Virginia Brownell was born in 1922 in Larimore, North Dakota. During her early years, she worked at the telephone office in Huron, South Dakota. Her journey to San Pedro, California, began when her future husband, who worked in the telephone company, decided to relocate to California before the outbreak of World War II. He initially worked in Ventura before securing a position in the San Pedro office. Virginia transferred to the San Pedro telephone office around the same time, coinciding with the events of Pearl Harbor. Virginia married her husband, who later enlisted in the Air Corps, becoming a bombardier during World War II. After the war, the couple returned to San Pedro, where they remained permanently. Virginia worked part-time at her mother's dress shop, Hazel Taylor, which served the working women of San Pedro. Throughout her life in San Pedro, Virginia was deeply involved in the community. She participated in various local clubs and organizations, showing a keen interest in the history and development of San Pedro. She contributed significantly to the Chamber of Commerce and remained an active member, though she never sought a leadership position. After retiring from her formal career, which included a stint as an administrator at a retirement home, Virginia continued to live in San Pedro. She spent her later years engaged in various local activities and maintaining friendships formed over decades.

Scope and Content Note 
The interview with Virginia Brownell offers a detailed account of her personal and professional life, focusing on her experiences from her early years in North Dakota to her long-term residence in San Pedro, California. The conversation covers her initial move to California, driven by her husband's career decisions and the impacts of World War II. Virginia shares insights into the operations of the telephone office during the 1940s, reflecting on the technological and procedural differences from modern times. A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to Virginia's work at her mother's dress shop, Hazel Taylor. She discusses the clientele, the types of merchandise offered, and the general atmosphere of the store. The shop catered to the working women of San Pedro, providing moderately priced clothing and personal service. Virginia's role in the store and her interaction with customers highlight the social and economic fabric of the community during the mid-20th century. Virginia also reminisces about the development and changes in San Pedro, describing the local landmarks, the impact of military presence, and the evolution of the town's infrastructure, such as the construction of the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Her narrative includes anecdotes about community events, such as the opening of Ports O' Call and the last ferry ride before the bridge's completion. The interview captures Virginia's deep involvement in the community through her participation in various clubs and the Chamber of Commerce. She reflects on her love for San Pedro, its people, and her unwavering commitment to remaining a part of the community.