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Oral history interview with Ariel Rubstein

  • SR 9340
  • Collection
  • 1978-08-16

This oral history interview with Ariel Rubstein was conducted by Charles Digregorio in Portland, Oregon, on August 16, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society's oral history program.

In this interview, Rubstein discusses leaving Kiev, Russia (now Ukraine), during the Russian Revolution and his journey to Portland, Oregon. He talks about playing music in Constantinople, Turkey (now Istanbul), and in Berlin, Germany, while awaiting approval for his U.S. visa. He then talks about his career in music in Portland, Oregon, including his work with the Portland School of Music, developing the Opera in the Park program, and producing concerts, operas, and musicals through his business, Celebrity Attractions. He closes the interview by reflecting on his accomplishments and by talking about his future musical plans.

Rubstein, Ariel A. (Ariel Alfred), 1899 or 1901-1997

Oral history interview with Art Bimrose

  • SR 1752
  • Collection
  • 1989-04-26 - 1989-04-26

This oral history interview with Art Bimrose was conducted by Jim Strassmaier on April 26, 1989. The interview was conducted in conjunction with a 1989 exhibition of Bimrose's work at the Oregon Historical Society. The interview was conducted in one session.

In this interview, Bimrose discusses his family background and early life in Spokane, Washington, and in Portland, Oregon, including his early interest in art. He discusses his early career in art, particularly commercial art, during the Depression. He also talks about his summer jobs with the Southern Pacific Railroad during his high school years, the effect the Depression had on his family, and his early political beliefs. He discusses working for the Oregonian newspaper, first as a photo re-toucher and later as a cartoonist. He talks about developing his art style, his process in creating political cartoons, and the editorial policies of the Oregonian. He also briefly talks about his experience in the U.S. Army during World War II, particularly the effect it had on his personality and home life. He also talks about the difficulty in drawing cartoons for the Oregonian that were supportive of the Vietnam War, despite his personal opposition to it. He describes his use of symbolism in his cartoons; talks about politicians he admired; and discusses the Oregonian editorial conferences that he attended. He also talks about some of the controversial topics on which he drew cartoons and working with the Oregonian editorial page editors. He closes the interview by discussing his retirement activities.

Bimrose, Art, 1912-

Oral history interview with Art Bimrose

  • SR 9320
  • Collection
  • 1977-11-29

This oral history interview with Art Bimrose was conducted by Roberta Watts at the Oregonian Building in Portland, Oregon, on November 29, 1977, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. In this interview, Bimrose discusses his early life, education, and early jobs. He speaks about his career as an editorial cartoonist for the Oregonian newspaper; describes his artistic process; and reflects on some of the cartoons he drew. He closes the interview by talking about the training an editorial cartoonist should have.

Bimrose, Art, 1912-

Oral history interview with Arthur J. McCourt

  • SR 9237
  • Collection
  • 1979-03-13

This oral history interview with Arthur J. McCourt was conducted by Charles Digregorio in Tacoma, Washington, on March 13, 1979, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, McCourt briefly discusses his early life and education in Chicago, Illinois, and his experience in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He talks about his career as an accountant, and later as director of the archives, at Weyerhaeuser Company in Washington state. He describes the organizational structure of the company and talks about the company's history. He also talks about record retention policies at Weyerhaeuser.

McCourt, Arthur J. (Arthur James), 1917-1981

Oral history interview with Arthur Olmstead

This oral history interview with Arthur Olmstead was conducted by Judy Hartman on January 20, 1988. The interview was conducted as part of the Portland General Electric Centennial Oral History Series, which marked PGE's 100th anniversary and was used in the writing of the book "Electrifying Eden."

In this interview, Olmstead discusses his career as general plant manager of the Trojan Nuclear Power Plant for Portland General Electric. He begins by suggesting names of other people to interview to Judy Hartman. He then describes the day-to-day operations of the Trojan plant, safety planning, and working with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. He speaks at length about the public sentiment against nuclear power, particularly after the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl disasters, and the future of nuclear power plants. He describes the current operating condition of Trojan, plant maintenance, and PGE's transparency with the press. He discusses how Trojan compares to other nuclear power plants in the United States, and talks about how Trojan's staff makes the plant unique. He describes how the plant handles emergency situations, such as storms and power outages. He closes the interview by talking about the importance of Trojan to PGE.

