Sometimes it's fascinating to read the background of things we take for granted !! During the First World War - Howard Chandler Christy's Navy enlistment posters were credited by Navy Secretary Franklin D. Roosevelt - with having recruited thousands. One in particular which has since become a collectors item .... depicts a plucky "Christy Girl" decked out in navy blues with the words "Gee, I wish I were a MAN, I'd join the NAVY." Though somewhat sexist by today's standards - the thousands of Navy enlistees were no doubt glad she wasn't a man !! "Gee!! I Wish I Were A Man" Navy Recruiting Poster by artist Howard Chandler Christy, issued in 1917. Collections of the Library of Congress. Mrs. E. LeRoy Finch, of Port Washington, New York accepts a plaque from Captain Robert L. Latta, senior Navy recruiter in New York City, during a ceremony at the home of her daughter, 30 January 1977. The plaque recognizes her long-time assistance to the Navy's recruiting efforts. Mrs. Finch was the model for the World War I Howard Chandler Christy recruiting poster "Gee!! I Wish I Were a Man", a copy of which is also seen in this photograph. Official U.S. Navy Photograph.
A very talented man ! Howard Chandler Christy Biography http://www.humanitiesweb.org/human.php?s=g&p=c&a=b&ID=282 http://www.bpib.com/illustra2/christy.htm
