Have knitting needles, will spy. Contact Molly Rinker, Philadelphia

Although it took until 1948 when the Women’s Armed Service Integration Act was passed for women to be recognized for the crucial roles they have played in all of America’s wars, thankfully their determination to do so was not deterred. The fact recognition was not offered only goes to show the level of patriotism and determination these women harbored in service to their country. One such clandestine patriot was Molly “Mom” Rinker.

Molly Rinker is best known for the role she played in helping George Washington’s troops during the Battle of Germantown on October 4, 1777. The knowledge she possessed of the Wissahickon Valley worked to her advantage, and Washington’s. Though the cliffs could be somewhat impossible to scale, this determined patriot did so like a ghost in a mist.

From her spot high atop a rock that overlooked the valley, Molly was able to view the British comings and goings without being noticed. Here she would knit after laying out her linen to bleach in the sun. As she did so, she periodically “lost” a ball of yarn. The AWOL textile was later “found” by one of Washington’s troops who “discovered” a message concealed within, detailing the movements of the British troops.

Molly aided the cause with more than her knitting skills. She was also a Philadelphia tavern owner. While serving up ale to the British troops who patronized her pub, she always had an ear open to what they were saying. The fact she was a business owner and a woman…