A new display at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton explores the early 20th Century, specifically one woman from the area.
Locally Mary Ondek (1915-2007) grew up on a Monroe farm and attended a one-room school for eight years. She graduated from a commercial curriculum at Bridgeport’s Central High School in 1933.
Beginning in April 1943 she served as a civilian in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps and received basic training and became PFC clerk typist. Five months later she entered active service in the newly-formed Women’s Army Corps and was trained in Advanced Typing at Ft. Devens, Mass.
She served as a tech sgt. 4th class stenographer at the Pentagon doing secretarial work on a confidential level. She was awarded the WAAC Service Ribbon, American Service medal, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal. She received her honorable discharge from Fort Dix, NJ in January 1946. She went on to hold secretarial positions at Singer and other Bridgeport corporations.
The display case holds memorabilia from Mary’s enlisted and civilian life shared by Shelton resident Linda Davis.
Plumb is at 65 Wooster Street.