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Chicago Ethnic Arts Project collection, 1976-1981

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Series 6: Sound Recordings, 1977 (continued)
Subseries 2: German (continued)
Interview with Eduard Adler, Austrian Consul General, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2, April 26, 1977 (continued)
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20549a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20549b
2 audiocassette, C-60
Part 1 of a 2-part interview with Consul Eduard Adler at his Austrian Consular office in the Wrigley Building; themes include the interaction between German and Austrian immigrants in Chicago, and discussion of the range of individuals affected by World War II, now living in America, who identify themselves with Austria; fragments of the interview are transcribed in the additional related object cited in this record; topics include limitations on emigration by the Austrian government; earliest immigrants to America, in the Ebenezer community in Georgia (ca. 1733), 30 miles northwest of Savanna; emigration from the Burgenland to Pennsylvania and Chicago; there was a large emigration from Austria following World War I (1921, 22, 23); then emigration of intellectuals in the 1930s, primarily to the east and west coasts of the U.S. included Austrian Jews; about Austrian emigration after World War II, on the character and accomplishments of post World War II Austrian emigrants; about the Germans in Austria, the origin of the "exile" (South-east) Germans, e.g., Transylvanians and Danube Swabians; about the origin of U.S. Hutterites in Carinthia; the Donauschwaben are the most active of German-speaking groups in Chicago today; on the role of youth in maintaining ethnic traditions; about the main reasons for the emphasis of the exile German ethnicity: 1) a long tradition of maintaining German heritage, 2) being forced out of their most recent homeland; Gottschee German-Austrians: best known peddlers in Europe, originally from Franconia and Thuringia, educated in Klagenfurt. Part 2 of a 2-part interview with Consul Eduard Adler at his Austrian Consular office in the Wrigley Building; themes include the interaction between German and Austrian immigrants in Chicago, and discussion of the range of individuals affected by World War II, now living in America, who identify themselves with Austria; fragments of the interview are transcribed in the additional related object cited in this record; topics include distinguishing the Austrians from other German-speaking peoples; about Austrians more closely related to Slovenians, strong influence of Slavic culture on Austrians; about the importance of regional allegiances in Austria due to historical developments; the Donauschwaben are both German and Austrian, both German and Austrian governments take official responsibility for exile Germans; about the conflict between Hungarians and Germans; the Sudeten Germans; about American self-awareness compared to that of an Austrian; Austria after World War I, adjustment from world empire to a small country; the Consul's work among the German-speaking people in the Midwest, the official attitude of the Austrian government toward emigrants; how the 100,000 former Austrians form the 10th "Federal Province"; the importance of the Austrian Americans in providing an image of Austria in America; the ethnic revolution among Austrians; followed by the fieldworker's summary of unrecorded, post-interview remarks.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20550A - AFS 20551A Interview with Siegfried Schuh, violin maker, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-3, April 27, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0618 - RYA 0619
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20550a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20550b
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20551a
3 audiocassette, C-60
Part 1 of 3-part interview with violin maker Siegfried Schuh, who lives and works at his apartment located at 525 W. Belmont in Chicago; Mr. Schuh is the nephew of Isabella Erbe, and he was born in Schonbach, Egerland (Czechoslovakia), studied in Bubenreuth, Bavaria, and came to Chicago in 1963; topics include learning violin-making, factory production vs. home production of stringed instruments; on the apprenticeship in violin-making; about post World War II events surrounding his exile from Schonbach; the creation of Bubenreuth in Bavaria; how Herr Schuh set up his trade in Chicago, working for an American violin company, on mass production of instruments; about materials used for violin making and their preparation, on the kinds of instruments he makes and repairs, about the process of making and repairing violins; the workshop, demonstration of repair items and stages of violin construction, kinds of wood used in the construction of a violin, staining and varnishing instruments. Part 2 of 3-part interview with violin maker Siegfried Schuh, who lives and works at his apartment located at 525 W. Belmont in Chicago; Mr. Schuh is the nephew of Isabella Erbe, and he was born in Schonbach, Egerland (Czechoslovakia), studied in Bubenreuth, Bavaria, and came to Chicago in 1963; topics include working with apprentices, instruments for sharpening tools, making the violin bridge and how it is fitted to the instrument, kinds of glues used for construction and repair work; about the time required to build a violin (ca. 80 hours), although several are built at a time; how varnish can cover mistakes or poor workmanship in wood instruments; variations in violin sizes; difference between a fiddle and a violin; importance of a label inside a violin; where violins were and are made, the best today are made in Germany; on mandolin repair; about other violin makers in Chicago; bows for violins and horsehair replacement; on making guitars; on the kinds of jobs Mr. Schuh accepts; on classical guitars; about Japanese-made instruments; the quality of modern-day violins. Part 3 of 3-part interview with violin maker Siegfried Schuh, who lives and works at his apartment located at 525 W. Belmont in Chicago; Schuh is the nephew of Isabella Erbe, and he was born in Schonbach, Egerland (Czechoslovakia), studied in Bubenreuth, Bavaria, and came to Chicago in 1963; topics include demonstration of his graduation violin; on buying a violin; constructing a violin; Schuh's involvement with the German American community, membership in Schlaraffia Chicagoans.