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Oral history interview with Emil E. Feltz

This oral history interview with Emil Feltz was conducted by Jim Poplack at Feltz's home in Portland, Oregon, on May 13, 1976, as part of the Portland Neighborhood History Project. The project was conducted by Portland Parks and Recreation in the late 1970s, and consisted of interviews with people who moved to or lived in the Portland metropolitan area from the early to mid-1900s. A transcript of the interview is available.

In this interview, Emil Feltz discusses his family background and early life in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Portland. He also speaks about the role of Father Gregory of Sacred Heart Church in helping families to settle in the neighborhood. He describes his childhood recreational activities, including ice skating on the Willamette River and going to pool halls. He also discusses his early education. He describes the neighborhood and talks about how it has changed over his lifetime. He closes the interview by sharing his hopes for the future of Brooklyn.

Feltz, Emil E. (Emil Eugene), 1900-1982

Oral history interview with Fred L. Peterson

  • SR 9600
  • Collection
  • 1982-02-11 - 1982-04-28

This oral history interview with Fred L. Peterson was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at Peterson's home in Portland, Oregon, in four sessions from February 11 to April 28, 1982, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. Jack Pement of the Oregon Journal newspaper was also present during sessions 1 and 2, and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In the first interview session, conducted on February 11, 1982, Peterson discusses his family background and early life in the Lents neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. He also shares his memories of the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition, talks about his service in the Oregon National Guard during World War I, and describes how he became a pharmacist after the war. He shares his memories of working in an Army hospital during the 1918 flu pandemic. He speaks about running a pharmacy in the Hollywood neighborhood of Portland, particularly during the Depression. He describes how he became involved in politics, talks about his campaign for Portland City Council in 1940, and discusses his experiences as a council member. He also talks about his friendship with Fred Meyer.

In the second interview session, conducted on February 25, 1982, Peterson continues to discuss his service on the Portland City Council. He talks about the council's activities during World War II, about how Portland changed during the war, and about other members of the council. He discusses the political career of Dorothy McCullough Lee, shares his reasons for running against her for Portland mayor in 1952, and talks about his campaign. He also speaks about his role in establishing the Washington Park location for the Oregon Zoo, and about his other accomplishments as mayor. He then talks about his failed re-election campaign in 1956.

In the third interview session, conducted on March 10, 1982, Peterson speaks further about his service on the Portland City Council and as mayor. He talks about his accomplishments in those roles, including his involvement in the development of parks and recreational facilities, and his work to resolve a milk shortage in Vanport. He speaks again about his reasons for running for mayor and about his 1952 and 1956 campaigns.

In the fourth and final interview session, conducted on April 28, 1982, Peterson discusses Portland zoning laws in the 1930s and 1940s and describes how the city treated unhoused people during the Depression. He talks about the work of Portland's post-war redevelopment committee and about the plan presented to the city by Robert Moses, an urban planner from New York. He speaks about people with whom he served on the city council, particularly Dorothy McCullough Lee, and discusses the relationship between the council and the Portland Police Bureau. He closes the interview by speaking further about his term as Portland mayor.

Peterson, Fred L. (Fred Lawrence), 1896-1985

Oral history interview with Tatsuro Yada

This oral history interview with Tatsuro Yada was conducted by Taka Mizote on March 8, 1992. The interview was recorded as part of the Japanese American Oral History Project, which was conducted by the Oregon Historical Society to preserve the stories of Japanese Americans in Oregon.

In this interview, Yada discusses his family background and early life on a farm in Salem, Oregon. He talks about the Japanese community in Salem, his education, and attending Japanese school. He speaks about returning home to take over the family farm after graduating from Willamette University. He discusses his involvement in the Civil Defense Corps before the United States joined World War II; talks about his reaction to the attack on Pearl Harbor; and describes the Japanese-owned businesses in the Salem area. He talks about his incarceration at Tule Lake Relocation Center during World War II. He describes living conditions in the camp, his role as a teacher, and the military service of his siblings. He talks about getting out of the camp less than a year later to work at a hotel in Nebraska, while his parents were incarcerated at the Minidoka War Relocation Center in Idaho. He then talks about returning to the family farm after the government ended incarceration of Japanese Americans in 1945. He discusses his marriage to Masako Onishi, his Christian faith, and the Japanese American community in post-war Salem. He talks about his children, their families, and their careers. He discusses his retirement activities, including farming, as well as his hopes for the future. He closes the interview by discussing serving on the Salem-Keizer School Board.