Olmstead, C. Arthur (Clyde Arthur), 1939-

Oral history interview with Asa Lewelling

This oral history interview with Asa Lewelling was conducted by Vinita Howard at Lewelling's home in Independence, Oregon, from November 6, 2000, to January 15, 2001. The interview was conducted as part of the Oregon Wine Archives Oral History Project, which collected interviews with notable figures in the wine-growing industry, including vintners, vineyard growers, community members, and workers active in the development of Oregon's wine industry.

The interview was conducted in five sessions. In the first interview session, conducted on November 6, 2000, Lewelling discusses his family background, including his family's involvement in the establishment of Oregon's first nursery. He talks about his early life in Albany, Oregon, including time he spent on the family farm, his brothers and sisters, and doing farm work.

In the second interview session, conducted on November 13, 2000, Lewelling continues discussing his early life in Albany, Oregon, including time he spent on the family farm and doing farm work. He describes his childhood home and talks about his father, L. Guy Lewelling, and his father's career as a lawyer and judge. He then briefly talks about his high school education; his experience at Albany College, now known as Lewis and Clark College; and his experience at the Willamette University College of Law. He speaks at length about his Air Force service in the Pacific Theater during World War II, including his flight training.

In the third interview session, conducted on December 18, 2000, Lewelling continues discussing his Air Force service during World War II, and talks about his discharge and return to the United States in 1946. He discusses his return to the practice of law in Salem. He talks about his law partners; some of the cases he worked on, particularly those involving insurance claims; and some of the judges he argued before. He also briefly talks about his involvement with the Detroit Athletic Club.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on January 8, 2001, Lewelling continues discussing cases he worked on, particularly those involving insurance claims, and judges he argued before. He talks about his service as president of the Oregon State Bar in 1973, how the practice of law has changed during his career, and the different fields of law practice. He then discusses purchasing land, and forming and operating Green Villa Farms.

In the fifth and final interview session, conducted on January 15, 2001, he continues discussing Green Villa Farms, and talks about the sale of the farm in 1978. He also talks about his other real estate investments, his hobbies, and his ongoing interest in farming, particularly tomatoes. He describes his marriage history and talks about his children, their families, and their careers. He closes the interview by sharing his most outstanding memories.

Lewelling, Asa L. (Asa Lorenzo), 1915-2007

Oral history interview with Ayan Salat

This oral history interview with Ayan Salat was conducted by Sankar Raman and Jessica Pollard on March 22, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States.

In this interview, Salat discusses her family background and early life in Somalia. She also shares the reasons that her father fled to Kenya in the 1990s. She shares her experiences living in refugee camps in Kenya from 2005 to 2015, including her education, her home and family life, and living conditions in the camps. She talks about the markets that her parents ran in the camps, about her social life, and about the process of immigrating to the United States. She talks about adjusting to life in the U.S., describes racism she experienced, and discusses her education in Portland, Oregon. She talks about writing poetry and reads one of her poems. She closes the interview by talking about her plans for the future and by sharing advice for young immigrants.

Salat, Ayan

Oral history interview with Baher Butti

This oral history interview with Baher Butti was conducted by Sankar Raman on January 10, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. In this interview, Butti discusses his early life in Baghdad, Iraq, talks about his family's history of political activism, and describes his experiences during the 1980 Iran-Iraq War. He speaks about life under the authoritarian governments in Iraq, particularly the Saddam Hussein regime. He also talks about practicing as a psychiatrist in Iraq. He describes his experiences during the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, and talks about the series of events that led to an assassination threat against him. He discusses the process of leaving Iraq and immigrating to the United States with his family. He talks about his life in Oregon, including his career, organizations he founded, and his work with refugees. He discusses the historical religious diversity of Iraqis. He closes the interview by talking about the process of applying for asylum in the United States and sharing his hopes for the future.

