Self-Evaluation by Ava J. Inghram, October 13, 1978.
x-2-c-1
[Editor’s note: Minor spelling errors have been retained.]
Ava J. Inghram
13/10/78
My Self Evaluation!
I work in the sewing department. I need to talk less and get more production done. I have been in the sewing department longer then some of the other worker and I should show a better example than I do. I walk off without letting people know where I am going. I also don’t help out with the organization like I should by giving idea’s. I also instead of the Supervisor should confront my peers to show I am backing them up. I will change these patterns starting now. There will be a change.
Ava J. Inghram
Sup. Ruby C. [Carroll]
Maud P. [Perkins]
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x-2-c-2
Undated letter to Jim Jones from Ruby Carroll.
[Editor’s note: Spelling and other grammatical errors have been retained.]
Sewing Dept.
Ruby Carroll & Maud Perkins & Barbara Geneara [Cordell Guevarra] is try very [illegible word] to make the try work for the better of the family there is time when the worker get me upset they do not seem to cear [care] and be to relaxed in there job no one seen to be push as hard as they can and, and most of the one worker here never made to [illegible words] cloth and each one [illegible word] change [illegible words] the one the man in Georgetown saw was small and a the [illegible words] have to be [illegible word] and the cutter have [illegible words] ideal [illegible words] work with at time I have 4 children at one time and that is a little much and have try to get the job done so I can have more time with the children and the way some of the Mom cant work over time get me upset.
but thank to dad we will make it work and all the toys will sell. Thank you for give me a chance for the Sewing Dept. for help the family.
Thank you Dad
Ruby Carroll
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x-2-c-3
Self-Evaluation by Carol Dennis (McCoy), undated.
Self evaluation of Carol Dennis concerning sewing.
When Project first started I was enthused & liked the idea of it I worked good – I feel, but 2 wks later I have been a drag – I cut from 7:30 to 12 evenings – even if I have extra time I could devote I give to some other place of my office work. One reason I guess I drag I get bored of doing the same thing & want to charge off – I wld rather [illegible word] but I do know that there must be cutters also. When the time schedule changed I lost interest, I liked the night schedule better because there wasn’t a lot of people around but the toys did not get produced like they have since changing. I can always do better.
Thank Dad
Carol Dennis
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x-2-c-4(1)
Undated self-evaluation letter from Wanda Souder.
Toy Department
I am a seamstress in the factory & I [illegible word, could be “really”] enjoy working with making toys. When I first started I didn’t think I would be able to make them right. I don’t have enough self confidence in my self. I feel that I don’t know how to do it well enough so I put it off until I say to myself you can do it and once I make up my mind I don’t quit until I get it right. I feel I sew slow sometimes but I want to do it right or not at all.
Since I’ve been working in the sewing department my attitude has changed and I can see now beauty in working for the cause and I work harder than I did at first. My attitude at first was do
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what I have to do and thats all. Now I do what I have to do & more. If my body could stand it I would work longer hours than I do. I really enjoy sewing.
I never knew what I would like to do because nothing would hold my interest for long. I would always wonder what my life would come to & what would I end up like.
Thanks to you dad I’ve learned to do & except & appreciate things that I said & would never dream I would be doing. Socialism has taught me a lot and I want to learn a lot more. I don’t feel empty & useless any more. Thank you Dad. I would like to stay in this department . I feel that this project is & will be a great success & I will do all I can to help it along & make it work.
Wanda Souder
I also get very nervous and short patiented I am aware of this when it happens & I’m trying to improve it.
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x-2-c-5(1), x-2-c-5(2)
Undated self-evaluation letter from Ruby Bright.
[Editor’s note: Minor spelling errors have been retained.]
Toy Department
I am a seamstress & I like working with Ruby Carol [Carroll]. I feel like I not progressing sometimes & I get upset sometimes when we’re not producing our quota for the day. I know most of us is doing as best that can be expect because none of us is experienced in making toys. It is just like to [illegible word, could be “you”] when you’re trying to drive a car & don’t know how drive. I get upset when production slows down. Other than that I like doing it. Everyone just has to have patience because it is very [illegible words] no one animal comes out exactly the same.
Sometimes I get upset because I can’t do it first but its something I have to be patient with.
