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William L. Finley Papers, 1899-1946

  • MSS Finley
  • Collection
  • 1899 - 1946

William L. Finley's papers primarily document his work as a wildlife conservationist, author, lecturer, photographer, and filmmaker from about 1900 to 1940. The collection also documents the work his wife Irene Finley and photography partner Herman Bohlman. The collection consists of published and unpublished manuscripts, lecture and field notes, reports, correspondence, photographs and motion picture films.

An addition to the collection (Accession 2014:062) is made up of correspondence and newspaper clippings documenting the wildlife conservation work of William and Irene Finley. Among the topics addressed in the correspondence include: song bird protection laws in Oregon, requests to Finley for use of his photographs, the forming of an Oregon Fish and Game Commission, biological surveys conducted by Finley, legislation in California repealing meadowlark protection, and letters by Finley to various organizations regarding the presentation of one of his lectures. A highlight among the correspondence is a thank you letter from Finley to President Theodore Roosevelt for his establishment of wild bird reservations. The clippings are newspaper articles written by Irene and William Finley about encounters with wildlife, nocturnal bird sounds, and their filming of wildlife at Paulina Lake. The four articles all appeared in editions of the "Oregon Sunday Journal."

Finley, William L. (William Lovell), 1876-1953

Columbia River Gorge Lecture Series

  • SR Columbia River Gorge Lecture Series
  • Collection
  • 1981?

A series of lectures given by Gertrude Glutsch Jensen on the importance of preserving the Columbia River Gorge.

Jensen, Gertrude Glutsch, 1903-1986

Oral history interview with Clayton P. Strain

  • SR 9676
  • Collection
  • 1970-09-30

This oral history interview with Clayton P. Strain was conducted by Larry C. Skoog on September 30, 1970, for the Oregon Historical Society.

In this interview, Strain discusses the political career of his father, Charles Preston Strain, on the Pendleton City Council, including a conflict with the Union Pacific Railroad. He shares his memories of life in Pendleton, Oregon, in the first decades of the 20th century. He describes the town, talks about ranches and farms in the area, and discusses the origins of the Pendleton Round-Up. He speaks at length about the Round-Up's early years. He closes the interview by further discussing his father's political career.

Strain, Clayton P. (Clayton Preston), 1892-1987

Oral history interview with Margaret M. Cabell

  • SR 9672
  • Collection
  • 1979-08-31

This oral history interview with Margaret M. Cabell was conducted by Thomas Vaughan on August 31, 1979, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Cabell shares her memories of visiting the ranch owned by her grandfather, Thomas Burgess, in Bakeoven, Oregon. She discusses riding a stagecoach from Portland to Bakeoven, talks about the general store her grandfather ran, and speaks about daily life on the ranch. She looks at photographs of the Bakeover area and talks about them.

Cabell, Margaret M. (Margaret Malarkey), 1894-1985

Oral history interview with Allen T. Gribble

  • SR 9669
  • Collection
  • 1978-02-13

This oral history interview with Allen T. Gribble was conducted by Roberta Watts in Silverton, Oregon, on February 13, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Gribble discusses his family background, including his ancestors' overland journeys to Oregon. He talks about his early life in Silverton, Oregon, including his education and life on the family homestead. He also shares his experiences working in Alaska in 1909, and talks about living in Portland from 1910 to 1946, including the jobs he held and his marriage to Gladys E. Hartell. He also shares his experiences in the Oregon National Guard and later in the U.S. Marines during World War I, and talks about working as a cowboy in Eastern Oregon before 1910.

Gribble, Allen T. (Allen Thurman), 1887-1982

Oral history interview with Weldon T. Hibbard

  • SR 9666
  • Collection
  • 1976-12-19

This oral history interview with Weldon T. Hibbard was conducted by Rachel Foxman at Hibbard's home in Woodburn, Oregon, on December 19, 1976. Hibbard's son, Michael H. Hibbard, was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Hibbard discusses the history of the Oregon Donation Land Claim Act, and talks about the Hibbard family land claim in Marion County, Oregon. He speaks at length about his family background. He talks about his early life in Molalla, including his education. He speaks about the lumber industry in the area, and about people who lived there, including the Indigenous Molalla peoples. He talks about his career in education as a public school teacher and in the Oregon Department of Education.

Hibbard, Weldon T. (Weldon Thomas), 1909-1977

Mabel Ella Campbell oral memoir

  • SR 9664
  • Collection
  • 1980-12-30

This oral memoir of Mabel Ella Campbell was recorded at Campbell's home in Laguna Hills, California, on December 30, 1980.