Butti, Baher, 1961-

Oral history interview with Barbara A. Mackenzie

  • SR 1936
  • Collection
  • 1999-09-27 - 2001-06-01

This oral history interview with Barbara A. Mackenzie was conducted by Katy Barber at Mackenzie's home in Portland, Oregon, from September 27, 1999, to June 1, 2001. Barbara Mackenzie's son, Thomas R. Mackenzie, and Jan Dilg were also present during the sessions recorded in 2001. The interview was conducted in four sessions. The first part of session one was not recorded.

In the first interview session, conducted on September 27, 1999, Mackenzie discusses working as a teacher in Oregon and California, including working with marginalized groups in the San Francisco Bay Area and opposition she faced. She also talks about her work with the Red Cross in Virginia. She speaks about her role in relocating members of the Warm Springs, Yakama, Umatilla, and Nez Perce tribes during the building of The Dalles Dam at Celilo Falls. She talks about her relationship with Chief Tommy Thompson and Flora Cushinway Thompson of the Wyam people and shares stories about the Wyam way of life. She also talks about her work with Navajo people near Palm Springs, California.

In the second interview session, conducted on September 30, 1999, Mackenzie continues discussing her role in the relocation of members of the Warm Springs, Yakama, Umatilla, and Nez Perce tribes. She talks about her relationship with Flora Cushinway Thompson of the Wyam people, some of her advocacy on behalf of indigenous people, and where she felt the local authorities were neglecting indigenous people's needs. She also talks about Temmingway Moses, a Yakama woman who tended a cemetery near the Maryhill Museum in Washington; the attitudes of the population at The Dalles towards Native Americans; and her working relationship with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. She talks about Abe Sholoway, a Umatilla man who acted as interpreter; her efforts to get Native American marriages legally recognized; and attending the Pendleton Round-Up. She also talks about the processes of the relocation project and how she got involved. She shares her opinion about assimilation and the U.S. government's practice of tribal termination. She talks about her brother, Ralph Tudor, who served as undersecretary of the Interior under President Dwight D. Eisenhower and worked as an engineer on the Bay Bridge and Bay Area Rapid Transit in the San Francisco Bay Area. She also discusses some of her secretaries and revisits the topics of working as a teacher with marginalized groups in California and her work with the Red Cross in Virginia. She then talks about serving as executive for the Red Cross in Lincoln County, Oregon.

In the third interview session, conducted on January 16, 2001, Mackenzie discusses her family background and her early life and education in Sutherlin, Oregon. She also talks about the career of her brother, Ralph Tudor. She discusses her education at St. Mary's Academy and at Lincoln High School in Portland, her relationship with her mother, and her first teaching job near Bend. She talks about her college experiences at Western College for Women (now known as the Western Campus of Miami University) and at the Oregon Normal School (now known as Western Oregon University).

In the fourth interview session, conducted on June 1, 2001, Mackenzie discusses serving as executive for the Red Cross in Lincoln County, including organizing blood drives and working with veterans. She closes the interview by describing the town of Newport.

Mackenzie, Barbara A. (Barbara Amanda), 1905-2002

Oral history interview with Barbara Elliott Davies

  • SR 9372
  • Collection
  • 1976-07-18

This oral history interview with Barbara Elliott Davies was conducted by Charles Digregorio at Davies' home in Portland, Oregon, on July 18, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the Oregon Historical Society Research Library.

In this interview, Davies discusses the life of her father, Thompson Coit Elliott (1862-1943), a former executive director of the Oregon Historical Society. She also talks about her grandfather, John Euclid Elliott (1829-1888), and his role in the development of Walla Walla, Washington. She discusses her work for Oregon Historical Quarterly, the journal of the Oregon Historical Society; and talks about working with her father to acquire collections for the historical society, particularly the Protestant Ladder.

Davies, Barbara Elliott, 1902-1981

Oral history interview with Barbara Fealy

This oral history interview with Barbara Fealy was conducted by Marian W. Kolisch at Fealy's home in Portland, Oregon, on May 2, 1987. The interview was conducted as part of a series by Oregon photographer Marian W. Kolisch to accompany portraits of Oregon artists, businesspeople, and politicians.

