NOVEMBER 2014 SUNRAYS | 37
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PHOTOS BY HOLLY MOORE
Back row, left to right: Mimi Boney, Margie O’Connor, Carol Baker, Judy Petty, Pamela Meyners, Judy Drummond, Jane
Owens, Dolores Olson. Front row, left to right: “Honorary Sky Girl” Karen Swensson, Dona Blake, November
Sun Rays
cover
girl Joanne Harrah, Dixie Lusson.
Sky Girls
“A Really Wonderful Experience”
By Karen Swensson
I
n the seven years since Sun City resi-
dent Joanne Harrah began seeking
other retired stewardesses and flight
attendants, membership within the Sky
Girls interest group has grown from
seven to 44. Eleven of these members
—whose careers span from 1947 to 2013
and represent more than 15 regional
and international airlines — recently
gathered at Putters Café to share their
experiences and memorabilia with
Sun
Rays
magazine.
American Airlines veteran Dona Blake
quickly and directly defined a steward-
ess’ fundamental purpose on any flight:
“We were there for people’s safety,” says
Dona, “People had to see us.” Utilizing
their “Lips and Tips,” ladies were able to
do just that, standing out in any crowd
with their bright red lipstick and match-
ing nails providing a scarlet beacon for
guests to follow in confused moments
or to mind during crucial, pre-flight in-
structions.
In addition to these special crimson
touches, strict style requirements en-
sured that these flight attendants would
be impossible to miss. Designer uniforms
were the norm, and changed frequently
in accordance with seasons and trends.
Heels were as much as three inches high,
and hems of skirts and dresses were to
touch the seat when kneeling on a chair.
Hair longer than collar length was to be
pulled back. Ears were pierced, though
jewelry was limited to a watch and a
single ring. Height, weight and body
measurements were monitored rigor-
ously, and could even cost an attendant
her job. Margie O’Connor recalled how
her 38” hips just made the cut after the
required Playtex girdle reduced them to
a regulation 37”. Several women also re-
called crewmembers who were notorious
for patting down attendants, “checking”
for the girdles.
As airlines have changed over the years,
Continued on the next page
