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Oral history interview with Rudolph Luscher

  • SR 1038
  • Collection
  • 1984-08-16

This oral history interview with Rudolph Luscher was conducted by Susan G. Tissot at Luscher's home in West Linn, Oregon, on August 16, 1984. Bill Tegart and another unidentified person were also present and often contributed to the interview. At the time of the interview, Tissot's name was Susan Gaughan.

In this interview, Luscher discusses his family background and early life in Fairview. He speaks at length about running a dairy farm in Lake Oswego, including technology for milking cows, feeding his cattle, and changes in the dairy business over the 20th century. He briefly revisits the topic of his early life in Fairview, including his education. He then returns to talking about running a dairy farm in Lake Oswego, including the finances of dairying.

Luscher, Rudolph, 1901-1997

Oral history interview with Russell Peyton

  • SR 473
  • Collection
  • 1987-07-28 - 1987-08-12

This interview with Russell Peyton was conducted by Dan Malone at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, from July 28 to August 12, 1987. In the interview, Peyton discusses his family history and early life in Virginia. He also discusses his early jobs, including working as an assistant to a Chinese diplomat. He then talks about going to California and working in service stations, where he got involved in a lawsuit against the Shell Oil company. Peyton then discusses attending the University of Oklahoma and confronting his own racism. In talking about the lead-up to World War II, he discusses coming to Oregon and working for the Kaiser shipyards and his impressions of Portland. He then talks about a trip he took to Europe shortly after the end of the war. Peyton discusses his involvement with the Urban League and his work toward integration, particularly on housing discrimination. He also discusses the different forms that racism took in the North and South. He then talks about his work as an investigator for the Civil Rights Division of the Oregon State Bureau of Labor, detailing many of his cases. Peyton discusses his work with the Joint Council on Social Welfare and the legislation they lobbied for. He also discusses the achievements of the Oregon Prison Association; working with Portland General Electric to cease cutting off power to people who couldn't pay their bills in winter; and school busing. Peyton discusses his time as executive director of the Metropolitan Human Relations Commission, including affirmative action policies, working to improve the Portland police, food security, pay equality, and employment discrimination. He also discusses working with the Portland City Council and the Metro government. In addition, he talks briefly about Vietnam War protests in Portland. Peyton talks often about Edwin "Bill" C. Berry of the Urban League, as well as other leaders in Portland's black community. He then briefly describes each winner of the Russell Peyton Award from its inception to 1987. Peyton also talks about the numerous humanitarian organizations whose boards he served on after retirement. He closes the interview by reflecting on his career and accomplishments in civil rights.

Peyton, Russell A. (Russell Ackerman), 1903-1996

Oral history interview with Ruth B. Hollister

  • SR 9395
  • Collection
  • 1977-02-22

This oral history interview with Ruth B. Hollister was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on February 22, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Hollister discusses her family background and early life in the Northwest neighborhood of Portland. She describes the neighborhood and discusses everyday life. She talks about people who lived there, and about business in the area. She briefly discusses her marital history, and talks about how her life in Portland compared to her life in Vancouver, British Columbia, and in Dayton, Ohio. She describes her work with the Junior League of Portland in the 1930s and 1940s. She closes the interview by sharing her thoughts on how and why Portland changed over the 20th century.

Hollister, Ruth B. (Ruth Bruere), 1903-1992

Oral history interview with Ruth E. Clark

  • SR 9671
  • Collection
  • 1976-07-15

This oral history interview with Ruth E. Clark was conducted by Thomas Vaughan at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on July 15, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. Charles Digregorio and A. William Sweet were also present.

In this interview, Clark discusses her work as a high school teacher in Port Orford, Oregon, from 1921 to 1942. She talks about her students, about living in the Knapp Hotel, and about her reasons for leaving Oregon in 1942. She also speaks about being invited to a class reunion in the 1970s.

Clark, Ruth E., 1893-

Oral history interview with Ruth McBride Powers

  • SR 9314
  • Collection
  • 1980-02-25

This oral history interview with Ruth McBride Powers was conducted by Margot Riordan-Eva in Oregon City, Oregon, on February 25, 1980. At the time of the interview, Riordan-Eva's name was Margot C. Vaughan.

