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Oral history interview with Dorothea M. Lensch

  • SR 9346
  • Collection
  • 1977-12-05 - 1977-12-16

This oral history interview with Dorothea M. Lensch was conducted by Roberta Watts at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, in two sessions on December 5 and 16, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. The sound quality is very poor.

In the first interview session, conducted on December 5, 1977, Lensch discusses her education in recreation at Mills College in Oakland, California, at the University of Oregon in Eugene, and at Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. She talks about the development of the concept of recreation in public parks beyond playgrounds for children. She shares her reasons for returning to Portland after heading the dance department at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., speaks about serving as director of recreation for the Portland Parks Bureau with Paul Keyser, and discusses lobbying the city government for parks programs. She talks about services offered by the Parks Bureau in the 1930s and 1940s, including health services and child care; about acquiring buildings and land for the bureau; and about her experiences as a woman in municipal government. She speaks at length about developing performing arts and sports programs for the Parks Bureau. She shares her thoughts about the operations of the bureau at the time of the interview.

In the second interview session, conducted on December 16, 1977, Lensch discusses the work of the Portland Parks Bureau after her retirement, then reflects on the accomplishments of her career. She speaks about the importance of parks to communities, talks about the facilities and design of several specific parks, and describes the organizational structure of the bureau. Interviewer Watts discusses the prevalence of hostile architecture in parks, and Lensch talks about public art replacing street furniture in Portland. She speaks about her experience with recreational programming in other countries, particularly Germany. She closes the interview by talking about the long-term benefits of recreational programming for children and communities.

Lensch, Dorothea M. (Dorothea Marie), 1907-2000

Oral history interview with Monte Ballou

  • SR 9342
  • Collection
  • 1980-09-16

This oral history interview with Monte Ballou was conducted by Linda S. Dodds on September 16, 1980, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody. A transcript of the interview is available.

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

Ballou, Monte

Oral history interview with Milton W. Wilson

  • SR 9330
  • Collection
  • 1978-05-25

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

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

Wilson, Milton, 1923-2004

Oral history interview with Fred C. Baker

  • SR 9317
  • Collection
  • 1978-07-05

This oral history interview with Fred C. Baker was conducted by Sheila Ann Finch on July 5, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Baker discusses his career in lighting design. He talks about architects he worked with, including Frederick Fritsch, Carl Linde, and Herman Brookman; discusses some of the buildings he designed lighting for, particularly the Pittock Mansion; and describes how he got his start in the lighting design business. He looks at photographs of his designs and talks about them. He closes the interview by briefly sharing his experience working on Timberline Lodge.

Baker, Fred C. (Frederick Charles), 1887-1981

Oral history interview with Erskine Wood

  • SR 1096
  • Collection
  • 1954-08-21

This oral history interview with Erskine Wood was conducted by William Renwick at Wood's home in Vancouver, Washington, on August 21, 1954. In this interview, Wood discusses his experiences as an adolescent living with Chief Joseph and the Nimiipuu people (Nez Perce) in the Wallowa Valley, Oregon. He briefly talks about Chief Joseph's life story. He speaks about his daily life, including caring for horses, hunting, and taking sweat baths. He closes the interview by describing Nimiipuu recreational activities, including dancing, singing, and games. In the interview, Wood uses terms for Native people that were common in that historical period but that are now considered pejorative.

Wood, Erskine

Burnham family photographs

  • Org. Lot 6
  • Collection
  • 1908-1909

Collection consists of approximately 109 black and white glass negatives, 11 black and white film negatives, and 34 black and white photographic prints that belonged to Howard J. Burnham. The prints are made from negatives in the collection. The photographs were taken circa 1908. The photographer is unknown but may have been related to the Burnham family. Primary subjects depicted in the collection include the Allison and Ella Burnham and their children, Howard and Myrtle, an expedition to climb Mount Hood, and mining and homesteading in the unincorporated community of Mountain in Josephine County, Oregon. The collection includes interior and exterior views of homestead cabins. This collection may be of interest to individuals researching photography, mining, and homesteading in Oregon.

Oral history interview with Fred C. Baker

  • SR 9316
  • Collection
  • 1977-01-19

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.

Baker, Fred C. (Frederick Charles), 1887-1981

Oral history interview with Marion D. Ross

  • SR 9315
  • Collection
  • 1980-08-22

This oral history interview with Marion D. Ross was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at the University of Oregon in Eugene on August 22, 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, Ross briefly discusses his early interest in Baroque architecture, then shares his experiences in the Army during World War II, particularly his training at Army bases in Oregon. He then talks about his career as a professor of architecture at the University of Oregon. He shares his reasons for coming to Oregon, talks about the work of the Historic American Buildings Survey in the state, and discusses the historic preservation of commercial buildings, particularly in Jacksonville and Portland. He also talks about the Northwest Regional style of architecture.

