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Oral history interview with Manuel Izquierdo

  • SR 9528
  • Collection
  • 1978-07-21

This oral history interview with Manuel Izquierdo was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Izuierdo's home in Portland, Oregon, on July 21, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Izquierdo discusses his education at the Museum Art School in Portland, now known as the Pacific Northwest College of Art, and describes how he became interested in welding as an art form. He talks about his artistic process, and about his personal art style. He discusses some of his sculptures and woodcuts and describes why he would like to sculpt a cow. He closes the interview by sharing why he believes art is important.

Izquierdo, Manuel, 1925-2009

Oral history interview with Lorenzo E. Ghiglieri

  • SR 9526
  • Collection
  • 1980-09-25

This oral history interview with Lorenzo E. Ghiglieri was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at Ghiglieri's studio in Portland, Oregon, on September 25, 1980, 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, Ghiglieri discusses his family background and shares his reasons for moving to Portland, Oregon. He talks about his career as an artist, about the people who taught him, and about how living in the Pacific Northwest influences his art. He speaks about his experience in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, including the art he made as part of his service. He offers his personal definition of sculpture and talks about his favorite sculpting media. He speaks at length about life as an artist in Oregon, lists artists that influenced him, and talks about some of his paintings, including a portrait of President Richard M. Nixon, paintings in the Seventh-day Adventist multimedia presentation "Earth: Theater of the Universe," and portraits of Inuit people. He discusses the inspirations for some of his sculptures, including "Casey's Gold," which depicts a miner holding a nugget of gold, and his sculptures of wildlife. He closes the interview by talking about learning from his mistakes.

Ghiglieri, Lorenzo

Oral history interview with Virgil H. Langtry

  • SR 9524
  • Collection
  • 1976-12-20

This oral history interview with Virgil H. Langtry was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on December 20, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. Langtry's wife, H. Lavina Langtry, was also present and briefly contributed to the interview.

In this interview, H. Lavina Langtry briefly discusses her family background. Virgil H. Langtry then discusses his family background and early life in lumber towns near Eugene, Oregon. He talks about starting a law practice in Bend during the Depression, about serving as treasurer for the Farm Loan Association in Redmond, and about his work with the League of Oregon Cities. He discusses lawyers he worked with, shares his thoughts about political issues at the time of the interview, and talks about the relationship between the press and the judicial system. He closes the interview by talking about the disparity between the salaries of judges and lawyers.

Langtry, Virgil H. (Virgil Hillary), 1911-2000

Oral history interview with Nancie P. Fadeley

  • SR 9522
  • Collection
  • 1981-04-02

This oral history interview with Nancie P. Fadeley was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at the Capitol building in Salem, Oregon, on April 2, 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, Fadeley discusses her marriage to Ed Fadeley, talks about their reasons for moving to Eugene, Oregon, in 1954, and speaks about raising a family while working as an elementary school teacher. She discusses Ed Fadeley's career as a lawyer and his service in the Oregon State Legislature, and talks about working as his secretary. She then discusses her own service in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1971 to 1981, including the challenges she faced as a woman campaigning for office, and how attitudes towards women in politics changed during her legislative career. She talks about legislation she worked on regarding women's rights, including her role in Oregon's ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, and legislation to improve the social safety net for women. She shares her experience of studying journalism at the University of Oregon in the 1970s, and discusses her failed 1980 re-election campaign. She closes the interview by talking about her role in the passage of SB 100, Oregon's landmark land-use legislation.

Fadeley, Nancie, 1930-

Oral history interview with Paul S. Wright

  • SR 9520
  • Collection
  • 1981-09-23

This oral history interview with the Reverend Paul S. Wright was conducted by Linda S. Brody at the First Presbyterian Church in Portland, Oregon, on September 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, Wright discusses his family background and early life as the son of Presbyterian missionaries in early 20th-century Tebriz, Persia (now Iran). He then talks about his education in Wooster, Ohio, and shares his experiences in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War I. He discusses his reasons for attending McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois, and talks about serving as a Presbyterian minister in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Oklahoma. He then speaks at length about his service as minister at the First Presbyterian Church in Portland. He also talks about his involvement with Lewis and Clark College and the Menucha Retreat and Conference Center. He closes the interview by talking about awards and honors he received, and about serving as moderator for the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.

