What is Women’s Work?
Over the course of a century, women’s work has shaped Vernon’s economy and social fabric; work has likewise shaped the lives of women. From factory floors and farms to classrooms, hospitals, and households, women have contributed in countless ways—whether through paid employment, unpaid caregiving, or volunteerism.
Yet, for most of history, women’s work has been undervalued or overlooked. The contributions of women from marginalized communities—Indigenous and Asian women, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and other racialized groups—have often been erased entirely.
What counts as “work” has long been a contested question and is often culturally based.
Historically, women’s labour has been categorized in two broad ways:
- Paid labour: Jobs in agriculture, industry, education, and healthcare—fields where women played crucial but often underrecognized roles.
- Unpaid labour: Household management, childrearing, caregiving, volunteer work, and activism—tasks that sustained families and communities but were rarely acknowledged as real work.
For generations, unpaid labour was expected of women and excluded from economic measures of productivity. Yet without it, society could not function.
This exhibit challenges traditional definitions of work by recognizing the full spectrum of women’s contributions—past and present. It celebrates the achievements of Vernon’s women, acknowledges the barriers they have faced, and explores how evolving labour roles continue to shape our community today.
A Foreword from MAV’s Curatorial Team
The Museum and Archives of Vernon (MAV) acknowledges that historical narratives have often prioritized certain voices while excluding others. The experiences of working women, particularly those from underrepresented communities, remain incomplete in our records.
As a “living” project, this exhibition will evolve over time, expanding as new stories emerge. We invite you to be part of this history. If you or someone you know has a story to share, please contact our Curatorial Team at: cassidy.latimer@vernonmuseum.ca.
Women’s Work in Early Vernon
In 1887, with the promise of a rail line and the influx of settlers it would bring, the small settlement of Centreville adopted a new name: Vernon. Over the following decades, the population steadily grew, establishing Vernon as a promising agricultural hub.
The settlers who arrived were primarily wealthy landowners, businessmen, and general labourers. During this time, the work women engaged in depended on their class, and opportunities for women’s employment outside of the home were limited.
For women in more affluent families, work was often centered around managing households and supporting their husbands’ businesses and agricultural endeavors.
In contrast, women from working-class families were more directly involved in the labour-intensive work in agriculture or domestic service.
Indigenous Labour and Hops Harvest
During the 1890s, one of Vernon’s earliest commercial agricultural enterprises, the Coldstream Ranch, relied on hop cultivation before its orchards matured.
The hops were harvested by Indigenous peoples from the Thompson and Nicola valleys, as well as the Nez Perce, who travelled north from the Canadian-American border. As recalled by Mickey Derickson of the Westbank First Nation, entire families would journey to Coldstream Ranch together in convoys, setting up camp for the harvest.
Indigenous families worked co-operatively, with women playing an essential role in shared labour and family raising. However, the forced assimilation of Indigenous peoples into a patriarchal and imperialistic society would damage this social order, negatively impacting Indigenous women’s roles and lives.
“In aboriginal society it was woman who shaped the thinking of all its members in a loving, nurturing atmosphere within the base family unit. In such societies, the earliest instruments of governance and law to ensure social order, came from quality mothering, during childhood.” – Jeannette Armstrong, 1989
Shirley Louis speaks on the experiences of Indigenous women during the assimilation into a patriarchal society during a presentation of her work, “Q’Sapi : A History of Okanagan People as told by Okanagan Families”, 2002 | GVMA tape305a
Paths to Opportunity in Early Vernon
In the early days of settler communities, single women often found employment as domestic help on homesteads. Many left these positions after marriage, often taking on roles on their own homesteads or in family businesses.
The 1855 publication The Canadian Settler’s Guide encouraged this trajectory:
“What an inducement to young girls to emigrate is this! Good wages, in a healthy and improving country; and what is better, in one where idleness and immorality are not the characteristics of the inhabitants: where steady industry is sure to be rewarded by marriage with young men who are able to place their wives in a very different station from that of servitude. How many young women who were formerly servants in my house, are now farmers’ wives…” – Catherine Parr Traill, 1855
One local story that mirrors this path is that of Violet Blankley, who came to Lavington as hired help on a dairy farm. She later married and transitioned into the roles of wife and mother, eventually helping her husband run Lavington’s first general store.
