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Oral history interview with Reverend Clarence T. Abbott

  • SR 9015
  • Collection
  • 1978-07-06

This oral history interview with Reverend Clarence T. Abbott was conducted by Roberta Watts at the William Temple House in Portland, Oregon, on July 6, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Abbott discusses his family background and early life in Alameda, California. He shares his reasons for entering the Episcopalian priesthood and serving in the Chaplain Corps during World War II, talks about his experiences at divinity school in Denver, Colorado, and discusses his early parish work in California and Oregon. He speaks at length about his work as a priest and mental health counselor at William Temple House.

Abbott, Clarence T. (Clarence Thomas), Reverend, 1921-1990

Oral history interview with Reub Long

  • SR 9117
  • Collection
  • 1971-10-06

This oral history interview with Reub Long was conducted by Ron E. Shay on October 6, 1971. The sound recording consists of two audiocassettes. The interview was recorded on the first tape, and the second tape contains edited highlights of the interview. In this interview, Long discusses range and wildlife management issues in Oregon's high desert region, including the management of wild horses. He talks about issues regarding vandalism and littering in the desert. He discusses the plant life and agriculture, describes how the changes in the desert have affected the deer population, and how the desert landscape is affected by fires. He talks about the use of controlled burns, grazing lands for deer, and how land-use laws have affected how desert land is managed.

Long, R. A. (Reub A.)

Oral history interview with Red Dunning

  • SR 9345
  • Collection
  • 1982-03-01

This oral history interview with Red Dunning was conducted by Kathleen D. Walsh in Portland, Oregon, on March 1, 1982, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. Alice E. Dunning was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview. In this interview, Dunning discusses his career as music director at the KOIN radio station in Portland. He talks about the change from live radio shows to pre-recorded programming, about the people he worked with at KOIN, and about shows he had on KOIN-TV. He also discusses his interest in nature photography. He closes the interview by looking at photographs and ephemera and talking about them.

Dunning, Owen C., 1904-1982

Oral history interview with Raymond W. Nyls

  • SR 1031
  • Collection
  • 1992-04-04 - 1992-09-12

This oral history interview with Raymond W. Nyls was conducted by Kathleen A. Mitchell in Salem, Philomath, and Portland, Oregon, from April 4 to September 12, 1992. The interview was conducted in six sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted in Salem, Oregon, on April 4, 1992, Nyls discusses his family background and early life in Portland, Wauna, Warrenton, and Astoria, including learning to swim, the divorce of his parents, and his memories of the amusement park at Jantzen Beach. He also talks about family trips by train. He speaks at length about his childhood recreational activities, games, and hobbies. He also talks about his relationship with his step-father. He discusses his interest in military history and geology.

In the second interview session, conducted at the Benton County Historical Museum in Philomath, Oregon, on April 25, 1992, Nyls continues discussing his early life in Portland and Wauna, including his memories of the amusement park at Jantzen Beach, his social life during his teenage years, and his relationship with his step-father. He speaks about his step-father's work as a sawyer at sawmills in the company town of Wauna, describes the town, and discusses his education. He describes the houses he lived in, speaks about his recreational activities and childhood games, and discusses the Japanese American population in Wauna. He then looks at photographs of Wauna and talks about them, as well as a fire that burned down the town's school house.

In the third interview session, conducted at the Benton County Historical Museum in Philomath on May 30, 1992, Nyls continues discussing his early life in Wauna, including his social life. He describes the railroad service to Wauna. He again looks at photographs of Wauna and talks about them, as well as the fire that burned down the town's schoolhouse. He briefly discusses living in a small town near Westport during the Depression. He then talks about living in the sawmill company town of Warrenton, including his education, his involvement with sports, and fishing in the Skipanon River. He also talks about his social life in Warrenton. He discusses living in Astoria, particularly his experience during high school, including dating, playing in a band, and his experience in the National Guard. He also briefly describes a photograph of his family picking hops during the Depression. He speaks about roller skating, dancing, and drinking alcohol.

In the fourth interview session, conducted in Philomath on June 20, 1992, Nyls discusses living in Portland and working for the Forest Service through the National Youth Association. He then talks about working for Boeing in Seattle, Washington, in the years before World War II and about joining the Army Air Corps. He speaks about morale at Boeing after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and describes his feelings about the U.S. government's incarceration of Japanese Americans. He describes his Army Air Corps training at length, including both boot camp and flight training. He also talks about his marriage to Lucile Tinker.