Thank you Dad
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I am one of the supervisors under Ruby Carol [Carroll]. I also get upset sometimes when I show other people how to do certain things and they do not do it right or ask me over & over the same thing & I show them over & over. I know this is wrong but I do not show it or tell them that I am upset. I guess I feel that they should be able to catch on like I do but I know everyone’s not the same. I know this is just the wrong attitude to take & I will change it. I myself must realize that you cannot speed & do everything.
Spa seeba O-Chet [phonetic Russian]
Ruby Bright
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x-2-c-6
Self-evaluation letter by Karen Scott, October 12, 1978.
Oct 12, 1978
Karen Scott
Toys Department
Self evaluation
Karen Scott – My work attitude, I talk too must [much], I don’t take care of the toys as I should, my work is not up to what it should be. I don’t like making toys – reason it sitting job, don’t make them good, exter [extra] Hours too many rejects are [illegible word], But I will do the job until it finish then I would like to go back to the field. I see this job is making money. I shouldn’t have no won’t, but lazy only concern about what I want to do. feel they criticize hand worker more then the criticize the machine worker. They alway telling us to be quiet but they talk more then they work too. Barbara [Cordell] is a good worker and a study worker. I think shown a lot of concern about the job get done and right too Wanda Souder is the same.
This is my real feel in situation
Thank Dad
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x-2-c-7
Self-evaluation letter by Diana Marshall, October 12, 1978.
12/10/78 Thur.
I like making toys, but I don’t like doing somebody else’s toy over when they messed it up and wont claim it. To me I work slow, cause I feel if I go fast I’ll mess up, so I take out time and do it. I feel that every toy that each person make should be checked well, so that if something is wrong with them, it can be done over then. I feel I work better when I am not talking a lot. Even though other people mess up toys, I still do some over, cause I know they need to be done. Sometimes I feel I work too slow, so I’m starting to go a little faster.
TOY DEPT.
Diana Marshall
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x-2-c-8(1)
Self-evaluation letter by Maria McCann, October 12, 1978.
[Editor’s note: Minor spelling and other grammatical errors have been retained.]
Maria McCann • Toy Sewing Dept. • Oct. 12, 1978
Evaluation
I enjoy working here but not all day. I don’t like sitting this much. I prefer to do field work in the morning & this in the afternoons, but I realize it is necessary to work here full time to get the order out. After this project is over I’d like to stay in the sewing 1/2 day because I like it & can sew good. I’d like to criticize myself because I find it hard to speak about any gripe to the supervisors. I feel we have too many supervisors in this dept. & they are not together or organized on giving us instructions. There is unecessary wasted material because of unorganization. We do a lot of double work which if
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we were given proper instructions in the first place it wouldn’t have to be done over. The hours frustrate me because it’s hard with a child but I don’t mind it because it is necessary for the cause & the least I can do, considering what Dad does.
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x-2-c-9(1)
Undated self-evaluation letter by Cathy Barrett
[Editor’s note: Minor spelling errors have been retained.]
Cathy Barrett Evaluation: Toy Department
I feel as far as myself I could work with talking less. But as far as my job, I’m doing it well & following instructions that are given. As far as the whole dept. is concerned I feel it could be more organized. This week alone we’ve wasted much time & material cutting the wrong sized patterns. If we’re going to experiment on a new size of toy, one should be cut out & sewn before cutting out more, so to establish that it is right. As far as the people I work with, I feel there are too many supervisers. I think the original 3, Ruby Carroll, Maude Perkins, & Barb Guevara [Barbara Cordell], should be left as supervisors & all the rest be considered workers. There are too many
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contradicting orders being given by people I feel don’t know what they’re doing.
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x-2-c-10
Undated self-evaluation letter by Lisa Wright.
[Editor’s note: Minor grammatical errors have been retained.]
Lisa Wright
Toy Department
I Lisa Wright like making toys because it a nice job & the project help the cause. I like knowing how many I can make & do right. But sometime I get piss because either in the cutting, sewing, stuffing or finishing up their alway rejects. I know we are not perfect but some people are careless and doesn’t think about this is helping us all. Mainly talking about my self I get lazy and mess off at time. But I going to work more harder & put my all in these animal so that we can bring in more money. And I will take my mistake and grow from them. And will talk lesser. I have alway like sewing.
