Families wanted better, longer lives for their children than what the granite industry could offer. Palmira’s father was furious when she was dating a stone carver. Their family had endured a hard journey to America from Santander, Spain in search of better lives. And it did seem like they were moving up in the world when Palmira landed a job as a switchboard operator. But, Palmira had dreams of becoming a teacher. During the Depression, however, it was hard to see a future beyond being a switchboard operator.

Oral history transcript to be performed: Palmira Fernandes, Switchboard Operator (1930s, Federal Writers’ Project interview)

Guest performer: Weiwei Wang

This is an independently produced show. Please consider supporting En Masse on Patreon.

Part of the Labor Radio Network (laborradionetwork.org)

The “John Henry” song at the beginning of our show is from the Alan Lomax Collection at the American Folklife Center, Library of Congress. Used courtesy of the Association for Cultural Equity.

Music: "Ai, ama! Gaztian nintzanian dama". From the Alan Lomax Collection at the American Folklife Center, Library of Congress. Association for Cultural Equity.