| Ref No | MS 4000/5/1/4/18 |
| Title | Recording of Edward James Smith [b.1872] of Kingswinford talking about his childhood, family background, working in the mines, unions and singing |
| Level | File |
| Date | 23 July 1963 |
| Description | Interview by Charles Parker and [John Fletcher] of Edward James Smith (ES) talking about his childhood, family background, working in the mines, unions and singing.
Track 1: Duration (min/sec): 0.15 Description of track: start to tape
Track 2: Duration (min/sec): 2.07 Description of track: ES talks about his childhood and working at pit No18 in Fosters field
Track 3: Duration (min/sec): 1.48 Description of track: not aware of any singing at work; when wet weather men at work would send him to buy a bottle of beer which he would try; recalls singing in the pubs 'sentimental songs'; ES was secretary of 'the club' (not a registered club) for 50 years
Track 4: Duration (min/sec): 2.44 Description of track: ES talks about unions; he was secretary of the Miners Union but interest dwindled and he gave it up; recalls strike action; not learnt any songs although sung in church choir all his life
Track 5: Duration (min/sec): 1.26 Description of track: enjoys singing Sankey's hymns (chapel) although he is a Church not chapel man
Track 6: Duration (min/sec): 2.57 Description of track: talks about animals seen around Kingswinford; describes seeing a hedgehog 'urchin' hanging on to a cows udder
Track 7: Duration (min/sec): 2.22 Description of track: considered himself as a country boy rather than a town boy; describes first time seen the sea at [Barmouth]; first time to London in 1908
Track 8: Duration (min/sec): 2.56 Description of track: tells stories
Track 9: Duration (min/sec): 2.45 Description of track: continues telling mining stories
Total duration: (min/sec): 19.20 |
| Physical Description | Listening copy: 1 x CD-R serial number KF228 U103 5174
Original tape:
Size: 5" tape reel
Gauge: 1/4" tape (0.625cm)
Speed: 7.5ips (19cm/s);
EQ Curve used: IEC
Track configuration: Half Track Mono
Dubbing Date: 01/03 |
| Access Status | Open |
| Language | English |