By far the prettiest plumber of her time, Lillian Baumbach of Arlington, Washington became an overnight celebrity when she broke through gender lines and became the first woman Master plumber in 1951.  Following in her father’s footsteps, Lillian unclogged her first shower drain when she was only 2 years old.  Since then she has been her father’s shadow, accompanying him on countless plumbing calls.  At the age of 21, Lillian took the master plumber examination and became famous for being the country’s first woman master plumber.  Lillian plied  her trade in Arlington, Washington at her father’s company, the W.J. Baumbach Plumbing Firm.  Lillian said that her career choice was a logical one.  Her father, uncles, and cousins were all plumbers so she grew up learning all about plumbing and helping her father on jobs.  When the news of her unusual career choice hit the media, Lillian became an overnight sensation.  She was a guest on two national television programs and participated in several interviews.  Lillian stated that one of her favorite experiences was her unforgettable interview with Walter Cronkite.   Click the link below to learn more about Lillian Baumbach and to view newspaper articles about her from 1951. 

http://www.baumbach.com/History/Lillian.htm

~ Michelle Johnson ~  Sales and Marketing Coordinator

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