Orrin Fuller, born on January 6, 1911, in Centerville, Massachusetts, was a Cape Cod native with deep roots tracing back to the Mayflower. Growing up on a farm in Martinsville, Orrin experienced a childhood filled with chores, farm animals, and the challenges of New England winters. His family, including his grandfather, who worked in the same house Orrin would later run, played essential roles in the local community. Orrin's early education took place in a small schoolhouse with strict discipline. He remembered his first teacher, Miss Murdock, and the wooden toys of his childhood. Orrin's journey into the working world began at the age of 14 when he started as an electrician's helper. His interest in electrical work led him to attend an electrical school in Chicago. Throughout his career, Orrin worked in various capacities, including servicing refrigerators and installing oil burners. In 1944, he became a licensed electrician and eventually started his electrical contracting business, retiring from the industry in 1970. Despite the challenges of the Great Depression, Orrin found ways to make a living, adapting to the economic landscape of the time.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Orrin Fuller, conducted on July 12, 1978, provides a rich historical perspective on life in Cape Cod during the early 20th century. Orrin's recollections cover a range of topics, including his family's roots, childhood experiences, education, and work history. He shares insights into the local community, the impact of the Great Depression, and the challenges and joys of growing up in a rural environment. He shares memories of the Prohibition era, noting the prevalence of bootleggers and the activities related to smuggling liquor on Cape Cod during that period. Orrin also reflects on the impact of the Depression on the Cape, highlighting the resourcefulness of the local population, which relied on self-sufficiency and a close-knit community to weather the economic hardships. The interview delves into Orrin's professional journey, detailing his work as an electrician and the economic landscape during the Prohibition era. It also touches on significant historical events, such as the armistice celebration, the impact of the Civil War on his family, and the local response to national events like Memorial Day. Overall, Orrin Fuller's narrative offers a valuable glimpse into the cultural, economic, and social aspects of Cape Cod during a transformative period in American history. His personal anecdotes provide a human touch to the broader historical context, making this interview a valuable resource for understanding life on Cape Cod in the early to mid-20th century.