Ethel H. Bailey facts for kids

Ethel H. Bailey (born August 18, 1896 – died July 5, 1985) was an amazing American mechanical engineer. She started her career working with airplanes. Later, she helped create important radar and special scientific equipment.

Another engineer, Margaret Ingels, called Ethel a 'trailblazer' in 1952. This means Ethel was a pioneer, doing new and important things. She was the first woman to become a full member of the American Automotive Society in 1926. Ethel also joined many other important engineering groups. These included the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the British Women's Engineering Society. She even wrote articles for their journal, The Woman Engineer.

Early Life and Interests

Ethel H. Bailey was born on August 18, 1896. Her hometown was Houlton, Maine, in the USA. Her parents were Walter and Anna Bailey. She had one older sister named Margaret.

Even in high school, Ethel was very curious. She was especially interested in radios and motorboats.

Education and Early Work

During the First World War, Ethel got a special job. She became an assistant inspector for Liberty L-12 airplane engines. She worked for the U.S. government at a test airfield in Indianapolis.

After the war, she continued her studies. In 1918, she went to the Michigan State Automobile School. Then, in 1920, she studied at George Washington University.

A Career in Engineering

In 1920, Ethel joined the Society of Automotive Engineers. She worked there as a research engineer. Six years later, in 1926, she made history. She became the very first full female member of this important organization.

In 1925, Ethel wrote an article for The Woman Engineer journal. It was about a special metal alloy she helped develop. This metal was very strong and lasted a long time.

Meeting Famous Scientists

In September 1925, Ethel traveled to Paris, France. There, she visited the famous scientist Marie Curie at her home. Marie Curie was known for her work with radioactivity.

After Paris, Ethel went to London, England. She represented the Society of Automotive Engineers at a big meeting. This was the first International Conference of Women in Science, Industry and Commerce. Caroline Haslett and the Women's Engineering Society organized it.

Ethel gave a speech about 'Automotive Research' at the conference. Other speakers included chemist Isabel Hadfield and engineer Margaret Partridge. Ethel was also part of the important Advisory Committee for the conference.

Honoring Aviation Pioneers

In 1929, Ethel wrote an article about Katharine Wright Haskell. Katharine was the sister of the famous Wright brothers. She was a big supporter and helper for Wilbur and Orville Wright.

Ethel's article was published in an American magazine called Airway Age. It was also shared in the British The Woman Engineer journal. Ethel ended her article by saying: "Orville the Flyer, Wilbur the Adviser and Katharine the Inspirer."

Later in 1929, Ethel started a new job. She began working at the General Electric Co. in Bloomfield.

War Work and New Discoveries

During the Second World War, Ethel did very important work. She helped get radar equipment for the Signal Corps Radar Laboratory. Radar helps detect objects using radio waves.

Later, she organized radar equipment for the U.S. Navy. She worked as a mechanical engineer at the Raytheon Manufacturing Company.

In 1945, Ethel became a director at a printing company in Boston. After that, she worked at the Department of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. There, she helped develop spectroscopic equipment. This equipment helps scientists study light and materials.

Later Life

Ethel H. Bailey passed away on July 5, 1985. She was 88 years old. She died in Concord, Massachusetts, USA. She was buried in Farmington, Maine, USA.

Articles by Ethel H. Bailey

• 'Automotive Research' in The Woman Engineer, 2:4 (1925) pages 72–3.