In this interview, Powers discusses her work restoring historic buildings in Oregon, talks about articles she wrote on the subject, and speaks at length about collecting and preserving early Oregonian furniture. She closes the interview by sharing advice for future historic preservationists.

Powers, Ruth McBride, 1903-1995

Oral history interview with Sam Johnson

  • SR 9454
  • Collection
  • 1980-07-02 - 1981-06-25

This oral history interview with Sam Johnson was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, in two sessions on July 2, 1980, and June 25, 1981, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody.

In the first interview session, conducted on July 2, 1980, Johnson discusses his family background, particularly regarding the lumber business in Oregon, and his early life in the San Francisco Bay Area and in France. He talks about working in the Oregon timber business in Sisters during the Depression, about buying timber for the military as part of his service in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War II, and about his marriage to Becky Johnson. He then speaks at length about his involvement in the Oregon and California timber business after the end of the war, particularly regarding his work with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to develop Warm Springs Forest Product Industries. He also talks about Becky Johnson's work to improve education, and about his children and their careers.

In the second interview session, conducted on June 25, 1981, Johnson discusses his service in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1964 to 1978, including his first campaign in 1964, legislation he worked on, and his fellow legislators. He shares advice for aspiring politicians, shares his reasons for retiring from the Legislature in 1978, and talks about his service as mayor of Redmond, Oregon, from 1978 to the time of the interview. He closes the interview by discussing his plans for the future of the city of Redmond.

Johnson, Sam (Samuel Spencer), 1911-1984

Oral history interview with Samuel H. Martin

  • SR 9563
  • Collection
  • 1976-08-09

This oral history interview with Samuel H. Martin was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on August 9, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Martin discusses his family background, and speaks about the life of his father, Charles H. Martin, who served as an officer in the U.S. Army, an Oregon congressman, and Oregon governor. He discusses his father's military career in China during the Boxer Rebellion and later as commander of the Oregon National Guard, talks about his father's real estate investments, and describes his father's personality. He speaks about his father's political career as an Oregon congressman and as Oregon governor. He then talks about his career as a lawyer in Portland, and about working for the federal government. He closes the interview by discussing his father's early life.

Martin, Samuel H. (Samuel Holly), 1904-1978

Oral history interview with Samuel L. Diack

  • SR 9428
  • Collection
  • 1976-05-06

This oral history interview with Samuel L. Diack was conducted by Charles Digregorio at Diack's home in Portland, Oregon, on May 6, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Diack discusses his family background and shares his reasons for pursuing a career as a physician. He shares his experiences as a medical student, discusses his reasons for moving to Portland, Oregon, in 1932, and talks about how the medical field has changed since he began practicing. He speaks at length about his service as president of the board of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and about the construction of the museum building in Southeast Portland. He then discusses his retirement activities, including traveling the world by ship and serving on the board of the Oregon Graduate Center. He closes the interview by talking about prominent Portlanders he was acquainted with.

Diack, Samuel L. (Samuel Lotta), 1903-1977

Oral history interview with Sara C. Lusk

  • SR 9468
  • Collection
  • 1982-01-22 - 1982-01-27

This oral history interview with Sara C. Lusk was conducted by Linda S. Dodds in Beaverton, Oregon, in two sessions on January 22, 1982, and January 27, 1982. The interview was conducted as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody. Sister Peter Kump was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In the first interview session, Lusk discusses her family background and early life in the Riverdale neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, in the early 20th century. She describes driving around town when cars were first introduced, talks about businesses in downtown Portland, and discusses her father's career as a lawyer. She talks about her involvement with the Portland Junior League, then briefly discusses studying art at St. Helen's Hall and at the Art Students League of New York. She speaks about meeting her husband, Hall Stoner Lusk.