Yada, Tatsuro, 1916-2003

Oral history interview with Rose Iva Dalton

  • SR 9596
  • Collection
  • 1981-10-27

This oral history interview with Rose Iva Dalton was conducted by Linda S. Dodds in Tigard, Oregon, on October 27, 1981. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody.

In this interview, Dalton discusses her family background and early life on Government Island, Oregon, including life on the family ranch, transportation, and recreational activities. She talks about other families that lived on the island, describes her experience during the 1894 flood, and discusses daily life on the island. She discusses her education and the ferry to Washougal, Washington. Dalton describes meeting her husband, Louis Stanis Dalton, and briefly talks about their marriage and family life. She closes the interview by talking about mail service on Government Island.

Dalton, Rose Iva, 1881-1984

Oral history interview with Flora Cushinway Thompson

  • SR 9586
  • Collection
  • circa 1971

This oral history interview with Flora Cushinway Thompson was conducted around 1971. The interviewer is unidentified. The audio recording and transcript are incomplete; the interview was recorded on three cassettes, but the first tape is missing.

In this interview, Thompson discusses the execution of Modoc leader Kintpuash, aka Captain Jack. She then talks about salmon fishing by Native peoples at Celilo Falls, and about the slow encroachment of dams and commercial fishing at the falls. She speaks about her marriage to Wyam Chief Tommy Thompson and talks about their respective marital histories. She discusses the Wyams' resistance to the construction of The Dalles Dam; describes attending the dedication of the Celilo converter station; and talks about Tommy Thompson's funeral. She speaks at length about some of the Wyams' spiritual beliefs, particularly regarding visions and songs, and sings a Christian song in Sahaptin. She closes the interview by talking about her work advocating for the Wyams' fishing rights. The recording ends with piano music identified as "Indian Love Poem" by Nancy Walker.

Thompson, Flora Cushinway, 1893-1978

Oral history interview with Charles L. Hayward

  • SR 9580
  • Collection
  • 1979-12-05

This oral history interview with Charles L. Hayward was conducted by Linda S. Dodds on December 5, 1979. A transcript of the interview is available. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody.

In this interview, Hayward discusses his experiences as a balloon lookout during World War I. He talks about his Army training and learning how to operate balloons. He describes his deployment to Europe, including traveling across England and marching across France to reach the front lines. He speaks at length about the organization, equipment, and operations of the balloon corps. He also describes the experience of being in a balloon while under fire. He closes the interview by sharing his memories of Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, and of the return journey to the U.S.

Hayward, Charles L. (Charles Lewis), 1895-1998

Oral history interview with George Iwasaki

This oral history interview with George Iwasaki was conducted by Etsu Osaki at the Oregon Buddhist Church in Portland, Oregon, from August 19 to September 16, 1992. The interview was recorded as part of the Japanese American Oral History Project, which was conducted by the Oregon Historical Society to preserve the stories of Japanese Americans in Oregon. The interview was conducted in two sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on August 19, 1992, Iwasaki discusses his family background and early life on a farm in Hillsboro, Oregon. He talks about the Japanese-American community in Oregon and about his education. He then discusses working on the family farm during the Depression, his marriage to Tomiko Natsuhara, and the lead-up to the U.S. government's incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, including making arrangements for the family farmland. He talks about his family's experiences while they were detained at the Portland Assembly Center and about accepting the option to work as fieldworkers in Nyssa, Oregon, including living conditions in the agricultural camp run by the Farm Security Administration. He then discusses returning to Hillsboro after the family's release in 1945.

In the second and final interview session, conducted on September 16, 1992, Iwasaki continues discussing the family's return to Hillsboro after their release in 1945, and describes how the family recovered their farmland and restarted their business. He talks about the evolution of the family farming business, now known as Iwasaki Bros., to focus on bedding plants. He also speaks about his involvement in Japanese American community organizations, including the Oregon Buddhist Church. He closes the interview by talking about his children, their families, and their careers.

