AUDIO

Interview with Jean Forbes

Ask a librarian about this item

See original record

Date

07 Nov 1993

By

Forbes, Jean Mona, 1914-2012

Reference

OHInt-0351-07

Description

Jean Mona Forbes (nee Cowern) Cowern was born in Hawera, in 1914. Talks about family history, education at Taumarunui District High School, commercial schooling, office work and position with the Public Trust Office from 1932. Outlines problem and treatment for Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) from typing. Recounts further book keeping courses and joining the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) in Wellington. Describes YWCA Lyceum Club in 1940 for business women. Recalls work as Sports and Suburban Secretary from 1941.

Talks in detail about World War II, YWCA sponsored meals and dances for servicemen and the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. Describes establishment of the Gaiety Club with Ailsa Blakey in the James Smith Department Store in Wellington. Outlines difficulties of interaction with black American soldiers. Talks about 1942 earthquake and home guard firewatching duties. Touches on wartime disappearance of her air pilot fiance. Describes her work for YWCA and James Smith country mail order service.

Outlines end of the Gaiety Club after the end of the war, participation with the YWCA Sports and Physical Education Committee, the 'Y' Forces Hospitality Club and camps. Talks about religion in the YWCA. Discusses the purpose, role and value of the YWCA. Outlines internal structure and members.

Interviewer(s) - Teresa Windle

Accompanying material - abstract also contains YWCA of NZ newsletter article 'War-time YWCA' written by Jean Forbes published in Memo Jan/Feb 1986 and written personal reminisces.

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-013874, OHC-013875, OHLC-007923, OHLC-007924

Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4946.

Additional description

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-007923 - OHLC-007924

Use/Reproduction

Public use requires the written permission of the interviewee. After death, interviewee's nominee's written permission is required. After both interviewee and nominee's death written permission is required from the donor. Review date for interviewee restriction is November 1998 Copyright: Copyright held by YWCA (Wgtn)

Access restrictions

Restricted - Content cannot be accessed without permission - Access requires written permission of the interviewee until Interviewee's death. After interviewee's death nominee's written permisson is required. After both interviewee and nominee's death written permission is required from the donor.

Part of