In the second interview session, Lusk continues to discuss her art studies. She talks about her marriage to Hall Stoner Lusk, and speaks at length about his career as a lawyer, judge, and U.S. senator. She talks about living in Washington, D.C., during Hall S. Lusk's brief time in the U.S. Senate, and in Salem, Oregon, while he served on the Oregon Supreme Court. She closes the interview by discussing some of the cases Hall S. Lusk heard on the court.

Lusk, Sara C. (Sara Catherine), 1887-1987

Oral history interview with Sarah E. Will

  • SR 9668
  • Collection
  • 1981-01-29

This oral history interview with Sarah E. Will was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at Will's home in Aurora, Oregon, on January 29, 1981, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody.

In this interview, Will discusses her family background and talks about the life of her grandparents in 19th-century Gervais, Oregon. She also talks about the family background of her husband, Percy S. Will, in the Aurora Colony. She describes her house in Aurora, and talks about the history and culture of the town.

Will, Sarah E. (Sarah Elizabeth), 1910-1982

Oral history interview with Scotty Cohen

  • SR 9423
  • Collection
  • 1976-08-31

This oral history interview with Scotty Cohen was conducted by Charles Digregorio on August 31, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. Mary Ann Cohen was also present, and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Cohen briefly discusses his family background and early life in Glasgow, Scotland, and his experience immigrating to the United States. He describes how he became a public address announcer at Vaughn Street Park for Portland Beavers baseball games in the early 20th century, and talks about his business as a news vendor in downtown Portland. He discusses Portland's night life in the early 20th century and talks about how the city changed.

Cohen, Scotty W. (William Woolf), 1896-1986

Oral history interview with Sergiu Luca

  • SR 11080
  • Collection
  • 2005-07-20 - 2005-08-17

This oral history interview with Sergiu Luca was conducted by Jim Strassmaier at Luca's home in Otis, Oregon, from July 20 to August 17, 2005, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. The interview was conducted in two sessions. Collection also includes two digital and three print photographs of Luca.

In the first interview session, conducted on July 20, 2005, Luca discusses his family background and early life in Bucharest, Romania, including his early education in playing the violin. He talks about immigrating to Israel with his family in 1950, his father's death shortly after, and continuing his musical education. He then speaks about studying violin in London, England, and in Switzerland with Max Rostal, and later studying violin in the United States at the Curtis Institute with Ivan Galamian. He talks about his involvement with Portland State University and the origins of Chamber Music Northwest, including its funding and early performances, and the reasons why he left the organization. He also discusses his restaurant, Uncle Chen's. He then talks about the origins of the Cascade Head Music Festival.

In the second interview session, conducted on August 17, 2005, Luca speaks at length about living with Jenny Grimm, wife of Socialist leader Robert Grimm, while studying violin in Switzerland. He discusses his career as a professor of violin at William Marshall Rice University in Houston, Texas. He also revisits the topic of his musical education, then continues to discuss the Cascade Head Music Festival. He closes the interview by talking about his musical process, the music he enjoys playing, and popular music pieces.

Luca, Sergiu, 1943-2010

Oral history interview with Shanna C. Wheeler

  • SR 9402
  • Collection
  • 1976-06-30

This oral history interview with Shanna C. Wheeler was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on June 30, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Wheeler discusses her family background and early life in various neighborhoods around Portland, including her involvement in the Junior League of Portland. She talks about her marriage to Lawrence R. Wheeler, publisher of the Portland Telegram, and describes the houses they lived in. She closes the interview by talking about her involvement with the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland.

Wheeler, Shanna C. (Shanna Cumming), 1890-1981

Oral history interview with Sidney Teiser

  • SR 9509
  • Collection
  • 1977-02-03

This oral history interview with Sidney Teiser was conducted by Charles Digregorio at Teiser's home in Portland, Oregon, on February 3, 1977, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Teiser discusses his family background and early life in Virginia, including his experience of being raised by relatives. He speaks about studying law at the University of Virginia and shares his reasons for moving to Portland, Oregon, in 1911. He talks about practicing law in Portland, about cases he has worked on, and about why he enjoys his career as a lawyer. He shares his experiences as a Jew in Portland in the early 20th century, talks about racism in the American Bar Association (ABA), and discusses his work as a historian and author. He talks about founding the Scribes branch of the ABA, also called the American Society of Writers on Legal Subjects, and shares his thoughts about the way lawyers tend to write.