Wright, Paul S.

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 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 Helen W. Stone

  • SR 9508
  • Collection
  • 1978-10-26

This oral history interview with Helen W. Stone was conducted by Deborah M. Frosaker at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on October 26, 1978, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Stone discusses the legal and political career of her father, Oswald West, and shares her experiences as the daughter of a governor. She discusses Oswald West's involvement in the operations of the Oregon penitentiary and talks about his reputation for theatrics. She describes the family summer home in Cannon Beach. She closes the interview by discussing Oswald West's affiliation with the Democratic Party.

Stone, Helen W. (Helen West), 1902-1986

Ruth L. Van Beber oral memoir

  • SR 2083
  • Collection
  • 1992-10-12 - 1993-05-07

This oral memoir by Ruth L. Van Beber was recorded from October 12, 1992, to May 7, 1993. The memoir was recorded in twelve sessions.

In the first session, recorded on October 12, 1992, Van Beber introduces her memoir by sharing her reasons for recording her life story. She shares anecdotes about her early life in Albuquerque, New Mexico, including getting her smallpox vaccine at age 5. She then shares anecdotes about her early life in El Paso, Texas, including the transition from horses to cars at the fire department, witnessing racism, and meeting President William Howard Taft. She also talks about working in her father's candy store.

In the second session, recorded on October 24, 1992, Van Beber continues to discuss working in her father's candy store in El Paso, Texas. She describes being regularly beaten by her father; talks about the deaths, injuries, and overall health of her siblings and mother; and discusses her education and her teachers. She shares anecdotes about running away; about spending a few years at the Salvation Army Home for Wayward Girls, including stories about infant deaths and sexual abuse; and about attending business college and working as a secretary for the Interdepartmental Social Hygiene Board. She also talks about her marriage to Merton Floyd Stevenson. She shares anecdotes about the Holy Rollers, Chinese people in Texas, and witnessing Pancho Villa purchase guns in El Paso. She describes her experience with tuberculosis, and then talks about her life in Southern California, including bootlegging. She shares anecdotes about visits to San Francisco in the 1920s, a road trip in 1924, and living in Phoenix, Arizona. She describes an especially beautiful peach tree.

In the third session, recorded on November 12, 1992, Van Beber shares anecdotes about living in New York City in the late 1920s and the people she met there, including socialists and people in the gay community.

In the fourth session, recorded on November 13, 1992, Van Beber continues to talk about living in New York City in the late 1920s, including working at a candy counter and her experiences at the beginning of the Depression. She describes hitchhiking across the country in the 1930s.

In the fifth session, recorded on November 14, 1992, Van Beber continues to describe hitchhiking across the country in the 1930s. She talks about her marriage to Rosser Thomas Garrison, about dogs she owned, and about her life in Southern California. She then speaks about homesteading in Oregon.

In the sixth session, recorded on November 22, 1992, Van Beber continues to speak at length about her experiences while homesteading in Oregon. She also talks about working in a prune orchard, about her father's death and funeral, and about growing a vegetable garden.

In the seventh session, recorded on November 25, 1992, Van Beber continues to speak at length about her experiences while homesteading in Oregon. She shares anecdotes about baking bread, about her adopted children, and about building a school. She then talks about abandoning the children.

In the eighth session, recorded on December 14, 1992, Van Beber continues to talk about abandoning her adopted children. She shares anecdotes about working as an in-home nurse in San Francisco, including for a woman who had harmed her baby. She talks about briefly returning to her family in Oregon and about her life and work in Alaska during World War II. She also describes her experiences just after President Franklin D. Roosevelt's declaration of war, talks about her journey to Alaska, and speaks about running a cafe in Kodiak, Alaska. She describes the evacuation of Kodiak.

In the ninth session, recorded on December 15, 1992, Van Beber continues to describe the evacuation of Kodiak during World War II. She then talks about selling her cafe and leaving Kodiak. She shares anecdotes about life on a homestead in Homer, Alaska, including a story about accidentally starting a wildfire. She also talks about living in Seldovia, Alaska. She speaks at length about an afghan she treasured. She talks about the various health problems of Rosser T. Garrison that led them to relocate to Washington.