In the fifth interview session, conducted at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland on July 26, 1992, Nyls looks at photographs dating from the Korean War, describes them, and speaks at length about his experiences as an engineering officer and fighter pilot during that war. He also shares his thoughts about friendly fire and the United States military. He discusses training other fighter pilots and speaks at length about training to become an engineering officer at the end of World War II. He also talks about his marriage to Peggy Garver and the death of his mother. He discusses the differences in the way the Air Force fought during World War II and in the Korean War and speaks about his career in the Air Force after the war's end.

In the sixth and final interview session, conducted in Philomath on September 12, 1992, Nyls looks at photographs from his career in the Air Force after the Korean War and describes them. He talks about serving as a squadron commander, describes serving on an Air Force base in Alaska during the Cold War, and shares his experiences serving at Camp Adair during the 1962 Columbus Day Storm. He talks about his reasons for settling in Eugene after retiring from the Air Force and reflects on his career, revisiting the topics of his service during World War II and the Korean War. He also describes more photographs. He discusses his children, their families, and their careers; shares his opinion about the Gulf War; and speaks at length about his hobbies, including his interest in history, geology, and astronomy. He closes the interview by talking about his work as a UFO investigator while in the Air Force.

Nyls, Raymond W. (Raymond Woodrow), 1920-2019

Oral history interview with Ralph B. Bennett

  • SR 483
  • Collection
  • 1991-06-08

This oral history interview with Ralph B. Bennett was conducted by Jim Strassmaier at Bennett's home in San Diego, California, on June 8, 1991. In this interview, Bennett discusses his family background. He talks about taking over The Optimist, a newspaper run by his father, Ralph B. Bennett, Sr., in The Dalles, Oregon. He talks about campaigning for public power and working with then-lawyer Gus Solomon, and how that led to him working for the Bonneville Power Administration. He then discusses his experience at Harvard University, including working on the student newspaper and his views about World War II before 1942. He also describes his political philosophy. He discusses working in public relations for the Bonneville Power Administration from 1946 to 1947, including people he worked with, his association with Woody Guthrie, and his work promoting public power. He also talks about leftist politics in Oregon. He describes living in Vanport, including running a newsletter and his experience during the 1948 flood. He briefly talks about working as a reporter for the Wenatchee Daily World in Ephrata, Washington, and his continued advocacy for public power. He then revisits the topics of working in public relations for the Bonneville Power Administration, living in Vanport, and his political philosophy. He closes the interview by talking more about Woody Guthrie.

Bennett, Ralph B. (Ralph Blackhurst), 1920-2002

Oral history interview with Paul T. Gillette

  • SR 822
  • Collection
  • 1983-02-09

This oral history interview with Paul T. Gillette was conducted by Jim Strassmaier on February 9, 1983. An unidentified woman was also present and occasionally contributed interview questions.

In this interview, Gillette discusses his family background and early life in Ellston, Iowa, including life on his grandparents' farm. He talks about teaching high school in South Dakota and shares his memories of the Depression. He discusses his marriage to Jennie Maude Maule, his association with football player Frank Leahy, and working for the Kresge Company, which later became Kmart, in Buffalo, New York. He reflects on the places he lived and shows photographs to the interviewers, while discussing the effects of aging on his appearance and health. He then revisits the topic of his family background and early life in Ellston, Iowa. He talks about his religious affiliation, coaching basketball at a school in South Dakota, and attending the University of South Dakota. He closes the interview by revisiting the topic of working for the Kresge Company.

Gillette, Paul T. (Paul Traverse), 1902-1992

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 Patty J. Jacobsen

  • SR 9068
  • Collection
  • 1978-06-28

This oral history interview with Patty J. Jacobsen was conducted by Roberta Watts in Portland, Oregon, on June 28, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society's oral history program. In this interview, Jacobsen discusses the reasons for the recent failure of a ballot measure to create a levy to fund Portland parks and neighborhood associations. She speaks about her involvement with the Community Care Package Committee campaign, which worked to pass the levy, and talks about finding alternative funding sources. She also speaks about the rise of anti-tax sentiment at the time of the interview. She describes her role as director of the Office of Neighborhood Associations. She closes the interview by talking about the importance of neighborhood associations, and about how she became involved in them.