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20551B - AFS 20552B Interview with Martin and Sara Schwarz discussing photographs and traditional costumes, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-3, April 27, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0619 - RYA 0620
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20551b
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20552a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20552b
3 audiocassette, C-60
Part 1 of a 3-part interview with Martin and Sara Schwarz, begun over a meal (food is a topic in the conversation), and arranged in order to photograph and describe in detail the traditional costumes of men and women from their native village of Rode, Transylvania; Stefan Roth, also from Transylvania, was present to assist with the modeling of various parts of the costume; the interview took place at the Schwarz home at 1638 West Berwyn, Chicago; topics include description of the preparation of a traditional food, Transylvanian chicken, traditional staple in Transylvanian diet, polukas (spelling ?), like polenta, cornmeal bread cooked in water, eaten with buffalo milk which is taken from a bison species brought to Romania from Africa; arrival of Stefan Roth, recorder turned off for a period; recording restarted with examples of Transylvanian German dialect; about Stefan Roth's occupation; about crocheted dolls used to conceal toilet paper rolls (photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b42002, frames 19A-25A) made by women's sewing club at D.A.N.K. Nord; about the alcoholic beverages of Transylvanian Germans: wine, brandy, and schnapps; about the use of schnapps for medicinal purposes: e.g., healing wounds; on the bison of Romania; on the kinds and quality of milk available in Transylvania: from goats, cows, and buffaloes. Part 2 of a 3-part interview with Martin and Sara Schwarz, begun over a meal (food is a topic in the conversation), and arranged in order to photograph and describe in detail the traditional costumes of men and women from their native village of Rode, Transylvania; Stefan Roth, also from Transylvania, was present to assist with the modeling of various parts of the costume; the interview took place at the Schwarz home at 1638 West Berwyn, Chicago; topics include explanation of Transylvanian costumes (see photographs at call numbers AFC 1981/004: b41990, b41995, and b42000); examples include bride's costume, indicated by Brautkranz (bridal wreath) on a black hat (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b42006, frames 2-5), Hefteln (breast jewelry) and Curtel (waist jewelry); best man's staff (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b42000, frames 2-5), used to ward off potential bride stealers; about seasonal and religious customs related to engagement and marriage, description of the bridal wreath, groom's bouquet, the male's leather coat (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b42000, frames 13-18), modeled by Stefan Roth; about customs association with weaving and the making of a man's coat; colored bands (confirmation ribbons) worn from the back of the bride's headdress (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b42000, frames 20); on the manner in which women wore their hair (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b42000, frames 19); marriageable age of a woman followed confirmation; apron of the bride (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b42000, frames 23-24); the groom and best man (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b42000, frames 25-26); the woman's dress (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b42000, frames 33 and following); Trachtenhemd under blouse (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b42000, frames 33-35); Kirel (spelling?), slip (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b42000, frames 36-37, and b41990, frames 1A-2A); Spangen and Gurtel, belt (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b41990, frames 3A-5A) ; Kirchen Schurze, church apron (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b41990, frames 6A-7A); Hefteln: breast jewelry (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b41990, frames 8A-10A); head piece (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b41990, frames 11A-13A). Part 3 of a 3-part interview with Martin and Sara Schwarz, begun over a meal (food is a topic in the conversation), and arranged in order to photograph and describe in detail the traditional costumes of men and women from their native village of Rode, Transylvania; Stefan Roth, also from Transylvania, was present to assist with the modeling of various parts of the costume. The interview took place at the Schwarz home at 1638 West Berwyn, Chicago; topics include head pieces (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b41990, frame 16A); confirmation ribbons (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b41990, frames 17A-19A); ein dunnes Tuch, a thin black veil (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b41990, frames 21A-24A); Mantel, black cloth worn down the back, a bride's cape (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b41990, frames 25A-26A); reciting a related saying "Wenn man heiratet, kommt man unter die Haube" (If you get married, you get under the hood); Brustpelz, breast fur piece, leather jacket worn by the man (see photographs at call number AFC 1981/004: b41990, frames 27A-31A); about Stefan Roth, lives at 1733 W. Thorndale, Chicago; he is a cousin of Sara Schwarz; Roth comments on the current Austrian Consul in Chicago.