In this recording, Campbell discusses the life and career of her father, John Montcalm Brown, a Methodist minister, and describes how the family came to Nehalem, Oregon, in 1912. She talks about her early life in Nehalem from 1912 to 1914, including her education and recreational activities. She describes the town, talks about the major industries of the area, and discusses the family's daily activities. She talks about people who lived in the town, and shares her memories of attending funerals and weddings over which her father presided. She describes the Methodist church in Nehalem and talks about the community's church activities, including Christmas celebrations. She describes moving with her family to Salem in 1914, and talks about churches her father worked at in other towns in Oregon.

Campbell, Mabel Ella, 1902-2002

Oral history interview with Rose Iva Dalton

  • SR 9596
  • Collection
  • 1981-10-27

This oral history interview with Rose Iva Dalton was conducted by Linda S. Dodds in Tigard, Oregon, on October 27, 1981. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody.

In this interview, Dalton discusses her family background and early life on Government Island, Oregon, including life on the family ranch, transportation, and recreational activities. She talks about other families that lived on the island, describes her experience during the 1894 flood, and discusses daily life on the island. She discusses her education and the ferry to Washougal, Washington. Dalton describes meeting her husband, Louis Stanis Dalton, and briefly talks about their marriage and family life. She closes the interview by talking about mail service on Government Island.

Dalton, Rose Iva, 1881-1984

Oral history interview with Flora Cushinway Thompson

  • SR 9586
  • Collection
  • circa 1971

This oral history interview with Flora Cushinway Thompson was conducted around 1971. The interviewer is unidentified. The audio recording and transcript are incomplete; the interview was recorded on three cassettes, but the first tape is missing.

In this interview, Thompson discusses the execution of Modoc leader Kintpuash, aka Captain Jack. She then talks about salmon fishing by Native peoples at Celilo Falls, and about the slow encroachment of dams and commercial fishing at the falls. She speaks about her marriage to Wyam Chief Tommy Thompson and talks about their respective marital histories. She discusses the Wyams' resistance to the construction of The Dalles Dam; describes attending the dedication of the Celilo converter station; and talks about Tommy Thompson's funeral. She speaks at length about some of the Wyams' spiritual beliefs, particularly regarding visions and songs, and sings a Christian song in Sahaptin. She closes the interview by talking about her work advocating for the Wyams' fishing rights. The recording ends with piano music identified as "Indian Love Poem" by Nancy Walker.

Thompson, Flora Cushinway, 1893-1978

Oral history interview with Elvia W. King

  • SR 9576
  • Collection
  • 1976-10-18

This oral history interview with Elvia W. King was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on October 18, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, King discusses the life of her father, William Tagg, and reads from a letter he wrote soon after he immigrated to Oregon from England in the 1880s. She talks about her early life on a farm in the Clatsop Plains community in Oregon, which is now part of Gearhart, including her recreational activities, other families who lived in the area, and her family's guest house.

King, Elvia W. (Elvia Wain), 1894-1989

Oral history interview with Ambrose M. Seliger

  • SR 9571
  • Collection
  • 1976-05-26

This oral history interview with Ambrose M. Seliger was conducted by Charles Digregorio at Seliger's home in Portland, Oregon, on May 26, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Seliger speaks at length about his Hood, Myers, and Seliger family background, and talks about his German heritage. He describes his early life in Gresham, including his childhood activities. He discusses his career as a preschool teacher and talks about some of his students. He also shares his memory of being punished by his first grade teacher for writing with his left hand.

Seliger, Ambrose M. (Ambrose Myers), 1908-1978

Oral history interview with Margaret B. Krausse

  • SR 9561
  • Collection
  • 1977-01-26

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.

Krausse, Margaret B. (Margaret Bronaugh), 1896-1987

Oral history interview with Henrietta C. Failing

  • SR 9550
  • Collection
  • 1976-07-14

This oral history interview with Henrietta C. Failing was conducted by Charles Digregorio on July 14, 1976, at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Failing speaks about the history of the Failing family. She focuses particularly on the life and career of her father, James Frederick Failing, who came to Portland, Oregon, as a child in 1851; and on her uncle Henry Failing and his work as Portland mayor from 1864 to 1866 and from 1873 to 1875. She briefly discusses the role of Chinese Americans in 19th-century Portland. She also speaks about the life and career of her maternal grandfather, John Conner, who came to Albany, Oregon, in 1853. She talks about her family's involvement with the First Baptist Church in Portland. She closes the interview by talking about her early life in Portland, including her memories of the Lewis and Clark Exposition in 1905.

