By Kathy Chouteau
Lisa Taylor, who is among a group of tradeswomen volunteering to restore the Red Oak Victory since Aug. 18, believes her contributions to the effort maintains the heritage of the Rosie the Riveters.
“I wanted to be a part of this project, because the women who continue to choose careers in metals craft are keeping the legacy of former metals craft construction and hands-on labor alive,” Taylor said.
Taylor learned to weld at Kennedy High School and, when she’s not volunteering, works as a pipefitter, Boilermaker and welder at Chevron Richmond. At a media event on Aug. 21, she and fellow volunteers were touted for donating their time to help preserve the last surviving Victory ship built at Richmond’s Kaiser Shipyards during WWII.
Today, the ship located at 1337 Canal Blvd, near Riggers Loft, serves as a floating museum. It is also a testament to women’s essential role on the home front.
“It needs to be restored because it’s an important part of history,” Mayor Eduardo Martinez said. “We need to preserve our designation as a historical WWII city and the Red Oak Victory Ship is a prime example.”
The ship’s restoration will precede its eventual relocation within the city, which Port Director Charles Gerard described as a multi-year endeavor. Gerard said a preliminary plan is in the works to construct a wharf near the Richmond Ferry Terminal where the SS Red Oak Victory can dock.
Harpreet Sandhu, district senior representative from the Office of Congressman Garamendi, described the ship as a “living classroom and reminder of what American workers, industry and unions can achieve when given the opportunity.”
“The revival project does more than preserve history. It strengthens Richmond’s community. It inspires pride, and it anchors economic development along this waterfront,” said Sandhu. “It brings together labor unions, the Rosie the Riveter Trust, the National Park Service and countless volunteers all united for common purpose to ensure the lessons of the past guide us for the future.”
Volunteer interest can be directed to [email protected], and donations are processed through the Richmond Museum Association, a 501(c)(3). Click here to donate to the restoration project.