In the tenth session, recorded on December 22, 1992, Van Beber shares anecdotes about life in Cashmere, Washington, at the end of World War II, including caring for her mother and running another cafe. She revisits the topic of Rosser T. Garrison's problems with his health; shares her experiences after hearing about the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan; and describes the changes in Garrison's behavior as a result of his health issues. She then shares her experiences as a patient in a psychiatric hospital in Washington. She then talks about caring for Garrison after a stroke, about their divorce, and about her subsequent brief marriage with Cecil Carter. She describes remodeling her cafe and home in Cashmere. She discusses working in Bend, Oregon, meeting Chuck Van Beber, and then working in Moab, Utah. She speaks about returning to run the cafe in Cashmere and reconnecting with Chuck Van Beber.

In the eleventh session, recorded on December 27, 1992, Van Beber interrupts the tenth recording session to talk about the reception of her memoir by friends and family, to discuss her open marriages, and to share more anecdotes from her life on a homestead in Oregon. She describes her recent Christmas activities.

In the twelfth and final session, recorded on May 7, 1993, Van Beber shares her feelings upon hearing about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. She talks about returning to Alaska in the 1960s, about an artist she met in Seldovia, Alaska, and about her experiences during the 1964 earthquake. She describes the tsunami that followed. She talks about relocating to Eugene, Oregon.

Van Beber, Ruth L. (Ruth Leota), 1902-1994

Oral history interview with John H. Steelquist

  • SR 9507
  • Collection
  • 1977-12-08

This oral history interview with John H. Steelquist was conducted by Deborah M. Frosaker at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on December 8, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Steelquist discusses the medical work of his maternal great-grandmother, Catherine Davis, and the pharmaceutical career of his maternal grandfather, Melancthon Marshall Davis, in 19th- and 20th-century Oregon. He talks about his early interest in engineering, about his college experience at Stanford University, and about his reasons for pursuing a career in medicine. He closes the interview by discussing his research on Captain James Cook.

Steelquist, John H. (John Harold), 1912-1986

Oral history interview with Leo F. Simon

  • SR 9503
  • Collection
  • 1980-02-07

This oral history interview with Leo F. Simon was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on February 7, 1980, 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.

In this interview, Simon shares his memories of moving to Portland with his family in 1902 and living on homesteads. He talks about his early education. He discusses his early interest in photography, and talks about working in photography studios and later owning his own studio in Portland. He speaks about his involvement with the Audubon Society, the Mazamas, and the Geological Society of the Oregon Country. He describes his work restoring photographs for the Oregon Historical Society. He closes the interview by giving a brief chronology of his photography career.

Simon, Leo, 1891-1986

Radio interview with Homer T. Shaver

  • SR 9502
  • Collection
  • 1963-08-14

This radio interview with Homer T. Shaver was conducted by Doug Porter on August 14, 1963, for the Junior Chamber of Commerce evening program, "Mr. Jaycee Report." The interview aired on Portland radio station KWJJ.

In this interview, Shaver discusses his tug and barge business, the Shaver Transportation Company, which operated on the Willamette and Columbia rivers. He talks about the history of the company, about the company's past and present competitors, and about how the industry has changed over the 20th century. He discusses cargo his barges carry, describes the operations of his company, and discusses the future of the Portland harbor.

Shaver, Homer T., 1891-

Oral history interview with Homer T. Shaver

  • SR 9501
  • Collection
  • 1976-09-08

This oral history interview with Homer T. Shaver was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Shaver Transportation Company in Portland, Oregon, on September 8, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Shaver speaks at length about his family background and describes the founding of the Shaver Transportation Company. He talks about changes he made to the company when he became assistant manager in 1921. He discusses the company's competitors and talks about how the Depression affected the business. He also describes his experiences working on the construction of a water pipeline in Alaska during the summer of 1909. He closes the interview by talking about his accomplishments.

Shaver, Homer T., 1891-

Oral history interview with Jerry F. Cundari

  • SR 1164
  • Collection
  • 2023-08-23

This oral history interview with Jerry F. Cundari was conducted by Kerry Tymchuk in Portland, Oregon, on August 23, 2023. A transcript of the interview is available.