Ross, Marion Dean

Oral history interview with Twila M. Alber

  • SR 9303
  • Collection
  • 1978-07-05

This oral history interview with Twila M. Alber was conducted by Charles Digregorio on July 5, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Alber discusses studying art late in life after raising a family. She talks about studying sculpting at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts, in the early 1950s, and about studying weaving at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. She discusses her artistic process, talks about the difficulty of making art for a living, and closes the interview by briefly talking about teaching art.

Alber, Twila M. (Twila May), 1888-1978

Joe's Bicycle Repair Shop photographs

  • Org. Lot 1003
  • Collection
  • 1912-1926

This collection includes 56 black and white copy prints of photographic materials depicting five locations of Joe's Bicycle Repair Shop and various cycling activities of Joseph S. Brown in Portland, Oregon, from 1913-1926. Several other photographs depict Brown and others engaged in fishing and camping, as well as riding motorcycles. Brown's daughters, Ellen and Virginia, are also pictured with him during Cycle Trades Field Day celebrations.

The photographs in this collection were copied from an album assembled by Charles Bruce and from loaned negatives. Many of the photographs in the album came from Brown's granddaughter, Shannon Barker.

A background file is also included in the collection, consisting of copies of newspaper and magazine articles, correspondence, Brown's inventions, and other material on Brown and his bicycle business.

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 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 Eldon E. Bevens

  • SR 9298
  • Collection
  • 1980-06-20

This oral history interview with Eldon E. Bevens was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at the Muir & McDonald Company leather tannery in Dallas, Oregon, on June 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. Bevens' father, Homer Bevens, was also present and contributed to part of the interview.

In this interview, Bevens gives a tour of the Muir & McDonald Company tannery in Dallas, and discusses the tannery business. He describes the machinery in the tannery, talks about the company's natural tanning process, and discusses the history of the tannery. He also talks about some of the ways the tannery's customers use its leather. He shares his memories of living near and working in the tannery during his early life, and of the tannery's previous owners. He closes the interview by talking about his plans for the tannery's future.

The recording ends with a brief interview with Homer Bevens at his home in Dallas. He discusses his experiences working at the Muir & McDonald Company tannery from 1922 to 1977.

Bevens, Eldon E. (Eldon Earl), 1925-2011

Oral history interview with Stanley Bishoprick

  • SR 9297
  • Collection
  • 1978-08-17

This oral history interview with Stanley Bishoprick was conducted by Charles Digregorio on August 17, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Bishoprick briefly discusses his family background and early life in Skagway, Alaska. He speaks at length about his career in the lumber business with Dant & Russell Inc., including a business trip to China during World War II. He discusses developing a railroad tie using cedar waste. He talks about the state of the lumber business at the time of the interview, shares his opinion on the environmental movement, and discusses the international lumber trade.

Bishoprick, Stanley, 1904-1995

Oral history interview with Howard N. Magness

  • SR 9238
  • Collection
  • 1977-12-21

This oral history interview with Howard Newton Magness was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Magness Farm in Wilsonville, Oregon, on December 21, 1977, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. Edmund Hayes, Dr. Arch W. Diack, John L. Blackwell, Sir James McDonald, Peter McDonald, and Panzy Magness were also present, and often contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Magness discusses the 1977 donation of his 63-acre farm to the Western Forestry Center, now known as the World Forestry Center, for the purposes of an experimental tree farm and education with public access. He talks about his original purchase of the land in 1955, and his reasons for donating it. The group talks about the donation process, and about the Western Forestry Center's plans for the land.

Magness, Howard N. (Howard Newton), 1906-1986

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 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 Mary M. Whittier and Nora I. Jordan

  • SR 3278
  • Collection
  • 1980-10-07

This oral history interview with sisters Mary M. Whittier and Nora I. Jordan was conducted by Elizabeth Patapoff on October 7, 1980. In this interview, Whittier and Jordan discuss their family background and early life in Columbia City, Oregon, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Whittier's memories of the 1894 flood. They talk about the family of Lucinda Caples and Dr. Charles Caples, and about the rivalry between Columbia City and St. Helens. Whittier speaks about her teaching career, and about changes in technology. Jordan discusses the construction of railroad lines in the Columbia City area, and boating on the Columbia River. Whittier closes the interview by talking about her experience with appendicitis.

Whittier, Mary M. (Mary Maclay), 1887-1982

Oral history interview with Mary M. Whittier

  • SR 3277
  • Collection
  • 1971

This oral history interview with Mary M. Whittier was conducted by Elizabeth Patapoff in 1971. In this interview, Whittier discusses the family of Lucinda Caples and Dr. Charles Caples, of Columbia City, Oregon, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Whittier, Mary M. (Mary Maclay), 1887-1982

Oral history interview with Teunis Wyers, Jr.

