Mabelle Kelso served as a United Wireless operator

In the early 1900s, Mabelle Kelso made history by serving as a United Wireless operator in the northeastern Pacific, at a time when the field of wireless telegraphy was dominated by men. Kelso was among the few women who broke barriers to work in maritime communication, operating the wireless telegraphy equipment on ships and coastal stations. Her role involved sending and receiving vital messages, including navigational information and distress signals, contributing significantly to maritime safety. Kelso’s pioneering work showcased the critical contributions of women in the early days of wireless communication, paving the way for greater gender diversity in the field of radio and telecommunications.