Fran Giacalone
Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project
The Port of Los Angeles celebrated its Centennial on December 9, 2007. As part of the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project, these interviews feature various members of the Los Angeles Harbor Area community who were interviewed in 2007 to document different eras in Port history.
National Capital Contracting
Francesca Giacalone is a long-time resident of San Pedro, California, with a rich personal history tied to the town's development and the broader historical events of the 20th century. Born and raised in San Pedro, her life was shaped by the town's transformation during World War Two, a period that saw San Pedro become a bustling hub due to its strategic harbor and shipyard. Giacalone's early years were marked by significant local events, such as the 1933 earthquake and the Long Shore dispute, which had a profound impact on her community. Her family's Italian-American heritage played a central role in her upbringing, with traditional food and customs being a staple of her household. Giacalone's father was a fisherman, and her mother worked at a cannery, grounding her in the working-class ethos of the town. As an adult, she took on a secretarial role at a stevedoring company, where she was involved in handling disputes related to the longshore industry. Her narrative is interwoven with personal anecdotes that reflect the cultural and social fabric of San Pedro, including her family's experiences and the broader community dynamics.
Scope and Content Note
The oral history interview with Francesca Giacalone provides a comprehensive account of life in San Pedro, California, during the mid-20th century, with a particular focus on the World War Two era. Giacalone recounts her childhood experiences, family traditions, and the impact of significant historical events on her community. She describes the bustling wartime activities in San Pedro, the influx of workers to the shipyards, and the busy harbor that defined the town during the war. Her narrative includes personal reflections on her job as a secretary in the longshore industry, her family's Italian-American customs, and the effects of the war on her community, such as the forced relocation of Japanese-American classmates. Giacalone also shares her memories of the town's social and cultural life, including recreational activities, local landmarks, and the red car streetcar system. She discusses her family's interactions with the community, such as sharing food with neighbors and her father's fishing career. Her involvement with local organizations, including the Apostleship of the Sea, the PTA, and the Girl Scouts, illustrates her commitment to community service. Additionally, Giacalone speaks about the diversity and inclusivity of San Pedro, her pride in the harbor, and her experiences during the war.
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