Failing, Henrietta Chase, 1895-1989

Oral history interview with Flora Cushinway Thompson

  • SR 9504
  • Collection
  • 1966-04

This oral history interview with Flora Cushinway Thompson was conducted by Joan Arrivee Wagenblast in April 1966. Several unidentified people were also present. The interview was conducted as research for Wagenblast's biography of Tommy Kuni Thompson, titled "Flora's song: a remembrance of Chief Tommy Kuni Thompson of the WyAms." The audio recording is a digital copy made from Wagenblast's original reel tapes; the digital files were donated to the Oregon Historical Society Research Library by Wagenblast's daughter, Debra Arrivee, who retained the original tapes.

In this interview, Thompson discusses the family background and early life of Wyam Chief Tommy Thompson. She talks about the settlement that was negotiated by the U.S. government and the Warm Springs, Yakama, Umatilla, and Nez Perce tribes as compensation for the flooding of Celilo Falls; about the construction of the Wyams' new village after they were forced to relocate; and about Tommy Thompson's resistance to the relocation. She talks about the wind rock, which was stolen; describes the Wyam salmon feast; and talks about the spiritual beliefs and practices of the Wyam. She describes how Tommy Thompson always kept copies of federal treaties with him; talks about his rules for salmon fishing; and discusses caring for Thompson at the end of his life. She discusses burial sites along the Columbia River that were moved before the flooding, and also names some white people who were buried at Native sites. She also talks about her children and grandchildren. She closes the interview by speaking about gathering berries in the Columbia River Gorge.

Thompson, Flora Cushinway, 1893-1978

Oral history interview with Gertrude Glutsch Jensen

  • SR 9452
  • Collection
  • 1977-12-07 - 1978-01-17

This oral history interview with Gertrude Glutsch Jensen was conducted by Roberta Watts at Jensen's home in Portland, Oregon, from December 7, 1977, to January 17, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. The interview was conducted in two sessions. A transcript is available.

In the first interview session, conducted on December 7, 1977, Jensen discusses her family background and early life in South Portland, her career as a freelance reporter for the Oregonian and Oregon Journal newspapers, and her career as a real estate agent. She then speaks at length about her involvement in the preservation of the Columbia River Gorge. She describes how she became interested in nature conservation; talks about her efforts to advocate for the Wyam people and to save Celilo Falls; and speaks about the restoration of the Vista House on Crown Point. She also talks about working with John Yeon on conservation of the Gorge. She closes the session by revisiting the topic of her family background and early life in South Portland.

In the second interview session, conducted on January 17, 1978, Jensen continues to speak at length about her family background and early life in South Portland. She talks about her participation in a protest march against the Vietnam War and closes the interview by revisiting the topic of her career as a freelance journalist.

Jensen, Gertrude Glutsch, 1903-1986

Oral history interview with Rhoda R. Madden

  • SR 9398
  • Collection
  • 1976-11-09

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.

Madden, Rhoda R. (Rhoda Rumelin), 1895-1983

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 Barbara Elliott Davies

  • SR 9372
  • Collection
  • 1976-07-18

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

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

Davies, Barbara Elliott, 1902-1981

Oral history interview with Howard C. Tobin

  • SR 9364
  • Collection
  • 1968-01-25

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.

Tobin, Howard C. (Howard Charles), 1892-1971

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 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 William Francis Lambert

  • SR 81
  • Collection
  • 1980-07-14

This oral history interview with William Francis Lambert was conducted by Linda S. Dodds on July 14, 1980, at Lambert's home in Portland, Oregon. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody.

In this interview, Lambert discusses his family background and early life in Portland, Oregon. He speaks at length about spending summers at the YMCA Spirit Lake Boys' Camp from 1913 to 1916, describing the camp rules, activities, and buildings. He also talks about some of the camp personnel and his fellow campers. He then discusses his work history, particularly working in the timber industry in Oregon and as a railroad worker in Alaska. He closes the interview by talking about his experiences in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Lambert, William Francis, 1902-1985

Oral history interview with Lynette K. McGinnis

  • SR 801
  • Collection
  • 1991-01-29

This oral history interview with Lynette K. McGinnis was conducted by Linda Watkins on January 29, 1991. In this interview, McGinnis discusses her family background and early life in Utah, particularly the life history of her father, William Jasper Kerr. She talks about Kerr's time as president of Brigham Young College, now Brigham Young University; the family's involvement with the Mormon Church; and her memories of her father's uncle, Utah Senator Joseph Lafayette Rawlins. She discusses her social life and her family life, and describes the town of Logan, Utah. She speaks about leaving the Mormon Church.