Jacobsen, Patty J. (Patty Jean), 1936-

Oral history interview with Oran B. Robertson

  • SR 9496
  • Collection
  • 1980-02-20

This oral history interview with Oran B. Robertson was conducted by Linda S. Dodds on February 20, 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, Robertson briefly discusses his family background and early life in Salem, Oregon, then talks about working as an engineer for Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, Washington, from 1938 to 1945. He then discusses his career with Fred Meyer Inc. He speaks about Fred G. Meyer, and describes Meyer's personality and his personal and business philosophies. He discusses the operation of the company, the factors that led to the business's success, and the growth of the company since going public. He closes the interview by talking about the future of Fred Meyer, Inc. and reflecting on his career with the company.

Robertson, Oran B. (Oran Benjamen), 1917-1999

Oral history interview with Omar C. Palmer

  • SR 70
  • Collection
  • 1982-12-06

This oral history interview with Omar C. Palmer was conducted by Terence O'Donnell on December 6, 1982. The interview was conducted as research for O'Donnell's book "An Arrow in the Earth: General Joel Palmer and the Indians of Oregon."

In this interview, Palmer discusses his ancestor Joel Palmer, who served as superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Oregon Territory from 1853 to 1856. He reads from family documents, letters, and newspaper articles regarding Joel Palmer's life and career and talks about treaties with Native Americans that Joel Palmer helped to negotiate. He discusses the Native American reservation system, and Joel Palmer's role in its formation. He talks about Palmer family history, particularly the overland journey of Joel Palmer to Oregon on the Barlow Road in 1847. He also briefly discusses his own early life in eastern Washington and southern Idaho.

Palmer, Omar C. (Omar Clyde), 1908-2003

Oral history interview with Ollie F. Osborn

  • SR 9350
  • Collection
  • 1981-09

This oral history interview with Ollie F. Osborn was conducted by Harriet Baskas in Union, Oregon, in September 1981. The interview was conducted as part of a series of interviews used in the radio program "Don't Fence Me In, the Cowgirls of Eastern Oregon," which aired on the Portland community station KBOO on December 8, 1981.

In this interview, Osborn discusses her career as a professional cowgirl on the rodeo circuit and in Wild West shows between 1913 and 1932. She talks about learning to ride as a child, describes various rodeo events, and discusses the cowgirls she toured with. She talks about passing up the opportunity to star in rodeo movies; describes the clothes the cowgirls wore; and shares funny stories from her rodeo days. She speaks about the death of Bonnie McCarrol in the 1929 Pendleton Round-up, and discusses the lack of women riders at the time of the interview in 1981. She closes the interview by talking about the inaccuracy of cowboy stereotypes; looking at photos from her rodeo days and discussing them; and discussing the differences in the treatment and payment of cowboys and cowgirls.

Osborn, Ollie F. (Ollie Frances), 1896-1989

Oral history interview with Olga S. Freeman

  • SR 9042
  • Collection
  • 1981-09-17

This oral history interview with Olga S. Freeman was conducted by Linda S. Dodds in Eugene, Oregon, on September 17, 1981. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody.

In this interview, Freeman discusses her early life on a farm in Colton, Oregon; attending Oregon State University; and working as a math teacher in Oregon and California. She then talks about settling in Eugene after her marriage to Neil Freeman, and about teaching mathematics at the University of Oregon from 1943 to 1949. She discusses how her involvement in Lane County politics began with a Democratic speechwriting contest in which she took second place, losing to future U. S. Rep. Edith Green. She talks about serving as precinct committee chair, her involvement with the League of Women Voters, and running for the Oregon Legislature in 1952. She discusses her reasons for joining the Democratic Party and her campaign for Lane County treasurer. She speaks at length about her accomplishments as treasurer. Freeman talks about feeling as if the county commissioners didn't hold the office of treasurer in high esteem and how that pushed her to run for Lane County clerk in 1960. She discusses her accomplishments as county clerk, then describes how the office of county clerk was changed to an appointed position rather than elected, which led to her losing the position. She closes the interview by talking about her activities during retirement, including freelance writing.