Iwasaki, George, 1912-2009

Oral history interview with Evelyn B. Shirk and Mary C. Hull

  • SR 9578
  • Collection
  • 1976-04-21

This oral history interview with second cousins Evelyn B. Shirk and Mary C. Hull (also known as Ma'Carry W. Hull) was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on April 21, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. Henry C. C. Stevens was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Shirk and Hull speak at length about their family background, including the Beebe, Wilson, Webster, and Couch families. They also talk about how the role of women in society changed over the 20th century. They discuss how they are related, and describe their shared family traits. They talk about their early lives in Portland, including their social lives, their recreational activities, and their family friends.

Shirk, Evelyn B. (Evelyn Beebe), 1913-2009

Oral history interview with Alice C. Rockey

  • SR 9575
  • Collection
  • 1977-04-19

This oral history interview with Alice C. Rockey was conducted by Charles Digregorio in Portland, Oregon, on April 19, 1977, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Rockey speaks at length about the life and career of her father, Charles Henry Carey, a Portland lawyer and historian. She talks about her early life in the Riverdale neighborhood of Portland, including her education, her social life, and her recreational activities. She also discusses her marriage to Eugene W. Rockey, and her involvement with the Portland Junior League.

Rockey, Alice C. (Alice Carey), 1890-1983

Oral history interview with Alice C. Rockey

  • SR 9574
  • Collection
  • 1981-01-23

This oral history interview with Alice C. Rockey was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at Rockey's home in Portland, Oregon, on January 23, 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, Rockey discusses her early life in the Riverdale neighborhood of Portland, including the history of her house. She talks about businesses in early 20th century Portland, including the Portland Hotel and M & A Shogren, operated by sisters May Shogren and Ann Shogren; discusses her social life; and shares her memories of the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition. She also talks about the legal and political career of her father, Charles Henry Carey. She closes the interview by speaking about her marriage to Eugene W. Rockey and about his medical career.

Rockey, Alice C. (Alice Carey), 1890-1983

Oral history interview with William C. Ralston

  • SR 9573
  • Collection
  • 1977-03-25

This oral history interview with William C. Ralston was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on March 25, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Ralston discusses his family background and early life in the Goose Hollow neighborhood of Portland. He talks about a hospital and businesses in the neighborhood. He discusses his work in the district attorney's office in Portland, and talks about cases he worked on, including a case involving an orca, dubbed "Ethelbert," that swam up the Columbia River and lingered near Portland until it was killed by a former whaler, Edward Lessard, and his son, Joseph Lessard. Ralston closes the interview by talking about serving as a commander of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp during the Depression.

Ralston, William C. (William Cato), 1899-1991

Oral history interview with Jean M. Beatty

  • SR 9570
  • Collection
  • 1976-07-01

This oral history interview with Jean M. Beatty was conducted by Charles Digregorio in Portland, Oregon, on July 1, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. Henry C. C. Stevens was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Beatty discusses the life and career of her father, Albert A. Morrison, an Episcopalian minister. She shares her memories of traveling to Oregon by train in 1899, and talks about her early life in the Nob Hill neighborhood of Portland. She discusses her father's work as pastor at Trinity Episcopal Church in Portland, describes a conflict he had with another member of the clergy, and talks about his social life. She also discusses his support for women's suffrage. She then briefly talks about the life of her mother, Caroline Conover Morrison. She talks about her own education, about her marriage to John C. Beatty, and about her involvement with the Junior League of Portland. She also speaks about the league's founder, Gretchen H. Corbett.

Beatty, Jean M. (Jean Morrison), 1892-1990

Oral history interview with Richard G. Montgomery

  • SR 9569
  • Collection
  • 1976-05-16

This oral history interview with Richard G. Montgomery was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on May 16, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Montgomery discusses his Montgomery and Gill family background and talks about the history of J. K. Gill Company. He talks about studying medicine at the University of California at Berkeley and at the University of Oregon Medical School, describes his involvement in the J. K. Gill Company, and discusses his career in advertising. He closes the interview by talking about the books he wrote.