Lisa Wright
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x-2-c-11(1)
Undated self-evaluation by Erin Eichler LeRoy
Erin Watkins
When we first started our schedule of working 7 am midnight on toys. I was resentful. I know I didn’t and don’t have any right to be. My head is straight now. It is the least I can do to make money to help feed us and get the others out of Babylon. I’m working on becoming a better seamstress and feel I am doing fairly well in my work. I do talk to much and feel there is too much talking. Talking isn’t always bad because alot of times a day we talk Russian But I get involved and my production slows down a little. I won’t let it effect my production. I get frustrated sometimes with the mistakes the cutters and stuffers make which is wrong because I don’t always sew perfect. Maud [Perkins] my supervisor. She is very willing to be the bad guy and is a good teacher but we all do too much talking including the supervisors. I enjoy making toys
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I’ve always liked doing any type of work making things with my hands. I don’t like to go over other peoples work though as I’m sure they don’t like going over mine. I feel must of us are getting the hang of making toys. It is a first for all of us.
Erin Watkins
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x-2-c-12
Self-evaluation letter by Stephanie Chacon, October 12, 1978.
Toy Department
Oct. 12, 1978
Stephanie Chacon
Attitude: OK
Work: Could be better
Criticism: I criticize myself for not putting myself into my work, where as I could get more done, actually I see no one in this department trys hard enough as should/could be done, it seems there are certain placements for each one of us I maybe wrong but that is The way I see it; also concern toward each other isnt close at all I mean I see it as a jealousy shown why I dont no because I don’t have anything toward any one in the toy department I Feel it we can all rotate around doing the animals there would be more done. Today I mentioned to Jackie Rochelle why does Arin Leroy Watkins [Erin LeRoy Eichler] is told less what to do so this is why I feel we should rotate around.
[Marginal note: “I feel if there is anything wrong about me that person can always come to me and tell me where I am wrong.”]
What I Feel about The Toy department:
personally I Like The Toy department it is interesting to me something That i’ve never done before, I do what I am told to do when it comes down to making toys; I mentioned to Mary Griffith today didn’t she think we could make other thinks such as maccromate [likely “macrame”] work, etc.
Talking to my supervisor:
I don’t feel I could go to her and talk to her about it be-cause I don’t really see her as and easy person to talk to This is why I hold it in and try to correct for myself.
Spa-ciba-ochen [phonetic Russian]
Thank you “Dad”
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x-2-c-13(1)
Self-evaluation letter from Jackie Franklin Rochelle, October 12, 1978.
[Editor’s note: Spelling and other grammatical errors have been retained.]
Jackie Franklin
Oct 12 – 1978
Myself Evaluation
Speaking about myself. I personaly feel that I am not a good worker like I should. Because at time I get very Bord but yet I can’t used that as an excuse, Because I known I can Bust ass to get the job done. I also feel that the work I have done so far is Because I felt deeply that it need to be done for the sake of our freedom people lifes and the future for our children, all over the world. Dad you know me Better than I know myself. and I am greatful for this way an time But sometime I don’t show it. Their is no reason for this But just lack of concern for different things. I do feel that I have Been putting you threw a lot. By not working like I can lose weight, even when I was in U.S. I was smoking, drinking, wasting money on unessary thing which you already know. But I feel that I would work Better in the future in the toy factory starting (now). for the sake of what you have done for me and others, I really do like the Sewing toys But sometime there is a lack of comunication Between me & Maud Perkins. Ruby Carol [Carroll] has A great understanding at time I feel relax when I talk to her Because she listen to what I have to say then she explained it all to me
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I never had experiesent [experience] in making toys its not that hard. I know you can anything if I put my mind to it Because you teach me these things. I have experiecent [experienced] in sewing clothes But I do feel that their are to many given instruction one say one thing then the other person say it is not did right, and it is very confusion. But for my part I am going to take up more responsibuilty around here and do a Better job on my job and other places here. Because I love it here. and I don’t regret it not one time. and my fellow comrade I work with I enyoy [enjoy] you working with them, and my supervisore I do laugh a lot, talk to I do this at time to keep from going to sleep, not trying to cover ass ore mines ass.
Thank you my Dad
(Father)
Thank you Dad
Jackie Franklin
job toy factory
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x-2-c-14(1), x-2-c-14(2)
Self-evaluation letter by Mary Morton, October 12, 1978.
[Editor’s note: Minor spelling errors have been retained.]
October 12, 1978
Mary Morton
Sewing Dept.
