This oral history interview with Forrest T. Berg was conducted by Charles Digregorio on November 6, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Berg discusses his family background and early life in the San Francisco Bay Area, including his experiences working in department stores in San Francisco. He talks about moving to Portland, Oregon, in the 1920s to work for his father's clothing store, the Charles F. Berg Company. He also briefly talks about the career of his half-sister, Caroline Berg. He describes building the Chumley clothing line for women, talks about marketing the Charles F. Berg clothing store, and discusses how the clothing retail industry changed over the 20th century. He talks about his involvement with several civic organizations, including the Portland Chamber of Commerce and the Boys Club of America. He closes the interview by discussing the construction of the Timberline Lodge.

This oral history interview with Robert A. Benz was conducted by Jacob Cohen in Portland, Oregon, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. The interview was conducted in two sessions, on February 27 and May 30, 1980. An unidentified woman was also present. On the original cassettes, the recording speed increases throughout the first interview session. In this digitized version of the recording, the audio has been edited to adjust the speed.

In the first interview session, conducted on February 27, 1980, Benz describes how Benz Spring got its name and gives directions to the spring. He speaks about the history of his family's spring-manufacturing company, the Benz Spring Company. He talks about the uses for the company's springs, about the manufacturing process, and about the company's other products and patents. He also talks about a spring he donated to the Oregon Historical Society. He then discusses his family background. He talks about the Benz Spring Company's competition with the Laher Company, which also manufactured springs.

In the second interview session, conducted on May 30, 1980, Benz speaks further about Benz Spring, and continues to discuss the history of the Benz Spring Company. He talks about the company's products, including logging trailer springs and leaf springs; speaks again about a spring he donated to the Oregon Historical Society; and describes the power sources the company used for its manufacturing processes. He then speaks further about his family background and talks about his service in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He closes the interview by discussing the growth of the Benz Spring Company.

This oral history interview with David E. Becker was conducted by Charles Digregorio on August 11, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Becker discusses his family background, and particularly talks about the life and career of his father, Ray F. Becker. He discusses the family steel fabrication business, the Ray F. Becker Company, and talks about how the business changed over the 20th century.

This oral history interview with Agnes Barchus was conducted by Karen A. Reyes at Barchus' home in Portland, Oregon, on March 3, 1980. In this interview, Barchus discusses the art career of her mother, Eliza R. Barchus, including her exhibits at the Portland Hotel and the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition in Portland, as well as her innovation of selling prints of her paintings on postcards. Barchus also shares her memories of the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition, describing many of the buildings and exhibits in detail. She describes some of the houses that her mother built in Portland, her mother's practice of paying her bills in trade, and her mother's efforts to save several boxwood trees from a construction project. She talks about the renewed interest in her mother's artwork after Eliza Barchus' death in 1959, exhibitions of her mother's work in the 1960s and 1970s, and the passage of a resolution naming Eliza Barchus "The Oregon Artist."

This oral history interview with Forrest E. Balliet was conducted by Roberta Watts in Portland, Oregon, on March 2, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. An unidentified woman was also present.

In this interview, Balliet discusses his family background and early life with his grandmother near Talent, Oregon, and in Ashland, Oregon. He describes his work history in Montana, Missouri, Washington, Utah, Oregon, and California, including sheep ranching, mule driving, and seasonal farm work. He discusses living in rooming houses in downtown Portland and describes the city in the late 1910s, and also talks about staying in shelters run by the Salvation Army. He shares his experiences in the U.S. Army in France during World War I.

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

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

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

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

This oral history interview with Henry C. C. Stevens was conducted by Charles Digregorio on January 5, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. An incomplete transcript is also available, and includes an addendum provided by Stevens after the interview.

In this interview, Stevens discusses his family background and early life in the Nob Hill neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. He talks about the people who lived in the neighborhood, about the businesses and schools in the area, and about his experience with childhood diseases. He speaks about his education at Portland Academy, including his teachers and classmates. He shares his memories of the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition. He talks about his service in the U.S. military during World War I, shares his reasons for not completing college, and speaks about his career in the insurance business.

This oral history interview with Emily N. Cameron was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on August 6, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. A man identified only as Mr. Stevens was also present.

In this interview, Cameron discusses her family background and early life in the Portland Heights neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, including her family's role in the founding of the Waverley Country Club, and swimming in the Willamette River. She speaks at length about the lives of her grandparents and parents, describes the people and businesses in Portland Heights, and talks about traveling to the East Coast to visit family.

This oral history interview with Rhoda R. Madden was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on November 9, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Madden discusses her family background and early life in Portland. She talks about her recreational activities during her teens and 20s in the early 20th century, particularly camping. She discusses her involvement with the Portland Town Club, talks about running a dance school, and describes attending parties held by wealthy Portland residents.