Violet Blankley discusses migrating from England to Lavington in 1910, and her initial work as hired help on a dairy farm | GVMA tape 203a
Lady Aberdeen & The Vernon Women’s Council
On the other end of the spectrum were women who did not need to engage in labour, whether paid or unpaid. A prominent local example was Lady Ishbel Aberdeen , owner of the Coldstream Ranch.
Although she did not perform manual or waged work, Lady Aberdeen was a prolific contributor to society. As a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, she played a key role in founding the Vernon branch of the National Council of Women . This organization was instrumental in establishing the Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
Her influence highlights how some women, despite not engaging in traditional labour, contributed significantly to shaping Vernon’s early community through leadership and advocacy.
Myra Debeck recalls the efforts of Lady Aberdeen and other ‘prominent’ local women to develop the first hospital in Vernon, known then as the ‘cottage hospital’ | GVMA tape 185a
Growing City
As the city of Vernon expanded there was an increasing need for women in the workforce. At the turn of the 20th century, the population stood at a mere 800, but by the mid-1900s, it had steadily increased to 10,000.
During this time, women were primarily restricted to certain careers, such as nursing and teaching. While Canada as a whole saw increasing opportunities for women, Vernon’s relative isolation meant fewer options. Many left Vernon to find opportunities elsewhere, only to continue facing resistance from the male-dominated workforce at home and abroad.
The Vernon Girls Club
Founded in 1912, The Vernon Girls’ Club was formed to provide women with reasonable boarding accommodations and assistance in securing work. Beyond employment support, the club also offered its members opportunities for social connections, mutual training, and commercial education.
Women in Healthcare
Nursing was one of the earliest professions available to women in Vernon. After its establishment in 1897, the Vernon Jubilee Hospital quickly became the city’s largest employer of women. Despite the opportunities it provided, it was also a site of workplace harassment.
In 1912, the hospital’s female staff consisted of eleven nurses and their matron, Miss Gallaher. When their complaints about the abusive and unprofessional behaviour of a male physician, Dr. Williams, were dismissed, the entire female staff resigned in protest.
Many of those who resigned were two or three months away from their graduation. Resignation for these women meant they would be forced to restart their training, setting them back several years in their career.
Dorothy D’Arcy-Goldrick discusses being required to leave nursing after marriage and taking the opportunity to continue her career after WWII, 1987 | tape072-2a & 72b
Kathleen May
During the First and Second World War, many Vernon women contributed their medical expertise both at home and abroad, volunteering with the Red Cross and later serving with military medical units.
Kathleen May (nee Clerke) was posted overseas with the Canadian Red Cross during WWII. After the war, she volunteered and trained with a group of Red Cross members in Yorkshire, with the aim of establishing a free blood transfusion service in Canada. In 1947, Kathleen played an instrumental role in the establishment of a blood bank in Vancouver, the first of such services in Canada.
Ishbel Jean Gray
A military nurse in WWII, Ishbel Jean Gray later became superintendent of the Vernon Jubilee Hospital, overseeing the hospital operations and critical advancements in patient care.
It wasn’t until the mid-1970s that Vernon saw its first female doctor, Dr. Sharon Dougan (McMurtry). Since then, women have helped shape the city’s healthcare services, taking on various leadership roles and advancing medical care within the region.
Women in Education
In the 20th century, teaching was a very popular job for women, providing them not only with paid work but also the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their community. Over time, women’s roles in education expanded, with many breaking barriers to become principals, serve on school boards, and even pursue careers in academia.
Clarence Fulton Secondary School, Kidston Elementary, Ellison Elementary, W.L. Seaton Secondary School…Of the nineteen schools in School District No. 22, nine are named after men, while the remaining ten are named after their location. This lack of representation highlights the challenges women faced in gaining recognition for their contributions to education.
Hilda Cryderman
One of Vernon’s long-serving and nationally acclaimed educators, Hilda Cryderman, had a long and distinguished career as an educator and activist.
In 1924, at the age of nineteen, she became principal of Coldstream Elementary School, where she remained until 1937. While serving as principal, Hilda also found time to earn her BA from the University of British Columbia. She then moved on to Vernon Senior Secondary School, where she taught business law, international studies, and sociology until 1967.
Beyond her role as an educator, Hilda was a fierce advocate for gender equality. As the acting girls’ counselor, she mentored and supported female students, often intervening when young women faced discrimination in academic settings. She recounted an instance where she encouraged five of her brightest students to enroll in a physics class, despite the objections of a male teacher:
“I have a proposition for you. Now, Mr. X doesn’t think girls should do physics, so I want you to go in there and prove him wrong. I want you to lick the pants off every boy in that class.” — Hilda Cryderman, n.d.