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20553A - 20553B Recording of a conversation between officers of D.A.N.K. (German American National Congress) and the editor of a German American newspaper, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2, April 28, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0621
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20553a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20553b
2 audiocassette, C-60
Part 1 of a 2-part recording of conversation about German American cultural expression, made in a restaurant at the D.A.N.K. headquarters, 4740 N. Western Ave., with Siegfried Reinke, President of D.A.N.K. Nord (North), Willi Kanies, executive vice-president of national D.A.N.K., and Walter Baroni, editor of the German language Amerika Woche; part 3 of this conversation was not successfully recorded; at its founding in 1959, D.A.N.K. stood for Deutsch Amerikanischer National Kongress; in Chicago, the non-profit operates the D.A.N.K. House German American Cultural Center; topics include introductory remarks; about the low profile, independent attitudes, and lack of togetherness of current German Americans; on the low cultural level of German immigrants to America; about the attitude of second generation people to German American activities conducted in the German language; discussion of what are "true" German traditions; about Faust's book on German Americans (presumably The German Element in the United States, by Albert Bernhardt Faust, 1909); about the loss of German high culture and true folk traditions among German Americans; importance of promoting German culture and language among high school students; about the 1977 National Sangerfest in Chicago.; about the independent spirit of German immigrants; D.A.N.K. serves as an agency for charter flights to Germany. Part 2 of a 2-part recording of conversation about German American cultural expression, made in a restaurant at the D.A.N.K. headquarters, 4740 N. Western Ave., with Siegfried Reinke, President of D.A.N.K. Nord (North), Willi Kanies, executive vice-president of national D.A.N.K., and Walter Baroni, editor of the German language Amerika Woche; part 3 of this conversation was not successfully recorded; at its founding in 1959, D.A.N.K. stood for Deutsch Amerikanischer National Kongress; topics include on youth participation in ethnic German affairs, emphasis in maintaining German heritage by encouraging ethnic youth to marry German; the goals of the D.A.N.K. organization and its actual accomplishments in the German American community; club activities undertaken to achieve goals; about Mayor Bilandic's popularity with ethnic Chicagoans; on D.A.N.K's acceptance among German Americans as representative of that group in Chicago; about the changes in attitude of the Chicago government toward ethnic groups; what the government can do for German Americans; about ethnic neighborhoods in suburbs and weekend schools operated by D.A.N.K. to teach youth German language and culture; on U.S. government assistance for German Americans; the establishment of a German House and Culture Center; about assistance from the German government for German Americans; the search for government funds for ethnic groups; on the future of maintaining ethnic identify and the effectiveness of D.A.N.K.'s youth programs.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20555A - AFS 20556A Interviews with bar owner Karl Laschet and patrons about German American culture, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-3, April 28, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0623 - RYA 0624
Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20555a
3 audiocassette, C-60
Part 1 of a 3-part recording made at Laschet's Inn at 2119 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago; this part includes the remarks of Dr. Stephan [Stephen?] Kozlowski, M.D., a bar patron, second generation German, and a friend of bar owner, Karl Laschet, followed by an interview with Karl Laschet, a key figure in the Chicago German American community; a fragment of the interview is transcribed in the additional related object cited in this record; topics include Kozlowski's remarks about Karl Laschet; about the Annual German Day and Parade, Laschet as organizer, Laschet is president of Rheinischer Verein; about the personality of Karl Laschet, Laschet as representative of older immigrants and mainland Germans; on the difference between The Rheinisher Verein and the Donauschwaben as representative of German Americans in Chicago; about Doctor Kozlowski; about the neo-Nazi party in Chicago, give a bad image to German Americans; remarks by fieldworker Jonas Dovydenas remarks on American new stereotyping; about the challenge of a Northwestern University professor's denial of the Jewish holocaust in Nazi Germany and Jewish reactions; beginning of interview with Karl Laschet, his wife Hilde offers comments; drinking toasts in German and in English, sung by Karl Laschet and his bar