In this interview, Fealy discusses her family background and early life in Utah, including her father's nursery business and her early interest in landscape architecture. She talks about studying landscape architecture at the University of Illinois and her early career in Utah and Denver, Colorado. She also briefly discusses her marriage to Martin Hoag, Hoag's death, and her marriage to William Fealy. She shares her philosophy and process of landscape design; talks about how the field in the United States differs from the field in England and Japan; and discusses managing her own practice. She speaks about her experience working on Salishan Lodge in Gleneden Beach, Oregon; discusses her involvement with the American Society of Landscape Architects; and talks about her experience as a woman in landscape architecture. She closes the interview by speaking about working with clients, her grandchildren, and landscape design drawing.

Fealy, Barbara, 1903-2000

Oral history interview with Barbara Hanneman

This oral history interview with Barabara Hanneman was conducted by Vinita Howard at Hanneman's home in Turner, Oregon, from March 26 to April 1, 1991. In the interview, Hanneman discusses her family history and early life, including meeting her husband, Gene Hanneman, his career as a forester, and moving to Salem, Oregon. She also discusses the lives of her three children, as well as her grandchildren. She then talks about working in the offices of the Oregon Legislature, starting with the Board of Control before her children were born, then returning to work as a desk clerk for the Legislature in 1955. She describes working for Maurine Neuberger, Bob Holmes, Bob Duncan, Al Ullman, Bob Straub, and others. Hanneman discusses clerking for various committees, campaigning, and legislative procedures. She also talks briefly about other clerks at the Legislature, including Cecil Edwards. Hanneman then discusses working for the Neil Goldschmidt administration. She closes the interview by discussing changes in state government during her career.

Hanneman, Barbara Lewis, 1922-2017

Oral history interview with Barrie J. Herbold

This oral history interview with Barrie J. Herbold was conducted by Lisa A. Kaner from September 19-26, 2001. In this interview, Herbold discusses her family background and early life, including moving around often due to her father's Navy career. She speaks briefly about attending the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Oregon Law School, and about the sexism women college students faced. She talks about practicing law in Portland, Oregon, including her experience as the first woman trial attorney at the Dusendorf, Spears, Lubersky law firm. She describes starting a law firm with Dave Markowitz, the lawyers she hired, and cases she handled.

Herbold, Barrie J. (Barrie Jane), 1949-2001

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

Oral history interview with Becky Johnson

This oral history interview with Elizabeth Johnson was conducted by Rick Harmon and Jim Strassmaier at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, from June 25, 1986, to March 31, 1993. In the interview, Johnson discusses her family background and early life in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Bellevue, Ohio, including her family's religious faith, and life under Prohibition and during the Depression. She then discusses attending Miami University, including joining a sorority, her involvement with the YWCA, and the discrimination she saw. She also discusses attending Wellesley College, then teaching English to high school students. Johnson then talks about her experience as a woman in the Navy during World War II, serving with the WAVES, particularly her time stationed in Portland and Astoria, Oregon.

Johnson then discusses, at length, the family background and early life of her husband, Oregon State Representative Sam Johnson. She discusses Sam Johnson's youth and his education in the San Francisco area and in France, as well as his struggle with hereditary gout. She talks about their marriage and settling in Redmond, Oregon, and Sam's career with his family's timber business, including a trip they took to Chile to explore timber opportunities there. She also discusses the S.S. Johnson Foundation.

Johnson goes on to talk about her involvement in Oregon politics, including her involvement with the Oregon Republican Women's organization, campaigning for President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and particularly her role on the State Board of Education. She also talks about Sam Johnson's time in the Oregon House of Representatives, his relationship to the changing Republican Party, and legislation he was involved with. She also discusses his time as mayor of Redmond. Johnson closes the interview by talking about her family life.

Johnson, Becky (Elizabeth Avery Hill), 1913-2007

Oral history interview with Becky Johnson

  • SR 9453
  • Collection
  • 1981-11-09

This oral history interview with Becky Johnson was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on November 19, 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, Johnson discusses her family background and early life in Bellevue, Ohio. She talks about her college experiences at Miami University in Ohio and at Wellesley College, and discusses her career as a teacher in Ohio and Michigan during the Depression, including her salary. She shares her reasons for leaving the teaching profession to join the U.S. Navy during World War II, and shares her experiences recruiting women for the Navy in Portland, Oregon. She closes the interview by briefly discussing her involvement in Oregon politics.

