Elder Interview-Clara Mae Kerwin
A.2008.001.240 PP
Name/Title
Elder Interview-Clara Mae KerwinEntry/Object ID
A.2008.001.240Tags
Missing, Needs Accession Sheet, Needs Location, Needs PhotoDescription
Kerwin, Clara Mae (John) Born 01/26/1936 in Seymour Wisconsin Parents: Lomas R. John and Nellie (Skenandore) Maternal Grandparents: Dixon Skenandore and Jane Skenandore Paternal Grandparents: Peter John and Elizabeth John Her mother was a stay at home mom. Clara’s mom only went to school up to 4th grade. Her parents both spoke the Oneida language but never taught their children. Her mother did a lot of cooking and canning. She also use to make cornbread and corn soup. Clara’s family always had a big garden. Her mother use to make baskets and use to make rag rugs. She also made quilts. Her father use to sing with the Oneida singers. He was the lead singer. Her father worked at Stokley’s and also worked at W.P.A. Her family belonged to the Oneida Methodist Church. They practiced homemade remedies. She went into the Air Force in 1955 and met her husband. She was in the Air Force for 13 years. When her first son was born she had to leave. Her husband got sick and she had to quit her job and stay home to take care of him. He passed away in 1995. Her husband was Harold Kerwin. They only had one child. Her husband was in the service for 22 years then he retired. Her parents and sibling use to live on Old Seymour Road. She went to Pine Grove School than to school in Green Bay East High. She finished school and got a G.E.D. while in the service. She uses the Health Center and the Fitness Center also. She does voluntary work at the Oneida Pantry. She doesn’t understand what the New York Claim is. And Clara collects porcelain dolls, elephants, and owls.Recording Type
Audio/VisualCollection
Elder InterviewsCataloged By
Gerzetich, Courtney (Cottrell)Category
Digital Media, Military