Women of Sound: Florence Violet McKenzie

Episode Summary

Florence Violet McKenzie, born on September 28th, 1890, in Melbourne, Australia, was a pioneering figure in the field of electrical engineering and amateur radio. As the first woman in Australia to earn an amateur radio license, Violet's passion for electrical engineering was evident from an early age. She often experimented with electrical wires at home and later pursued a degree in electrical engineering at Sydney Technical College, becoming Australia's first female electrical engineer. Her enthusiasm for radio waves and wireless communication led her to open a radio sales and repair shop in 1921, further solidifying her expertise and leading to her becoming the first woman with a certification in radio telegraphy in Australia. Violet's contributions extended beyond her personal achievements. She founded the Electrical Association for Women in 1934, teaching women how to use modern appliances and promoting the use of electricity to ease domestic labor. As World War II approached, Violet recognized the potential for women to contribute to the war effort through their knowledge of electricity and radio telegraphy. She trained female pilots in Morse code and, with her husband, opened the Women's Emergency Signaling Corps in 1939, offering free courses on radio telegraphy. By the end of the war, Violet had trained nearly 3,000 women and 12,000 men, earning the affectionate nickname "Mrs. Mack" from her students. Despite her diminutive stature, Violet's impact was significant. She persuaded the Australian Navy to accept her female operators, leading to the formation of the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service. After the war, she continued her educational efforts, teaching Australian airline crews and the Navy until 1955. Violet's contributions were recognized with her appointment as an officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1950 and her membership in the Royal Navy Amateur Radio Society in 1979. Florence Violet McKenzie passed away on May 23, 1982, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and empowerment in the fields of electrical engineering and amateur radio.

Episode Show Notes

Florence Violet McKenzie (1890–1982) was Australia's first female electrical engineer, and founder of the Women's Emergency Signalling Corps.

Episode Transcript

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Let's talk about Florence Violet McKenzie.Violet was born in Melbourne, Australia on September 28th, 1890.She developed an interest in science early in life.She often fooled around with the electrical wires in her home and tinkered with bells and buzzers and lights.She went on to get her degree in electrical engineering at Sydney Technical College, becoming Australia's first woman electrical engineer. Ever since radio waves were first discovered, radio enthusiasts have been interfering with them for wireless communication, much to the annoyance of commercial and government operations.During World War I, amateur radio, or ham radio, ceased.But by the 1920s, ham radio was back in full force, much to Violet's excitement.In 1921, she bought her own radio sales and repair shop. Running the shop while studying helped Violet gain a strong knowledge of radio frequencies.It helped her become the first woman with a certification in radio telegraphy, the first woman with an amateur radio license in Australia, and the first female member of the Wireless Institute of Australia.In electrical technology, Violet saw the power of convenience and the effect it could have on women's lives, freeing them from hours of unnecessary domestic labor. In 1934, she founded the Electrical Association for Women, which taught women how to use modern appliances and electric kitchens.She also created the first women's guide to cooking with electricity and an electrical safety guide for children.By the late 1930s, the Second World War was looming. As men began to head off to the front lines, Violet realized that women could harness the power of electricity to help with the war effort. In 1938, she joined the Australian Women's Flying Club, where she trained female pilots in Morse code.In 1939, Violet and her husband opened the Women's Emergency Signaling Corps to teach free courses on radio telegraphy.In total, Violet trained nearly 3,000 women.Violet also trained men in her courses.By 1945, she trained around 12,000 men in Morse code, visual signaling, and international codes. Violet was quite fond of her students.And in return, her students affectionately referred to her as Mrs. Mack.While she had a significant presence, Violet was, in fact, quite dainty.She was barely five feet tall. The Australian Navy was not quick to accept Violet's female students.After months of persuading, Violet convinced the Naval Board in Melbourne to accept 14 of her operators. Those operators formed the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service, and Violet was appointed an honorary flight officer in the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force.After the war, Violet continued with her signaling classes, teaching Australian airline crews and the Navy until she closed the school in 1955.In 1976, Violet was confined to a wheelchair after a stroke. On May 23, 1982, Frances Violet McKenzie died.She was 91 years old.Throughout her life, Violet was honored for her contributions to radio.In 1950, she was appointed as an officer of the Order of the British Empire.In 1979, she was made an official member of the Royal Navy Amateur Radio Society. Though her name was largely forgotten over the years, she made a lasting impact on the men and women she taught. All month, we're talking about women of sound.For more information, find us on Facebook and Instagram at Womanica Podcast.Special thanks to Liz Kaplan, my favorite sister and co-creator.Talk to you tomorrow. 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