Oral history interview with Mrs. Rita Moussali and Mrs. Laurice Pagliano
Description:
Partial transcript of an interview with a mother and daughter pair, Mrs. Rita Moussali (mother), and Mrs. Laurice Pagliano (daughter) conducted by Kate Kinnealy. During the interview they discuss Rita Moussali moving to Boston’s South End from Syria and how she adapted to living in the United States. They discuss the differences between living in Syria and the United States, as well as the differences between the South End and West Roxbury. They also discuss religion and holiday festivities, and Rita Moussali’s social life and raising her children. Interview topics include: Argentina; Beacon Street; Boston; Chinatown; Damascus, Syria; Egypt; France; Grant Street; Havanna, Cuba; Hudson Street; Huntington Avenue; New Hampshire; New York; Medford; Pearl Harbor; Roslindale; Shawmut Avenue; Syria; Warren Street; West Roxbury; Arabic; Learning English; Armenian Americans; Greek Americans; Irish Americans; Italian Americans; Jewish people; Lebanese Americans; Syrian Americans; A&P; Brooks Brothers; Catholic Church; The Catholic Youth Organization (CYO); Church; Church clubs; Church fairs; Church picnics; Community; Cooking; Dancing; Electricity; Gas lamps; The Great Depression; Lamplighters; Library; Lodgins; Marriage; Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA); Music; Songs; St. George Church; Syrian Orthodox Church; Women working to support their families; World War II; Father George George; Father Joe; Yvonee (Moussali); Birthdays; Christmas; Easter; Blessing of the houses after Easter; Feastdays; St. Anthony’s Feastday; St. Barbara’s Day. Portions of the transcript have been omitted, edited, or paraphrased.