Johnson, Becky (Elizabeth Avery Hill), 1913-2007

Oral history interview with Belise Nishimwe

This oral history interview with Belise Nishimwe was conducted by Elanya Yussen on June 10, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Erin Weisensee was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Nishimwe discusses her early life in Portland, Oregon, including her education, her love of reading, and making friends. She also talks about how her parents have adjusted to life in the United States, particularly their experience with the language barrier. She speaks about her cultural and ethnic identity, including her family background in Burundi, foods she grew up with, and languages she speaks. She talks about racism she experienced and how she internalized it at a young age. She revisits the topic of her education; talks about how her sister inspires her; and describes the cultural significance of her family's names. She speaks at length about her love of poetry, publicly performing her poems, and her participation in the Oregon Poetry Out Loud competition. She then describes her trip to Washington, D.C., in 2019, to participate in the national Poetry Out Loud competition. She closes the interview by talking about her accomplishments and her plans for the future, and by sharing advice for other young people and immigrants.

Nishimwe, Belise

Oral history interview with Ben Padrow

  • SR 9041
  • Collection
  • 1979-01-16 - 1979-02-09

This oral history interview with Ben Padrow was conducted by Charles Digregorio in Portland, Oregon, from January 16 to February 9, 1979. In this interview, Padrow discusses his family background and early life in South Portland, including his experience as a Jewish person. He briefly talks about his college education and early teaching jobs. Padrow discusses teaching at Portland State University beginning in 1955. He describes the growth of the campus during that time, discusses his teaching style, and talks about his students. He also talks about his other activities, including moderating the television show High Q, and coaching the school's College Bowl team. He talks about working as a speechwriter for various Oregon politicians, gives advice for delivering speeches, and discusses working as a consultant. Padrow discusses his involvement in the Democratic Party, particularly serving on the Multnomah County Commission from 1971 to 1974. He closes the interview by discussing the future of Portland State University.

Padrow, Ben, 1927-

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 Bernal Cruz

This oral history interview with Bernal Cruz was conducted by Sankar Raman on February 25, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Julianna Robidoux was also present.

In this interview, Cruz discusses his family background and early life in Guatemala City, Guatemala, including his father's career in the Guatemalan army; his Mayan heritage and culture; and his education. He shares the history of the civil war in Guatemala and talks about his family's experiences during the war. He describes the reasons his family sought asylum in the United States, and talks about the asylum process. He discusses his experiences in Portland, Oregon, as a Guatemalan immigrant, including his education, his social life, and adjusting to cultural differences. He talks about working as a mediator during high school, about his education in neuropsychology at the University of Massachusetts, and about working as a therapist for Providence in Portland. He then talks about his career change in 2014, after earning a master's degree in community-based social work from Portland State University; about his marriage to Karey B. Lakey; and about his work with unaccompanied minors and immigrant youth for Morrison Child and Family Services. He speaks at length about his volunteer work with organizations assisting refugees, and closes the interview by discussing his experience in Italy as part of Harvard's online refugee trauma and recovery program.

Cruz-Munoz, R. Bernal (Renso Bernal), 1977-

Oral history interview with Bernard Jolles

This oral history interview with Bernard Jolles was conducted by Robert D. Bulkley, Jr. at Jolles' office in Portland, Oregon, from September 27, 1990, to April 22, 1991. In this interview, Jolles discusses his family background and early life in New York, including his Jewish upbringing and facing antisemitism; his education; and the Depression. He describes attending New York University and his growing interest in Marxism. He then discusses working in the New York Garment District and at the waterfront after graduation, and talks about his involvement with various unions. He describes being a communist during the height of the McCarthy era, as well as his reasons for leaving the Communist Party in 1956. Jolles discusses relocating to Oregon in 1957 and attending the Northwestern College of Law in Portland. He talks about working as an investigator for a personal injury lawyer after graduation and the trouble he had passing the bar exam due to his communist ties. He discusses his appeal to the Oregon Supreme Court of the Bar's decision to reject him.

