Jacqueline Noel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jacqueline Noel
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Jacqueline Noel
June 28, 1886 Washington, D.C.
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| Died | 1964 |
| Occupation | Tacoma City Librarian |
| Known for | expand Washington State's public library system and coining the name for the popular candy, Almond Roca |
Jacqueline Noel (born June 28, 1886 – died 1964) was an important librarian in Tacoma, Washington. She helped make libraries better and bigger in Washington State. She also played a part in naming the famous candy, Almond Roca.
Early Life and Learning
Jacqueline Noel was born in Washington, D.C., on June 28, 1886. Her father, Jacob Edmund Noel, was a civil engineer. In 1889, when Jacqueline was three years old, her family moved to Tacoma, Washington.
When she was 10, Jacqueline became the secretary of the Mary Lampheer Society. This was the first group in Washington State for the Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.). The C.A.R. was a group for young people who wanted to learn about and celebrate American history, especially the American Revolution. Since Washington was a new state, the group focused on learning about important events from the past.
Jacqueline later moved to New York City to study at the Pratt Institute. She graduated in 1913. After her studies, she returned to the Pacific Northwest to start her career. She worked as an assistant librarian in La Grande and Portland, Oregon. In July 1914, she joined the Tacoma Public Library.
Becoming a City Librarian
Jacqueline Noel started at the Tacoma Public Library as an assistant in the reference department. This department helps people find information. In 1924, she became the city librarian, which meant she was in charge of all the libraries in Tacoma.
She was also involved in many professional groups. She was a leader in the Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs and served as vice-president of the Pacific Northwest Library Association. She was also a member of the American Library Association, a big group for librarians across the country.
Jacqueline Noel worked hard to create more branch libraries in Tacoma. These are smaller libraries located in different neighborhoods. She helped raise money from people in the community to build new branches like McCormick and Mottet. By the time she retired in 1947, new libraries were starting to open, and many more were running by the time she passed away in 1964.
The Story of Almond Roca
In 1923, two candy makers from Tacoma, Harry Brown and J.C. Haley, created a new treat. It was a hard toffee covered in chocolate and chopped almonds. This made it less sticky than other candies at the time.
When Harry Brown shared samples of his new candy, he asked people for name ideas. Jacqueline Noel suggested "Almond Roca." She used the Spanish word "roca," which means "rock," to describe the candy's hard, log-like shape.
This candy became very popular! The United States Department of War even chose Almond Roca to send to U.S. Military members around the world. Tins of Almond Roca were shipped to American soldiers during World War II and the Korean War.
Because of Jacqueline's suggestion, Brown & Haley went on to create many other "Roca" candies, like Cashew Roca, Macadamia Roca, and Peppermint Roca.
Jacqueline Noel retired from her library work in 1947. She passed away in 1964.
Images for kids
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Almond Roca candy
