Dorothy Liebes | 9. Structo Looms To The Rescue

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Liebes was asked by the Red Cross to help wounded veterans returning from World War II. Soon appointed National Art Director, she “went flea-hopping all over the country, conferring with the heads of hospitals, recruiting artists and craftsmen, and appealing for equipment.” 

Twenty-eight different arts and skills were taught in over 130 hospitals across the nation. “My special interest, of course, was in weaving,” she wrote. 

“Small looms, 10 inches wide, eventually became available for Arts and Skills. These were “Structo” looms, that is without the treadles normally operated by the weaver’s feet; a lever on the side changed the warp. These were placed across a bed, resting on the sides, or on the arms of a wheelchair. Sears Roebuck donated 10,000 of these looms to us and I signed a check for 10,000 more, but we never had enough, which gives some indication of the number of disabled men who learned to weave in the hospitals. Weaving is a great tranquilizer. The effect can be almost hypnotic. It seemed to have a special value in treating men suffering from battle fatigue and shattered nerves. Usually, they began by playing with the loom, like a toy, but the more they discovered its uses, the more interested they became.” 

The small but mighty Structo loom

Once again, Liebes found herself overextended and exhausted. Her studio was getting commissions from the Hollywood set, and she traveled constantly on behalf of Arts and Skills. She had a hysterectomy in 1943, and attempted to extricate herself from her Red Cross duties. Officially resigned from the Art Director role, Liebes continued to stump for the cause because she was really bad at saying no. A radio show producer was all too pleased that Liebes said she’d speak “only if you really need me,” and set about scheduling her appearance.

Recognition for Liebes's service