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Oral history interview with Amy R. Gill

This oral history interview with Amy R. Gill was conducted by Gail H. Evans at Gill's home in Portland, Oregon, in two sessions, on December 7 and December 14, 1978, as part of the Portland Neighborhood History Project. The project was conducted by Portland Parks and Recreation in the late 1970s, and consisted of interviews with people who moved to or lived in the Portland metropolitan area from the early to mid-1900s.

In the first interview session, Gill discusses her early life in the King's Hill and Portland Heights neighborhoods of Portland. She describes her childhood recreational activities, talks about people who lived in the neighborhood, and discusses daily life in the early 20th century. She shares her school experiences at Portland Academy and at St. Helen's Hall. She describes landmarks, houses, and businesses in the neighborhoods.

In the second interview session, Gill continues to discuss her early life in the King's Hill and Portland Heights neighborhoods. She continues to describe houses, businesses, and landmarks in the neighborhoods, and to talk about the people who lived in the area. She also talks about her family's British and Welsh background and shares her memories of the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition. She discusses her family's involvement with the Episcopal Church and with the British Benevolent Society. She closes the interview by looking at a historical map of Portland and identifying the locations of the places she talked about.

Gill, Amy R. (Amy Robinson), 1898-1995

Oral history interview with Maurine Neuberger

  • SR 9037
  • Collection
  • 1978-12-15

This oral history interview with Maurine Neuberger was conducted by Cynthia Harrison in Portland, Oregon, on December 15, 1978. A portion of the audio recording was accidentally erased circa 1980 during transcription. The missing portion of the audio was transcribed before it was erased, and the contents are reflected in an incomplete transcript of the interview.

In the interview, Neuberger discusses her legislative record on women's rights, including the Equal Pay Act of 1963, tax deductions for child care expenses, and the Equal Rights Amendment. She also discusses serving on the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women and the report it produced, particularly regarding the issue of reproductive rights. She talks about working with presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson; voting to include the word "sex" in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act; and serving on the Citizens' Advisory Council on the Status of Women. She closes the interview by discussing the Senate Commerce Committee, which she did not serve on.

Neuberger, Maurine B. (Maurine Brown), 1907-2000

Oral history interview with Edith Green

  • SR 9036
  • Collection
  • 1978-12-18

This oral history interview with Edith Green was conducted by Cynthia Harrison in Portland, Oregon, on December 18, 1978. In this interview, Green discusses her legislative record on women's rights, including the equal pay act of 1963, Title IX, and the Equal Rights Amendment. She speaks about the opposition such legislation faced and how public opinion regarding women's rights has changed over time. She also discusses serving on the Commission on the Status of Women and the report that commission produced. She talks about her impression of the respect for women held by presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. She discusses her efforts toward greater access to loans for higher education and the way that has helped foster the progress of women's rights. She closes the interview by discussing her effort to open the Job Corps program to women.

Green, Edith, 1910-1987

Oral history interview with Gerry Pratt

  • SR 9
  • Collection
  • 1979-01-29

This oral history interview with Gerry Pratt was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the offices of the Fred Meyer Savings and Loan Association in Portland, Oregon, on January 29, 1979.

In this interview, Pratt tells stories about his family background and early life in Vancouver, Canada, including his education and his summer jobs. He talks about beginning his career in journalism at the Canadian Press, the Vancouver Sun, and the Toronto Telegram. He then discusses his career in journalism at the Oregonian newspaper and working as business editor. He speaks at length about his friendship with Fred G. Meyer. He describes his work as the president of Fred Meyer Savings and Loan, and the ways in which the banking field is changing. He also discusses his career as a television journalist. He closes the interview by talking about his plans for the future.

