Interview with Enid Crisp

Enid Crisp was born in Greytown on 28 March 1919. Her father was a barrister and solicitor who also stood as a National Party candidate. Her mother was Plunket Society president and a founding member of the Little Theatre. Describes their home life, her schooling and teenage activites such as Bible Class dances, ping pong and going to movies. Talks about living next door to Maata Asher, a good friend of Katherine Mansfield's, and describes Maata's style.

Talks about doing a secretarial course at Masterton Technical College, boarding at Masterton, working at Wright Stephensons and then with an accountant's firm. Describes her first date with husband to be John (Jack) Crisp and a group of friends socialising in `jalopies' with some alcohol. Notes that Masterton was a `dry' area. Describes Jack joining up at the start of the war, being sent to Burnham and as an officer sent overseas on long range desert campaigns.

Focuses on her wartime involvement with patriotic activities including playing the piano at the Anzac Club and organising dance performances. Recalls soldiers camps at Solway showgrounds, Tauherenikau and other locations, which became tent cities. Talks about the American troops. Describes her involvement in the Emergency Precautions Scheme (EPS) and talks at length about the 1942 Masterton earthquake.

Notes that Jack Crisp was invalided home from the war.

Venue - Greytown : 1992

Interviewer(s) - Dr Cathy Casey

Venue - Greytown

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004768; OHC-004769; OHC-004770

Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 851.

Alternative form available: No listeni copies available