Freeman, Olga Samuelson, 1903-1997

Oral history interview with Norma Paulus

  • SR 3972
  • Collection
  • 1999-02-10 - 2000-11-02

This oral history interview with Norma Paulus was conducted by Clark Hansen at Paulus's home in Salem, Oregon, in Lincoln City, Oregon, and in Portland, Oregon; and at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, from February 10, 1999, to November 2, 2000, and from February 10 to 27, 2010. In the interview, Paulus discusses her family background and early life in Burns, Oregon, including life during World War II and contracting polio at the age of 19. She also discusses working as a secretary for the Harney County district attorney, Leland Beckham; moving to Salem to work for a law firm; working for Judge Earl Latourette; and going to law school. Paulus describes meeting Bill Paulus while attending law school; his family background; and their marriage. Paulus discusses her involvement with the Republican Party; working as an appellate lawyer for the Oregon Supreme Court; working on Wally Carson's campaign for the Oregon Legislature in 1965; and getting her first political appointment, to the Marion County Boundary Commission, where she focused on land-use and city planning issues. She focuses on managing a career in law and politics while raising two young children and building a house.

She then discusses her time in the Oregon House of Representatives, from 1970 to 1976, including environmental issues such as the Bottle Bill of 1971 and recycling; education; the criminal code; taxes; attempts to make Cape Kiwanda a state park; and the Rajneeshees. Paulus goes into detail about the women's caucus and the bills they focused on for women's rights, as well as efforts to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. She describes working with Bob Smith, Paul Hanneman, Betty Roberts, Stafford Hansell, Jack Anunsen, Wally Priestly, Dick Eymann, Lynn Newbry, Glenn Jackson, Jason Boe, and Gretchen Kafoury. She also talks about being co-chair for Clay Myers' 1974 race for Oregon governor.

Paulus goes on to speak about her time as Oregon's first woman secretary of state from 1977 to 1985, including her first campaign in 1976 against Blaine Whipple; her efforts to increase voter turnout; and conducting audits, particularly of the Forestry Department. She also discusses the secretary of state's role as state archivist and the conflict between the Oregon State Archives and the Oregon Historical Society over which records belong with which institution. She also discusses working with Governor Vic Atiyeh. Paulus discusses running for governor against Neil Goldschmidt in 1986 and the challenges her campaign faced. She discusses her position on the Northwest Power Planning Council from 1987 to 1990, including working with Ted Hallock and Bob Duncan. She also discusses her position as Oregon superintendent of public instruction from 1990 to 1999, including her efforts to fund K-12 education. Paulus also relates a story about sharing an airplane with Moshe Dayan.

Paulus, Norma

Oral history interview with Norma Paulus

  • SR 9065
  • Collection
  • 1982-01-14

This oral history interview with Norma Paulus was conducted by Linda S. Dodds in the Capitol Building in Salem, Oregon, on January 14, 1982. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody.

In the interview, Paulus discusses her family background and early life, particularly how her family was affected by the Depression. She talks about leaving Nebraska for Oregon due to the Dust Bowl drought, picking hops as seasonal workers, and growing up on an oil rig in Burns, Oregon. She talks about being unable to afford college even with scholarships, working for the Harney County district attorney, and moving to Salem to work as a legal secretary. She also describes having polio at age 19. She then talks about working as a legal secretary for the Oregon Supreme Court, her involvement with the Pentacle Theatre in Salem, and her studies at Willamette University Law School. She discusses working for state Senator Wally Carson. She then talks about running for the Oregon House of Representatives in 1970 and the opposition she faced due to her gender; learning about and embracing feminism; and other women in the Legislature. She closes the interview by talking about her decision to run for Oregon secretary of state in 1976.

Paulus, Norma

Oral history interview with Noreen Saltveit McGraw

  • SR 2409
  • Collection
  • 1996-11-29 - 1996-11-29

This oral history interview with Noreen Saltveit McGraw was conducted by Jim Strassmaier on November 29, 1996, as part of the Legacy of Hope: Catholics and Social Justice Project. In this interview, McGraw discusses representing the Hmong community, with the help of Reverend Morton Parks, in a case where a baby's spinal cord had been severed during delivery. McGraw mediated the dispute over whether to continue life support.

