Sylvester Hoffman was born in Gore in 1926. Talks about origin of Hoffman name and about his mother's family, the Schultz family and their emigration from Austria to Charlton. Talks about his childhood, his father's work at a foundry, their diet, clothing, Christmases, attitude to alcohol and smoking, discipline and chores. Recalls primary school at St Mary's and high school at St Kevin's in Oamaru. Mentions sport and the strictness of the Christian Brothers who ran the school. Describes attending Teachers' College in Dunedin and teaching at Gore Main School. Talks about dances, alcohol, friends and meeting his wife Agnes. Describes getting married at the Catholic church in Gore in 1953, the wedding breakfast, attire and honeymoon at Mt Cook. Talks about their relationship, home life, religion, financial management and life in Gore.