Montgomery, Richard G. (Richard Gill), 1897-1980

Oral history interview with Nan M. Brewster

  • SR 9568
  • Collection
  • 1976-06-25

This oral history interview with Nan M. Brewster was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on June 25, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Brewster speaks at length about her Montgomery and Gill family background, and talks about the history of the J.K. Gill Company. She discusses her early life in Portland, including her recreational activities and her social life. She talks about her education, about her career as a columnist and illustrator for Portland newspapers, and about her volunteer work for health organizations. She also talks about her marriage to William L. Brewster. She closes the interview by describing vacations at Seaview, Oregon.

Brewster, Nan M. (Frances Ann Montgomery), 1903-2005

Oral history interview with Carol M. Beggs

  • SR 9567
  • Collection
  • 1976-11-04

This oral history interview with Carol M. Beggs was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on November 4, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Beggs discusses her family background and early life in the Willamette Heights neighborhood of Portland, including her upbringing and her recreational activities. She speaks about the life and career of her father, Richard Ward Montague, including his involvement with the Mazamas, a mountaineering organization. She shares her memories of the 1905 Lewis & Clark exposition, and talks about her social life as a teenager in early Portland.

Beggs, Carol M. (Caroline Montague), 1898-1992

Oral history interview with Abbot L. Mills, Jr.

  • SR 9566
  • Collection
  • 1977-07-15

This oral history interview with Abbot L. Mills, Jr., was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on July 15, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Mills discusses his family background and speaks at length about the life and banking career of his father, Abbot Low Mills, who later became the president of the First National Bank of Portland. He discusses his early life in the Couch Addition area of Portland, which is now part of the Nob Hill neighborhood, and talks about families who lived in the neighborhood. He also talks about the Ainsworth family background of his wife, Katherine Mills. He describes how he came to work at the First National Bank of Portland in 1922, and talks about his career in banking there and at the United States National Bank of Portland.

Mills, Abbot Low, 1898-1986

Oral history interview with Jane M. Armentrout

  • SR 9565
  • Collection
  • 1978-06-05

This oral history interview with Jane M. Armentrout was conducted by Roberta Watts on June 5, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Armentrout discusses her family background, and talks about the life and career of her father, Dr. Harold Bunce Myers. She talks about his early life, about his education, and about her parents' marriage. She describes how her parents came to Oregon in 1914, and speaks at length about Harold Bunce Myers' career as a professor at the University of Oregon Medical School, now Oregon Health & Science University. She also talks about some of her father's students. She describes her interest in studying science, shares her experience of being discouraged from applying to medical school because of her gender, and talks about jobs she held before starting a family. She closes the interview by talking about her father's personality and by sharing memories of her early life with her parents.

Armentrout, Jane Myers

Oral history interview with Henry S. Mears and Margaret S. Clark

  • SR 9564
  • Collection
  • 1976-08-03

This oral history interview with siblings Henry S. Mears and Margaret S. Clark was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on August 3, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Mears and Clark discuss their family background, and talk about the life and career of their father, Portland businessman and Oregon legislator Samuel Maxwell Mears. Digregorio reads biographies of Samuel M. Mears prepared by the siblings. They talk about their early lives in Portland, including their social lives and recreational activities. They close the interview by talking about their brother, Arthur Maxwell Mears, and his involvement in Portland's shipbuilding industry.

Mears, Henry S. (Henry Savier), 1884-1980

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 Helen L. Thompson and Mary C. Baker

  • SR 9562
  • Collection
  • 1976-10-27

This oral history interview with sisters Helen L. Thompson and Mary C. Baker was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on October 27, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Thompson and Baker discuss their family background, including the Huntington, Holman, and Malarkey families, who arrived in Portland in the mid-19th century. They talk about family businesses, including the Holman Transfer Company; and share stories about their grandparents' life in early Portland. They discuss their early lives in the Portland Heights neighborhood. They talk about people who lived in the neighborhood, about their education at Ainsworth School and at Lincoln High School, and about their childhood activities. They close the interview by discussing how the role of women in society has changed over the 20th century.

