Steam and Steel: The Roundhouse "Wiper" (1943)

"Steam and Steel: Mrs. Viola Sievers, a mother of five, works as a 'wiper' at the Chicago and North Western Railroad roundhouse in Clinton, Iowa, 1943, maintaining the massive steam locomotives that were the lifeblood of the war effort."

Imagine helping keep America's railroads running during World War II while raising five children at home.

This remarkable 1943 photograph shows Mrs. Viola Sievers working as a "wiper" at the Chicago and North Western Railway roundhouse in Clinton, Iowa. Her job involved cleaning and servicing massive steam locomotives, helping ensure that the rail network continued to move troops, equipment, and supplies across the country during one of the most demanding periods in American history.

Captured by photographer Jack Delano for the Office of War Information, the image is one of a series documenting the essential role of railroads during the war. Using large-format color film, Delano recorded scenes rarely seen in color, preserving the dark, grease-stained interiors of locomotive shops with remarkable detail.

Women like Viola stepped into critical industrial roles as millions of men served overseas. Their work became an indispensable part of the wartime economy, helping maintain the transportation system that supported America's military mobilization.

Steam locomotives were the lifeblood of the era, requiring constant maintenance to keep them operating efficiently. Roundhouses like the one in Clinton, Iowa, were bustling centers of activity where skilled workers labored around the clock to keep trains moving.

Today, photographs like this offer a vivid glimpse into the people whose hard work behind the scenes helped power the nation during World War II.