Hilda’s influence extended far beyond the classroom. She played a crucial role in advocating for the British Columbia Equal Pay Act of 1953. Her efforts were recognized at the national level—she was awarded the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 and was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1985.
Reflecting on the challenges she faced as a professional woman in the mid-20th century, Hilda spoke candidly about the choices women were forced to make:
“I had to make a choice between marriage and a career because if you got married, you had to resign. It didn’t take me five seconds to make that choice.” — Hilda Cryderman, 1979
Hilda Cryderman’s legacy endures not only in her contributions to education but also in her relentless pursuit of equality, inspiring future generations to challenge limitations and advocate for change.
Women in Science
Women pursuing careers in science faced similar barriers to those in education, often being discouraged or denied opportunities despite their qualifications. Although the demand for scientific expertise in agriculture, medicine, and research grew throughout the 20th century, women were frequently relegated teaching or support roles rather than being recognized for their independent scientific work.
Joan Heriot
At an early age, Joan Heriot decided that she wanted to become an entomologist, an essential job in an agricultural region such as Vernon. Her passion for science was inspired by time spent with her father – a carpenter turned entomologist – and his colleagues.
However, upon arriving at UBC to pursue this dream, Joan was told by a male professor that she couldn’t be a female entomologist, would never be hired in the Okanagan, and would likely end up teaching childhood education.
Determined to defy these expectations, Joan left Canada for England in the 1930s, where opportunities for women in science were slightly more accessible. It was in England that Joan completed her education and established her career.
“While I was still at home, I had wrote Dr. Varley, the Head of the College, and asked what he’d advise me to do. He said to stay in Canada. That was the last thing I wanted to hear. I was darn well determined to get back. I didn’t go through all that work to earn those degrees and get a job – and then let old Hitler do me out of it.” – Joan Heriot, 2004
At a Friend’s of History meeting in 1990, Joan discusses her father’s acceptance into the scientific field in contrast with the barriers she faced | GVMA tape 55a/b
“Somebody kindly said, you were probably chosen because you were a woman and they didn’t have to pay you as much. This being a woman was just… just… Anyway – I got the job.”– Joan Heriot, 2004
Women in Agriculture
During World War I, the absence of men in the workforce led to a widespread labour shortage, particularly in local industries such as agriculture. In response, women stepped into roles traditionally dominated by men, ensuring the continuation of food production.
While this shift in labour was often framed as patriotic, racial motivations may have also played a role, as efforts to recruit women were sometimes aimed to displace Chinese workers.
A 1917 article from the Vernon News outlined a plan to mobilize white women to displace Chinese workers:
“In an effort to displace Chinese labor and in order to insure the fruit growers against loss of crop through a labor shortage, the women of the city of Vancouver and district will likely turn out and help in the orchards and berry fields this fall.” – VN, April 5, 1917
Despite these motivations, women of all races quickly proved their effectiveness as agricultural labourers. Ultimately, their contributions helped sustain the economy and stabilize the region’s fruit industry during a time of crisis.
Tom Swift, who was required to provide agricultural labour during World War I, recalled working alongside older women to meet labour demands. In an interview, he and another man noted that the women “held their own” in the physically demanding work. In one oral history, Bill Cadden admits he still harbours some hurt feelings caused by the “older bean ladies” who would take (sometimes forcibly), the easiest produce to process.
Packing Houses: A Centre for Women’s Labour
In addition to working in the orchards, women found employment in produce processing and packing plants, which became a major site of female labour. The work was demanding, requiring long hours in often harsh conditions.
Bethe Almquist (nee Chardon), a seasonal employee at the Coldstream Ranch during the 1946-1949 seasons, describes the physical demands of the job:
“The daily work routine over the course of the summer included pruning, thinning, picking, and packing each apple variety in its season. Most of the women wore pith helmets to help reduce the intense heat of the Okanagan sun and we made use of the ever- present water bucket and dipper. I carried a collapsible container in my back pocket for water. With the hot sunny weather frequently came sunburns and the ensuing pain. While we often got help moving the long ladders, it was always a goal to set them up in the best shade possible. Some hazards on the job included wet grass in the early mornings, dry fine soil that floated up to your ankles and pools of water that collected after the orchards were irrigated. It was heavy physical work and the women had to be strong and determined. ” – Bethe Almquist, [2006]
Mabel Johnson, a Vernon News employee and correspondent, had something to say about women’s work in packing houses:
“Many of these people cut children’s school lunches and their own; get the family breakfast and often see the man of the family off to work before they leave to be at the packinghouse on time. They are doing a good job and one on which our economy depends just as much as any other phase of growing and marketing the fruit…” – VN, December 5, 1946
Women in the Military
Prior to the 1940s, women were largely excluded from direct military service. Their main contributions to wartime efforts primarily involved providing economic support, volunteer work, and nursing. However, WWII marked a turning point, as military branches began to recognize the need for additional personnel.
