Document text
ORIGINAL MSS. OR FIELD NOTES (Cheok one)
PUB. Living Lore in
New England
TITLE Italian Shoe Machine Worker, Beverly
110
WRITER Merton R. Lovett
DATE 6/18/39 WDE.
CHECKER
SOURCES-UVENJIYInterview
COMMENTS
PP. 4
DATE
Paper No. 10
Interview with
Roland Damiani
by
Merton R. Lovett
AS well as remembered."
Interview with Roland Damiani
By Merton R. Lovett
(from memory)
*Yes, I was at the testimonial banquet. The
Italians are all sorry to have Miss Driver retire.
She has been Principal of the Washington School for
thirty-one years. With a new principal, the School
will be different."
"Sure, I was a pupil at her school. Most
of the Italians lived in the Washington district."
"Why did the Italians admire her? Well,
she was always kind and fair. She treated the Italian
children as nicely as those of American birth. She
also was a real friend and aid to the older Italians."
"Thatts
ian parents. Miss
also narties. She
"It was
right, she
Driver had
taught the
an Italian
got acquainted with Ital-
many meetings for them,
mothers American ways."
banquet all right. The
Community Club managed it, Over three hundred sat down
to dinner."
"No, I guess that no other principal ever re-
ceived such a tribute. She deserved it. The Mayor made
a fine speech. So did Idr. Silverio."
"Oh, I did nat make a real speech just a
few words from memories and the heart."
Page 2
"Well, you'd be surprised. I was often a
source of trouble in school. I liked fun and mils
Chief."
"I was punished many times. Once I was punish-
ed with a ruler. Nowadays things are different. Some
of the boys would be helped by a licking."
"What did I do? Many things, but nothing
serious. I threw spit balls. I teased- the girls. The
girl who sat in front of me I put her hair in my
inkwell. The time I got licked, I hit the teacher with
a sling -shot."
"Miss Driver understood boys. Once I fought
with an Irish kid. It was recess. She made us sit to-
gether in her office. After school, she talked to us,
and we shook hands."
"Yes, I know that many American parents did
not want their children to go to the Washington school.
It was because they didn't understand. They were snobs.
There is no better school in the city. I never had any
patience with such parents.
"You know that the Italians are just as smart
as any, and just as good. The American children do not
have any monopoly on Manners or brains. Who leads the
classes in High School?"
Page 3
"Sure, I know, the prejudice has almost
disappeared. I'm glad. My children will have every
opportunity. They are as good Americans as yolrown,
Mr. Lovett."
"Thanks. It is natural for parents to be
proud. I do not think that an Italian name is much
handicap now."
"Ohl I see little change at the United
Shoe Machinery."
"You have heard again that some rAfles or
guns will be made at the factory? I know nothing
definite. I have seen no preparations."
"Yes, there will be another entertainment
to raise money for the Relief Association, Miss Miriam
Winslow, the great dancer, will appear at the High
School on Friday."
"Of course, I belong to the Relief Association.
Everybody does."
"It is a good insurance. The workmen pay 20
cents each week. If they are sick for more than two weeks,
they collect up to fourteen dollars weekly."
Page 4
"Yes, there is a limit to the payments.
It is, I think, one hundred and fifty dollars. But
there are also Hospital bills. Within limits, those
are paid also,"
"That's right, they have also a hospital
at the factory, a nurse and a good doctor, It is open
while the factory runs."
"Oh, no, they do not treat accidents only.
Every employee who does not feel well, is urged to
visit the hospital. They make examinations and give
medicine. I'll be the doctor treats many hang-overs."
"Well, the money raised from entertainments,
fairs, etc„ provides extra help. Some people need
more help than the rules allow. Some wives, widows and
children are also helped."
"Such help is decided by the Relief Associa-
tion visitor. He makes many calls and is very kind.
"Certainly, it is some comfort to know that
you will get help if you are sick or hurt. The family
does not worry so much."
"Sure, I'll bet you would like some such help
if you were sick, Mr. Lovett,"