McGraw, Noreen Saltveit, 1934-

Oral history interview with Nona E. Colley

  • SR 927
  • Collection
  • 1987-09-25

This oral history interview with Nona E. Colley was conducted by Jim Strassmaier at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on September 25, 1987. Jan Wells was also present. In this interview, Colley discusses her experience working with Amos Burg as a child and starring in his film about children in England for Encyclopedia Britannica. She talks about her long-term correspondence with Burg. She also discusses her family and life as a child in post-war Britain.

Colley, Nona E., 1938-

Oral history interview with Nicholas Schneider and Edmund Schneider

  • SR 1075
  • Collection
  • 1985-04-18 - 1985-04-25

This oral history interview with Nicholas Schneider and Edmund Schneider was conducted by Rick Harmon at the Schneiders' home in Portland, Oregon, from April 18-25, 1985. The interview was conducted in two sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on April 18, 1985, the Schneider brothers discuss their family history and early life in Portland. They speak at length about their first family home in Southeast Portland and they describe the appliances and utilities the house had in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They then describe the family home that they moved to in 1910. They also talk about the jobs they held, their education, and their recreational activities. They share their memories of Oaks Amusement Park, of the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition, and of the early Portland Rose Festival parades.

In the second interview session, conducted on April 25, 1985, the Schneider brothers continue to discuss their early life in Portland, including their recreational activities, their involvement with the Catholic Church, and their education. They also talk about their father's involvement with the Albers Brothers Milling Company. They then discuss their experiences serving in the U.S. Army during World War I. Nicholas Schneider also talks about experiencing anti-German and anti-Catholic discrimination. They close the interview by revisiting the topic of their father's involvement with the Albers Brothers Milling Company.

Schneider, Nicholas, 1892-1989

Oral history interview with Nell F. Hoak

  • SR 9449
  • Collection
  • 1980-05-07

This oral history interview with Nell F. Hoak was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at Hoak's home in Portland, Oregon, on May 7, 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, Hoak discusses her family background and early life in Imperial, Nebraska, including medicine her family used and life on a homestead with a sod house. She describes traveling by covered wagon to Siloam Springs, Arkansas. She shares her reasons for moving to Portland, Oregon, in 1919, and talks about her home and family life.

Hoak, Nell F. (Nell Florence), 1888-1984

Oral history interview with Narcissus M. Hutchinson

  • SR 9451
  • Collection
  • 1981-09-03

This oral history interview with Narcissus M. Hutchinson was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at Hutchinson's home in Portland, Oregon, on September 3, 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, Hutchinson discusses her family background and early life on Sauvie Island and in various neighborhoods of Portland, Oregon, particularly St. Johns. She talks about her education and about having future Oregon Governor Douglas McKay as a classmate. She then discusses working as a cook in a logging camp in Rainier, Oregon, in the early 1910s, and about working on ranches in Oregon and Idaho while raising a family. She closes the interview by sharing her memories of attending the dedication of the John Mock House at the time it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Hutchinson, Narcissus M. (Narcissus Marie), 1894-1988

Oral history interview with Nancy E. Stevens

  • SR 9386
  • Collection
  • 1981-01-29

This oral history interview with Nancy E. Stevens was conducted by Dale Archibald, Susan Horton, and Robert Keeler at Blue Lake Regional Park in Fairview, Oregon, on January 29, 1981. Susan Horton was also recording video at the time of the interview.

In this interview, Stevens directs a driving tour of Blue Lake Park. She uses a 1930 U.S. Geographic Survey map to point out the former locations of buildings, piers, and Native sites. She talks about her childhood on the land when it was owned by her family, including fishing in the lake and people who lived in the area. They all also discuss Multnomah County's plans for the park.

Stevens, Nancy E. (Nancy Elizabeth), 1923-2021

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 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 Monte Ballou

  • SR 9342
  • Collection
  • 1980-09-16

This oral history interview with Monte Ballou was conducted by Linda S. Dodds on September 16, 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. A transcript of the interview is available.

In this interview, Ballou discusses his family background and early life in Amity, Oregon, including his early interest in playing music, particularly the banjo and mandolin. He talks about playing in bands, particularly the Castle Jazz Band; about the music community in Oregon, particularly in Portland; and about running jazz clubs in Portland. He closes the interview by reflecting on his long career as a musician and talking about musicians he worked with.