patrons, a round of drinks is sponsored by innkeeper for the baseball team sponsored by Laschet's Inn; Laschet reviews his role as intermediary between Chicago German Americans and the mayor's office; the annual carnival celebration sponsored by Chicago's Rheinischer Verein. Part 2 of a 3-part recording made at Laschet's Inn at 2119 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, consisting of an interview with Karl Laschet, a key figure in the Chicago German American community; a fragment of the interview is transcribed in the additional related object cited in this record; topics include problems in maintaining German ethnicity among German Americans; on Laschet's connections with city hall, his interest in bringing German ethnics together and contributing to the well-being of Chicago, the need for inter-ethnic cooperation in Chicago; about the United German-American Societies and how this organization differs from D.A.N.K.; about the German contribution to Chicago and America, there are 650,000 American od German descent in Chicago; on the American stereotype of German people and culture; German pride requires unity of German ethnics; about Laschet's background and life, on German togetherness; chief characteristics of German ethnics are hard-working, the desire for personal achievement is important, they tend to avoid politics to attain goals, personal and family discipline should be the first concern, then community, freedom does not mean by-passing personal effort; on government assistance for the German ethnic community, Laschet would support government assistance in the establishment of a German cultural center, but community involvement is important, if money is to be given for cultural purposes, it should be given to (folk) cultural purposes as well as to forms of high culture. Part 3 of a 3-part recording made at Laschet's Inn at 2119 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, consisting of an interview with Karl Laschet, a key figure in the Chicago German American community; a fragment of the interview is transcribed in the additional related object cited in this record; topics include Mayor Bilandic and his concerns for continental European ethnic groups in Chicago; how few city employees are German ethnics; Germans are hardworkers, not protesters for their cause; German Americans support Venetian night in Chicago, a city-sponsored, lakeside festival; the togetherness of German Americans in Chicago today is achieved through the numerous German clubs in this area, not every German ethnic is a member of a club, but they frequently support club efforts and activities, this variation in the participation of German-Americans in ethnic activities is an expression of American freedom; on neo-Nazi activities in Chicago and its effects on the German-American community; on German Americans in politics and support for Mayor Bilandic; comments in support of Chicago.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20556B - AFS 20557B Interview with Rudy Wacek, player and builder of electronically amplified zithers, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2, April 29, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0624 - RYA 0625
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20556b
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20557a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20557b
3 audiocassette, C-60
Interview with Rudy Wacek, player and builder of electronically amplified zithers, Chicago, Illinois, part 1 - 3
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20558A - AFS 20558B Interview with Johann and Irma Sieb, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2, April 29, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0626
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20558a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20558b
2 audiocassette, C-60
Interview with Johann and Irma Sieb, Chicago, Illinois, part 1 - 2
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20559A - AFS 20559_02 Speeches and songs at the Siebenbürger Sachsen 1977 Stiftungsfest at the Haus Donauschwaben, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2, April 30, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0627
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20559a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20559_02
2 audiocassette, C-60
Speeches and songs at the Siebenbürger Sachsen 1977 Stiftungsfest at the Haus Donauschwaben, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20560A - AFS 20560B Interview with George and Anna Schuller about family history, and traditional sausage, sauerkraut, and wine-making, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2, May 01, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0628
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20560a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20560b
2 audiocassette, C-60
Interview with George and Anna Schuller about family history, and traditional sausage, sauerkraut, and wine-making, Chicago, Illinois, part 1 - 2
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20561 - AFS 20566 Recordings made by the Schwarz family during a family vacation to Transylvania, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-3, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RXA 1013 - RXA 1018
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20561
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20562
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20563
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20564
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20565
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20566
6 audiotape reel, 7 in.
