The one individual I initially chose to interview was my grandfather on my mother's side. Being a college professor at Hofstra University for several years, I felt that he would be able to provide me with considerable, insightful answers. Additionally, he lives with my family over the summer allowing for, what I thought to be the most comfortable situation. Upon starting the interview though, I realized his memory was a bit hazier than what he had been letting on. Making the excuse that this first question was all I needed, I ceased the interview graciously and started thinking about other prospective interviewees. I have no great grandparents still alive so I decided to take a stab at my Dad's father.
My grandpa Joseph Monaco, a 72 year old first generation Italian-American, was widowed several years ago and now splits his time between his 74 year old girlfriends house in Troy, NY and the house he raised my father in, in Ballston Spa, NY. He has always been a working man, holding two labor jobs for the majority of his life to support my Dad and his seven siblings. I don't get to see him as much as I"d like, but when I do, it's always enjoyable. Up until this interview, perhaps the only thing I knew my grandfather really believed in was that " a college education these days is much more important than when myself and your father were your age!" This made for an apprehensive request and an abnormal curiosity in an unknown fragment of my family.
Pop, as I refer to him, was delighted to help me out after all. But, being just as hesitant as my father in revealing his true political ideals, he informed me that "Eleanor is gonna get on the extension and help out." Smiling to myself, for I immediately recognized after all these years where my father gets this "odd" habit, I responded warmly "that would make it even better!" So, after everyone got comfortable and my tape recorder prepped, I began.