McGinnis discusses moving to Corvallis, Oregon, in 1907, where her father, William Jasper Kerr, served as president of the Oregon Agricultural College, now Oregon State University. She describes their house, her education, and her social life. She also talks about her pet dog. She speaks about William Jasper Kerr's career and Oregon Agricultural College campus life. She discusses studying at the Wilson-Greene School of Music in Washington, D.C. in 1913. She then talks about James Luther McGinnis, their marriage, and his family. She discusses living in Reno, Nevada, during the 1920s, and in Spokane, Washington, during the Depression. She also talks about teaching music. She revisits the topic of William Jasper Kerr's service as president of Oregon Agricultural College. She talks about her son, his career, and his family. She reflects on how the world and technology have changed during her lifetime; talks about her travels; and speaks about her grandchildren. She discusses her career as a musician and music teacher, her Christian faith, and her hopes for the future. She also talks more about her travels. She closes the interview by discussing her memories of her family.

McGinnis, Lynette K. (Lynette Kerr), 1894-1993

Oral history interview with Windsor Calkins

  • SR 470
  • Collection
  • 1986-07-07 - 1986-08-01

This oral history interview with Windsor Calkins was conducted by Jim Strassmaier in Calkins' office in Eugene, Oregon, from July 7 to August 1, 1986. In the interview, Calkins discusses his family background and early life in Eugene, including a 1922 trip on foot from Newport to Florence, Oregon, with his father. He also discusses his father's career as a court reporter, as well as his own interest in the law. Calkins talks about studying law at the University of Oregon, including taking classes from Wayne Morse. Calkins talks about practicing law in Eugene and some of the cases he argued, including bootlegging and murder cases. He also discusses the effect the Depression had on his family. He then talks about his experiences in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Calkins also talks about notable people from Eugene, including William G. East and other judges. He then discusses his work as a lawyer for the Eugene Water and Electric Board and Sacred Heart Hospital, as well as his involvement with the Lane County Bar Association, the Eugene City Health Board, and other civic organizations. He closes the interview with a description of malpractice lawsuits, as well as his family life.

Calkins, Windsor, 1910-1989

Oral history interview with John A. Silvertooth

  • SR 463
  • Collection
  • 1970

This oral history interview with John A. Silvertooth was conducted by Jack P. Steiwer at Silvertooth's store in Antelope, Oregon, around 1970. In this interview, Silvertooth discusses the history of Antelope and the Wasco County area. He talks about his family background and early life in Antelope in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He talks about the businesses he owned in Antelope, particularly the Idle Hours Tavern and a museum that burned down in 1964. He also briefly talks about his unsuccessful campaign for the Oregon Legislature. He speaks about homesteaders in the area, sheep and cattle ranching, and some of the families that lived in the area. Silvertooth tells a story about a bar brawl in his tavern; talks about some of the items in his store where the interview took place; and shares his memories of early automobiles and railroad lines in the area. He also talks about the origins of place names in Wasco County. He closes the interview by discussing running his tavern during Prohibition.

Silvertooth, John A. (John Addison), 1885-1972

Oral history interview with George S. Donnelly

  • SR 462
  • Collection
  • circa 1970

This oral history interview with George Donnelly was conducted by Jack P. Steiwer at Donnelly's home near Richmond, Oregon, around 1970. Bill Asher was also present.

In this interview, Donnelly discusses his father, Roderick Nelson Donnelly, and his father's role in the development of Wheeler County. He talks about his own life in the Richmond area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including sheep ranching, the history of the town, and people and businesses in the area. He also briefly shares his memories of the flood of 1911, which washed away a portion of Richmond. He talks about hunting and fishing in the area, recreational activities, and food storage. Steiwer closes the interview by reciting the history of the Donnelly family.

Donnelly, George S. (George Stanley), 1888-1973

Oral history interview with Rose Iva Dalton and Peggy Wetzler

  • SR 44-1
  • Collection
  • 1981-02-27

This oral history interview with Rose Iva Dalton and Peggy Wetzler was conducted at the home of Peggy Wetzler. The first session was conducted by Bernice Pluchos of the Camas-Washougal Historical Society on February 27, 1981, and the second session was conducted by Peggy Wetzler on February 28, 1981. The sound quality is extremely poor.

In the first interview session, conducted on February 27, 1981, Dalton discusses her family background and early life on Government Island, Oregon, including life on the family ranch, transportation, and her social life. She also briefly talks about her wedding to Louis Stanis Dalton in 1907. Wetzler also discusses her family background and early life in Long Beach, Washington.

In the second interview session, conducted on February 28, 1981, Dalton continues discussing her early life on Government Island, including her education, other families that lived on the island, and floods. She also describes the house she lived in. Wetzler and Dalton talk about taking ferry boats to and from Government Island, catching crabs on the beach, and life in Long Beach, Washington. Wetzler closes the tape with a brief narrative of Rose Iva Dalton's family history and additional historical information about Government Island and Long Beach.

Dalton, Rose Iva, 1881-1984

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