In March, 1942, a photo went out over the wire service of a woman in coveralls, hair wrapped up in a bandana, working on the factory floor at the Naval Air Station in Alameda, California. This photo – this woman – was the inspiration for the famous Rosie the River “WE CAN DO IT” poster.
Naomi Parker Fraley, the woman in the photo, has just died at the age of 96. There was an interesting saga with the woman in the photo being misidentified for years, but eventually – in 2015!! – the record was set straight. CNN has that backstory.
Fraley also appeared in a photo accompanying a promotion to be used to demonstrate proper attire for factory workers. Glamour is out. Practicality is in. She’s the one on the left. I’m guessing the babe in the middle (Ada Wyn Parker, Naomi’s sister) is an example of what NOT to do.
The sisters worked at the Naval Air Station repairing aircraft.
Here’s Naomi at work again.
R.I.P. patriot. Icon.
