- T4162:0017
- Item
- 31 Jul. 1984
Part of Behind the Kitchen Door project oral history collection
The item consists of an audio interview with Lillian Emdall recorded in New Westminster, B.C. on July 31, 1984.
Tape summary:
Track 1: Lillian Emdall grew up in Queensborough near New Westminster. She had 2 sisters. Her father was from Wales and he worked as a carpenter. Her mother was from Ottawa and the only paid labour she ever did was before marriage, as a switchboard operator from 1906-1908. She describes her childhood home and the kitchen in detail. They had a wood stove but the house had electricity, hot water, and a telephone. A hot air furnace was installed later. Laundry is discussed. Food preparation and meals, canning, home deliveries, baking, garbage, and church teas. Starching and bluing are mentioned.
Track 2: Domestic science in grade 6 (1927) at the age of 11 is discussed. The classroom is described. The foods they made are listed and what she thought of the course. She worked for 2 years as a psychiatric nurse from 1936-1938. She married in 1938 and her husband was a deep sea captain. Their home is described, appliance acquired over the years are mentioned, and more details of the kitchen in her childhood home are given.