Jolles discusses his career as a trial lawyer in Portland, including arguing cases before the federal and state courts, working with other lawyers, and some of the cases he tried. He briefly describes Judge Gus Solomon and other judges he argued before. He also discusses the types of cases he took, particularly those representing workers and labor unions. He talks about his own law firm, Jolles, Sokol, & Bernstein, formed in 1979; the changes in the profession over the decades; and his involvement with the A.C.L.U. and the Christic Institute. He closes the interview by talking about his involvement with the Oregon State Bar, including serving on the board of governors and as president.

Jolles, Bernard, 1928-

Oral history interview with Bernie Foster

This oral history interview with Bernie Foster was conducted by Jan Dilg at The Skanner Newsgroup offices in Portland, Oregon, from August 30 to October 12, 2017. Bernie Foster was nominated by Oregonians to be interviewed as part of a program by the Oregon Historical Society Research Library to enhance and expand the range of voices in the library's collections. Interviewees are selected from the pool of nominees by a staff committee appointed by the historical society's executive director. The interview was recorded over three sessions; however, the first part of the first session was not recorded.

In the first interview session, conducted on August 30, 2017, Foster discusses the history and daily operation of The Skanner, the Portland-based newspaper he co-founded. He talks about hiring journalists, attempting to expand into radio, and running an online news site. He talks about his involvement with the National Black Publishers Association and some of the stories he published, including on the topic of policing in Portland.

In the second interview session, conducted on September 17, 2017, Foster discusses the Skanner Foundation, which grants awards and scholarships to members of Oregon's black community. He talks about starting the foundation in the early 1990s; the foundation's annual fundraiser, the Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Breakfast; and some of the community members who have received awards and scholarships. He also briefly talks about his experience surviving cancer. He discusses the Portland Police Bureau and shares his thoughts about police brutality against black people. He talks about his involvement in the renaming of Union Avenue to Martin King Luther, Jr. Boulevard. He then talks about his motivation for starting The Skanner, some of the stories the newspaper has published, and building a brand. He discusses preservation issues associated with running a website and how he handled those issues with The Skanner's site.

In the third and final interview session, conducted on October 12, 2017, Foster revisits topics that were discussed in the unrecorded part of the first interview session. He talks about founding The Skanner with his wife, Bobbie Doré Foster, in 1975, including getting advertisers, practicing journalism in the 1970s, and distributing the paper and finding an audience. He talks about some of the stories he published, about handling dishonest sources, and about covering local politics. He discusses some of his interactions with the community, the changes in the Portland black community since the 1970s, and some examples of his activism. He talks about his relationship with the Oregon Historical Society, including receiving the History Makers award in 2013 and donating The Skanner's photograph archive. He shares his hopes for the future of the newspaper, talks about the importance of journalism in a democracy, and revisits the topic of his motivation in starting The Skanner. He closes the interview by discussing his involvement in the Hood to Coast Relay.

Foster, Bernie (Bernard), 1940-

Oral history interview with Bert W. Taylor

  • SR 9363
  • Collection
  • 1979-05-22

This oral history interview with Bert W. Taylor was conducted by Charles Digregorio near Scottsburg, Oregon, on May 22, 1979, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Taylor discusses his early life on homesteads in Oakland and Winchester, Oregon, and speaks at length about fishing in Oregon in the early 20th century, particularly on the Calapooia, Umpqua, and Rogue rivers. He also discusses hunting in Oregon in the early 20th century, particularly bird and deer hunting, and talks about working with hunting dogs.

Taylor, Bert W. (Bert Webster), 1894-1998

Oral history interview with Bertha B. Hallam

  • SR 9444
  • Collection
  • 1979-12-20 - 1980-01-03

This oral history interview with Bertha B. Hallam was conducted by Linda S. Dodds in Portland, Oregon, in two sessions, on December 20, 1979, and January 3, 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 the first interview session, conducted on December 20, 1979, Hallam describes how she became the first librarian at the University of Oregon Medical School in 1919. She talks about the library building that was constructed in 1939, about her involvement with the Medical Library Association, and about articles she wrote.

In the second interview session, conducted on January 3, 1980, Hallam reflects on her accomplishments as a librarian. She closes the interview by talking about her retirement activities.