To meet these demands, the Canadian government established women’s divisions within the armed forces, allowing women to serve in non-combat roles. These critical positions included administrative work, communications, transport, and mechanical maintenance, freeing up male soldiers for combat duty.
Within these roles, women undertook rigorous training and were held to strict military standards. Though barred from direct combat, they performed vital work that was instrumental in the success of Canadian military operations.
Women in the Okanagan Regiment and Beyond
At the end of WWII many of the women’s divisions were disbanded. Nevertheless, the following decades ushered forth broader social changes—including Second Wave feminism and shifting workplace norms— which led to gradual reintegration.
By the 1960s, the Canadian Armed Forces began to open up more opportunities for women. The Okanagan’s regiment, the BC Dragoons, as well as the Vernon Cadet Training Centre, saw their first female recruits during this time, mirroring national trends toward gender integration in the military.
Sylvia Tyldesley-Gore
Sylvia Tyldesley-Gore was an Administrative Officer at the Vernon Cadet Camp. Her status at the camp marked a significant step of female leadership included in the local military, and her work helped shape the experiences of young cadets preparing for future service.
Women in Business
In the early 20th century, legal and social barriers made it difficult for women to independently own businesses. Women often required male guarantors to secure loans, and societal expectations discouraged them from pursuing careers outside the home. While many worked alongside their husbands or fathers in family-owned enterprises, relatively few were able to establish businesses in their own right.
However, the landscape began to shift by the 1960s. Women in Vernon found ways to enter the business world, whether by inheriting businesses, running enterprises that catered to women and children, or starting small, home-based operations.
A significant moment in city’s history was the establishment of the Vernon Business and Professional Women’s Club in 1932, which provided a platform for women to develop professionally, advocate for equal opportunities, and support each other in navigating a male-dominated business environment. The club not only helped women break into professional fields but also worked to change societal attitudes about women’s economic independence.
Vera McCulloh
One of Vernon’s well-known businesswomen was Vera McCulloch, who assumed the ownership of McCulloch Aerated Waters Ltd. following the death of her husband in 1951. The company, a well-established producer of soft drinks and carbonated beverages, was a staple in the community.
Like many working women of her time, Vera had to navigate the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship, family responsibilities, and community engagement. She successfully maintained and expanded the business while raising her children, demonstrating the resilience and determination required of women in leadership roles.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that working women—especially those with families—were often juggling responsibilities around the clock. They were not only managing businesses from 9 to 5 but also taking on the demands of home life from 5 to 9, ensuring that both their professional and domestic duties were met. Her ability to successfully lead in multiple spheres set a precedent for future generations of female entrepreneurs in Vernon.
Women’s Business in the Late 20th Century
By the late 20th century, women’s participation in business has expanded considerably. As legal restrictions eased and women gained greater access to education and financial resources, more women in Vernon began to launch their own businesses, enter professional fields, and take on various leadership roles in commerce.
This shift is exemplified in the 1992/93 Vernon Women in Business directory, which listed 78 female business owners and professionals in diverse and interesting positions.
Women in Activism
As women gained more rights and economic independence, their activism shifted toward workplace protections, maternity leave, and gender equality in employment. The 1970s and 1980s saw Vernon women engage in national conversations about labour rights, pushing for equal pay, protections from workplace harassment, and greater representation in leadership roles.
The establishment of the Vernon Women’s Centre and the Okanagan Women’s Coalition was a critical development in this period.
At its peak, the Vernon Women’s Centre provided essential services for women across the region. These services included counselling and support for those experiencing domestic violence and sexual abuse, workshops on financial independence and pay equity, LGBTQ+ support, pro-choice resources related to reproductive health, and advocacy for policy changes addressing women’s rights, among others.
In addition to these services, one of its notable contributions was Tapestry, a feminist magazine, offering a platform for women’s voices to discuss gender-related issues. Unfortunately, the magazine ceased publication when the federal government cut funding to women’s centres across the country.
