Free a Man to Fight - on Board

This powerful poster for the New York Central System recalls the iconic Rosie the Riveter image as a determined woman oils a locomotive wheel. In WW2, as men joined the war, women were called in to fill their spaces in production lines and industrial jobs.

The War Manpower commission created in February 1942 was established to increase the manufacturing of war materials and had the task of hiring women to support the Homefront. Images like Rosie the Riveter and the woman depicted on this poster by Leslie Ragan were imperative to the campaign to recruit women in largely industrial jobs. These images demonstrate the strength of women and their crucial role in the American workforce.

Leslie Ragan (1897-1972) studied at the Cumming School of Art as well as the Art Institute of Chicago. He served in the Air Force during World War I before entering his illustrious graphic arts career. Ragan is mostly known for his iconic travel posters of New York and Chicago, as well as his many illustrations of locomotives during the art deco era.

This is an Original Vintage Poster; it is not a reproduction. This poster was printed on thin cardboard to be used as a display, and it is in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all our posters.