Redondo Lorona, Mary; Lorona Stuart, Lenore. Yuma County Main Library, 2010-01-10T11:30:00

File — Interview-ID: MBY006091

Interview Description

Mary Lorona (95) talks with her daughter, Lenore Stuart (63) about their family's history in Yuma and shares favorite family stories. She talks at length about the family piano.

Facilitator Subject Log

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01:46 Mary recalls starting the Yuma Historical Society. She explains why it is important for her to pass on the family stories.

04:32 Mary explains where her love of history came from. Her great aunt nana used to take her to the cemetery and tell her family stories.

06:19 Mary tells how her father, José, came to Yuma during the gold rush and the different roles he played in the community.

15:11 Mary talks about her father's political career in Yuma, leading up to his death from typhoid in his 40s.

20:15 Mary's father loved music, and went to NYC to have a Grand Steinway piano shipped to Yuma. She tells the story of its arrival on Main Street.

25:00 Mary tells the story of being forced to play the piano. She was locked in a room and forced to practice for a half hour. She never learned to play.

27:26 Mary and Lenore recall how the piano moved around within the family, tell other stories about it, and talk about its significance.

33:56 Lenore and Mary talk about the importance of storytelling and passing on the family legacy.