Naomi Parker facts for kids
Naomi Parker Fraley (born August 26, 1921 – died January 20, 2018) was an American woman who worked in factories during World War II. She is widely believed to be the real person who inspired the famous "We Can Do It!" poster. This poster later became linked to the well-known character, Rosie the Riveter. For many years, another woman was mistakenly given credit for being the model. Naomi herself didn't know how famous the poster had become. She was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and passed away in Longview, Washington when she was 96 years old.
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The "We Can Do It!" Poster
The "We Can Do It!" poster is one of the most famous images from World War II. It shows a woman flexing her arm, ready to work. The poster was created in 1943 by J. Howard Miller for the Westinghouse Electric company. It was meant to encourage women to join the workforce during the war.
Naomi Parker's Connection
Naomi Parker Fraley was working at the Naval Air Station in Alameda, California, when a photographer took her picture. This photo showed her operating a machine. It is believed that this photograph was the inspiration for the "We Can Do It!" poster. For a long time, another woman, Geraldine Hoff Doyle, was thought to be the model. However, in 2011, a researcher named James J. Kimble found evidence that Naomi Parker was the true inspiration.
Why the Poster Was Important
During World War II, many men went off to fight. This meant that factories and businesses needed new workers. Women stepped up to fill these important jobs. They worked in factories, built airplanes, and made supplies for the war effort. The "We Can Do It!" poster became a symbol of women's strength and their vital role in supporting the country during wartime.
Rosie the Riveter
The "We Can Do It!" poster is often mistakenly called the "Rosie the Riveter" poster. While the poster became a symbol of women working during the war, it was not originally linked to Rosie.
Who Was Rosie the Riveter?
Rosie the Riveter was a cultural icon during World War II. She represented the millions of American women who worked in factories and shipyards. These women often took on jobs that were traditionally done by men. The name "Rosie the Riveter" came from a popular song in 1942. There were also famous paintings and movies about Rosie.
Rosie's Legacy Today
Rosie the Riveter became a symbol of women's empowerment and their ability to do any job. She showed that women could be strong and contribute greatly to society. Even today, Rosie the Riveter remains an important symbol of women's rights and their role in the workforce.
Naomi Parker's Life
Naomi Parker was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on August 26, 1921. She was one of eight children. Her family moved around a lot during her childhood. When World War II began, Naomi and her sister worked in a factory. They helped build parts for airplanes. This was a common job for women during the war. After the war, Naomi worked as a waitress. She lived a long life and passed away in Longview, Washington, on January 20, 2018, at the age of 96.
Images for kids
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1942 photograph of Naomi Parker
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The "We Can Do It!" poster appeared in a few factories in 1943.
See also
In Spanish: Naomi Parker para niños
