Interview Questions for Mary Alice

Early Years

1. Where were you born and where all did you live when you were growing up and before you went off to college?

2. I believe I am correct in saying that you have a sister and a brother, but I don't know what the age difference is and where you are in the order.

3. Were you and your siblings close? Can you convey any anecdotes about your relationship with them that particularly sticks in your mind?

4. Where are your siblings now and what are/were their professions. Could you give us an overview of growing up?

5. Do you remain close to your siblings? How are you like or unlike them?

6. How old were your parents when they had you three?  What were their professions?

7. Did your children get to know their grandparents?

8. What qualities about yourself do you like that you learned from your parents?

9. Do you think that you raised your children like your parents raised you?

 

Education

1. Did you enjoy school, especially high school and if so what did you enjoy the most?

2. Were you involved in extracurricular activities in high school?

3. How old were you when you recognized how artistically talented you are?

4. Did you take any art classes in high school?

5. Were you immediately drawn to art as a child and if so, at what age?

6. You went to Gettysburg College, why?  What did you study?  You have so many talents.  How did you decide what to study? 

7. Any stories about friends, roommates, or extracurricular activities while at Gettysburg?

Professional Life

1. You have had so many careers.  Can you give us an overview of these careers, i.e. a brief description, how you got involved and any anecdotal stories of note?

2. Any particular stories about teaching High School French or Art. 

3. What were your favorite professions?

4. Would you recommend any of these careers to your grandchildren?

Personal Life

1. Tell us about how you met Allen?

2. What are some memories you have of Pat, John, & the kids coming up to your home for get togethers?

3. What personality traits of both yours & Allen’s do you see in the boys?

4. What do you most appreciate now, that maybe you didn’t recognize 10 years ago?

5. I know that you and Allen spent 3 months traveling around EUrope.  I'm sure you could write a whole book about your adventures.  Could you tell us about 2 or 3 of these memories.

6. Tell us about buying the large estate, Antietam Farm,  what was it like raising children and animals there.  What was it like being somewhat isolated from schools, towns, close neighbors etc. 

7. WIth all your accomplishments, what dreams do you still have for future projects?

8. If you could go back in time and offer yourself some advice when you were graduating from high school, what would it be?

9. If you had only one opportunity to offer advice to your children and grandchildren, what would that advice be?

10. What would you say is your philosophy on life?