109.98.15

Uniform, Military, WWII Blouse

1944 Approximate

Material: textile. Size: 14 3/4" W. across shoulders x 23 1/4" L. x 24" L. sleeves. Description: Uniform blouse. white cotton - white lining - V-neckline - notched collar forms lapels (service crest lapel pins removed for storage) - one breast pocket flap on each side - one inside breast pocket on each side - tailored waistline - front closure with four buttons (buttons missing) - long sleeves - left cuff displays a white triangular patch with a navy blue shield - right shoulder sleeve displays a patch with a navy blue eagle, a red cross and two navy blue chevrons (rank and rate) - label inside right breast pocket: "Made and Sold Under Authority of U.S. Navy U.S. Women's Naval Reserve". One SPAR uniform is accessioned as #109.98.5-13, 17-18) and includes a cap, a garrison cap, blouse, shirts, skirt, slacks, belt and service crests. Second uniform is accessioned #109.98.15-16 and includes a blouse and skirt.

Waseca County Military - U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, SPAR. Dorothy Hodgkins was a SPAR, a member of the women's reserve of the U.S. Coast Guard from 1943-1945. The name "SPAR" derives from S(emper) PAR (atus) or "always ready", the motto of the U.S. Coast Guard. Hodgkins worked with public health doctors and nurses in sick bay and in the dental clinic in St. Augustine, Florida at a Coast Guard training station. Later she was located in Washington, D.C. at Coast Guard headquarters. See donor gift agreement for more biographical information on Dorothy Hodgkins Gigeay.