Teiser, Sidney, 1882-

Oral history interview with Sidney W. Isaacs

  • SR 9396
  • Collection
  • 1967-04-18

This oral history interview with Sidney W. Isaacs was conducted by Mary M. Rosenberg on April 18, 1967.

In this interview, Isaacs discusses his early life in Portland, Oregon, and describes going to and working in theaters in the early 20th century. He talks about working as an usher and ticket seller at the Cordray Theater, and about John F. Cordray, the owner of the theater. He discusses the popularity of vaudeville shows in the early 20th century. He talks about leaving the Cordray to usher at the Baker Theater, and about the theater's owner, Portland Mayor George L. Baker. He describes the theaters in operation during the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition, talks about Portland actors in the Baker Stock Company, and speaks about the operations of touring theater companies. He speaks at length about his work as manager of the Portland Public Auditorium, now known as the Keller Auditorium, including working with Impresario Lois Steers, shows that were held at the venue, and the city's use of the auditorium as a temporary morgue during the 1918 flu pandemic. He also discusses the entertainment provided by the Chautauqua Association in Gladstone Park, Oregon. He talks about the history of the Portland Public Auditorium, about the different types of events held there, and about the auditorium's affiliation with the Oregon Historical Society. He closes the interview by discussing the auditorium's workforce, the political nature of the manager's job, and his retirement activities.

Isaacs, Sidney W. (Sidney Wertheimer), 1888-1968

Oral history interview with Sister John Mary Lane

  • SR 9012
  • Collection
  • 1978-04-17 - 1978-06-06

This oral history interview with Sister John Mary Lane was conducted by Roberta Watts at Marylhurst University in Marylhurst, Oregon, from April 17 to June 6, 1978. Norma Peters was also present. The interview was conducted in two sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on April 17, 1978, Lane discusses her family background and early life in Spokane, Washington, including her early influences and her education. She then talks about her involvement with the Sisters of the Holy Names and about why she chose to become a nun, and describes her spiritual philosophy. She discusses the ways in which the Catholic Church has become more progressive; describes life in a convent; and talks about the role of women in the church.

In the second interview session, conducted on June 6, 1978, Lane revisits the topic of her family background and early life in Spokane, Washington. She also revisits the topic of her involvement with the Sisters of the Holy Names and why she chose to become a nun. She talks about the reasons that fewer women were joining convents at the time of the interview in 1978. She then revisits the topic of life in a convent. She talks about her career as a professor, particularly at Marylhurst University, and discusses stereotypes about nuns. She closes the interview by talking about her plans for the future.

Lane, John Mary, Sister, 1903-2000

Oral history interview with Sister Mary Emerentia

  • SR 9011
  • Collection
  • 1979-06-29

This oral history interview with Sister Mary Emerentia was conducted by Roberta Watts at the Marylhurst Education Center in Portland, Oregon, on June 29, 1979, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Sister Mary Emerentia discusses her life as a Catholic nun with the Sisters of the Holy Names in Portland, Oregon. She shares her reasons for becoming a nun, and speaks at length about playing and teaching the harp. She talks briefly about the history of Marylhurst College, and closes the interview by discussing her fellow teachers.

