Remember when, Arkansas? Pfeifers stores let women pretend to be bosses on Leap Year’s Day 1960

Anyone recognize what’s happening in this photo from the archives of the Arkansas Democratic Gazette?

Hint: It was 1960.

On February 29, 1960, female employees of Pfeifers of Arkansas pretended to take over a department store in downtown Little Rock for a one-day sale.

This was not one of the regular Pfeifers Days sales, which in the 1960s took place in the fall and spring. This sale only occurs on Leap Year Day, which occurs every four years.

To prepare for the “rule of the skirt,” as reported by the Arkansas Gazette on February 28, 1960, women dressed as male corporate executives and put on performances for staff. Managers for the day included (front from left) Lucille Wiland, Merle Cotton and Betty Wilson; (back from left) Bernice Stein, Sylvia Perry and Betty Womack.

Photos of their faces appeared in full-page ads along with manager-to-day Helen Daniel, Home Center on Sixth and Main St; Verna Avance, downstairs; Gussie Vandiver, a menswear store, whose male manager recently retired; Edith Kaucher, street floor; Alvina Kober, accessories; and Rose Matthews, ready-to-wear. Billie Carter, manager of the children’s department, missed the photo shoot.

The idea of ​​women taking over on Leap Year’s Day didn’t come from Pfeifers. The skirt rule was a countrywide joke in the 20th century. In February 1932 when Montgomery Ward & Co. has a female employee running the downtown Little Rock store, Georgia Bilheimer acts as general manager, assisted by several other female employees — and female customers.

Pfeifers ads say their women have used their intuition to choose special sales. Among these are 45 pieces of imported earthenware tableware, service for eight for $8.88.

But there’s always something for sale at Pfeifers. If you wait until March 1, 1960, you can opt for Bogene’s bright vinyl plastic garment bag to dress up your wardrobe in a third cut. The bags come in pink, turquoise, white or green.

Preparing for a Leap Year’s Day sale on February 29, 1960, female employees of Pfeifers of Arkansas wore men’s clothing and put on a show for the other employees. Among those present were (front from left) Mrs. Lucille Willand, Mrs. Merle Cotton and Mrs. Betty Wilson; (back from left) Miss Bernice Stein, Mrs Sylvia Perry and Mrs Betty Womack. (Democrat Gazette archive)