Perhaps Phoenix, Arizona- Sources report that an area employer mistakenly believes that washing dishes requires great strength.
Laura Ingalls Wilder, in town for the summer to attend a reading seminar at the university, requires employment to pay her way. Although she wished to tutor, a lack of availability in that area led her to seek employment washing dishes at an establishment managed by Mrs. Pearce. Upon arriving, however, she was surprised to learn that Mrs. Pearce thought she didn’t look strong.
“Is strength required to wash dishes?” Laura remarks. “I’ve been helping Ma with the dishes since I was a child. If I were to carry an entire stack that’s as high as me, sure, maybe it would take some strength, but just washing them and piling them? What does this lady think this is, that lumberjack contest that Pa did at Founder’s Day that one time?”
At press time, sources concluded that Mrs. Pearce’s strength requirements were merely a projection of her own securities, perhaps amplified by being a woman manager in a time when many women did not work outside the home at all.
