Original abstract (1976): Mr. DaMota came from a reasonably well-to-do family in the Azores. His father came to America in 1910 and remained in Fall River with his wife's relatives for fifteen years. He disliked America and finally returned to Portugal for good in 1925. (This story did not come out until near the end of the tape.) Mr. DaMota did not work on his father's farm, he went to school. He describes in detail life in his town. He got involved in politics and was forced to leave the Azores. (The exact reasons are unclear. He did not want to discuss the matter. ) He left his family behind and went to Canada to work as a farm laborer in British Columbia. Then he moved to Toronto, brought his family over and came to America ten years ago after years of urging by relatives in Fall River and East Providence . First he lived with his wife's aunt and then he bought a home in East Providence. He has interesting observations on most of the experiences. One of the most important parts of the interview dealt with his feelings toward the treatment by the older immigrants and native born Portuguese. A number of generational issues were touched on. He feels the church has been very important to him and recently he joined the Portuguese Cultural Association.
This interview with Leiberato DaMota was conducted on April 15, 1976. Topics include his life in the Azores, moving from Portugal to British Columbia, his family life in Portugal before moving to Canada, move to East Providence (R.I.), and the Portuguese community in East Providence (R.I.). In addition to the audio recording of the interview, there is a typed summary and abstract.