Dolamore, Natalie, 1921-2003

Date: Mar 1996

From: Gore District oral history project

By: Harvey, Joan M, active 1998; Dolamore, Natalie, 1921-2003

Reference: OHInt-0428/07

Description: Natalie Dolamore was born in Gore in 1921. Describes her childhood home with a live-in maid and part-time gardener, washerwoman and dressmaker. Mentions her father was a solicitor and her mother was of Swiss extraction. Talks about her grandparents, a typical Sunday, visiting, family holidays, Gore Main School, reading and other leisure activities. Comments on the distinction between professional and working class in the town. Describes tertiary education at Canterbury College in 1939 and gives reasons for leaving College. Mentions her mother's illness. Describes her employment as a library assistant at the Gore Public Library. Discusses the building before and after alterations and talks about the new library built in 1983, the year of her retirement. Mentions controversy over Communist material and `certain magazines' in the library. Discusses social classes in Gore, manners, snobbery and attitudes to craftsmen and labourers. Mentions Men's and Women's Clubs, bridge parties, calling cards, cocktail parties, balls, social tennis parties. Comments on theatre as a leveller. Discusses working class standards of living. Comments on racial and religious prejudice. Mentions unmarried mothers and backroom abortions. Interviewer(s) - Joan M Harvey Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.45 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2598.