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An Interview With Salvador Gutierrez
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| Title | An Interview With Salvador Gutierrez |
| Abstract | Interviewer: Irene Ruiz. Interview recorded February 27, 1978. 1 sound cassette (ca. 90 minutes): analog, stereo.; 5 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape; 1 sound disc; digital; 4 3/4 in. Has printed guide to contents. |
| Notes | Mr. Gutierrez was born in Zacapu, Mexico on May 22, 1911. At the time of the interview he was building manager at West High School and Switzer Elementary School. In the interview he discusses his early life in Kansas City after coming here at the age of six, work as school district employee for 48 years, 1951 flood, etc.
Number 17 on MP3 disc. |
| Date | 1978-02-27 |
| Location | SC69-1, Tape 20, CD 20 |
| Local Subject | Oral History
Gutierrez, Salvador
Hispanic Americans
Mexican Americans
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| Item Type | Archival Material
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| Transcription | Synopsis of Interview:
Mr. Guiterrez is building manager at West High School and Switzer Elementary School. Born in Zacapu, Michoacan, Mexico, May 22, 1911. Parents: Jose Guiterrez, Sotera Gonzalez. Moved to Kansas City, Missouri with family when 6 years old. Had 5 brothers, 2 sisters. Father began work at Cudahy Meat Packing Plant as a doorman. Lived on the West Side. Attended Guadalupe School for grades 1-8. Graduated high school from Lathrop Trade School at 13th and Central.
Most neighbors worked on railroads or in meat packing. Neighborhood streets paved, wooden plank sidewalks. Recalls discrimination and prejudice. Attended grade school in the church basement with other Mexican-Americans. Active in Guadalupe church: altar boy, later president of the Holy Name Society, editor of "The Knight", published by the Guadalupe Ember Club. Played baseball for church team, later for the Aztecas, a semi-professional team. Mother active in Guadalupanas. High School hobby was photography.
Recalls lacking food during the depression. The family was aided by the Union Cultural Mexicana and its director, Dr. Nicolas Jaime. Began custodial work in high school to help family finances.
Volunteered for Army in WWII. Participated in invasions of southern France, Sicily, Anzio. Wounded. Married after returning from war. School district employee 48 years. Was teaching first aid for the Red Cross when the flood of 1951 hit. Active in aiding flood victims to find shelter. His own family was evacuated because of a fire in a chemical plant on Southwest Boulevard. Wife born in Texas. Met at a 16th of September fiesta, corresponded while in the military. Three children, all grown.
List of activities and community service awards, including Penn Valley Neighborhood Council, Mexican-American Neighborhood Council, Azteca Lions Club, Boy Scouts, school service employees union, numerous church activities. Wanted to be active to serve his people. Hopes the many organizations in the Mexican-American neighborhood will become more organized, stop duplicating services and unite behind common goals. |
| Access This Item | You may come to the Missouri Valley Room to listen to the interview. |
| Item ID | 210306 |
| CONTENTdm number | 36337 |
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