Photo: Transportation History
In honor of Women鈥檚 History Month, the 一品探花 is taking the time to tell the stories of iconic women who have paved the way for females, whether behind the wheel or in the office, to thrive today in what is seen as a male-populated industry.
On January 1, 1915, at a time when women still did not have the right to vote, Wilma Russey made history. Wilma became a high-profile transportation pioneer by launching her career as the first female New York City taxicab driver.
The New York Times headline in the next day鈥檚 edition proclaimed, 鈥淣ew York鈥檚 First Feminine Chauffeur Starts Business on New Year鈥檚 Day.鈥� Wilma entered Broadway, New Year鈥檚 Day at 10 o鈥檆lock in the morning, to start work as a taxi driver 鈥渉er calling鈥�, as the New York Times characterized it.
There were a group of men wanting to have the honor of being her first passengers. They asked Wilma to take them for a short ride down the famous New York City thoroughfare. They created quite the sensation travelling down Broadway for several blocks. Feeling that their purpose was accomplished, they proceeded to pay Wilma her first fare and big tip.
Not only was Wilma a skilled driver, but she was also an expert mechanic. She was employed at Dalton鈥檚 Garage as a car mechanic for more than a year before starting her new career as a taxi driver.
Wilma helped pave the way for other women to pursue similar transportation careers, and she did so with style and grace. Her standard on-the-job apparel included black leather gloves, leopard skin hat, and stole which captured the public鈥檚 imagination.
When it came to emergency break downs, her strong background as a mechanic gave her a huge advantage over many of her fellow taxi drivers.
Wilma quickly became a popular local driver with her skilled driving and her signature leopard-skin hat and stole.
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