She raised her home's roof, adding two apartments upstairs. By renting out her own living quarters as well, she was able to derive income from the entire house. Winnie placed her daughters in the care of her parents and enrolled at Capitol Business College "to see what she was 'fit' for."

On completion of her course, she reclaimed her daughters and found a job as stenographer with the Oregon State Accident Commission. Sent by her employers to coastal Newport, Oregon, she discovered by chance a new direction for her life.

By helping a friend in his jewelry store on Sundays, the one day the soldiers stationed there had a day off, Winnie found she had a flair for salesmanship. She returned to Salem in 1918 at a time when the local business world was opening itself to women because of the many men enlisting for service in World War I. Winnie secured a job with W. H. Grabenhorst Real Estate and with her first sales commissions paid off the mortgage on her house and the last of her debts.

At the conclusion of the war, former employees returned to Salem and Winnie lost her position at the Grabenhorst agency. In 1920 she established her own real estate and insurance company in Salem's downtown Adolph Building. In that same year she taught herself to drive and bought her first automobile. Her business continued to be successful by injecting "the human element into real estate." In 1943, after nearly thirty year in real estate, Pettyjohn closed her office, continuing to operate her business from home in semi-retirement.

During this period in her life Winnie was able to devote more time to the civic organizations in which she had already become active such as Community Concerts, the Cancer Society, the Woman's Club, the Professional Woman's Club, and the Soroptimists, a service club.

In 1953, she began traveling worldwide, eventually visiting the Holy Land, Egypt, Europe, South America, and Africa. These extended trips allowed her to learn about cultures different from her own and provided material for later travel seminars.

Her interest and energy extended even further when in the 1960s, at over 80 years of age, she formed a club for the study of parliamentary law. The meetings were held at her 14th Street home. She also made investments in a peach orchard and a tulip farm.

A touching note from her eldest daughter, Helen, written for Mother's Day, 1963 testifies to Winnie's continuing bond of affection with her daughters: "For all the loving care you have lavished on me through out the years...for the fun we had as children... for the chance to learn...for the love of music in our home...for being mother and father through the years that must have been so difficult for you...I'm glad you decided to have me and I'm proud to be your daughter."

In 1975, at age of 93, Winnie Pettyjohn died at her daughter's West Salem home. Her funeral at Calvary Baptist Church was widely attended by the citizens of Salem. testament to her remarkable energy and example of enterprise.

Compiled by Virginia Green.

Bibliography:
All biographical information quoted or paraphrased from "Ahead of Her Time" by Susan Bell, Historic Marion, August 1988, page 7-9