The
Marlborough
Historical Society
377 Elm Street
Marlborough, MA 01752-0513 United States
508-485-4763
Featured Member of the Historical Society
Janet Doucette Licht - Marlborough’s School Department First Female Draftsman
Community Advocate - November 24, 2020
By Linda L. Rennie
Janet Doucette Licht is a shining example of what young women could do in a time when many things were unacceptable for them because of their gender.
In 1966 Janet Doucette Licht became the first female graduate from the 2 year post graduate study program of the Marlborough High School Vocational School. (This school is now the Assabet Valley Vocational School.) Janet, a 1964 Marlborough High School graduate decided to complete her studies in drafting after she had excelled in the Mechanical Drawing classes.
In 1960 Janet registered for art classes at the high school, then located on Main Street, now the Walker Building. She was interested in the art classes that included mechanical drawing. When the principal realized that a female had signed up for these classes, he immediately brought it to the attention of the teacher and her parents. Janet’s father was very supportive of her desire to take these classes. So for the next four years Janet was the only female to participate in Mechanical Drawing and she completed the study at the top of her class.
While she attended classes full time at the Vocational School, she worked three part time jobs to contribute to the support of her family. Upon graduating from the Vocational School, Janet was offered a drafting position at General Electric, in Ashland. Before accepting this position, she was also considered for a drafting one at Digital; however, there were no other women in the Digital drafting department and they had to withdraw their job offer.
Janet worked at General Electric for many years. She left briefly when her children were young and returned at the company’s request. Later she worked at Riley Stoker, Worcester, MA, where she participated in designing power plants for paper mills. She rose to the position of Drafting Supervisor there.
While her children were still young, Janet decided to complete her education beginning at Northeastern and finishing at Central New England in Westborough. She graduated with an Associates degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Upon retirement, Janet joined the Board of Trustees of the Marlborough Historical Society. She served as president for ten years retiring because of poor health. During her tenure she made many changes to the society and supported its growth.
Marlborough is proud that she excelled in our city and is a true role model for young women today.
Janet Doucette Licht, the city of Marlborough thanks you.