On Saturday I am beginning my 2010 project involving my beloved grandmother, Lenore Mary (Sullivan) Basso. Born September 17th, 1914 in Berkeley, California. I am going to be videotaping my "interviews" of her for a couple of hours biweekly and transcribing her stories. She really is one of the most interesting people I have ever met and one of my favorite people to talk to.
In her life time she has lived through:
World War I
World War II
18th Amendment prohibits alcohol
19th Amendment gives women right to vote
The Great Depression
The "New Deal"
Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge Built
Korean War
Alaska and Hawaii becoming States
Desegregation
The Kennedy Assassination
Vietnam War
Watergate
Hippies
Yuppies
The Moon Landing
17 Presidents
8 Popes
7 Sisters
4 Children
6 Grandchildren
3 Great-Grandchildren
Television being put into homes (both black and white and color)
Telephones
Cars
Refrigerators
Calculators
Computers
Cell Phones
Microwaves
Electric Trains
Electric Cars
The Internet
She didn't learn to drive until she was 43 years old. She still does not have a computer and has no intention of ever owning one or using one. She is quick witted and has an opinion on everything whether you like it or not. She is a die-hard Democrat and a progressive Catholic.... How that is even possible is nothing short of amazing.
You will never meet anyone like her and would be lucky to know her.
And that is why I am doing this project. To document our family history and the history she has lived through. Because no one can tell a story like my GG.
(the above picture is from 1936, shot by a friend of hers that was practicing to be a photographer in San Francisco.)
Nice picture........(pssst. Birthday is September 17).
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very promising project. I think everyone should do this type of thing if they are lucky enough to still have grandparents. Looking forward to this!
ReplyDeleteAdd to the list - vacuuming in high heels (remember this was the day before tennies!). And living in Danville when it was a one horse town, or actually 2 block town....1 doctor (Forsyth), 1 fire house, 1 grocery store (Acres), 1 dentist (Cuenin), 1 shoestore (Mays), oh and of course 3 bars !
ReplyDeleteBTW - her computer is in her head. She remember such weird stuff...........and when she brings it up, you to "oh - yeah". And one more to the List. Murder of an uncle in Contra Costa County over a race horse....She might still have the newspaper article. And the guy was caught because of his wall paper 'bullets'. Ask her.
ReplyDeleteMeagan! What a cool idea!! I really can't believe how much you look like her and I L.O.V.E that picture...so sassy!
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