroll to remote army posts in California and Arizona. During World War I and World War II, large percentages of its employees were activated for military service

Talk about customer service! At the outbreak of World War I when Americans fleeing Europe abandoned luggage in their haste, Wells Fargo's Vice President of Traffic, F. S. Holbrook, took it upon himself to gather 400 abandoned trunks and ship them to Wells Fargo warehouses in America where they were matched with their owners — free of charge. Wells Fargo continued to operate through London and Paris correspondent offices during the entire war, and assisted countless American doughboys in transferring letters and remittances stateside.

Several of the members of Wells Fargo's family tree were founded specifically to serve men and women in the military. One example is the Army National Bank of Fort Lewis, Washington.

Another bank, through the Norwest lineage, has continued to this day as Wells Fargo Worldwide Military Banking, a bank within a bank that focuses on serving our men and women in uniform.

During World War II, one-quarter of Wells Fargo's employees served in the military — including Isaias Hellman III, who was elected President of the bank while still serving in the Army Air Corps. That war also saw women join the workforce in higher numbers. By the end of World War II, women comprised 60% of Wells Fargo employees.

Wells Fargo continues to go above and beyond in supporting team members who are in the Guard and Reserve.  In addition to providing benefits for mobilized employees that are in excess of mandated USERRA  minimums, Wells Fargo sponsors an internal employee organization, the Wells Fargo Military Veterans Resource Group, which provides a network of support for employees and family members. The organization is open to all employees regardless of past or present military affiliation.

So this Veterans Day I would like to thank all remaining Veterans from World War II, "the Greatest Generation." I would like to thank all Veterans of the "Forgotten War," the Korean War. I would like to thank all Veterans of the Vietnam War. I would like to thank all Veterans of the Gulf War. I would like to thank all Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

I would also like to thank all military spouses, including my own, Alice, who take care of the broken air-conditioners, flat-tires, and bills while the service member is deployed. I would like to thank all children who miss their nightly bedtime story or Saturday game with their deployed parent.

I would also like to thank all employers, especially Wells Fargo, of members of the Guard and Reserve who go above and beyond in their flexibility and support for their employees who are called away at a moment's notice for an unknown time period.

All of these parties named are part of the support network that assists the service member during deployment, and enable him or her to stay focused on the mission over there so we can sleep soundly over here.

Thank you for your service at all levels! Happy Veterans Day!

Ileana

When was the last time you lost $2,150? And because of a hole—not in your pocket, but in your stocking!

The Wells Fargo History Museum in San Francisco recently opened a new exhibit, "Women Making Financial History." It interprets the many different roles women have played and are playing in the financial world: as bankers, as customers, as pioneers; even as images on currency. If you’re in town, I’d definitely recommend you check it out.

(But until then, take a look at the mini-site about the exhibit, sort of a "sneak preview.")

One of the interesting stories on the site is one about how banks in the early 20th century accommodated the needs of their female customers. For hundreds of years women had typically been financially dependent on their husbands or family. It was in the late 19th century that a large number of women began to join the workforce, and therefore, gain economic power. Banks took notice, and they realized that women were a different type of customer. They needed and wanted to be treated differently.

Maybe even have a separate room to do their banking. I know, it sounds bad, right? But the reason is that many women didn’t trust banks. They had for years carried their valuables and money in their stockings or underneath their blouses. Imagine just how uncomfortable it would be, going to make a deposit and having to dig for your money in front of all the male bankers and the other customers! And, at a time when female propriety was often scrutinized, this wouldn’t be very ladylike.

But as Mrs. Shore found out when she lost $2,150 worth of jewels, through a hole in her stocking, it wasn’t the safest place for keeping valuables. Maybe a bank, with a little privacy, was less inconvenient than risky hosiery. Banks "got it" — the "stocking room" was created. Here was a special room, just for the ladies, where they could do their banking. And of course, ready their deposits in private.

Creation of the stocking room shows an interesting paradox: banks treated women differently on account of their sex, as society has for thousands of years. BUT, it also shows that society was beginning to value and better understand women’s economic importance. Banks were doing what they had to to gain women’s trust, and women's business.

To me, the stocking room shows an interesting shift. Though it physically separated the sexes, its intention, strangely enough, was a step towards gender equality: women were being recognized for their financial power, and were being encouraged to join the banking world.

As a modern woman, I’m not sure how I feel about the need for a separate room to do my banking just because I’m female. But then, I don’t wear stockings full of jewels!

Charles Riggs

In association with the International Museum of Women (IMOW) , the Wells Fargo History Museum in San Francisco has opened its latest exhibit, "Women Making Financial History." This exhibit examines women's roles in making and managing money, from the early history of the United States to today — all around the world.

The exhibit features striking photo essays of women benefitting from micro-lending in Nepal, new entrepreneurship of Arab women in Qatar, and more. The original material is from IMOW's virtual exhibition, "Economica,"  which explores the many facets of women's experiences of and contributions in the global economy.