Mary Emerentia, Sister, 1897-1996

Oral history interview with Stafford Hansell

  • SR 88
  • Collection
  • 1983 October 17 - 1986 June

This oral history interview with Stafford Hansell was conducted by Barbara Reynolds from October 17 to November 15, 1983, and in June 1986. In the interview, Hansell discusses his family history and early life on a farm in Umatilla County, Oregon, including having diphtheria and polio as a child and the long-term effects on his health. He also talks about his education at the University of Montana and Whitman College, including his involvement in athletics and drama. Hansell talks about the early years of his marriage to Mary Elizabeth Ennis; making ends meet during the Depression; farming with his father; hog farming with his brother, Bill; and adopting his son, John. He also discusses serving on his local school board from 1953 to 1957, including implementing kindergarten and increasing school funding. Hansell then discusses his involvement with the Republican Party and representing Umatilla County in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1957 to 1974. He discusses legislation on land-use planning, taxation, labor, reapportionment, education, agriculture, and marijuana. He also discusses his failed bid to become Speaker of the House in the 1967 session, as well as many of the representatives he served with. Hansell also discusses his role on the Ways and Means Committee; the Boeing Space Age Park and Boardman; salary increases for legislators; and the Mark Hatfield and Tom McCall administrations. He speaks briefly on his feelings regarding the impeachment of President Richard Nixon. He also talks about working for the administrations of Governors Bob Straub and Norma Paulus after leaving the Legislature, including serving on the Oregon Liquor Commission, the State Board of Education, and the Governor's Taskforce on Land Use Planning. He also discusses the Rajneeshees. Hansell closes the interview by talking about his personal life and family, as well as his involvement with the Oregon Historical Society and his interest in Native American cultures and art.

Hansell, Stafford (Marion Stafford), 1913-1995

Oral history interview with Stan G. Terry

  • SR 9511
  • Collection
  • 1982-05-18

This oral history interview with Stan G. Terry was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at the Portland Motor Motel in Portland, Oregon, on May 18, 1982, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody. Jack Pement of the Oregon Journal newspaper was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Terry describes his childhood supporting himself by selling newspapers in Sacramento, California. He describes how he developed a gambling operation involving vending machines in Portland, and discusses his work as a pinball machine operator. He speaks about Portland Mayor Dorothy McCullough Lee's crackdown on all forms of gambling and how that affected his business. He compares Lee's administration to other 1950s mayors, talks about his association with Portland crime boss Jim Elkins, and discusses how he joined the Teamsters Union in order to continue his pinball operation. He shares his experience of testifying before the U.S. Senate during the 1957 McClellan committee hearings on racketeering and organized crime, and discusses Portland's bad reputation in the aftermath of those hearings. He then talks about apartment and office buildings that he owned in Portland, and about owning and operating the Portland Meadows Golf Course. He speaks about several lawsuits he brought against the city of Portland, and about his campaigns for various political offices, including Oregon governor and Portland mayor. He also talks about running a garbage collection business. He closes the interview by talking about other pinball operators in Portland and by discussing gambling on Las Vegas slot machines.

Terry, Stan G. (Stanley Gentry), 1911-1990

Oral history interview with Stanley Bishoprick

  • SR 9297
  • Collection
  • 1978-08-17

This oral history interview with Stanley Bishoprick was conducted by Charles Digregorio on August 17, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Bishoprick briefly discusses his family background and early life in Skagway, Alaska. He speaks at length about his career in the lumber business with Dant & Russell Inc., including a business trip to China during World War II. He discusses developing a railroad tie using cedar waste. He talks about the state of the lumber business at the time of the interview, shares his opinion on the environmental movement, and discusses the international lumber trade.

Bishoprick, Stanley, 1904-1995

Oral history interview with Stanton W. Allison

  • SR 9403
  • Collection
  • 1976-08-11

This oral history interview with Stanton W. Allison was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on August 11, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. A transcript is available.

In this interview, Allison discusses his family background and early life in the Portland Heights neighborhood of Portland. He speaks at length about his relatives, their families, and their careers. He then talks about the family background of his wife, Winifred Allison, and particularly talks about her uncle, James Carlyle "Carl" Denton, conductor of the Portland Symphony Orchestra (now known as the Oregon Symphony) from 1918 to 1925. He closes the interview by discussing his career as a lawyer in Portland and talking about cases he worked on.

Allison, Stanton W.

Oral history interview with Stuart R. Kerr

  • SR 9560
  • Collection
  • 1977-02-14

This oral history interview with Stuart R. Kerr was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on February 14, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Kerr discusses his family background and early life in Portland. He speaks at length about the history of his family's fruit conservation business, Kerr Fruit Concentrates, Inc. He talks about his father's role in the business, about running the business after 1941, and about competition in the wholesale grocery industry. He also discusses his involvement with the Mazamas, a mountaineering organization; childhood vacations with his family; and traveling after college.

