In March of 1924, two young ladies at Stadium High School were breaking down vocational barriers. Mary Fern Winfree (17), left, and Blanche Barnhart (18) were learning their way around a tool shop after enrolling in woodworking class. The educational pioneers had been warned that they would be expected to participate in shop clean up, help with heavy lifting and endure possibly condescending treatment by their male classmates. After one month in class, instructor E. A. Engebretsen had high praise for them; describing them as apt, independent and saying that they did not ask for favors. Outside of their one trade class, both girls were favoring a classical education, including English, French and music.
