Cleaning Woman Collection

Dusted
ambra

Government charwoman cleaning after regular... Washington, D.C, 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Government charwoman cleaning after regular working hours. [Mrs Ella Watson]

Adopted daughter and two grandchildren with Mrs. Ella Watson... charwoman, Washington, D.C, 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Adopted daughter and two grandchildren with Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman

Mrs. Ella Watson, who has been a government charwoman... Washington, D.C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Mrs. Ella Watson, who has been a government charwoman for twenty-six years, with three of the five children she supports on her salary of one thousand eighty dollars per year

Government charwoman cleaning offices, Washington, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Government charwoman cleaning offices. Her working hours are from 5:30 till 1 a.m. [Mrs Ella Watson]

Saturday afternoon, 7th Street and Florida Avenue, N. W. Washington, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Saturday afternoon, 7th Street and Florida Avenue, N.W. [Mrs Ella Watson]

Grandchild of Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman, taking her... nap, Washington, D.C, 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Grandchild of Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman, taking her afternoon nap

Dinner time at the home of Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman, Washington, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Dinner time at the home of Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman

Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman going home... Washington, D.C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman going home from work at 2 a.m

Government charwoman who provides for a family of six on her salary... Washington, D.C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Government charwoman who provides for a family of six on her salary of one thousand and eighty dollars per year. She puts ten percent of her salary in war bonds. [Mrs Ella Watson]

Government charwoman cleaning after regular working hours, Washington, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Government charwoman cleaning after regular working hours. [Mrs Ella Watson]

Government charwoman cleaning after regular hours, Washington, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Government charwoman cleaning after regular hours

Government charwoman, Washington, D. C, 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Government charwoman. [Mrs Ella Watson]

Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman... Washington, D.C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman, with three grandchildren and her adopted daughter

Charwoman cleaning after regular working hours... Washington, D.C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Charwoman cleaning after regular working hours at the Office of the Registrar of the Treasury

To the Male Citizen / If This Is Womanly - Why Not This? Cartoon by Mary Ellen Sigsbee, c1910
WOMENs RIGHTS, c1910. To the Male Citizen / If This Is Womanly - Why Not This? Cartoon by Mary Ellen Sigsbee, c1910, supporting the right of women to engage in civil professions and occupations

PIANIST, 1876. Artistic recreation. Wood engraving, American, 1876

SILENT FILM STILL: WOMAN. Ruth Roland in a scene from The Adventures of Ruth, 1919

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In the heart of Washington, D. C. In 1942, a remarkable woman named Mrs. Ella Watson dedicated her days to being a government charwoman. With unwavering determination and resilience, she tirelessly cleaned offices after regular working hours, ensuring that everything was spotless for the next day's work. But Mrs. Watson's story goes beyond her role as a cleaning woman; it is one of love and sacrifice for her adopted daughter and two grandchildren who relied on her strength and support. In Gordon Parks' poignant photographs, we catch glimpses of their lives together - from Saturday afternoons spent on 7th Street and Florida Avenue to precious moments like when Mrs. Watson's grandchild takes an afternoon nap. Even amidst the challenges they faced, dinner time at Mrs. Watson's home became a cherished occasion where love filled every corner of their modest abode. It was here that they found solace and comfort in each other's company. As the sun set over Washington, D. C. , we see Mrs. Watson heading home after another long day at work - tired but never defeated by life's hardships. Her salary as a government charwoman provided for not only herself but also for her entire family of six - an incredible feat that showcased her resourcefulness and tenacity. Through Gordon Parks' lens, we witness the quiet strength embodied by this extraordinary woman who defied societal expectations with grace and dignity. She showed us that no matter our circumstances or occupation, our ability to make a difference lies within our hearts. Mrs. Ella Watson may have been known as just another government charwoman in 1942 Washington, D. C. , but through these powerful images captured by Gordon Parks, she becomes an emblematic figure representing resilience against all odds – reminding us that even those whose stories are often overlooked can leave an indelible mark on history.