In this interview, Cundari discusses his early career as a golf caddy at the Portland Golf Club and describes his experiences playing in golf tournaments as a teenager. He speaks about golf players he competed against, and about titles he won. He talks about his college experience at the University of Oregon, particularly playing golf for the university team. He discusses continuing to play golf while working for the family insurance company, Cundari Insurance, and while raising a family, and shares his reasons for never pursuing a career as a professional golfer. He talks about professional golfers he played with, including Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, and Jack Nicklaus. He closes the interview by talking about tournaments he played in as a senior golfer.

Cundari, Jerry F. (Gerald Francis), 1940-

Oral history interview with John D. Scott

  • SR 9500
  • Collection
  • 1976-11-03

This oral history interview with John D. Scott was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on November 3, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Scott discusses his family background, and also the family background of his wife, Jessie M. Scott. He then talks about the history of the Mazamas, a mountaineering organization in Oregon, and about his experiences climbing Mount Hood. He closes the interview by discussing the naval career of his father, Bernard Orme Scott.

Scott, John D. (John Denny), 1885-1977

Oral history interview with Hilde Schmoll

  • SR 9499
  • Collection
  • 1979-03-26

This oral history interview with Hilde Schmoll was conducted by Portland architect Alfred Staehli at Schmoll's home in Portland, Oregon, on March 26, 1979, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Schmoll discusses the history and design of her home in the Mount Tabor neighborhood of Portland, which was designed by architect A. E. Doyle and previously owned by the haute couture dressmakers May Shogren and Ann Shogren. She also briefly talks about the violin-making business of her husband, Rudolph F. Schmoll.

Schmoll, Hilde, 1904-1999

Oral history interview with Lewis L. McArthur

  • SR 9469
  • Collection
  • 1982-04-16 - 1982-06-08

This oral history interview with Lewis L. McArthur was conducted by Nancie Fadeley in two sessions, on April 16, 1982, and June 8, 1982. The second interview session was recorded at the Ray F. Becker Company. The interview was conducted for a radio segment that may have aired on the radio station KWAX in Eugene, Oregon.

In the first interview session, conducted on April 16, 1982, McArthur discusses his research on Oregon place names for the book "Oregon Geographic Names." He also talks about the career of his father, Lewis A. McArthur, and about Lewis A. McArthur's work on the early editions of the book. He shares information about the origins of several Oregon place names, including Granite, Noti, Oneonta, and Bear Springs. He discusses the work of the Oregon Geographic Names Board. He talks about the numerous Oregon place names that include "hell," shares theories about the origins of the name "Oregon," and discusses the history of some military-related place names.

In the second interview session, conducted on June 8, 1982, McArthur discusses his career as an industrial engineer for the Ray F. Becker Company. He gives a tour of the company, describes equipment the company uses to produce sheet metal, and talks about the production process. He then briefly discusses his early life in Portland, his work history, and his marriage to Joyce A. Clark. He speaks about his work on "Oregon Geographic Names," about his plans for future editions of the book, and about working on the book with his father. He closes the interview by discussing the complications in changing existing place names.

McArthur, Lewis L.

Oral history interview with Dick K. Harmon

  • SR 2459
  • Collection
  • 1998-12-15 - 1998-12-22

This oral history interview with Dick K. Harmon was conducted by Kay Reid in two sessions, on December 15 and December 22, 1998, as part of the Legacy of Hope: Catholics and Social Justice Project, which collected interviews with Catholic clergy and social justice activists in Oregon about their work on social action in the Roman Catholic tradition.

In the first interview session, conducted on December 15, 1998, Harmon discusses his involvement with the Portland Organizing Project, an alliance of churches in Portland, Oregon, that was founded in 1985 to further social justice. He talks about the organization's work lobbying the Oregon Legislature to fund worker training programs, and about how the organization changed in the late 1990s. He speaks about the history of the post-World War II labor movement and how changes in the working class lifestyle are related to changes in social justice organizing by churches. He shares his thoughts about the importance of the church to American social life. He discusses his family, their lives, and their careers. He speaks about pollution in the Willamette River and talks about solutions to the issue that would also create jobs.