Pratt, Gerry

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 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 Hilde Schmoll

  • SR 9499
  • Collection
  • 1979-03-26

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

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

Schmoll, Hilde, 1904-1999

Oral history interview with 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 Mark Bocek

  • SR 813
  • Collection
  • 1979-04-21

This oral history interview with Mark Bocek was conducted by Jim Strassmaier on April 21, 1979. Bocek's daughter, Rose Mary Bocek, also contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Bocek discusses his family background and early life in Poland. He talks about immigrating to the United States in 1905 and describes his experience as an immigrant in Pennsylvania and New York, including the jobs he worked. He talks about serving in the U.S. Army beginning in 1909, and describes spending 18 months stationed in the Philippines and playing clarinet in the Army band. Bocek and Strassmaier also talk about some photographs of Bocek's time in the U.S. Army. He briefly discusses his marriage to Rose White in 1914; his activities in the Army after returning from the Philippines in 1912; and settling in Portland, Oregon. He talks about his education in Poland, the jobs he held in Portland, including during the Depression, and building engines for Liberty ships during World War II. He then talks about his children, their families, and their careers. Bocek and Rose Mary Bocek also share their memories of the Tillamook Burn. Bocek closes the interview by discussing the dedication necessary to learn how to play an instrument.

Bocek, Mark, 1887-1984

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 Lew Cook

  • SR 9338
  • Collection
  • 1979-06-20 - 1979-06-26

This oral history interview with Lew Cook was conducted by Martha Gies in two sessions on June 20 and June 26, 1979. A transcript is available.

In the first interview session, conducted on June 20, 1979, Cook discusses the difficulty of safely storing nitrate film, which can spontaneously combust, and talks about his plans to hold a nitrate-burning bonfire event. He discusses his early life in Portland, Oregon, including how he became interested in film. He talks about spending time at Portland's Film Row in the early 1920s; about how he got his first camera at age 10; and about people he worked with in Portland's early film industry, including Jesse Sill and Claude Palmer. He describes running his own business, in which he traveled with projectors to show films in towns around Oregon, and discusses his involvement with the Oregon Camera Club.

In the second interview session, conducted on June 26, 1979, Cook speaks further about his early life in Portland and discusses his family background. He talks more about Portland's Film Row, including the reasons why the business moved to Gresham around 1928. He further discusses traveling with projectors to play films in towns around Oregon, and talks about films he made, particularly a film about a cute baby contest.

Cook, Lewis Clark, 1909-1983

Oral history interview with Sister Mary Emerentia

  • SR 9011
  • Collection
  • 1979-06-29

This oral history interview with Sister Mary Emerentia was conducted by Roberta Watts at the Marylhurst Education Center in Portland, Oregon, on June 29, 1979, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Sister Mary Emerentia discusses her life as a Catholic nun with the Sisters of the Holy Names in Portland, Oregon. She shares her reasons for becoming a nun, and speaks at length about playing and teaching the harp. She talks briefly about the history of Marylhurst College, and closes the interview by discussing her fellow teachers.

Mary Emerentia, Sister, 1897-1996

Oral history interview with Henry E. Haefner

  • SR 9235
  • Collection
  • 1979-07-09

This oral history interview with Henry E. Haefner was conducted by Charles Digregorio at Haefner's home in Portland, Oregon, on July 9, 1979, as part of the Oregon Historical Society's oral history program.

In this interview, Haefner discusses his experiences as a forest ranger in the Siskiyou National Forest from 1909 to 1925. He describes traversing the forest on foot and horseback before roads were built and speaks at length about fighting fires in the forest with early 20th century equipment. He shares his thoughts about changes in forest management over the 20th century, and about changes in public opinion regarding forest fires and environmental conservation. He closes the interview by talking about clear-cutting.

Haefner, Henry E. (Henry Earl), 1884-1980

Oral history interview with Charles L. Hayward

  • SR 9580
  • Collection
  • 1979-12-05

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

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

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

Oral history interview with Kirby Ross

  • SR 18
  • Collection
  • 1979-12-20

This oral history interview with Kirby Ross was conducted by Charles Pavlovich on December 20, 1979. Ross' son, Kenneth Nelson Ross, and a person identified only as Mr. Johnson were also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Ross discusses his service in the U.S. Army in France and Germany during World War I, including capturing enemy soldiers, retrieving bodies of fallen Allied soldiers, and fighting in the trenches. He also talks about where he was during the signing of the armistice. He then talks about his civilian life and serving in the Oregon National Guard before the start of World War I, including being deployed to disrupt efforts by the International Workers of the World to unionize agricultural workers. He then revisits the topic of his service in the U.S. Army in France and Germany during World War I, and describes at length his experiences on the front lines. He closes the interview by discussing where to donate the oral history interview and related materials.

