Interview with Ida Wilton

Ida Wilton was born in Kilbirnie in 1911. Describes the Scottish origins of her mother, Rachel Black, and the Irish origins of her father, Henry Morrah. Recalls visiting her grandparents who lived in a large wooden house on the corner of Aro and Willis Streets. Notes her grandfather was Inspector of the Bank of Australasia. Describes living in Tiringamutu, near Taumarunui, Petone and Ngaio. Discusses her family's health, alcohol, and a family trip by train to Auckland. Talks about her father's work at New Zealand Railways and her mother's dressmaking abilities. Recalls her parents' separation.

Describes working for AMP insurance, joining the investment section and sitting and passing insurance exams. Recalls friends Joyce Thom, Nigel Tosswell and Jim Weir. Talks about marrying Keith Wilton at the beginning of World War II, finishing work, living in Khandallah and raising four children. Talks about the death of her child with Down's Syndrome. Recalls being in the nursing home about twelve days after having a baby and having help from a Karitane nurse. Describes housework and being at home with children. Comments on the pace of life these days. Recalls the drowning of a nephew in the Wahine disaster and its effect on the family. Talks about her husband's death. Mentions her own illness and her children.

Quantity: 1 transcript(s).

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-001846.

Black and white photographs in transcript