A People’s History of the Inland Empire Digital Archive

Prudence "Lencha" Gonzales Interview

2019.003.031

Sound

One of the earliest interviews conducted for this project was done on a rainy Valentine’s day in 1995 with Prudence Gonzales.  Mrs. Gonzales or ‘Lencha’ as she was known to countless friends, neighbors, and relatives was a native of Redlands and at 92 the oldest woman interviewed for this project to date.  Our conversation dealt mostly with her youth and early Redlands.  A self-professed tomboy, Lencha worked with animals and frequently drove a wagon for her uncle’s manure business.  Her observations on married life are also unique to this series. Born a generation earlier than most of the women interviewed for the project who generally worked outside of the home and reflect less on home life and personal relationships, her story is compelling for its depth and strength in these areas. Her keen memory, wit, and directness shine through in this far too short conversation. Mrs. Gonzales’ son Joe and daughter-in-law Irene were present during parts of a 90-minute interview conducted at their Webster Street home.  Joe Gonzales was also interviewed the same day, his comments are included in a separate volume of this series.

Bracero Program

Lincoln Elementary School

Ranching

St. Mary's Church

Entertainment and Leisure

Community Life in Redlands

Citrus Fruit Industry

Redlands (Calif.); Cone Camp; Chinatown (Redlands, Calif.)

1902-1940s

Antonio Vasquez

February 14, 1995

Gonzales, Prudence ""Lencha""

Gonzales, Joe

Audio Cassette

English

Side A: 48.25
Side B: 28.19
Total: 76.48