Writing a book: Occupations in the 1st half of the 20th century.

Hello,

I'm writing a book on values about people and occupations in the 1st half of the 20th century. I want to create a female character from Poland for one of my chapters.

Were there any female welders during that time period? I know that there was heavy manufacturing.

My book relies on "alliteration" so I want to create Waleria, a welder from Warsaw.

If the answer is no, could she be a watchmaker. Would you suggest a different occupation?

Please note that this is not a history book. Waleria is presented positively as a strong influence in the lives of children. All of the book's characters teach values.

Thank you for your help. The book is called Tell the Children: Values Build Character.

I look forward to your response.

A watchmaker is better than a welder.
Waleria, a watchmaker... sounds perfect for me.....
:)

There is a World War Two movie called "The Young Lions" in which a German character utters the famous line "He is a watchmaker and he wants to die." (Substitute v's for w's in the line to approximate the accent used in the film.)

Yes, a wife, in accordance with the traditions from 1900-1945.

I would agree with you that in the beginning of the 20th century whoever could afford having a woman at home, would let her stay at home. In the poor families however, whoever could work, worked. Women were doing mainly unqualified jobs in the factories or worked as cleaners, cooks, etc. This changed after WWI started. Men were in war, or killed, or crippled. Women had to assume many male professions. That's when it becomes more probable that a women could have been a welder or a watchmaker. (This development empowered women all over Europe and in they became voting rights. Polish women can vote since 1918.)

Thank you so much! I sincerely appreciate your help.