Oral histories have become a picturesque way to share amazing stories with our communities. In an interview with a dear friend, Enid Ione Jobson, 87 years old, from Essex, Connecticut, some of these memories were captured. Enid Jobson is from Sheboygan, Wisconsin and has such a grace and strength about her. She is worldly and smart and never forgets a face. She can recall many fond childhood moments being on Lake Michigan, and being fortunate enough not to be directly affected by the Depression. Although Hobson was just a child during this time, it is still clear to her. She giggles when talking about playing kick the can and her metal racecars. When asked about the effect of the Depression, she does remember meager men coming by the house looking for work and food. Her grandmother was gracious enough to share and the men would stay in the yard. Jobson also speaks of Roosevelt with kindness, mentioning the work camps he put together in an attempt to help these men dressed in their “bibs.” She speaks vividly of her history and has immense gratitude. She tells a sad tale of an African American family in need of assistance with an ailing father. The hospital asked neighbors to look after the family while the man was close to death and no one responded. It was illegal in Wisconsin to house African Americans at this time.
However, Jobson also says that “everybody pulled an oar on the boat during the Depression.” The Depression was a time of sadness but also of hope. As for the FWP, thank you to President Franklin Roosevelt for the great initiative and to the all the writers for their work.
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