Still Working

An email reminded me that the inactivity on the blog may lead a person to believe that the project has been abandoned but this is not so. I have had great success and disappointment at the same time. Several individuals had declined to be interviewed. I think that some believe that what they do remember is unimportant and what they have forgotten is important but this is not true (as I always tell them). Two individuals that I know of have passed away and their memories with them. I am deeply saddened that I did not get to them in time.

I have conducted three very successful interviews, all of which produced information that can not be found in a newspaper or public records, only in a memory. I was overjoyed to learn that so many past Tagus Ranch residents have wonderful stories to share. Each interview makes it easier to create an image in my mind as to how it must have been to live on the ranch. I am currently seeking additional interviewees, with the help of Linda at the Tulare Historical Museum. I am working at full speed now that my draft thesis project is due in June. I know that no matter how many more interviews I am able to conduct I have at least documented enough to create a picture of the past. Social history is always so hard to capture once too much time has passed but this time, I believe I have succeeded with the help of many others.