DiGioia, Pauline, 2007 February 17

Part of Collection

Call Number: RU 1055, Series Accession 2008-A-001

Scope and Contents

Pauline DiGioia grew up in Hamden in a working-class, Italian-American family. In the early 1950s she worked at the A.C. Gilbert toy factory as a secretary but left after three and a half years to raise her children. Nevertheless, DiGioia developed lifelong relationships with her colleagues, who came to call themselves the "Gilbert Girls." She remembers her years at A.C. Gilbert as very happy times and remarks that Gilbert cared a lot about his employees. She describes the yearly summer picnics and Christmas dinners that he organized for his employees and their families. DiGioia also talks about growing up in Hamden and recounts stories of being a child, going to the beach, and her family life at home. She talks about her Italian grandparents and Italian American parents and their hard-working natures. After leaving the A.C. Gilbert company, she took college courses in physical education, raised her children, and participated in the Hamden Women's Club and in several golf clubs. She also encouraged her daughters to take up swimming. After her husband retired, DiGioia worked as an administrative assistant at several jobs at Yale University. At the time of the interview, she resides in Branford, where she swims, golfs, volunteers, and enjoys her grandchildren.

Interviewer: Horowitz, Adam

Dates

2007 February 17

Conditions Governing Access

As a preservation measure, original materials may not be used. Digital access copies must be provided for use. Contact Manuscripts and Archives at mssa.assist@yale.edu to request access