Supervisor – Ruby Carrol [Carroll]
Dear Dad,
Thank you for allowing me to work in the sewing department. I enjoy the work because I have always liked sewing. Sometimes when we make toys we are told to redue [redo] them because some-thing is wrong. We had a meeting to try and solve this. One thing that was brought out is that the supervisors contradict each other. One will tell us to do something one way and another will say its wrong take it apart. Time is lost when we could be moving on. We are all trying to improve ourselfs with this problem. Ruby Carroll is very good with her job, always watching and correcting us when necessary. I think she is a pretty fair person and has the experience to go with it. As for me I find myself feeling very tired before or at the end of the day and sometimes I get mad because I say working a double shift leaves no time for washing or other little things. I have felt guilty and depressed lately and try not to let it effect my work. I wrote you a letter concerning my daughter
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who is 16 years old. She wrote to me in May to say she was coming soon, after that I didn’t hear from her until this week. She mailed the letter to me August 2nd and I got it this week. She wrote to say that she would have her baby by the end of September. I had heard through the grape vine that she was pregnant. When I left she was with my brother and his wife. She went from their to the church to try to come here. They sent her to my sister who could not keep her and she is now staying in a home for unwed mothers in Oakland. She does not plan on coming now. I wrote to tell her that whatever made her happy made me happy also, but I don’t like the idea of her being in a home. I feel guilty because she is under age and I left her in the hands of others and it didn’t work out. I look at this lovely sky and the beautiful stars at night and I say what will the future bring. My little girl Vickie Parker [Victoria Parker] is so happy and loves her teacher Dorthy [Dorothy] Brewer so much that some how it makes up for the hurt thats inside. I’m not thinking of anything but working to keep myself busy. Thank you for your help because I know you said Jackie could come.
Mary Morton
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x-2-c-15(1)
Undated self-evaluation letter by Daisy Lee Stroud
To: Jim
From: Daisy Lee
Subject: Self Evaluation
I’ve been working on making animal project over a month now. I like the work but I can improve by working faster. I get along with my other workers and I don’t have any quarrels with my supervisors. I am quite quiet at work I don’t like to talk much. This is a good experience for to learn to make things – learn to be creative because I don’t have any creativity in me. I am not just saying it. I see it in my work. Working in this project give my the feeling I am doing something productive to help this cause.
Self criticism.
I am not sociable enough I tend to be by myself frequently. I should be more sociable
Usually a person is alone a lot is somewhat depressed or unstressed but I am not [illegible words] alone sometimes. I don’t want to use my past as an excuse that I was the only child that’s why I was used to be alone. I am trying to get over the pattern of being not too sociable. I do associate with a lot of my friends here. I associate a lot with Rosie Burgines, Patricia Cartmell, Margarita Romano [Margaret Romano Davis], Claudia Bouquet etc. Scratch that I [illegible word] them but I don’t hang around with them I don’t hang around with anyone.
At times I [illegible words] confronted. I try to [illegible words]
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indeed that’s wrong. I realized that I am doing it. I am trying to be more aware of my defensiveness when confronted or criticized so I will stop. In my opinion, I am a very determined & stubborn person if I want something I will not give up, no matter how long it takes. I am easy to lose my temper and easy to calm down. When I am angry I round roll my eyes at people. This is not a socialist attitude. I will stop. Lastly I also feel I am not a true socialist yet because I realized one time my clothes get lost and was taken I get upset over it. That proofed that I still valued material. I realized this at that time but I ignored my feeling thin right thinking. I knew I was suppose to be grateful for what I have and think of the people in other parts of the world who don’t even have any clothes. But I was too self centered.
Daisy Lee
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x-2-c-16(1)
Undated self-evaluation letter by Mary Griffith Jr. [Mary Magdaline Griffith]
[Editor’s note: Spelling errors have been retained.]
Mary Griffith Jr.
