Transcript of oral history interview with Gertrude Henderson
Description:
Interview with Gertrude Henderson conducted by Sari Roboff. Henderson describes the rural nature of Mission Hill and the existence of a reservoir (Parker Hill Reservoir) and several fields on top of the Hill known as Sleigh Field, Cow Field, and Daisy Field. She also talks about what courting was like when she was young and about buying food during the Depression. Other topics include her husband who worked as a boxing promoter, “Frenchy Roasty” candy, youth recreational activities, Mission Church (Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help) and different recreational clubs held by the Church, St. Alphonsus Hall, streetcars and an area referred to as “the Switch,” now Brigham Circle, where streetcar transfers occurred, working in a department store, icemen, peddlers, hospitals, the Women’s Liberation Movement, and speculation on why people left Mission Hill.
