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Start Over Collection Gail Mary Killian and Stephen Desroches sound recordings, 1970-2003

Gail Mary Killian and Stephen Desroches sound recordings, 1970-2003 23 audiocassettes

Killian, Gail Mary, 1953-1988

The majority of the collection's interviews were taken by Gail Mary Killian and document her life in the 1970s-1980s as a woman living with Down syndrome in Eastern Massachusetts. Killian recorded her birthday starting in 1970, and many recordings capture the conversations that took place at these celebrations, which were attended by family members and neighbors. Topics discussed at these parties include music-related gifts received by Killian; rock music and Polish folk music; television shows and movies; employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the region; work at the United States Postal Service (her father's employer); and happenings in their local community. The family also sings together, both in English and Polish. Also included are recordings made by Killian during her daily life. Killian was an avid music fan, and she records thoughts on rock bands such as the Beatles, Journey, and Van Halen. Portions of the local New Bedford, MA radio program "Polish Happy Hour" are captured on tape.

  1. Oral History Archives at Columbia

Recording of Gail Mary Killian's birthday (1973), 1973 1 audiocassettes

Recording documents Gail Mary Killian's birthday celebration. There is a conversation about work for the United States Postal Service, as Killian's father and neighbor worked for the USPS. Guests sing "Happy Birthday." There is also a conversation about polka music and dancing, both of which were popular in her neighborhood, which was a Polish enclave.

  1. Oral History Archives at Columbia
  2. Gail Mary Killian and Stephen Desroches sound recordings, 1970-2003
  3. Gail Mary Killian sound recordings, 1971-1984