The paper concerns the recreation forms of the population of the South of Krasnoyarsk Krai during the Great Patriotic War. The purpose of this work is to give the general idea of recreation forms at that time. There are a lot of quantitative studies devoted to recreation in wartime, however, qualitative researches are more valuable for a deeper understanding of life in that period. The method of oral history is more relevant for this purpose because it allows exploring the direct people’s experience in the past. The article is based on the interview data of 26 persons (aged 78–88 years) collected in the period of 2011–2017. The analysis allowed outlining a general view of wartime recreation in the South of Krasnoyarsk Krai. Firstly, the study revealed diverse forms of recreation. These are reading books in libraries, listening to the radio, going to the theaters and circus (both local and visiting), and mobile cinemas. Evening dancing parties to live concertina, accordion or bayan music, and in some places to the brass band can be called a special form of recreation. Secondly, this study found differences between urban and rural recreation. Rural people had fewer opportunities for recreational activities. For example, in rural areas most libraries were closed due to the lack of funding. Thirdly, interpersonal communication, which allowed people to relax, to have rest and to share their experiences and emotions with other people, played a very important role
Oral History of the Great Patriotic War: Institutionalization and Research Results in the South of Russia
