The Girls Are Coming

by Peggie Carlson

In 1974, lured by good wages, a 22-year-old African American college student from suburban Minneapolis started work as a pipefitter trainee for Minnegasco, a Minnesota natural-gas utility. Peggie Samples was one of the first four women hired by the company into non-secretarial jobs after the passage of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972. On the job, she and her beautiful blond friend Sonny met men who were hostile, men who were helpful, and men who were simply flummoxed to find "girls" in their midst. "S'long as a guy does his job," one told her, "it don't matter ta me if he's a gal."

This memoir is the sometimes hilarious story of how they learned to work together—and what they all learned about stereotypes.

Genres: Memoir

211 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Bella Loxtercamp]

I read this novel so quickly, and each of the people in it was unique. I loved reading about the author’s experience and what it was like in 1970s Minnesota. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for perspective, a laugh, or a relatable memoir.

[S. Collin]

I like how it read like a novel.

[JodyReads]

Carlson's memoir documents her time working for Minnegasco as the first woman pipefitter. Interestingly, she notes that she wasn't so discriminated against because she was black, but more so as a woman, which I can't recall seeing in a book before. I particularly enjoyed how she compared and contrasted herself to the second woman on the team -- one outgoing, one trying to blend in -- and how they were both subjected to the same bad treatment. I would be curious to hear from a woman pipefitter today to see if some of the discrimination was still there, since this is still such a male dominated field.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes local stories and those who are interested those who led the way (even in small part) of the women's movement.

[Jess]

This was such a fast, easy read, which was exactly what I needed after Soul Mountain and while traveling from SFO to MSP. While not terribly full on conflict, the memoir presented a time that I don't know much about. And having recently moved to the area, I liked hearing about the different areas of the cities and the company.

Seems like it'd be a nice, easy summer read for a book club. Some things to discuss and probably lots of memories from the mid-70s. Wish I could make it to our meeting!

[Novina]

Unconventional//
Adversity from all sides//
A well chosen path

[Naomi]

Interesting non-fiction about the first women workers in the Minnesota Gas Company in the 70's.