2

1935
Pedro Barrios (Cuban mulatto)
Ybor City
Tampa, Florida
(Cigar-maker and reader)
F. Valdes, writer, FERA
Sociological Survey of
Ybor City

[Struck: "LIFE HISTORY OF MS.] PEDRO BARRIOS
[Struck: "By"]
[Struck: "F. Valdes"]

I was born in the Cerro in Havana in 1881. That is to say that
I have 54 years.

I was brought to Key West when I had 3 years; and came to Tampa
from Key West when I had 13 years.

I learned the trade of cigar-maker from that time; and with the
exception of a season I had as reader, I have done nothing (na mas) (1)
else but cigars. From four years to this part I have worked two or
three months during the year. From there to here, I worked one month
in the water line, and now I am loader of bananas when the ships come in.

''My childhood and youth slipped by peacefully. I had a father who
loved me very much; and died when I had 21 years; and a mother who was
very affectionate with me.

"From then till now, I have done nothing but enjoy myself with base-
ball and fishing; two of my favorite sports; and I find myself at the
age of 54 years "the life very hurried (2) ----- tight (3)." With sufficient years
and ability, and "I do not find." (4)

(1) This is an apocope of nada. Nearly everyone in Ybor City uses this
form of apocope before the word "mas", as in the above case. Also
when asking anyone what is the matter with him, he will invariably
answer "na", meaning nothing.

(2) Muy apurada la vida. An expression meaning that he is having a
hard time.

(3) Apretada: In trying to further impress what he has said, he adds:
"apreteda", meaning that it is difficult. This is a very common
form of speech.

(4) This form of shortening the speech is very common. It means "I do
not find work".

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