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Personal
View of Anita Corley Caskey
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I worked for the
Weather Bureau from September, 1942, to June, 1947 at the Houston,
Texas, Airport Station, after attending training school at Ft. Worth,
Texas. I learned that the Weather Bureau needed new employees from
an article in the newspaper. Working for the Bureau helped to replace
men for combat duty. My previous educational experience included one
year at Rice University as a chemistry major. When I began work, I
was using my single name - Anita Corley, and later used my married
name - Caskey. I left the Weather Bureau in June, 1947, when my husband
returned from service, to start a family.
I began at grade SP-4 with the pay at $1620 per annum.
Grade and pay increases were as follows: In 1944, SP-5 - $1800 per
annum; in 1945, SP-6 - $2000 per annum; in 1946, SP-6 - $2450 per
annum.
My first impressions of the Weather Bureau were very
good. I was the first woman on station and was received warmly by
the other employees. The morale on station was good. The duties included
filing observations; drawing maps; balloon runs; and advising pilots.
When all the men left except, the Official in Charge, I became his
assistant until the men started returning from war.
The shifts were midnight to 8:00 a.m.; 8:00 a.m.to
4:00 p.m.; 4:00 p.m. to midnight; and 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We worked
eight hours daily, 48 hours a week. I enjoyed the work - enjoyed it
all. I felt I was helping the war effort. Would I do it again? Yes.
It was a good experience. My major contribution was doing my job as
well as possible. The most interesting experience during my career
was the 1943 hurricane.