Hallam, Bertha Brandon

Oral history interview with Bertha Holt

This oral history with Bertha Holt was conducted by Jim Strassmaier from November 4-17, 1992, for inclusion in the Trails to Oregon exhibit at the Oregon Historical Society. The interview was conducted in three sessions.

In the first session, conducted on November 4, 2017, Holt discusses her family background and early life on a farm in Iowa, particularly describing growing up in a large family, being brought up in the Plymouth Brethren branch of Christianity, and her education. She talks about studying nursing at the University of Iowa, including working in a hospital at the same time. She also discusses her social life and the diversity of the international student body. She then speaks more about her childhood, including games, household chores, and family trips. She talks about meeting Harry Holt and about their courtship and marriage, as well as his family background. She describes living on a farm in Firesteel, South Dakota, after their marriage, acting as the town's nurse, and her experience during the Dust Bowl drought.

In the second session, conducted on November 5, 1992, Holt continues discussing her experience during the Dust Bowl drought. She talks about relocating to Lane County, Oregon, where Harry Holt got involved in the timber business and started his own sawmill. She also revisits the topic of Harry Holt's family background and early life. She describes the community in Lane County, adapting to the Oregon climate, and getting involved with the Baptist Church. She talks about raising children and about Harry Holt's health, and how World War II affected his sawmill. She also discusses family trips to Alaska by boat. She speaks about a heart attack that Harry Holt suffered in 1950.

In the third and final session, conducted on November 17, 1992, Holt briefly revisits the topic of Harry Holt's early life, as well as her own. She then continues discussing a heart attack that Harry Holt suffered in 1950, his recovery, and his determination to dedicate his life to a higher purpose. She talks about Harry Holt's trip to South Korea in 1954, adopting eight South Korean children, and founding Holt International Children's Services. She speaks about the biblical passages that inspired their work, the orphanage that Harry Holt built in Daegu, South Korea, and her role in facilitating adoptions while in Oregon. She talks about raising eight children, and how it differed from raising her first four. She discusses the opposition the Holts faced, how racism affected their work, and how they matched children to families. She talks about lobbying Senators Dick Neuberger and Edith Green to change laws regarding international adoption; talks about teaching child evangelism classes; and shares stories about some of the children the Holts facilitated adoptions for. She talks about her biological children, their families, and their careers, particularly focusing on how they contributed to Holt International. She speaks at length about her oldest daughter, Wanda Holt, who died in 1961; talks about the final years of Harry Holt's life and his funeral in South Korea in 1964; and describes publishing her book, "The Seed from the East." She talks about operating Holt International after Harry Holt's death, including the staff, fundraising, and their annual picnics. She closes the interview by looking at and discussing family photographs with Jim Strassmaier.

The interview transcript includes a portion of the interview not present in the audio recording. In this portion, Holt talks about the Holt family home in Lane County, Oregon, and the wealth that Harry Holt's sawmill brought them.

Holt, Bertha

Oral history interview with Bertha Holt

  • SR 1059
  • Collection
  • 1984

This oral history interview with Bertha Holt was conducted by an unidentified interviewer circa 1984. The interviewer's questions have been edited out.

In this interview, Holt discusses her early life and marriage to Harry Holt. She speaks at length about adopting children from South Korea and founding Holt International Children's Services with Harry Holt. She talks about the death of Harry Holt. She describes her passion for her work facilitating intercounty adoption from South Korea.

The audio recording ends with a 1961 audio letter that Harry Holt sent to Martha Sue, one of the children whose adoption he helped to arrange. In the audio letter, Holt talks about his work helping orphaned children in Seoul, South Korea, and tells the story of Martha Sue's adoption process.

Holt, Bertha

Oral History Interview with Bette Lee

  • SR 11258
  • Collection
  • 2014-06-17 - 2014-12-29

Bette Lee discusses her activism and career in photographing protests, beginning in the San Fransisco Bay Area in the 1980s, and later in Portland, Oregon. She discusses several specific photographs, many of which can be found in the transcript. Protests and movements discussed include the Portland Alliance, Indie Media, World trade Organization, Iraq War, Occupy Wall Street, Livermore Action Group, etc.

Lee, Bette

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