StoryCorps supporters and Alumni Catharine Wall and Mark Smith recently visited the Lower Manhattan StoryBooth to talk about her large New York family, to remember her own childhood growing up in and around New York City and, to honor those who have passed on.
Catharine previously interviewed her aunt Mary Catharine at the Grand Central Terminal StoryBooth, then her uncle Jim at the West MobileBooth in Santa Monica, California. She first listened to her CD as she drove to the airport headed to Mary Catharine’s funeral. Her uncle Jim eulogized her own mother and talked about growing up with his sister in the city. She wanted to bring her uncle Tommy with the strong Queens accent, but did not get the opportunity. This time she came with her husband, Mark. They shared memories of first impressions of the city, her colorful family, and stories from their own twenty-four years of marriage. He asked her what it is about her experience in our booths that compels her, and she simply said, “There’s something nostalgic about it for me…A nostalgia that pre-dates my own experience. It harkens back to some earlier, easier time.”
April 5th, 2008 at 10:37 am
I’ve listened with interest to our PBS radio station on Friday mornings. This is a great service! I was especially moved by the story of Julio Diaz Christ-like story week before last. When I was hearing it I thought of the Bible where Christ encouraged his deciples to not only give to people in need, but to give them more than they asked for. I know of few people in that circumstance who would go as far as Julio did. CONGRATULATIONS to Julio for showing us the way to a better world.
Keep up the good work and God bless!
April 5th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
I too was moved by Julio’s story. No matter how much we hear we never stopped being awed by the wonders of the human spirit. Thank you Dave for really listening.
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Cathy and Mark,
I’ve been trying to find you - old email does not work.
Please send new digits,
Miss you,
Randall