Kerr, Stuart R. (Stuart Rob), 1907-1987

Oral history interview with Susannah P. Malarkey

  • SR 9473
  • Collection
  • 1976-02-12

This oral history interview with Susannah P. Malarkey was conducted by Charles Digregorio at Malarkey's home in Portland, Oregon, on February 12, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Malarkey speaks at length about her anti-discrimination work with the Urban League of Portland, and talks about her association with Monsignor Thomas J. Tobin. She talks about her early life in the Portland Heights neighborhood of Portland, and about her education at the Catlin Gabel School. She closes the interview by describing her role in the founding of the Willamette Learning Center, an alternative school. She talks about the administration of the school and about the education its students receive.

Malarkey, Susannah P. (Susannah Platt), 1902-1993

Oral history interview with Teunis Wyers, Jr.

  • SR 2099
  • Collection
  • 1964-08-06

This oral history interview with Teunis Wyers, Jr., was conducted by Elizabeth Strain at the Wyers Stage Company Barns in White Salmon, Washington, on August 6, 1964. An unidentified man was also present. In this interview, Wyers discusses the history of White Salmon during the late 19th century, and talks about a murder in The Dalles. He speaks at length about Native people who lived in the area. He talks about his stagecoach company and about caring for horses.

Wyers, Teunis, Jr., 1876-1965

Oral history interview with Thayne J. Logan

  • SR 471
  • Collection
  • 1990-01-03

This oral history interview with Thayne J. Logan was conducted by Linda S. Dodds and Richard E. Ritz at Logan's home in Portland, Oregon, on January 3, 1990. Helen S. Logan was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Logan discusses his family background and early life in Joplin, Missouri, and in Portland, including his education at Benson High School and his early interest in architecture. He then talks about working for Northwest Steel as a draftsman during World War I. He discusses his early career as an architectural illustrator in Idaho and Oregon, including architects he worked with, particularly Carl L. Linde, and buildings he helped design.

Logan, Thayne J. (Thayne Johnstone), 1900-1991

Oral history interview with Thelma O. Williams

  • SR 9515
  • Collection
  • 1982-05-05

This oral history interview with Thelma O. Williams was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at Williams' home in Portland, Oregon, on May 5, 1982, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody. The sound quality is very poor.

In this interview, Williams discusses her family background and early life in Des Moines, Iowa, and in Portland, Oregon. She shares her memories of being Portland Rose Festival queen in 1914, and talks about her continued involvement in the annual festival.

Williams, Thelma O. (Thelma Olive), 1896-1984

Oral history interview with Thomas Vaughan

  • SR 2090
  • Collection
  • 1995-10-01 - 1996-12-02

This oral history interview with Thomas Vaughan was conducted by Sieglinde Smith at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, from October 1, 1995, to December 2, 1996, as part of the historical society's oral history program. The interview was conducted in nine sessions. Tape 17 is missing, and Tape 25, the final cassette of the interview recording, was removed from the collection by Vaughan at the time of the interview.

In the first interview session, conducted on October 1, 1995, Vaughan discusses his family background and early life in Seattle, Washington; near Kelso, Washington; and in Longview, Washington, including his education, his family's experience during the Depression, and working in sawmills as a teenager. He talks about his service in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943 to 1945, about his education at Yale University, and about working for the Macmillan Company after graduation. He describes a trip to Alaska, and talks about working in the Southwest in the 1940s. He then talks about his experiences at the University of Wisconsin.

