doi:10.7916/d8-6q4f-6a04Oral history interview with Hope, 1980Hopeoral historiesmixed materialDrug addicts--United StatesDrug traffic--History--20th century.--United StatesDrug control--History--20th century.--United StatesDrug abuse--History--20th century.--United StatesOpium abuse--History--20th century.--United StatesHeroin abuse--History--20th century.--United StatesDrugs--PrescribingMafia--United StatesJewish criminals--New York (State)Crime--New York (State)Organized crime--History--20th century.--United StatesHopeIn this interview, Hope discusses her life in New York, with special attention towards her drug use. She describes her introduction to opium use and her eventual transition to heroin. She describes how the increasing price of drugs served as an incentive for addicts to begin dealing drugs in lieu of their legitimate jobs, because they could no longer afford to maintain their drug use on their salaries. She discusses the different groups which played key roles in the drug scene in New York in the early to mid 20th century including the Italian Mafia and Jewish crime syndicates. She compares her observations of addicts pre and post World War II. Hope also explains how many businesses in the Lower East Side such as bars, restaurants, and candy stores served as fronts for drug commerce in the early 20th century. She discusses the business aspects of the drug trade in great detail. She also describes aspects of drug enforcement, her own incarceration, and obtaining prescription drugs