Irene Almeida was born on August 20th, 1929, in her family home in San Pedro, California, on 18th Street. A midwife attended her birth, as was common at the time. Her father, a small fishing boat owner, was out at sea when she was born. By the time she was born, her mother, who had married at 15, was 19 and found it challenging to take care of three children, prompting her father to eventually switch from fishing to longshoring for a living. Irene's parents were immigrants from Madeira Island, a volcanic island off the coast of Africa. They came to the United States through Ellis Island and settled in Fall River before moving to San Pedro, California. Her father was from Paul do Mar, a coastal area of Madeira, while her mother was from a more inland farm area of the island. Growing up in San Pedro, Irene was part of a vibrant Portuguese community. This community was tightly knit, engaging in frequent visits among families, sharing cultural practices, and speaking Portuguese. Irene met her future husband in the 10th grade at San Pedro High School. 

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Irene Almeida provides a comprehensive and personal account of life in San Pedro, California, from the perspective of a Portuguese American. Irene shares detailed memories of her childhood, family life, and the broader Portuguese community's experiences in San Pedro. The scope of the interview encompasses her early life in a vibrant, tightly-knit community, her family's deep connections to the port and its significance in their lives, and the cultural practices that shaped her upbringing. Irene discusses her education at Mary Star of the Sea, her experiences growing up in San Pedro, and how she met her future husband in high school. She offers insights into the Portuguese community's work in fishing and longshoring, highlighting the role of the church and cultural festivals in maintaining community bonds. The interview also touches on broader aspects of life in San Pedro, including changes in the area, such as the loss of open spaces and the evolution of the local landscape. Additionally, Irene reminisces about specific events and traditions, such as the Fishermen's Fiesta, and shares personal stories, including her father's retirement and an accident that precipitated it. She reflects on the joys of raising children in San Pedro, the generational ties to the area, and the sense of community among residents.