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

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

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

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

This oral history interview with L. Raphael Geisler was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on June 10, 1976. In this interview, Geisler discusses his family background and early life in the Portland Heights neighborhood of Portland. He also briefly shares his memories of the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition.

Geisler discusses his experience as vice-consul to Cologne, Germany, and to Zurich, Switzerland, during World War I. He then speaks briefly about his career in banking after the war until the Depression, and then working as a patent lawyer in Portland. He discusses his involvement with Trinity Episcopal Church, including his memories of the 1902 fire that destroyed its original building on SW Sixth Avenue and SW Oak Street in downtown Portland. He closes the interview by speaking briefly about his parents.

This oral history interview with Virginia M. Kletzer was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on March 30, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. Roy Feldenheimer and Henry C.C. Stevens were also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Kletzer discusses her education at the Portland Academy, a private high school that operated from 1889 to 1916 and was located at SW 13th Avenue and SW Montgomery Street, in Portland, Oregon. She describes the curriculum of the school and talks about her teachers and classmates. She then speaks about her involvement with the Parent Teacher Association and the Oregon division of the American Cancer Society. She shares her memories of attending the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition and of spending a summer at the Cloud Cap Inn in 1910 with Portland Academy staff. She closes the interview by talking about her marriage to William Kletzer and raising a family on a ranch on the Jesse Applegate donation land claim.

This oral history interview with sisters Frances S. Charlton and Mary H. Clair was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on February 2, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Charlton and Clair discuss their early life living with their grandparents in the King's Hill neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. They describe the house they lived in, talk about other families in the neighborhood, and discuss the manners and customs of wealthy people in early 20th-century Portland. They talk about spending summers in Ocean Beach, Washington, and winters in Santa Barbara, California. They also share their experiences during the 1918 flu pandemic. They talk about their education and lessons, about their leisure activities, and about businesses in the neighborhood.

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.

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.

This oral history interview with Alfred Powers was conducted at Powers' home in Portland, Oregon, by Linda S. Dodds from February 22 to March 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. The interview was conducted in three sessions. Molly Powers was also present during the interview.

In the first interview session, conducted on February 22, 1980, Powers discusses his college education at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Oregon, particularly his experiences studying Greek and English. He briefly outlines his career as a high school teacher, and as a University of Oregon professor and dean of the extension division. He speaks about serving as director of the Federal Writers Project in Oregon, and talks about writers he worked with. He discusses his affiliation with the Oregon Historical Society and speaks at length about his work as editor of the Oregon Historical Quarterly.

In the second interview session, conducted on February 28, 1980, Powers speaks further about authors he worked with while director of the Federal Writers Project in Oregon. He speaks about writing the book "History of Oregon Literature," and about working as an editor with the publisher Binford & Mort. He speaks about people he worked with at the University of Oregon, particularly University President Prince Lucien Campbell.

In the third and final interview session, conducted on March 7, 1980, Powers speaks at length about Oregon authors with whom he was acquainted. He also talks about writing a column for the Oregon Journal newspaper. He discusses his interest in book collecting and talks about his personal library. He closes the interview by talking about how the writing style of Oregon authors changed over the 20th century.

This oral history interview with Malcolm H. Clark, Jr., was conducted by Linda S. Dodds in Portland, Oregon, on February 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, Clark discusses his family background. He talks about his early education in Portland, and about his early interest in writing. He briefly describes his college experience, talks about dropping out to begin a career as a writer, and shares his memories of living in San Francisco, California, and in several towns in Mexico during the Depression. He also talks about working in a lumber camp during World War II. He discusses his career as a writer, beginning with submitting short stories to magazines, and later as an author of books on Oregon history. He speaks at length about his work to edit and publish the diary of Judge Matthew P. Deady.

This oral history interview with Henry C. Tobin was conducted by Ron Shay on January 25, 1968. In this interview, Tobin discusses his early life in the area of Fort Stevens, Oregon, between 1903 and 1905. He describes the landscape and surrounding towns, speaks at length about fishing in the Columbia River, and discusses hunting birds in the area. He also shares an anecdote about an arsonist in the Fort Stevens area around 1905. He briefly describes his travels with the U.S. Army as a major in the cavalry, shares his reasons for retiring in 1929, and talks about returning to Oregon in 1932. He closes the interview by discussing the changes to Fort Stevens over the 20th century.

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.

This oral history interview with Ann Mary Bohrer was conducted by Patricia Keith at the Troutdale Airport in Troutdale, Oregon, on May 12, 1980, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Bohrer discusses her early interest in aviation, and that of her brother, Walt Bohrer, including hanging out at the Vancouver Airport and taking flying lessons in Portland from Tex Rankin and Hans Mirow. She shares her experiences as a woman pilot trainee in the 1920s and 1930s. She talks about doing stunt flying, about doing parachute jumps, and about close calls she experienced while flying. She closes the interview by discussing the changes in planes during her time as an aviator.