In the second interview session, conducted on November 6, 1995, Vaughan shares additional anecdotes about the time he spent in Alaska, the Southwest, and Madison, Wisconsin. He briefly discusses his service as director of the Rock Creek Historical Society in Janesville, Wisconsin, and shares his reasons for accepting the job of executive director of the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, in 1954. He speaks at length about his early years at OHS, describes the condition of the library and museum, and talks about changes he made. He talks about his role in the establishment of the Fort Clatsop National Memorial; about working with the OHS board members, including David T. Mason and Tom McCall; and about the 1959 Oregon state centennial. He discusses selecting and purchasing the site for the OHS building on the Southwest Park Blocks in downtown Portland in the 1960s, and describes how OHS came to own the entire block between SW Jefferson, Madison, Broadway, and Park.

In the third interview session, conducted on November 8, 1995, Vaughan continues to discuss his service as executive director of OHS. He talks about the relationship between OHS and other archives in Oregon during his early years; about fundraising for the building construction on Southwest Park Avenue in the 1960s; and about working with Pietro Belluschi as consulting architect on the design of the museum and library. He also discusses OHS's relationship with Oregon governors Mark Hatfield and Tom McCall, as well as with the Legislature. He talks about developing collection security and preservation policies for the museum and library, about OHS's storage facilities, including the Meier & Frank building and the Oregon Journal building, and about moving the collections to the new building. He discusses building the OHS archival collection, including traveling to Siberia in 1968 for materials.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on November 13, 1995, Vaughan continues to discuss his service as executive director of OHS. He speaks further about his travels to Siberia to collect archival materials, and talks about forming relationships with Russian archives. He discusses cultivating relationships with donors; speaks further and at length about building the OHS archival collection, and talks about OHS's relationship with governors Bob Straub and Vic Atiyeh, with Portland mayors, and with Multnomah County government. He also talks about the preservation of the Bybee House on Sauvie Island. He speaks about his personal philosophy and managerial style.

In the fifth interview session, conducted on December 18, 1995, Vaughan continues to discuss his service as executive director of OHS. He talks about his involvement in historic preservation of buildings in Portland, and revisits the topics of the construction of the OHS building on Southwest Park Avenue and the purchase of the Sovereign Hotel. He talks about his reasons for retiring in 1989, about the North Pacific Studies program at OHS, and about the selection of his successor, Bill Tramposch. He speaks further about cultivating relationships with donors.

In the sixth interview session, conducted on December 19, 1995, Vaughan discusses his activities since his retirement. He talks about his house in Skamokawa, Washington, and describes the surrounding area.

In the seventh interview session, conducted on May 6, 1996, Vaughan continues to talk about the area of Skamokawa, Washington. He returns to the topic of his service as executive director of OHS. He talks about building, cataloging, and preserving the OHS collections, about cultivating relationships with donors, and about some of the collections acquired during his tenure.

In the eighth interview session, conducted on May 7, 1996, Vaughan continues to discuss some of the collections acquired during his time as OHS executive director, and about cultivating relationships with donors. He talks about working with the OHS board, about OHS staff members, and about his work with the Oregon Humanities Commission and the American Association for State and Local History. He also talks about serving on the American Heritage Publishing Company board, and about his involvement with other museum-related organizations.

In the ninth and final interview session, conducted on December 2, 1996, Vaughan discusses creating a film about the Crimean War of 1853, "The Crimean War: A Clash of Empires." He talks about what he looked for in hiring staff at OHS, discusses the field of public history, and reflects on his accomplishments as OHS executive director. He talks about OHS's role in public education. He closes the interview by discussing the OHS museum collections and the work of George Himes, OHS's first director.

Vaughan, Thomas, 1924-2013

Oral history interview with Tom McCall

  • SR 298
  • Collection
  • 1973-03-12

This oral history interview with Oregon Governor Tom McCall was conducted by Steve Lorton on March 12, 1973, and was one of a number of interviews with governors of Western states on the occasion of Sunset Magazine's 75th anniversary. McCall describes his experiences in government and politics, along with challenges including growth and conservation in Oregon. He mentions members of the Oregon Legislature, including Bob Packwood, Keith Miller, Daniel Evans, Cecil Andrus, and Richard Neuberger. He also discusses legislation that was forthcoming at the time of the interview, including the Oregon Bottle Bill. He closes the interview by discussing his plans for Oregon's future.

McCall, Tom, 1913-1983

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