In the second interview session, conducted on December 22, 1998, Harmon discusses his work in family therapy, speaks at length about the Portland Organizing Project's work on affordable housing during the development of Portland's River District in 1995, and describes the organization's relationship with journalists. He reflects on his accomplishments as a social justice organizer in Chicago, Illinois, in Brooklyn, New York, and in Portland, Oregon. He shares his reasons for moving to Portland in the mid-1990s. He describes how he became involved in social justice organizing while in college in the 1950s, talks about the staff and volunteers of the Portland Organizing Project, and discusses the organization's current focus on public education. He closes the interview by talking about the growth of the POP.

Harmon, Dick K. (Richard Keylon), 1937-

Oral history interview with Dick K. Harmon

  • SR 2406
  • Collection
  • 1995-12-29

This oral history interview with Dick K. Harmon was conducted by Jim Strassmaier on December 29, 1995, as part of the Legacy of Hope: Catholics and Social Justice Project, which collected interviews with Catholic clergy and social justice activists in Oregon about their work on social action in the Roman Catholic tradition.

In this interview, Harmon discusses his family background and early life in Colorado, and talks about his interest in learning about the roots of violence in American culture. He describes his college experience at the University of Chicago, and describes how he became involved with the Industrial Areas Foundation. He speaks at length about his work as a social justice organizer for the IAF and later for the Brooklyn Ecumenical Cooperatives. He talks about the communities he worked in, about the people he worked with, and about the relationship between his work and his Christian faith. He shares his opinion on the organization and rules of the Catholic Church. He then speaks at length about his work with the Portland Organizing Project in Oregon, an alliance of churches founded in 1985 to further social justice. He closes the interview by sharing how his social justice work helped him to process his abusive childhood, and by discussing the concept of sin.

Harmon, Dick K. (Richard Keylon), 1937-

United States District Court Oral History Project

  • USDCHS
  • Collection
  • 1966-2020 (bulk 1984-2008)

Since 1984, the Oregon Historical Society has partnered with the United States District Court of Oregon Historical Society to interview judges, lawyers and other legal professionals affiliated with that Court.
With an appeal rate at around 10%, the decisions made by the District Court of Oregon have been deeply influential on the laws and peoples of the state. It has presided over decisions on public land disputes and fishing rights, as well as civil rights and law enforcement. The stories of the people that make up this judicial body provide a valuable tool for helping the public understand the pivotal role the court has had on Oregon’s history.

United States District Court of Oregon Historical Society

Oral history interview with Margaret Biddle Parker

  • SR 9484
  • Collection
  • 1984-03-15

This oral history interview with Margaret Biddle Parker was conducted by Elisabeth W. Potter and Alfred Staehli in Portland, Oregon, on March 15, 1984, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Parker discusses the career of her husband, Portland architect Jamieson Parker. She discusses how the 1929 stock market crash affected his business, talks about his work for the Historic American Buildings Survey and the Federal Housing Administration in the 1930s, and speaks about some of the buildings he designed. She also talks about her children, their family, and their careers; and about her mother, Margaret Burrell Biddle. She discusses the cause of Jamieson Parker's death in 1939. She closes the interview by talking about Alfred Parker.

Parker, Margaret Biddle, 1898-1987

Oral history interview with Catherine R. Sabin

  • SR 9498
  • Collection
  • 1976-06-15

This oral history interview with Catherine R. Sabin was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on June 15, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Sabin discusses her family background and early life in Northwest Portland, including her Scottish heritage and traveling with her family. She also describes the Willamette Heights neighborhood and talks about people who lived there. She talks about the family background of her husband, Robert L. Sabin. She shares her experiences as a student at Reed College, and closes the interview by talking about some of the organizations she was involved with, including the Portland Art Museum.

Sabin, Catherine R. (Catherine Russell), 1895-1986

Oral history interview with Hazel I. Ross

  • SR 9497
  • Collection
  • 1976-01-29

This oral history interview with Hazel I. Ross at her home in Vancouver, Washington, was conducted by Charles Digregorio on January 29, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. Dale Archibald and Hazel Ross's husband, Melvin F. Ross, were also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Archibald reads from the obituary of Hazel I. Ross's father, William John Kilgore. Ross then discusses a photograph she donated to the Oregon Historical Society that shows her father with the Wright brothers. She talks about the career of William John Kilgore; about her early life, education, and strict upbringing in Northwest Portland; and about fires in early 20th-century Portland. Melvin F. Ross also briefly discusses his early life in St. Helens, Oregon. Hazel I. Ross talks about the 1923 airplane crash that killed her half-brother, Paul T. Wagner.