Ballou, Monte

Oral history interview with Monroe Sweetland

  • SR 11131
  • Collection
  • 2000-03-11

This oral history interview with Monroe Sweetland was conducted by an unidentified woman on March 11, 2000. In this interview, Sweetland discusses moving to Milwaukie, Oregon, around 1949. He discusses his purchase of the Milwaukie Review newspaper, the houses he and his young family lived in, and life in the Island Station neighborhood. He talks about his children, their early education, their families, and their careers. He talks about his neighbors, including Milwaukie Mayor Joy Burges, as well as the changes in the neighborhood. He also speaks at length about growing lilacs and camellias. He talks about the livability of the Island Station neighborhood. Sweetland and the interviewer discuss the upcoming Milwaukie High School reunion. He goes on to talk about his wife, Lil Megrath, her involvement in progressive politics, and her government career. He also briefly discusses his family background. Sweetland then returns to discussing his children. He speaks at length about urban wildlife, particularly nutria, Canadian geese, and foxes, as well as Kellogg Creek in Milwaukie, particularly regarding its fish and clam populations.

Sweetland, Monroe, 1910-2006

Oral history interview with Monroe Sweetland

  • SR 11133
  • Collection
  • 2003-08-18

This oral history interview with Monroe Sweetland was conducted by John Moltman at Sweetland's home in Milwaukie, Oregon. The recording of Moltman's interview with Sweetland is incomplete. According to the audio, the interview was conducted in multiple sessions; this recording includes only one session, which was conducted on August 18, 2003. No other recordings from the interview were among those donated to the Oregon Historical Research Library in 2007.

In this interview, Sweetland discusses his involvement with the Student League for Industrial Democracy during the Depression and his parents' disapproval. He talks about meeting Lil Megrath and their subsequent marriage. He describes organizing Student L.I.D. conferences and establishing chapters across the country. He talks about advocating for civil rights and the opposition he faced, particularly in the South. He also talks about socialism and how it differs from communism, as well as the growing socialist movement among students and labor during the 1930s. He discusses his involvement with the Socialist Party, including his friendship with Socialist Party leader Norman Thomas, and the socialist underpinnings of the New Deal. He gives a brief history of the evolution of the Democratic and Republican parties over the 20th century, and of progressive political movements. He shares anecdotes about his activities with the Student L.I.D., including participating in sit-down strikes and being arrested.

Sweetland, Monroe, 1910-2006

Oral history interview with Monroe and Lil Sweetland

  • SR 1129
  • Collection
  • 1976-08-17

This oral history interview with Monroe and Lil Sweetland was conducted by their daughter, Barbara Sweetland, on August 17, 1976. In this interview, the Sweetlands discusses their college experiences. Monroe Sweetland talks about attending Cornell University and Syracuse Law School in New York. Lil Sweetland discusses attending Smith College in Massachusetts. They both discuss meeting through their political activism while in New York; their reasons for being anti-war during the lead-up to World War II; and their involvement with the Socialist Party.

Sweetland, Monroe, 1910-2006

Oral history interview with Mira H. Ehrman

  • SR 9434
  • Collection
  • 1976-01-20

This oral history interview with Mira H. Ehrman was conducted by Charles Digregorio at Ehrman's home in Portland, Oregon, on January 20, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Ehrman discusses her involvement with the Oregon Social Hygiene Society, the Mental Hygiene Society, the Fruit and Flower Mission, the Portland Symphony, Catlin Gabel School, and other organizations. She also talks about her early life in the San Francisco Bay Area, including her education at the University of California at Berkeley, her experience during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and her work at a medical clinic. She discusses fundraising for the various civic organizations she was involved in, talks about awards she received, and shares her knowledge about Portland Mayor William Spencer Mason. She speaks at length about her involvement with the USO and also describes her work organizing 500 women volunteers during World War II.

Ehrman, Mira H. (Mira Harris), 1892-1982

Oral history interview with Milton W. Wilson

  • SR 9330
  • Collection
  • 1978-05-25

This oral history interview with Milton W. Wilson was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on May 25, 1978, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Wilson discusses his early interest in art. He talks about studying art at the Museum Art School in Portland. He speaks about his career as an artist in Portland and in San Francisco, his art style, and his artistic process. He also talks about struggling with alcoholism, selling his art through galleries, and the art community in Portland.

Wilson, Milton, 1923-2004

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