This interview with Thomas Mercer was conducted circa 1976. In the interview, Mercer, who was running against Al Ullman, discusses his current campaign for a seat in the Oregon House of Representatives. He also discusses his heart issues and how they have affected his career; gun control; and health care. In addition to the interview, there is a recording of a question-and-answer session with Mercer and voters during his campaign. In the session, Mercer addresses questions regarding abortion and taxation.

Also on the audiocassettes with the Mercer interview is a speech delivered by an unidentified man circa 1977, regarding his experience in the Oregon Legislature, and a discussion held in Salem, Oregon, also circa 1977. The speakers in the discussion include Robert Marx, Anthony Meeker, Margaret Dereli, Mae Yih, Bill Rutherford, Wally Carson, Ken Jernstedt, Tony Van Vliet, and other unidentified legislators. Topics include municipal-, county-, and state-level taxation; revenue sharing; correctional institutions; SB 100 and land use planning; and energy conservation. It is unknown what, if any, relationship these recordings have to the Mercer interview.

This oral history interview with Fred C. Baker was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on January 19, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Baker discusses his career as a lighting designer in Portland, Oregon. He talks about his association with architect A.E. Doyle, discusses his work for the Pittock Mansion, and describes his design and manufacturing process. He speaks at length about how lighting designs changed as electricity became widespread and as light bulbs became more powerful.

This oral history interview with Edith F. Essex was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on January 25, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. Henry C. C. Stevens was also present.

In this interview, Essex discusses her involvement as an actor with the Portland Civic Theater beginning around 1939. She talks about writing and directing children's plays, and about teaching children to act. She talks about her acting method, about plays she acted in or directed, and about actors she worked with, including Frank Branch Riley.

This oral history interview with Margaret B. Krausse was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on January 26, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. Hildreth H. Lupton was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Lupton reads from Krausse's memoir. Krausse then discusses her family background and early life in the King's Hill area in the Goose Hollow neighborhood of Portland. She also talks about spending summers in Long Beach, Washington.

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 Sidney Teiser was conducted by Charles Digregorio at Teiser's home in Portland, Oregon, on February 3, 1977, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Teiser discusses his family background and early life in Virginia, including his experience of being raised by relatives. He speaks about studying law at the University of Virginia and shares his reasons for moving to Portland, Oregon, in 1911. He talks about practicing law in Portland, about cases he has worked on, and about why he enjoys his career as a lawyer. He shares his experiences as a Jew in Portland in the early 20th century, talks about racism in the American Bar Association (ABA), and discusses his work as a historian and author. He talks about founding the Scribes branch of the ABA, also called the American Society of Writers on Legal Subjects, and shares his thoughts about the way lawyers tend to write.

This oral history interview with Stuart R. Kerr was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on February 14, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Kerr discusses his family background and early life in Portland. He speaks at length about the history of his family's fruit conservation business, Kerr Fruit Concentrates, Inc. He talks about his father's role in the business, about running the business after 1941, and about competition in the wholesale grocery industry. He also discusses his involvement with the Mazamas, a mountaineering organization; childhood vacations with his family; and traveling after college.

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 Charles H. Heltzel was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on March 2, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. A transcript is available.

In this interview, Heltzel discusses his family background, particularly the legal and political career of his father, James Garfield Heltzel. He talks about his early life in Salem, Oregon, including his experiences during the Depression. He then speaks about his career as a lawyer in Salem, and about the civic organizations he was involved with, including the Salem Symphony and Salem Memorial Hospital. He talks about practicing law in Washington, D.C., during the late 1950s, and compares his experiences there with his experiences in Salem. He then discusses his work as public utilities commissioner of Oregon in the 1950s. He shares his thoughts on the future of energy, and talks about his accomplishments while serving on the Salem City Council. He closes the interview by talking about his wife, Muriel Heltzel, about her family background, and about her involvement in civic organizations.

This oral history interview with Francis J. Heitkemper was conducted by Charles Digregorio in Portland, Oregon, on March 22, 1977, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Heitkemper speaks at length about his family background and describes how his grandparents came to Portland in the 19th century. He talks about the history of the family business, the Heitkemper Jewelry Store, discusses operating the store during the mid-20th century, and speaks about the types of merchandise the store sold.