(Toy Sewing Department)
I know I do be having bad attuides once in a while comming in late or at nite don’t come in at all at times but that have improved but I still do my work right I don’t have ass do my job. I do what I am told and do it right but some of my bad attude was coming from having to do many of the dolls over that other people rushed over and didin’t do their job right and from not wanting to continue to work in the sewing room I know it is a money makeing project and is helping us a real lot by bring money in I do want to go back to the fields but since I know I cannot not I guest I will not I will remain here and do my job just as well as I do all my others jobs. I didint have much time to do the things I wanted to do like before I was in the sewing department I was into medical and I still want to remain their and I am a bare foot dr and still wish to remain their I enjoy sience I have the oppertunity I all ways wanted. I would like to work Saturday night because it is the only time I have to study
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is in the morning on Sunday. bec in the afternoon on Sunday I work in their and have no time to go through the books. thats just what I feel I have nothing against my supervisors Ruby [Carroll] & Maud [Perkins]. Sometime I just get Bored and flip off. I get alone with all my comrades working here. I do have concern for others people and their problems. and that they would like to have the chance to do the things they want to do are ask for the free time but I can also question what is the free time they want and what are they, going to use it for is it going to help us are is it just bull Shit I feel mine is not bullshit I feel it is needed thats why I am asking for the oppertunity
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x-2-x-17(1)
Sewing Department Report, September 28, 1978.
[Editor’s note: Minor spelling errors have been retained.]
9/28/78
Sewing Dept Report
Erin Watkins [Erin Jahna Eichler] good worker, creative, keeps busy, puts in overtime every night.
Daisy Stroud part time worker, works good and steady. quiet.
Ruthie Quinn [Ruthie Mae Cain] part time worker, good worker, takes on responsibilities, volunteers extra time. Anxious to learn.
Jackie Rochelle bad attitude since she worked for the sewing room hasn’t followed with dissipline work of extra stuffing of toys. Wednesday she stuffed 25 and Thursday she stuffed 33. After being confronted she agreed to finish her 50 on Wednesday and she did.
Maria McCann doesn’t follow instructions but she could do it right if she wanted to. Can be a good worker. Talks too much. Doesn’t work much extra time but couple of days attitude has been poor. She wants out of the sewing dept.
Kathy Barrett [Cathy Ann Stahl Barrett] slow pulling up on the sewing that needs to be done on toys. Good worker when she gets started. Talks to much with Maria McCann. Puts in extra hours of work.
Bessie Wesley excellent worker no complaints
Irene Edwards part time worker does very good work. Sews well.
Wanda Souder good worker helps supervise not afraid to get on others. Sews well puts in extra hours.
Diane Marshall good worker, quiet, sews well, part time worker, volunteers extra hours
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Kim Fye [Kimberly Ann Fye] works on medical excuse for sewing dept. talks to much, she didn’t come to work today. She said she was in nurse office all day but Sylvia [Grubbs] said she wasn’t there all day and was seen walking around a lot. Didn’t tell supervisors anything.
Karen Lewis work is improving, doesn’t talk so much, slow worker needs to increase speed.
Lisa Lewis slow worker, new to the sewing dept has to learn. Takes confrontation well.
Mary Griffith good stuffer, works well when she wants to. She wants out of the sewing dept. Does a lot of playing around lately. Can be a good worker.
Lisa Wright good worker, starts early, good production on the sewing machine. One of the best producers.
Ava Ingram [Ava Jillon Inghram] good worker, works extra hours, trys hard to learn what needs to be done.
Eileen Jackson school student, quiet and does good worker.
Loretta Chavez [Chavis] volunteer worker, good worker, follows instructions well. Does about six hours every evening outside her regular job in the baby nursery. She has a good attitude.
Denise Hunter [Purifoy] full time worker plus does dishes every dinner time. Kitchen worker. Turns out good work. Fast worker.
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Carol Dennis [Carol Ann Cordell McCoy] works full time in sewing dept plus a half day in the agriculture office and checks stock when it comes in. She works good and has an excellent attitude.
Stephanie Chaikin moody, gets frustrated sometimes. slow but she does try.
Mary Martin [Mary Nathaniel Morton] slow worker, has good attitude. trys to follow instructions.
Estelle McCall good attitude, good worker, a little slow
Supervisors Evaluation (self)
Maud Perkins I am very short tempered sometimes, but trying to work on it hard, I think I may push too hard for the knowledge of toy making of the workers. I’m trying hard to be equal with the workers but along with getting the job done on time. I snap at people to often too many time also working on that.
Barbara Guevera (Cordell) Doesn’t get on people enough when they are messing around. Don’t like to be disturbed from my work. Produces well.
Ruby Bright something noding at night full asleep and sometime slow worker sometimes I think I have a good adertude but I am will to follow instruction.
Ruby Carroll I do not have the patient I should have sometime and people are presher on me at this time and my temper is on edge I try to not show my feeling but I am a real ass to people and this I try to supervise the sew and try to keep love as you wish. I am try Dad