Recordings made by the Schwarz family during a family vacation to Transylvania, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-6
Subseries 3: Jewish
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20567A - AFS 20568A Interview with Grace Grossman, curator in Spertus Museum, Chicago, Illinois ; David Weinstein, president of Spertus College, Chicago, Illinois ; and Richard Marcus, librarian and archivist with Spertus College, Chicago, Illinois, April 26, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0629 - RYA 0630
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20567a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20567b
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20568a
3 audiocassette, C-60
Part 1 of a 3-part recording at and about the Spertus Museum (then associated with Spertus College, after 1993, the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies); this part includes interviews with curator Grace Grossman and artist Arthur Feldman. Part 2 of a 3-part recording at and about the Spertus Museum (then associated with Spertus College, after 1993, the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies); this part includes interviews with curator Grace Grossman and college president David Weinstein. Part 3 of a 3-part recording at and about the Spertus Museum (then associated with Spertus College, after 1993, the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies); this part includes interviews with the librarian and archivist Richard Marcus.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20568B Interview with Darryl Rotman, calligrapher, Chicago, Illinois, April 26, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0630
Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20568b
1 audiocassette, C-60
Recording may be associated with Spertus Museum visit by fieldworker Shifra Epstein; the fieldworker's log names calligrapher Darryl Rotman [may be Darryl Rotman-Kuperstock].
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20569A - AFS 20569B Interview with Faith Bickerstaff, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2, April 28, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0631
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20569a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20569b
2 audiocassette, C-60
Interview with fabric artist Faith Bickerstaff, discussion of learning from mother ands grandmother, about a tefillin for her husband. Interview with fabric artist Faith Bickerstaff, discussion of funeral brotherhood and other topics.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20570A Interview with Mazalah Kolman, producer of amulets, Wilmette, Illinois, April 28, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0632
Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20570a
1 audiocassette, C-60
Interview with Mazalah Kolman, producer of amulets, recorded at 527 Romona Rd., Wilmette, Illinois.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20571A - AFS 20571B Recording at Dejan Restaurant of Serbian, Jewish and Russian music and interviews, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2, April 30, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0633
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20571a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20571b
2 audiocassette, C-90
Recordings made at Dejan Restaurant, a venue associated with the Yugoslav (Serbian) community, 2124 W. Lawrence Ave.; music performed at Dejan's was characterized as Serbian, Russian, and Jewish; the fieldworker's recording log states that it includes a conversation with Jovan Mihailovic, fieldworker Greta Swenson, and folklorist Eleanor Wachs.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20572A Interview with Darcie Fohrman about tombstones and Jewish cemeteries, Chicago, Illinois, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0634
Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20572a
1 audiocassette, C-60
Interview with Darcie Fohrman about tombstones and Jewish cemeteries. Fohrman was the exhibit designer at the Spertus Museum.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20573A - AFS 20573B Interview with Linda Goldman, a freelancer who worked on the Jewish bicentennial exhibition in the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0635
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20573a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20573b
2 audiocassette, C-60
Interview with Linda Goldman, a freelancer who worked on "My Brother's Keeper," part of the exhibition marking the American Bicentennial at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry; the fieldoworker's notes mention labor unions, first Jewish book published in Chicago, pinkasim in the orthodox community, theater in Chicago, and other topics.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20574A - AFS 20574B Recording made at a fruit and vegetable stand at Maxwell Street Market, Chicago, Illinois, May 01, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0636
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20574a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20574b
2 audiocassette, C-90
Recording made at a fruit and vegetable stand at Maxwell Street Market; content includes conversation with vendor and other passers-by, much about the Jewish connections to community and family. Actual interview occupies first 7 minutes, rest of recording is blank.