This oral history interview with Kenny Moore was conducted by Linda S. Dodds in Eugene, Oregon, on July 9, 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.

In this interview, Moore discusses his participation in track and field sports under coach Bob Newland at North Eugene High School, and talks about several of his teammates. He then talks about his participation in track and field sports under coach Bill Bowerman at the University of Oregon. He describes his training, talks about Bowerman's shoe design experiments, and shares his memories of racing at UO. He also talks about studying philosophy in college. He then speaks at length about his experiences as a marathon runner for the U.S. team at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics. He also talks about his opposition to the Vietnam War and his experience of getting drafted between the years he ran in the Olympics. He shares his memories of the U.S. team's reaction to the terrorist attack on the Israeli Olympic team in 1972, known as the Munich Massacre. He shares his reasons for retiring from track and field sports and speaks about his career as a journalist for Sports Illustrated. He closes the interview by talking about co-writing a screenplay for and acting in the 1982 movie "Personal Best."

This oral history interview with Bill Bowerman was conducted by Linda S. Dodds in Eugene, Oregon, on September 17, 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, Bowerman discusses his family background and early life in Fossil and Medford, Oregon, including playing football in high school. He talks about his experiences at the University of Oregon during the Depression, about working as a football and track coach at Medford High School, and about the coaching techniques of UO track coach Bill Hayward. He speaks at length about his career as track coach at University of Oregon from 1948 to 1973. He talks about technological advances in track equipment and about the running track at the university. He describes his introduction to jogging while in New Zealand, talks about introducing the sport to the U.S., and discusses developing running shoes for his athletes. He briefly shares his experiences as coach for the 1972 U.S. Olympic track team. He talks about working with the Amateur Athletics Union, about several athletes he trained, and about his retirement activities, including his continued involvement with Nike, Inc. He closes the interview by reflecting on his career.

This oral history interview with Mayo Rae Roy was conducted by Linda S. Dodds in Lake Oswego, Oregon, on September 10, 1981. At the time of the interview, Dodds's name was Linda S. Brody.

In this interview, Roy discusses her early life in Portland, Oregon, including her early interest in table tennis. She talks about her career as a table tennis player, including her equipment and playing technique. She talks about tournaments she played in, including one in Japan just before the beginning of World War II. She closes the interview by speaking about her final tournament in 1952 and talking about how the sport changed.

This oral history interview with Howard Hobson was conducted by Linda S. Dodds from June 28 to July 2, 1982, at Hobson's home in Portland, Oregon. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody.

In this interview, Hobson discusses his early life in Portland, including his interest in athletics. He talks about attending the University of Oregon, particularly his involvement in college sports. He discusses studying at Columbia University in New York, New York, including his social life, playing local sports, and returning to Portland. He speaks at length about his career as a college football, baseball and basketball coach, particularly at the University of Oregon. He also briefly talks about his reasons for leaving Oregon to coach at Yale University, his work on the Olympic committee, and working for Ronald Press Publishing Company in New York. He closes the interview by discussing changes in the game of basketball, his writing projects, and awards he has received.

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.

This oral history interview with Ethel L. Vaughters was conducted by her son, Robert Vaughters, at Ethel L. Vaughters' home in the summer of 1981. The interview was conducted in four sessions on two audiocassettes. These recordings are duplicates on four audiocassettes which were created in October 1988.

In the first interview session, Vaughters discusses her family background and early life in Chicago, Illinois, and in Portland, Oregon, including the origins of her name; her childhood home; and her early education. She also talks about the health of her parents and siblings, her first jobs, and the fashion she wore. She talks about childhood games and recreation.

In the second interview session, conducted on July 3, 1981, Vaughters continues discussing her early life in Portland, including her memories of civilian activities during World War I, radio programs her family listened to, and her neighborhood. She also talks about her social life. She briefly discusses her marriage to an unidentified man and their divorce a few years later. She talks about returning home to Portland with a young child and about the jobs she worked. She then speaks about her marriage to Richard Flowers Vaughters in 1931 and the death of his parents the same year.

In the third interview session, Vaughters continues discussing her marriage to Richard Flowers Vaughters in 1931 and the death of his parents the same year. She talks about their experience during the Depression, including Richard F. Vaughters' work at Oregon fish hatcheries in Scio, Roaring River, and Hebo. She speaks at length about raising a family in these towns. She also talks about managing her household.

In the fourth and final interview session, Vaughters discusses Richard F. Vaughters' work at the fish hatchery in Hebo, Oregon. She talks about raising a family there and about crabbing in Sand Lake. She talks about relocating her family to Portland in the early 1940s and about the death of her parents shortly thereafter. She describes rationing during World War II and her children's education and recreational activities.