Get to know the extraordinary craftswomen of WWII Kalamazoo

Chester, Conn. – When Quinnipiac University law professor, author and guitar aficionado John Thomas stumbled upon a 1940s photo of 70 female workers in front of the Gibson Guitar factory in Kalamazoo Michigan, he was determined to find them and uncover their stories. He was also intent on learning why Gibson’s advertising denied the factory was making guitars during the war, despite the fact that their female workers produced 25,000 guitars from 1940 to 1945.

Thomas’ interviews with 12 of these remarkable women – and how he and colleagues at Quinnipiac’s medical school proved the superior quality of their work as their men fought in the “Good War” – are detailed in his book, “Kalamazoo Gals: A Story of Extraordinary Women and Gibson’s Banner Guitars of WWII”.

In a free and open to the public multimedia presentation, Thomas will tell the story of Gibson Guitar’s “Kalamazoo Gals” on Friday June 12 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Chester Village West, 317 Main Street, Chester Conn. 06412.

Space for the presentation is limited; call 860.526.6800 or email chestervillagewest@lcsnet.com to reserve your seats.

About Chester Village West

Located in historic Chester, Connecticut, Chester Village West gives independent-minded people a new way to experience retirement and live their lives to the fullest. Within a small community of private residences that offer convenience, companionship, service and security, Chester Village West enriches lives with a comprehensive program that enhances fitness, nutrition, active life, health and well being. Find out more at chestervillagewestlcs.com.