This oral history interview with William C. Ralston was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on March 25, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Ralston discusses his family background and early life in the Goose Hollow neighborhood of Portland. He talks about a hospital and businesses in the neighborhood. He discusses his work in the district attorney's office in Portland, and talks about cases he worked on, including a case involving an orca, dubbed "Ethelbert," that swam up the Columbia River and lingered near Portland until it was killed by a former whaler, Edward Lessard, and his son, Joseph Lessard. Ralston closes the interview by talking about serving as a commander of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp during the Depression.

This oral history interview with Ellen B. Berry was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on March 28, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. Berry's daughter, Ellen Bowman Martin, and son-in-law, Samuel H. Martin, were also present.

In this interview, Berry discusses the life of her first husband, John Linden Bowman, including their marriage, their family, and his death in 1928. She talks about Bowman's clothing business, which she later ran. She closes the interview by sharing memories of the area around the Arrah Wanna Hotel in Wemme, Oregon, which Bowman owned in the early 20th century.

This oral history interview with Gretchen Brown was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on April 12, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Brown discusses the 1858 overland journey from Ontario, Canada, to Salem, Oregon, of her father, James Charles Brown. She talks about her father's hardware store, about her early life, and about the Chinese and Native communities in Salem. She briefly talks about her career as a teacher, and closes the interview by discussing the life and legal career of her husband, McDannell Brown.

This oral history interview with Alice C. Rockey was conducted by Charles Digregorio in Portland, Oregon, on April 19, 1977, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Rockey speaks at length about the life and career of her father, Charles Henry Carey, a Portland lawyer and historian. She talks about her early life in the Riverdale neighborhood of Portland, including her education, her social life, and her recreational activities. She also discusses her marriage to Eugene W. Rockey, and her involvement with the Portland Junior League.

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

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

This oral history interview with Mary E. Blossom was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on May 10, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Blossom discusses her family background and early life in the Nob Hill neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. She describes the use and appearance of calling cards and speaks at length about prominent people and families who lived in Portland during the early 20th century. She also talks about her career as a librarian for the Multnomah County Public Library.

This oral history interview with Virginia G. Davis was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon on May 26, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Davis discusses her family background, particularly the life and career of her mother, Page Morris Gilbert, and talks about her early life in the Dunthorpe neighborhood of Portland. She also discusses the family background of her husband, Nelson Bennett Davis. She speaks about how their families were acquainted with prominent Portland families and about their involvement in the timber industry. She talks about the music career of her brother, Giles Gilbert, aka Gilles Guilbert, and closes the interview by discussing her work with Margery Hoffman Smith on interior design for Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood.

This oral history interview with Mildred B. Engdahl and Marion F. Kingery was conducted by Charles Digregorio at Engdahl's home in Portland, Oregon, on June 9, 1977, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. Henry C. C. Stevens was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Engdahl discusses her work as director of the Portland Civic Theatre from 1927 to 1929. She describes how she came into that position and talks about shows that were performed during her tenure. Kingery talks about her acting career with the theater. Engdahl discusses her return as director in 1954 and talks about how the theater had changed. She also discusses her work directing plays for children. Both Engdahl and Kingery talk about actors they worked with at the Portland Civic Theatre. Engdahl closes the interview by discussing her work as an author.

This oral history interview with Isabelle K. Ashcraft was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on June 14, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. Henry C. C. Stevens was also present.

In this interview, Ashcraft discusses her service on the board of the Portland Civic Theatre, beginning in 1945. She speaks about the history of the theater, about fundraising for the organization, and about some of the performances held there.

This oral history interview with Harvey S. Giffin was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on June 22, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Giffin discusses performing as an actor with the Portland Civic Theatre. He talks about plays he acted in, about actors he worked with, and about the theater and movie business in Portland. He also speaks about movies filmed in Oregon that he performed in.

This oral history interview with Abbot L. Mills, Jr., was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on July 15, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Mills discusses his family background and speaks at length about the life and banking career of his father, Abbot Low Mills, who later became the president of the First National Bank of Portland. He discusses his early life in the Couch Addition area of Portland, which is now part of the Nob Hill neighborhood, and talks about families who lived in the neighborhood. He also talks about the Ainsworth family background of his wife, Katherine Mills. He describes how he came to work at the First National Bank of Portland in 1922, and talks about his career in banking there and at the United States National Bank of Portland.