Ross, Kirby S. (Kirby Stewart), 1893-1984

Portland Neighborhood History Project

  • Mss 2577-SR
  • Collection
  • 1976-1979

The Portland Neighborhood History Project was one of the first extensive oral history projects in Oregon. In the late 1970s, the Parks Department recruited volunteers to interview elders in their own neighborhoods in order to gather first hand accounts of the history and development of the various neighborhoods in Portland. The interviews were later donated to the Oregon Historical Society.

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 Reverend Paul S. Wright

  • SR 9205
  • Collection
  • 1980-01-17

This oral history interview with Reverend Paul S. Wright was conducted by E. Paul Hovey at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, on January 17, 1980. In this interview, Wright discusses his family background and early life as the child of missionaries in Persia, which is now known as Iran. He also talks about the political situation in Iran at the time of the interview in 1980. He briefly talks about his service in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in France during World War I, then discusses his reasons for attending McCormick Seminary. He talks about serving as a Presbyterian minister in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Oklahoma. He then speaks about serving as minister at the First Presbyterian Church in Portland, including the acquisition of the land for the Menucha Retreat and Conference Center. He describes his service as moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, including his work on behalf of refugees. He closes the interview by talking about books he wrote and his involvement with Lewis and Clark College, and he shares his thoughts about the future of the Presbyterian Church.

Wright, Paul S.

Oral history interview with Howard C. Stearns

  • SR 460
  • Collection
  • 1980-01-21 - 1980-01-23

This oral history interview with Howard C. Stearns was conducted by Leon Speroff from January 21-23, 1980. The interview was conducted in two sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on January 21, 1980, Stearns discusses his career as a member of the University of Oregon Medical School faculty, including other members of the faculty, running his own medical practice on the side, and his promotion to department chair in 1945. He also talks about his reasons for leaving the university in 1957. He then discusses his family background and early life in Portland, Oregon; his service in the Merchant Marines during World War I; and his experience studying entomology at Oregon State University, and medicine at the University of Oregon Medical School. He talks about practicing obstetrics and gynecology and describes some of the common procedures he conducted, including some graphic descriptions of childbirth.

In the second interview session, conducted on January 23, 1980, Stearns continues to discuss practicing obstetrics and gynecology. He talks about his service as chair of the of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Oregon Medical School. He then discusses his children, their careers, and their families. He closes the interview by talking about his involvement with Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland and teaching obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Oregon Medical School.

Stearns, Howard C. (Howard Cecil), 1900-1985

Oral history interview with Reverend John T. Conner

  • SR 9204
  • Collection
  • 1980-01-24

This oral history interview with Reverend John T. Conner was conducted by E. Paul Hovey in Portland, Oregon, on January 24, 1980. In this interview, Conner discusses his family background and early life on a farm in Iowa. He talks about his reasons for entering the Presbyterian clergy and about his education at McCormick Seminary. He shares his experiences serving as a pastor and starting a family in Detroit, Michigan, then serving as a minister in New Mexico. He then talks about moving to Oregon and serving as a campus minister at Westminster House at Oregon State University. He speaks at length about his experience as moderator of the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church, and also discusses his work relating to world hunger and world peace. He also talks about his recent heart surgery. He closes the interview by sharing his thoughts about the future of the United Presbyterian Church.

Conner, John T., 1927-

Oral history interview with Elisabeth Walton Potter

  • SR 9313
  • Collection
  • 1980-01-25

This oral history interview with Elisabeth Walton Potter was conducted by Linda S. Dodds in Salem, Oregon, on January 25, 1980, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody.