Subseries 4: Irish
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20575A - AFS 20577A Interview with Mary O'Reilly about her work in the Folk Fair with Irish Exhibition, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-5, May 04, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0637 - RYA 0639
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20575a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20575b
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20576a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20576b
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20577a
5 audiocassette, C-60
Part 1 of 5-part interview with Mary O'Reilly about her work in the Folk Fair with Irish Exhibition, and other topics, including changes in the Chicago Irish community over time, Irish crafts at home; topic sequence includes biographical information, about her involvement in Irish American activities in Chicago, her work in Folk Fair with the Irish Exhibition. Format of Fair, how she designs the Irish part; how she started working for the Fair, how it has changed over the years; about Irish contributions to American History as depicted at Fair, prominent figures, what historical sources she used, more comments about prominent figures and their contributions; about the logistics of the Fair, economics, what performers they use, musicians, dancers. Part 2 of 5-part interview with Mary O'Reilly about her work in the Folk Fair with Irish Exhibition, and other topics, including American ideas about the Irish, Irish American organizations in Chicago, Irish American roles in industry, Irish crafts often imported to US; topic sequence includes attitudes of people who attend Folk Fair, attitude of Irish Americans towards Ireland; increased Irish Tourism; Irish import stores and the items they sell; some indicators of Irish American identity, some Irish dishes, very few, the only general Irish food is soda bread, some St. Patrick's Day specials; about Irish bars in Chicago; about Irish Americans in construction industry; Irish Americans in bars and dance halls; about Irish knitting, Irish spinning or weaving, some spinning wheels exist but are not used, knitting is not economical, no lace making, other folk products are imported, dancing costumes have traditional Celtic motifs taken from books; about Irish objects in homes, many religious objects, e.g., pertaining to holy water; why Mary O'Reilly came to America, she goes home to Ireland every other year, keeps in touch through newspapers and magazines; about the change in the Chicago Irish Americans over the years, later generation more connected to skilled labor, more positive attitude to Ireland, although some negative attitudes to Ireland; about some negative attitudes toward America; about racial prejudices transmitted by earlier generations. Part 3 of 5-part interview with Mary O'Reilly about her work in the Folk Fair with Irish Exhibition, and other topics, including attitudes of Irish Americans toward folk crafts, persistence and lack of persistence of some Irish traditions in America, Irish American roles in industry; topic sequence includes charter air travel back to Ireland; about the generations, what class, ages; about the attraction of festivals, motives, cheap prices for travel; about the negative effect of the Northern Irish situation; about the loack of impetus to keep traditional Irish crafts going in Chicago; about traditional Irish craft and how it is financially impractical; there are products imported from Ireland but a small market here for the more esoteric crafts, the reasons that Mary O'Reilly buys traditional products; about the attitude of Irish Americans to Folk Fair exhibit, Irish Americans lack knowledge about Irish culture, e.g. literature, the older generations of Irish in America had different value systems, heavily tied in with the church, Irish Americans used to be the police but not any more; children born here become American through peer association and schools, and only have St. Patrick's Day Irishness; about the Irish Fellowship Club in Chicago, an elite group that included Mayor Daley, only met once a year.; about the Irish Tourist Board, diplomats, some lecture series and elite cultural events; about the way that the Irish-born view Irish Americans; Mary O'Reilly's own biases, she is proud to be Irish if successful; about the persistence (or lack) of patterns of behavior around Irish rites of passage and festivals in Chicago; Mary O'Reilly thinks not, theses died out 40 years ago; Roman Catholicism is more standardized now and today Irish Americans are no different in religious observance than other ethnic groups, no particular devotion to Irish saints, but novenas are still popular, and First Friday Devotions. Part 4 of 5-part interview with Mary O'Reilly about her work in the Folk Fair with Irish Exhibition, and other topics, including thoughts about Irish American organizations, encouraging ethnic arts; topic sequence includes discussion of the way many Irish American marriages end up in divorce, 10 percent according to the Chancery Office; how there is a drop off in religious vocations among Irish Americans, which is also a world-wide phenomenon, today there are more liberal attitudes to religion; Mary O'Reilly has several friends who financially support priests abroad; she notes a large gap between the generations, children today have more than their parents had, know more, are more materially minded, and more cynical; about the Council of Irish Arts, Mary O'Reilly is negatively disposed towards it, an organization in name only, essentially a theatre group that "never got off the ground," but it has an Illinois State Charter, factions developed and the organization split; Mary O'Reilly would like to see an Irish center with appropriate facilities; Irish Americans donate a lot of money to charity, mainly the Catholic Church; Irish organizations currently active in Chicago include the Irish Musicians Association, Gaelic Athletic Association, schools of dancing, the Gaelic League, O'Neill School of Irish Music (run by Noel Rice), the American Committee for Irish Studies with members in Chicago universities; about Emmet Larkin's work on the Catholic Church in Ireland; Mary O'Reilly is not knowledgeable about the Ancient Order of Hibernians activities in Chicago, or the Knights of Columbus; there are very few Irish County organizations, the ones she knows are for Clare, Kerry, Mayo, Cork, and Down; there is a Shamrock American Club, a very old organization