This oral history interview with Louis Bunce was conducted by Charles Digregorio from June 1 to July 19, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. The interview was conducted in two sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on June 1, 1978, Bunce discusses his education at the Museum Art School in Portland, Oregon, now known as the Pacific Northwest College of Art. He talks about his experiences during the Depression and his involvement with the Works Progress Administration. He talks about his influences; describes his work in the Portland shipyards during World War II; and shares his artistic process. He talks about his involvement in the Portland Center for Visual Arts; discusses some of his art exhibitions; and talks about working on a commission for the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley, California.

In the second interview session, conducted on July 19, 1978, Bunce reflects on his career as an artist. He talks about his art style and how it changed over the years. He revisits the topic of working on a commission for the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley, California. He also revisits the topics of his artistic process and art style. He closes the interview by talking about the art community in Portland.

This oral history interview with Evelyn Gibson was conducted by Roberta Watts on November 17, 1977. In this interview, Gibson discusses her early job designing window displays for fashion boutiques and studying to become a singer. She talks about moving to Portland in 1929 and working at department stores, including the Charles F. Berg Company, Meier and Frank, and Nordstrom. She then discusses opening her own boutique in downtown Portland, Evelyn Gibson Gowns. She closes the interview by talking about going on buying trips to New York and about some of her employees.

This oral history interview with David R. Policar was conducted by Roberta Watts at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on November 21, 1977. In this interview, Policar discusses his family background and early life in Portland, including a brief history of the Sephardic Jewish people and his family's involvement in fish markets. He speaks at length about the Sephardic Jewish community in Portland. He closes the interview by talking about his activities at the time of the interview in 1977, particularly working at the Liberty Fish Market in Portland.

This oral history interview with Mary P. Hamblet was conducted by Roberta Watts at Hamblet's home in Portland, Oregon, on November 25, 1977, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Hamblet discusses her family background and early life in Portland, Oregon. She talks about owning an antiques business, describes purchasing antiques to resell, and about appraising antiques and estates. She talks about scouting houses for parties, about the education and career of her brother, and about her friendship with chef James Beard. She discusses her favorite restaurants, talks about her love of visiting Ireland, and describes how Portland changed over the 20th century.

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

This oral history interview with Harold W. Bernard was conducted by Roberta Watts at Bernard's home in Cedar Mills, Oregon, on December 1, 1977, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Bernard discusses his career as a psychology professor and an author. He talks about some of the psychology textbooks he wrote. He shares his thoughts about the use of drugs in psychological treatment, medicine, and recreation; talks about the relationship between the women's movement and the rise in divorce rates in the 1970s; and describes the changes in psychiatric treatment and diagnosis over the 20th century. He also speaks about popular anxieties about overpopulation, talks about the importance of higher education, and shares his thoughts about public school teachers. He closes the interview by discussing his retirement activities.

This oral history interview with Claire Argow was conducted by Roberta Watts at Argow's home in Portland, Oregon, from November 28 to December 2, 1977. The interview was conducted in two sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on November 28, 1977, Argow discusses her education and career in social work and criminology in New England, including her college experiences at Vassar and at Yale Law School, her work as assistant director for the Survey of Connecticut Prisons, and her work with the National Society for the Prevention of Crime in New York City. She talks about her views on capital punishment and about working with prisoners who were executed. She discusses her work with the Oregon Prison Association, and talks about prison conditions when she started in 1945, her successes in prison reforms, and opposition she faced.

In the second interview session, conducted on December 2, 1977, Argow talks about moving to Oregon in 1945 and shares her early impressions of the state, particularly regarding racism in Oregon. She discusses her work with Oregon Literacy, which helps adults learn to read and write, as well as learn English as a second language. She talks about her involvement in the creation of the Claire Argow Center, also known as the Multnomah County Women's Jail. She discusses the rising crime rate at the time of the interview in 1977, particularly among women. She closes the interview by speaking about her belief in restorative justice rather than only punitive approaches.