Interview with Xu Xiuyin

XU Xiuyin (b. 1940) is a resident of Maoligang Xiang, Shaanxi Province. In this interview, Xu recalls that the communal canteen only provided liquid food. When the whole nation was devoted to iron-smelting and steel production, she helped smashing iron ores and carrying charcoal. People more than 18 years old in the producation team were sent to the Commune to work on steel mill in turn. Every household needed to payan annual tax in grain of 1000 ji. People had to pay the heavy tax although they didn't have enough food for themselves. Those who couldn't afford, had to wirte self criticism. During winter time, people participated in road and dam construction to get some food. People were hungry but very few died of starvation.

徐秀银1940年出生，是陕西省商洛市丹凤县毛里岗乡村民。在这段口述中，徐老人回忆说吃食堂时只有杂粮，只有稀的没有干的。大炼钢铁时，她砸铁矿石和背碳。生产队里18岁以上的人会被抽到公社去炼铁。当时每户每年要交一千斤公粮，吃不饱也要交，交不够写检讨。人们冬天参加修地、修河堤，能得到些粮食。虽然饥饿，但极少数人饿死。

Transcripts for this interview and more may be available under the ‘Documents’ link above. 采访抄录和相关内容，请点击查看上面的’Documents’链接。