Oral history interview with Irene J. Lavorato
- SR 3558
- Collection
- 1998-11-05 - 1998-11-19
This oral history interview with Irene J. Lavorato was conducted by Jan Dilg from November 5-19, 1998. The interview was conducted in three sessions.
In the first interview session, conducted on November 5, 1998, Lavorato discusses her family background in Italy and her early life in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, including the grocery store her parents ran, Lavorato's Food Store; her education; and her recreational activities. She then talks about working as a clinic clerk at the University of Oregon Medical School, and then as a clinic clerk at a private practice. She also describes her experiences during the Depression and World War II. She speaks at length about the Italian traditions her family observed when celebrating Christmas.
In the second interview session, conducted on November 10, 1998, Lavorato revisits the topics of working as a clinic clerk at the University of Oregon Medical School, and then as a clinic clerk at a private practice. She describes her job duties as clerk and also as a medical assistant. She talks about the changes in both medical and secretarial technology over her career, as well as the changes in the quality of medical care available to people. She also talks about a trip to Europe she took in 1955, including visiting her family's hometown of Cosenza, Italy. She talks about her relationship with her parents and sisters; about dating and marriage; and about why she never married.
In the third interview session, conducted on November 19, 1998, Lavorato discusses her nieces and nephews and talks about their careers and families. She talks about her political beliefs and about her involvement with the Catholic Church. She closes the interview by discussing her retirement activities.
Lavorato, Irene J. (Irene Jean), 1921-2005