Commemorating the École Polytechnique Massacre
Another example of Vernon’s feminist activism occurred after the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal, where 14 women were murdered in a misogynistic attack. In response, Vernon women organized vigils, protests, and public discussions, calling for greater protections for women and stronger policies against gender-based violence.
Women, Work, & the Changing Landscapes of Domestic Life
By the end of the 20th century, the increasing economic demands on families meant that more women were required to work outside the home out of necessity rather than personal ambition. The rise of dual-income households, increased costs of living, and shifts in family structures led to new societal changes, resulting in many women no longer being able to afford to take time off from work to raise families.
“It’s time to be suspicious when we see how well our desires for liberation are tailored to industrial goals. And how our liberated lifestyles are dangerously burdening the environment.” – Robin LeDrew, Tapestry, Winter 1989/90
LeDrew’s statement reflected a growing concern among feminists that women’s entry into the workforce was being shaped more by corporate interests than by genuine liberation. The struggle for meaningful choice in work, family life, and personal fulfillment remained central to feminist activism in Vernon and beyond.
Community Leaders
Throughout Vernon’s history, women have played a pivotal role in shaping local governance and community development. While early municipal leadership was dominated by men, women found ways to exert influence through advocacy, civic organizations, and, eventually, elected positions.
Anne Clark
From 1987 to 1990 , Anne Clarke made history as Vernon’s first female mayor. Her leadership was a turning point, demonstrating that governance was not defined by gender but by vision, dedication, and service. Clarke’s election helped open doors for future generations of women in politics, setting a precedent for empowered leadership in the region.
Pat Jordan
Pat Jordan took Vernon’s leadership to the provincial stage, representing the North Okanagan in the Legislative Assembly from 1966 to 1983. During this time, she served as the Minister of Tourism in the British Columbia government, winning multiple elections between 1966 to 1979. She was the first female candidate to take this seat, setting the record of winning five consecutive terms.
Her role highlighted the growing influence of women in shaping policy beyond the municipal level, ensuring that Vernon’s interests were represented at a broader scale.
Dr. Margo Greenwood
An internationally recognized Indigenous scholar of Cree ancestry, Dr. Margo Greenwood has dedicated her life to improving the well-being of Indigenous children and families. Having spent much of her career in Vernon, she has been instrumental in policy and program development at both the provincial and national levels.
As a Senator representing British Columbia, Dr. Greenwood remains committed to advancing health equity, education, and Indigenous rights. Throughout her work, she often reflects on the power of dreaming and perseverance, crediting these values for her success in overcoming challenges.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Dr. Greenwood has received numerous honors, including the Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. Most recently, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada for her groundbreaking work in early childhood education and Indigenous health policy.
Recent History & Women Today
As Vernon has grown and diversified, so too have the opportunities available to women. The rigid definitions of “women’s work” that once confined generations to specific roles have largely faded, allowing women to enter and excel in every industry. Today, women are leaders in trades, business, politics, technology, science, and the arts , shaping the city’s future in dynamic ways.
However, while women’s roles have expanded certain challenges persist. Work-life balance, wage gaps, gender-based discrimination, and underrepresentation in leadership positions continue to be issues faced by many women. The fight for equal opportunity is ongoing, and recognizing women’s contributions remains crucial.
One of the most pressing concerns in documenting this progress is the lack of representation in archives. Many of Vernon’s diverse population of women, particularly those who have contributed to contemporary advancements, remain unrecorded in the city’s historical narratives. Their stories—their struggles, triumphs, and everyday experiences—are absent from museum collections, leaving an incomplete picture of the community’s evolution.
At the Museum and Archives of Vernon, we recognize the importance of filling these gaps. We want to know Vernon’s women, support them, and ensure their stories are preserved for future generations.
This history is still being written, and we invite the women of Vernon—past and present—to be a part of it.
Help Us Tell Your Story
We encourage members of the community to share their experiences, photographs, documents, and memories to help enrich our understanding of women’s contributions to Vernon. By collaborating, we can ensure that the history of women’s work in Vernon is recorded fully, accurately, and inclusively.
Do you have a story to share? A family history to preserve? A personal experience that deserves recognition?
We invite you to contribute to this living history. Contact the Museum and Archives of Vernon to be part of this ongoing project.
What to know more? Visit the Museum and Archives of Vernon to discover the history of other incredible women!
*The audio included throughout this exhibit has been edited for brevity and does not necessarily reflect entire order of events discussed in tape.*