In this interview, Potter discusses her education in art and architecture history at the University of Oregon and Penn State, and talks about some of her professors. She speaks about the origins of her interest in historic preservation, describes her training in public history, and talks about organizations related to historic preservation. She also talks about educational opportunities in public history in Oregon. She discusses her thesis on the topic of Methodist missionary architecture; talks about working as Oregon's first park historian; and speaks at length about her work with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office and the National Register of Historic Places. She describes the process of nominating places for the register and talks about the many sites that she added during her tenure as coordinator of the National Register for the State Historic Preservation Office. She speaks about local preservation ordinances in Oregon and other states. She closes the interview by talking about the future of the register.

Potter, Elisabeth Walton, 1939-

Karen Beck Skold dissertation papers and interviews

  • Mss 1803
  • Collection
  • 1941-1980

This collection consists of papers and interviews gathered by Karen Beck Skold during research for her 1981 Ph.D. dissertation in sociology at the University of Oregon, entitled "Women Workers and Child Care During World War II: A Case Study of the Portland, Oregon Shipyards."

Digitized materials available online in OHS Digital Collections consist of 26 audio recordings of interviews that Skold conducted with people, predominantly women, who worked at shipyards and in child care in the Portland, Oregon, area during World War II. Most of the people Skold interviewed worked at the Kaiser shipyards, including the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation yard. A few were employed at Albina Engine Machine Works and Commercial Iron Works; one interviewee worked at the Tacoma-Seattle Shipbuilding Corporation in Washington. The interviewees were primarily welders, ship fitters, and drivers, but also include women who worked as teachers and nurses at child care centers in the shipyards or in war housing projects. Transcripts are available for many interviews, but not all transcripts are complete; only completed transcripts are available online. Also digitized and available online is a recording of a 1980 presentation that Skold delivered in Alameda County, California, titled "The Politics of Child Care during World War II: The Case of the Kaiser Child Service Centers."

Undigitized materials available for use at the Oregon Historical Society Research Library include photocopied reports and articles, mostly regarding children's services in Portland, as well as racism and sex segregation in the shipyards; newspaper clippings regarding Skold's research, 1975-1976; correspondence with sources, 1975-1976; biographical information about women who worked in shipyard child care centers, 1975; minutes of the Women's Advisory Committee, 1943; and a 1941 union agreement between the American Federation of Labor and the Pacific Shipbuilders.

Skold, Karen Beck

Oral history interview with Malcolm H. Clark, Jr.

  • SR 9366
  • Collection
  • 1980-02-07

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.

Clark, Malcolm, 1917-

Oral history interview with Leo F. Simon

  • SR 9503
  • Collection
  • 1980-02-07

This oral history interview with Leo F. Simon was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on February 7, 1980, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody.

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

Simon, Leo, 1891-1986

Oral history interview with Don G. Berry

  • SR 9414
  • Collection
  • 1980-02-11

This oral history interview with Don G. Berry was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at Berry's home on Vashon Island, Washington, on February 11, 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, Berry discusses and plays Zimbabwean music on an mbira, also known as a thumb piano. He speaks about his spirituality and shares thoughts on Eastern philosophies. He also discusses his experiences at Reed College from 1949 to 1951. He speaks about writing historical novels, as well as the reasons why he stopped writing fiction. He discusses writing as an art form, and talks about his other work as an artist, including film and bronze sculpture. He talks about the benefits and drawbacks of life in individualistic and communal societies; shares his thoughts about the future of computers, particularly for use in writing and music; and speaks at length about his feminism and support for the women's movement. He closes the interview by talking about how he developed his interests.

Berry, Don

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 Ruth McBride Powers

  • SR 9314
  • Collection
  • 1980-02-25

This oral history interview with Ruth McBride Powers was conducted by Margot Riordan-Eva in Oregon City, Oregon, on February 25, 1980. At the time of the interview, Riordan-Eva's name was Margot C. Vaughan.

In this interview, Powers discusses her work restoring historic buildings in Oregon, talks about articles she wrote on the subject, and speaks at length about collecting and preserving early Oregonian furniture. She closes the interview by sharing advice for future historic preservationists.

Powers, Ruth McBride, 1903-1995

Oral history interview with Agnes Barchus

  • SR 9407
  • Collection
  • 1980-03-03

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."

Barchus, Agnes, 1893-1983

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