with a strong religious orientation; big festivals include Rose of Tralee, Mary from Dungloe, and St. Patrick's; these have influenced the development of festivals in Ireland; about St. Patrick's Day, then there is lots of employment for performers; what Mary O'Reilly thinks needs to be done to improve the state of the ethnic arts among the Irish Community, more on the history of Ireland in the schools, this must precede involvement in the arts; Irish arts are not appreciated by most Irish Americans, Ireland is seen as a second rate nation in America; perhaps music needs to be encouraged, or an Irish library, or theatre; funding can have negative effects if used badly, about the problems sometimes associated with funding; about Noel Rice's Irish Music School. Part 5 of 5-part interview with Mary O'Reilly about her work in the Folk Fair with Irish Exhibition, and other topics, including thoughts about Irish music (harp playing), community dynamics among the Irish Americans, stores, and neighborhoods; topic sequence includes how Mary O'Reilly feels a school of traditional music should be organized; about harp playing; about organizational splits and factionalism in Irish American communities and organizations; husband Tom Reilly joins the conversation; says that he feels the problem of factions has carried over from home, he feels the Irish are more divided than other groups but doesn't know for sure, Mary disagrees, saying that some other groups are worse; Tom on the topic of community needs, says there is a need for an Irish center, potential problems discussed, musicians deserve support, Mary sees need for publications and says she doesn't know if an Irish center is really all that necessary; about how Irish American neighborhoods in the city are now gone, the community is brought together through Irish radio hours (6 in all); Irish Northern Aid activities; the Gaelic Athletic Association, etc., and the Irish American News; about how Ireland very accessible today through travel; about import stores, advertised in the Irish American News; Mary and Tom disagree about the Irish image in America, Tom feels the average American is generally ill-informed about Europe.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20578A Music and song from "The Irish Village" bar, Chicago, Illinois, May 04, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0640
Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20578a
1 audiocassette, C-60
Music and song from "The Irish Village" bar; fieldworker's notes state that the location was noisy; music by the Concannon Folk (accordion, banjo, guitar, bass), TV station present, encouraging audience reaction, poor arrangement meant poor recording. Musical selections include We're on the one Road, The Molly Maguires, The Lord of the Dance, The Bag of spuds, Bill Harte's [jig], As I Roved Out, Paddy Works on the Railroad, Pie in the Sky, The Big Strong Man (Sylvest), The Man Who Never Returned (fragment).
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20578B - AFS 20579A Interview with Noel Rice about teaching Irish music and dance in Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2, May 05, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0640 - RYA 0641
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20578b
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20579a
2 audiocassette, C-60
Part 1 of 2-part interview with Noel Rice about teaching Irish music and dance in Chicago, about groups and competition; the fieldworker reports that this interview was conducted late at night in a restaurant, with music, the clattering of cutlery, and occasional rumbles of digestion in the background; the recorded part of the interview followed a candid conversation about Chicago's Irish American community that was not appropriate to record; topics include Rice's own involvement in Irish music in Chicago; about the Comhaltas Irish music preservation organization; about teaching children to play music, and the instruments selected, problems in obtaining music and getting teachers; about the club Rice has started; how much the young people pay, which children they are aiming at, how he advertised the school, problems in finding a place to teach, what Irish generation the children come from, necessity for parental approval; about competitions, dancing, the quickest and most tangible results in teaching dancing, there is a need for competent older children to provide models; about Noel Rice's own background, how he learned music, when came to America (1956) and why, where he has worked, came to Chicago (1960), involvement in music club and why he resigned, relates to a faction that started their own club on Chicago's north side, 1973; about the effects of tours by Irish musicians; how a group established affiliation with Comhaltas and why that is important. Part 2 of 2-part interview with Noel Rice about teaching Irish music and dance in Chicago; the fieldworker reports that this interview was conducted late at night in a restaurant, with music, the clattering of cutlery, and occasional rumbles of digestion in the background; the recorded part of the interview followed a candid conversation about Chicago's Irish American community that was not appropriate to record; topics include teaching in Chicago; about various ways of publicly expressing Irish identity among Chicago Irish Americans; about crafts, there is a a little painting but Noel Rice felt it was "not ethnic"; not much in the Celtic fine arts either, there is one uilleann pipe maker, now getting very old; about Noel Rice's own occupations since coming to Chicago, how his music ties in with his general life style, there are Ceilidhes on the north side; about his children and their involvement in Irish music; the need for social contact ; about the areas where Irish culture in Chicago needs assistance, areas of priority, and why; Rice feels that music keeps the culture together, without dance and music, no singing; music "is the mortar that holds them all together"; most of the great musicians in Chicago are getting old and their skill not being passed on; about the dancing scene, Rice feels it is well taken care of, there are perhaps 5,000 children learning Irish dance in Chicago, and only 50 children learning music from him; about the traditional singing scene, it is in a desperate state, there is one teacher; about the learning process; about sean-nos (old style) singing, and Rice's determination to keep it alive.
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