McPherson, Bea

Originally from Canton, Ohio, Bea (Shaheen) McPherson attended Kent State University from 1940 to 1943. As a senior elementary education and geography major, McPherson was recruited by her geography professor to receive special training. The training consisted of a 60-hour course in the basics of military mapmaking. With the approval of the US Department of Education and Civil Service Commission in 1942, the course was taught at numerous college campuses in order to quickly train and recruit the large numbers of employees needed for the Army Map Service's wartime efforts. Through these courses, approximately 200 women from campuses all over the East and Midwest were recruited into the Army Map Service in 1942-1943. Upon graduation, McPherson reported for work to the Service in Washington, D.C., and she continued to work as a mapmaker for the remainder of World War II. This group of women eventually became known as the Military Mapmaking Corps, the Military Mapmaking Maids or the 3M Girls. After the war ended, McPherson left the Service and eventually moved back to Hartville, Ohio, with her husband James W. McPherson, Jr. She continued to be active as a Kent State University alumna, particularly as an early supporter and organizer of the Kent State University Museum, and also organized three Military Mapmaking Corps reunions.

From the description of Bea McPherson papers, 1935-1993 (bulk 1940-1993). (Kent State University). WorldCat record id: 761328857

Originally from Canton, Ohio, Bea (Shaheen) McPherson, attended Kent State University from 1940 to 1943. As a senior elementary education and geography major, McPherson was recruited by her geography professor to receive special training. The training consisted of a 60-hour course in the basics of military mapmaking. With the approval of the US Department of Education and Civil Service Commission in 1942, the course was taught at numerous college campuses in order to quickly train and recruit the large numbers of employees needed for the Army Map Service's wartime efforts. Through these courses approximately 200 women from campuses all over the East and Midwest were recruited into the Army Map Service in 1942-1943. Upon graduation McPherson reported for work to the Service in Washington, D.C., and she continued to work as a mapmaker for the remainder of World War II. This group of women eventually became known as the Military Mapmaking Corps, the Military Mapmaking Maids or the 3M Girls.

Following the war, McPherson left the Service eventually moving back to Hartville, Ohio, with her husband James W. McPherson Jr. McPherson has continued to be active as a KSU alum, particularly as an early supporter and organizer of the KSU Museum, and she has also organized three Military Mapmaking Corps reunions.

From the guide to the Bea McPherson papers, 1935-1993, 1940-1993, (Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.)