Ross, Hazel I. (Hazel Irene), 1904-1991

Oral history interview with Medford G. Reed

  • SR 9491
  • Collection
  • 1976-12-02

This oral history interview with Medford G. Reed was conducted by Charles Digregorio and Henry C. C. Stevens in Portland, Oregon, on December 2, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Reed discusses his involvement with Trinity Episcopal Church in Portland in the early 20th century. He talks about his early life in the Portland Heights neighborhood, including his education and people who lived in the neighborhood. He also discusses spending summers at Gearhart. He describes running an apple orchard in Hood River for 20 years. He shares his memories of the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition in Portland and of early Rose Festival parades.

Reed, Medford G., 1891-1979

Oral history interview with Laurence Pratt

  • SR 9487
  • Collection
  • 1981-12-15

This oral history interview with Laurence Pratt was conducted by Linda S. Dodds in Portland, Oregon, on December 15, 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. Eugene E. Snyder was also present and occasionally contributed interview questions.

In this interview, Pratt discusses his early life in Portland, Oregon, including working in his brother's print shop in downtown Portland and attending the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition. He shares the reasons why he dropped out of school as a child, talks about finishing his education at the age of 22, and discusses his experiences at Reed College. He then talks about his career as a professor of English at Pacific University and a teacher at Portland public high schools. He closes the interview by discussing his poetry.

Pratt, Laurence, 1888-1985

Oral history interview with Margaret Biddle Parker

  • SR 9485
  • Collection
  • 1974-12-31 - 1975-01-15

This oral history interview with Margaret Biddle Parker was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, in two sessions, on December 31, 1974, and January 15, 1975, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In the first interview session, conducted on December 31, 1974, Parker discusses her family background, particularly the life of her mother, Margaret Burrell Biddle. She talks about her early life in Portland, including her education at Catlin Gabel School. She also talks about spending formative years in Berlin, Germany. She discusses her college experience at the University of California in Berkeley, then talks about her marriage to Portland architect Jamieson Parker. She shares her experiences during the Depression.

In the second interview session, conducted on January 15, 1975, Parker discusses the life and career of Jamieson Parker, describes buildings he designed in the 1920s, and talks about his work for the Historic American Buildings Survey in the 1930s. She speaks about their marriage and family life, revisits the topic of the life of her mother, Margaret Burrell Biddle, and talks about her own social life and recreational activities. She closes the interview by discussing working and raising her children after Jamieson Parker's death in 1939, and by talking about her volunteer work after her retirement.

Parker, Margaret Biddle, 1898-1987

Oral history interview with Hobart M. Mitchell

  • SR 9479
  • Collection
  • 1977-05-04

This oral history interview with Hobart M. Mitchell was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on May 4, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Mitchell discusses his family background and talks about his father, McKinley Mitchell, including his father's friendship with cartoonist Homer Davenport, his career as a general store owner, and his service in the Oregon State Legislature. He discusses his own youth in Portland, and talks about how the city has changed over the 20th century. He then discusses his career as a produce wholesaler during the 1920s and 1930s, including his experiences providing provisions for Russian ships. He talks about his activism regarding taxes, and closes the interview by sharing his memories of the Portland waterfront.

Mitchell, Hobart M. (Hobart McKinley), 1897-1980

Oral history interview with Gwen V. Miller

  • SR 9475
  • Collection
  • 1975-12-17

This oral history interview with Gwen V. Miller was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on December 17, 1975, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. Susan Seyl, an Oregon Historical Society librarian, was also present.

In this interview, Miller discusses her family background, including her father's experiences homesteading in Oregon, interactions between her ancestors and Native people, and her grandparents' overland journey to Oregon with Sam Barlow in 1845. She talks about her early life in eastern Oregon and Washington, and about the relationship between white emigrants and Native people.

Miller, Gwen V. (Gwendoline Violet), 1904-1999

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