"Women Making Financial History" introduces women who came West to make their fortunes, and build businesses and communities. It shows female Wells Fargo agents who provided financial services across the frontier, and remarkable woman pioneers in banking. You can enter a money vault to view historic coins and currency featuring women. You can experience banking in the 1920s inside our recreated bank Women's Department, and see vintage bank advertisements focused on women customers.

The first woman to be portrayed on U.S. currency was Martha Washington, the first First Lady of the United States. She was featured on an 1891 One Dollar Silver Certificate, which were exchanged for silver coins from 1878 to 1964. (It is still legal tender, too.) In the Museum, you can take photos and print your mug on vintage style bills, and take them home with you. (Look serious or silly — your choice!)

Find out what it was really like to work in a bank a long time ago, as you try your hand on our 1895 check cutter. See other machines that men and women bankers would have used back then. You can talk to a friend on two old-fashioned candlestick telephones. No speed dialing, though.

Ever heard of a "Stocking Room"? There was a time in the early 1900s when women didn't feel comfortable entering the very masculine environment of banks, and even avoided having bank accounts. Some women tucked their money and valuables in their stockings instead, under their floor-length skirts.

In order to gain these women for customers, banks came up with the Stocking Room — a Women's Department. This was a safe haven where ladies could remove their cash and do their banking without the distraction of men, cigars and spittoons.

Women Making Financial History will run through spring 2010, and can be seen at:

The Wells Fargo History Museum
420 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA

Admission to the Museum is free. Hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed weekends and bank holidays.

More information can be found at our Wells Fargo Historical Services website! Just click on "New Online Exhibit: Women Making Financial History."

Charles Riggs

Joycee Wong is Curator at Wells Fargo's San Francisco History Museum. (Her previous blog is here!) For Hispanic Heritage Month, Joycee reflects on the common sense we all have of celebrating family and life, whether we hail from Oaxaca or Hong Kong. (CR)

Recently, I went to the memorial park to pay respects to my dearest mom on the 4th anniversary of her death, lugging 2 large handle bags. In them were some flowers and vases, a thermos of tea and a freshly made scone, a camera (to capture the visit and share with out-of-town family later), a few old letters (to reminisce) and some tissues (for the inevitable tears). All this was my paraphernalia for a visitation to my mother's columbarium where her ashes are kept in a peaceful sanctuary.

I am reminded of the similarities between cultures when I saw a flyer a few days earlier about "Day of the Dead"  celebrations that will take place this month among many Hispanic families.

If you've never heard of it, "Day of the Dead" (El Día de los Muertos)  isn't some macabre Halloween game, but a time-honored tradition going back almost 3000 years. This holiday focuses on gatherings of families and friends, for prayer and to remember friends and family who have died. Traditions include building private altars, making sugar skulls, displaying marigolds and serving the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. Everyone visits graves with these gifts.

As a Chinese-American, I grew up with light touches of traditions on the multitude of Chinese holidays and celebrations, including those honoring our deceased loved ones. Growing up in Hong Kong, I remember periodic excursions to the cemetery where my parents and sisters — saddled with armloads of food, flowers, and cleaning supplies — spent a few hours with my paternal grandmother who was buried there. Honoring the dead according to Chinese customs require certain rituals, which our family followed to some degree....

Charles Riggs

It’s a long career path from bank teller to Treasurer of the United States .

Katherine Davalos Ortega was Treasurer of the United States during the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush, (1983-1989) As Treasurer, Davalos Ortega’s signature appeared on millions of dollars of U.S. currency. But her first job in finance was as a teller at the community bank in her rural hometown of Tularosa, New Mexico .

While in high school, Davalos Ortega worked at Otero County State Bank to earn money for college. This bank, where the future Treasurer of the United States began her career, became a part of Wells Fargo in 1999. While in school, Davalos Ortega aspired to become a teacher, but she learned she likely would not be hired for a teaching position. In those years, prior to the huge movement for Civil Rights , routine discrimination plauged women and minorities. Davalos Ortega entered the accounting field instead, climbing steadily in accounting and financial services firms. In 1975 she became chief executive of Santa Ana State Bank, and the first woman bank president in California.

As her influence expanded, Davalos Ortega had become active in politics. She served on several federal commissions and advisory councils, and in 1983, was nominated as Treasurer by President Reagan. Davalos Ortega was the tenth woman and second Latina to hold the post. As Treasurer of the United States, Ortega oversaw production of coins and currency and the United States Savings Bond program. She also raised $40 million, through commemorative coin sales, to restore the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Davalos Ortega gave the keynote speech at the 1984 Republican National Convention, the first woman of Hispanic descent to deliver a keynote at a national political convention.

Treasurer Davalos Ortega left her post, and Washington, in 1989. She returned to her family’s financial business in New Mexico, where she served on several corporate boards. In recognition of her lifetime achievements and rise from humble beginnings to the highest levels of public service, she received the Horatio Alger Award  in 2002.

Treasurer Davalos Ortega acknowledged her heritage at her swearing-in  in 1983. "And so," she said, "it is with a deep sense of honor and pride that I shall serve as our country's 38th Treasurer. And following the Hispanic tradition, I have chosen to have my name appear on our currency as Katherine Davalos Ortega. For in doing so, I will be honoring my father as well as my mother. Thank you."