From WWII to Logan: Rosie the Riveter’s Spirit Lives On Through Marguerite McDonald

A true Rosie the Riveter, 101-year-old Marguerite McDonald worked across the East Coast during WWII and has called Logan home ever since. “It feels great to know you’re still alive,” she shared with a smile. The Woman’s Club of Logan McDonald on Labor Day withtheir annual “Ring a Bell for Rosie” celebration.

Shana Nelson | WVOW Radio

LOGAN The Woman’s Club of Logan gathered on Main Street to celebrate Labor Day with their annual “Ring a Bell for Rosie” event.

At the heart of the celebration was Marguerite McDonald, Logan’s own Rosie the Riveter. At 101, she embodies the same grit and determination that made Rosie a national symbol of strength.

“I love it. It was a surprise, but I really love it,” McDonald said about the celebration.

At only 19, she began working up and down the East Coast while her husband moved to different military bases. McDonald had various jobs, such as working at a hospital in Maryland and a dime store in Georgia.

After the war, the pair moved back to Logan and resided in Crooked Creek, where McDonald has lived ever since.

“I’ve got stories I could tell you… I saw air conditioning come in. Televisions, electric, gas,” McDonald said. “I’ve been in the same house for 78 years. It’s been remodeled a few times, believe me,” she added with a laugh.

To the young women of today and to her fellow Rosies across the country, she offered a heartfelt message.

A WWII trailblazer and lifelong Logan resident, Marguerite McDonald continues to inspire with her grit, stories, and spirit.

“I hope they have as good a life as I have,” McDonald said. “It feels great to know you’re still alive.”

Teresa McNeely, President of the Woman’s Club, explained that McDonald comes to this event every year, no matter the location.

“She has done this every year… We try to do it somewhere different every year,” McNeely said.

As president, she also emphasized the importance of keeping history alive with these celebrations.

“I’m really proud to be a woman, to be a part of the Woman’s Club, and to make this one of our projects,” McNeely said.

Shirley M. Baisden, Chairman of the Woman’s Club event, led the celebration with pride as she remembered and celebrated her own Rosie.

“My mother, Florence Baisden, was a member of the first school bus drivers in Logan County,” Baisden said.

When thinking of her mother and women like McDonald, Baisden highlighted their bravery.

“Can you imagine at 17 or 18 years old, hopping on a bus and going to Michigan… California… Ohio?” Baisden said. “They went places that I wouldn't even go to now. At that age, they left their families and went.”

In terms of what the future holds, Baisden said that she’d love to see more tributes to Rosie the Riveters like McDonald.

“We need to name some streets around here or something,” Baisden said. “After this, we may name some.”

The next event held by the Woman’s Club of Logan will be their Pumpkin House on Mainstreet in October. Afterwards, in November, McDonald will be proudly celebrating her 102nd birthday.

PHOTO | Shana Nelson