Could it be a high-density filing system? They open and close to use much less space than conventional filing systems. Could she be in uniform and doing war work? I have pictures of my DM in DC during WWII when she worked for the FBI and the hair style is identical.
The picture 'feels' posed to me, as if it were taken to demonstrate the contrivance she is operating, which would explain her apparently awkward stance....
Last edited by Greenheron; 11-25-2012 at 11:47 AM.