Thompson, Helen L. (Helen Louise), 1913-1989

Oral history interview with Margaret B. Krausse

  • SR 9561
  • Collection
  • 1977-01-26

This oral history interview with Margaret B. Krausse was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on January 26, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. Hildreth H. Lupton was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Lupton reads from Krausse's memoir. Krausse then discusses her family background and early life in the King's Hill area in the Goose Hollow neighborhood of Portland. She also talks about spending summers in Long Beach, Washington.

Krausse, Margaret B. (Margaret Bronaugh), 1896-1987

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 Louise H. Martin

  • SR 9558
  • Collection
  • 1976-07-21

This oral history interview with Louise H. Martin was conducted by Ruth M. Powers in Vancouver, Washington, on July 21, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. Charles Digregorio was also present.

In this interview, Martin discusses her family background and early life in Alaska; Oregon City, Oregon; and Spokane, Washington. She describes visits to her relatives' house in Oregon City, which is now known as the William L. Holmes House, or the Rose Farm.

Martin, Louise H. (Louise Holmes), 1889-1976

Oral history interview with Benjamin W. Hill

  • SR 9557
  • Collection
  • 1978-02-27

This oral history interview with Benjamin W. Hill was conducted by Roberta Watts in Portland, Oregon, on February 27, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Hill discusses his family background and early life in Portland, including his education at Bishop Scott Academy and at the Hill Military Academy, which was founded by his father, Joseph Wood Hill. He talks about working for logging companies in Washington and Oregon, then describes how he became headmaster of the Hill Military Academy in 1922. He speaks about the operations and administration of the academy, about its different locations, and about its curriculum. He also discusses his experiences at Yale University from 1909 to 1912. He closes the interview by speaking further about his early life in Portland.

Hill, Benjamin W. (Benjamin Wood), 1890-1981

Oral history interview with Francis J. Heitkemper

  • SR 9556
  • Collection
  • 1977-03-22

This oral history interview with Francis J. Heitkemper was conducted by Charles Digregorio in Portland, Oregon, on March 22, 1977, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Heitkemper speaks at length about his family background and describes how his grandparents came to Portland in the 19th century. He talks about the history of the family business, the Heitkemper Jewelry Store, discusses operating the store during the mid-20th century, and speaks about the types of merchandise the store sold.

Heitkemper, Francis J. (Francis James), 1910-1988

Oral history interview with Helen H. Gamble and Harriet H. Cass

  • SR 9555
  • Collection
  • 1976-04-22

This oral history interview with sisters Helen H. Gamble and Harriet H. Cass was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on April 22, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. Henry C.C. Stevens was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Gamble and Cass speak at length about their family background and describe how their parents came to Portland. They talk about their early life in the Portland Heights neighborhood, including participating in social events at Pittock Mansion, their childhood recreational activities, and people who lived in the neighborhood. They also discuss the prevalence of water springs in the Portland Heights area.

Gamble, Helen H. (Helen Hawkins), 1904-2000

Oral history interview with Virginia G. Davis

  • SR 9554
  • Collection
  • 1977-05-26

This oral history interview with Virginia G. Davis was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon on May 26, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Davis discusses her family background, particularly the life and career of her mother, Page Morris Gilbert, and talks about her early life in the Dunthorpe neighborhood of Portland. She also discusses the family background of her husband, Nelson Bennett Davis. She speaks about how their families were acquainted with prominent Portland families and about their involvement in the timber industry. She talks about the music career of her brother, Giles Gilbert, aka Gilles Guilbert, and closes the interview by discussing her work with Margery Hoffman Smith on interior design for Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood.

Davis, Virginia G. (Virginia Gilbert), 1911-1996

Oral history interview with Beatrice L. Gerlinger

  • SR 9553
  • Collection
  • 1979-03-29

This oral history interview with Beatrice L. Gerlinger was conducted by Charles Digregorio in Portland, Oregon, on March 29, 1979, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Gerlinger discusses her family background, and talks about her life in Portland after moving there in 1923. She speaks about the family background and career of her husband, Louis Gerlinger, Jr., who co-founded the Willamette Valley Lumber Co., later Willamette Industries. She talks about the operations of the lumber company and about her involvement in its management. She closes the interview by talking about her involvement in an Oregon state survey of children with visual impairments.

Gerlinger, Beatrice L. (Beatrice Lee), 1897-1984

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