Contreras, Perfecta; Vigil, Magdalena (grandmother, granddaughter). East L.A. Public Library, 2010-02-22T12:30:00

File — Interview-ID: MBY006228

Interview Description

Magdalena Vigil interviews her grandmother, Perfecta Contreras about Perfecta's life growing up separated from her own mother, her marriages and children.

Facilitator Subject Log

01:48 Magdalena calls Perfecta "Abuelita "or "'uelita. " Perfecta was born in San Antonio, Texas. Later she moved back to Mexico with her father who wouldn't let Perfecta's mother see her children.

09:48 Perfecta's life on the ranch with her father. Seeking solace in the woods and praying to La Virgen that her mother would come back.

13:25 At 16, Perfecta went to live with her mother and they emigrated to the United States.

18:48 Perfecta's first pregnancy and giving birth in her mother's home. Subsequent births.

22:45 Perfecta's life working in the fields and cleaning houses, problems in her marriages.

29:56 Magdalena talks about her own 1-year-old song and asks Perfecta to sing some of the songs she sings for him.