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Singleton, Rose (audio interview #3 of 3)
INTERVIEW DESCRIPTION - This is the final interview with Rose Singleton conducted in her home in Compton. As in the previous interviews, due to technical difficulties, the sound level on the second side of the tape, which is approximately seven minutes in length, is poor. 9/5/1980
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- 2021-08-11
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- SUBJECT BIO - Rose Biffle Singleton was a student at Santa Monica City College and new to the work force when she got her job at Douglas Aircraft in 1942. Born in Colorado, the second of three children, Singleton moved to Los Angeles with her family in 1939, where she attended high school. She remained in the aircraft industry for three years, working the night shift and continuing with her college work during the day. In 1944, she married an army pilot in the 99th squadron and moved to Ohio when her husband was stationed there. She returned to California with her 3 year old son, following her husband's death in a plane crash, and took up her career as a math teacher. She eventually remarried and had another son in 1959, and continued to teach until her retirement in 1978. Three interviews were conducted with Singleton in her somewhat spacious home in an older, integrated neighborhood in Compton, California. Although Singleton was a willing participant, there was a certain tension in the interview process, largely due to Cleary's uneasiness and cautious concern about offending Singleton. Unfortunately, the sound level on the tapes is very low as a result of technical problems. TOPICS - social activities; marriage expectations; wedding; marital relationship; household responsibilities; family history; children; retirement; menopause and health; reflections on life; attitude towards woman's movemeneffect of defense work on life; effect of wartime job market on Blacks; and children; Note: this tape is only seven minutes in length, and the audio quality is poor;
- *** File: rrrrsingleton7.mp3 Audio Segments and Topics: (0:00-2:42)... After her husband died, she did not want to re-marry. She had a negative view towards step parenthood and did not want to place her son in an unhealthy situation. When she met her second husband, he made every attempt to include her son in their activities and she realized that her ideals about step parenthood did not apply. Before re-marrying, she socialized with friends and occasionally dated, but did not pursue anything serious. She enjoyed recreational activities such as dancing and playing sports. (2:42-5:35)... Singleton and her second husband were married in Las Vegas. When they returned to the Los Angeles area, they moved to Compton. Singleton's husband worked for the state Youth Authority when they married. She digresses regarding purchasing her first car. (5:35-8:14)... Singleton and her husband equally shared household responsibilities when they were married. Her mother and her sister took care of her son when she and her husband were at work. (8:14-9:55)... Singleton's son wanted her to have another child. He was very protective over his younger brother. Raising a child the second time around was more difficult because she did not have the patience of her youth. (9:55-15:59)... She describes retirement as "boring." She occasionally attends senior citizen and church activities, and enjoys sewing, crocheting, and drawing. She plans to go to school and take art classes to improve her painting techniques. She also baby sits her grandchild. She misses working as a teacher, but she does not miss working with adults. Social activities involving her husband revolve around club events, dinner dances, and going to the movies. (15:59-17:55)... She does not recall experiencing any problems with menopause. She had a hysterectomy in the 1960s. Other than being anemic her entire life, she is in good health. (17:55-21:40)... If she had to live her life over again, she would go to college for four years and not put any time between her lower and upper division courses. She also would do more traveling. The unhappiest time in her life was when she first moved to California. (21:40-27:35)... Singleton discusses her attitude towards the woman's movement and ERA. She has not had to think about women's liberation issues because she has never experienced gender discrimination. She would have "stood up and screamed and hollered" had she ever been barred from anything because of her sex. She thinks that girls should learn skills that will prepare them for both household and job responsibilities. She relates an experience she had in high school when a male instructor rejected a paper she wrote on commercial art and fashion illustration because he believed the occupation would never be available to Blacks. End of tape. *** File: rrrrsingleton8.mp3 (0:00-1:28)... Note: the audio quality in this segment is poor. Singleton's work experiences at Douglas Aircraft instilled in her a strong work ethic. The war ushered in better job and economic opportunities for Blacks. Many Blacks moved away from menial jobs and learned new skills that helped them obtain better jobs in the future. (1:28-3:14)... Note: the audio quality in this segment is poor. If Singleton had a granddaughter, she would want her to be happy and have the opportunity to do whatever she desired. (3:14-6:32)... Note: the audio quality in this segment is poor. Singleton discusses her sons' lives and careers. End of tape.
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