Catalogue

Interview
1200, LO/547/497
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Johnson, Evelyn Beatrice, 1905 - , Interviewee, Female, Hosiery worker, factory worker
Speaker: Saunders, P, Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Brief family background in Leicester. Recalls same woman helped mother at childbirth as laid out dead bodies, a black board being put up outside house when someone died. Brief memory of cattle being herded down Belgrave Road, children watching first aeroplane on Melton Road. Describes childhood games, carol singing at Christmas, playing with boys rather than girls. Talks about household chores, food, Christmas stockings, picnics at Mountsorrel. Mentions sweets eaten, swimming at Cossington Street baths, not liking teacher at school, getting job as runabout at Wolsey hosiery. Explains how husband borrowed money from employers, Stimson and Rolston, to pay for first house on Fairfield Street; borrowed from Oddfellows for second house in Thurmaston where grew vegetables, kept animals. Recalls husband's colleagues marvelling at how they managed financially. Brief mention of a brother being killed during Second World War. Talks about growing own food, swapping ration coupons, getting petrol coupons, air raids and shelters, working in factory with asbestos. Mention of blackout, picking up oats for hens ('gleaning'), potato picking, Victory in Europe street party on Coral Street.
Place of birth: Leicester
Education:
Marital Status: Married, Children:
Father's Occupation: Shoe worker
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s
Language: English

Recording Date: 8/6/1989
Playing time: 50 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.