Photo: MTA, Bridges & Tunnels, Special Archives Photo

1943: Women Report for Duty as
Queens Midtown Tunnel Officers

During World War II, women filled many jobs that had previously been held by men. On April 14, 1943, the New York City Tunnel Authority and the Police Department swore in twelve women for special duty, filling in for male police officers who were in the armed services or working in war-related jobs. That same day, the twelve new hires began working as toll-booth attendants at the Queens Midtown Tunnel. Five of the women were filling in for their husbands, who were in the armed forces. In addition to collecting tolls, the job required giving directions to motorists. Women are shown here reporting for duty as Tunnel Officers on April 14, 1943.

–Cynthia Blair