  • SR 2099
  • Collection
  • 1964-08-06

This oral history interview with Teunis Wyers, Jr., was conducted by Elizabeth Strain at the Wyers Stage Company Barns in White Salmon, Washington, on August 6, 1964. An unidentified man was also present. In this interview, Wyers discusses the history of White Salmon during the late 19th century, and talks about a murder in The Dalles. He speaks at length about Native people who lived in the area. He talks about his stagecoach company and about caring for horses.

Wyers, Teunis, Jr., 1876-1965

Photograph albums of Umpqua River Jetty construction and Brubaker aerial survey of Northwest coast

  • Org Lot 1424
  • Collection
  • 1926 - 1947

Collection consists of two albums containing photographs of the Pacific coastline taken between 1926 and 1947. The albums were designated Albums 452 and 453 by the Oregon Historical Society Research Library. Album 452 was created between 1926 and 1939 and contains aerial photographs of the Oregon and Washington coasts taken by Brubaker Aerial Surveys. The photographs begin at Willapa Bay and continue south to the mouth of the Chetco River. Album 453 was created between 1933 and 1947 and contains photographs of the construction of the Umpqua River jetties in Reedsport, Oregon. The north jetty was constructed in 1919 and reconstructed in 1947. The south jetty was constructed in 1934 and 1935. Album 453 includes at least one aerial photograph by Brubaker Aerial Surveys and at least two photographs taken by John Stilanos. This collection may be of interest to individuals researching aerial photography and surveys, the Oregon and Washington coasts, and the construction of the Umpqua River jetties.

Photographs of C. A. Smith lumber mill and West Coast shipping

  • Org. Lot 741
  • Collection
  • 1910-1915

Collection consists of 28 glass plate negatives of lumber mills, lumber shipping vessels and machinery, and street scenes in Oregon and northern California. The photographer and exact context for these photographs is unknown. The images primarily depict the C.A. Smith lumber mill located in Marshfield, Oregon today known as Coos Bay.

Also included are photographs of logging machinery, loading equipment, and various other mills and waterways, documenting areas such as the Coalbank Slough, Bunker Hill, the McKenna Mill, and Eastside, which is now considered a residential area in Coos Bay. In addition, the collection includes several photos of lumber steamships docked for loading at the C. A. Smith mill. Most notable are the Hazel Dollar, owned by the Dollar Steamship Line based in San Francisco, California; and the Nann Smith, which C. A. Smith named after his daughter.

Other photographs in the collection include the 1911 Centennial celebration in Astoria, Oregon, and photographs of assorted locations throughout northern California. These include the Plaza in Arcata, a cattle ferry at Eel River, the Little River Mill in Bullwinkle (also known as Crannel Mill, located in what is now Crannel), and the steamship Tenyo Maru and the United States Army transport ship Logan, both taken at the San Francisco harbor.

The collection also includes access prints of all 28 images, made by the Oregon Historical Society Research Library, which include annotations about the content of the photographs.

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 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 Gene L. Brendler

  • SR 9108
  • Collection
  • 1982-02-26

This oral history interview with Gene L. Brendler was conducted by Kathleen D. Walsh at KPTV Studios in Portland, Oregon on February 26, 1982, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Brendler briefly discusses his early life and career before he moved to Portland in 1947. He talks about the history of KPTV, and speaks at length about his broadcasting career with that station, including his role as emcee for the musical variety program "See Here," hosting a localized version of "American Bandstand" called "High Time," and working as public affairs director. He discusses how broadcasting changed during his career, talks about how cable TV has affected local programming, and shares his opinion regarding increased diversity in television broadcasting. He closes the interview by talking about people he worked with, and by describing some of his photographs.

Brendler, Gene L. (Eugene Louis), 1927-1998

Oral history interview with Chuck and Betty Foster

  • SR 9106
  • Collection
  • 1982-03-06

This oral history interview with Chuck Foster and Betty Foster was conducted by Kathleen D. Walsh in Portland, Oregon, on March 6, 1982, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, the Fosters discuss their early lives and how they met at Washington State University, and talk about their activities during World War II. Chuck Foster discusses his early career as a radio journalist for KIT in Yakima, Washington, and talks about the difference between radio and television reporting. Betty Foster describes the process of producing photographs and film for local news television. The Fosters discuss the news television shows that they created, produced, and broadcasted in Portland in the 1950s, first on a local UHF television station and then on KOIN-TV. Betty Foster shares her experiences as one of the only women in television broadcasting from 1953 to 1959, and talks about her career as a teacher at Grant High School in Portland. The Fosters talk about how broadcasting changed during their TV careers, about some of the news stories they covered, and about some of the people they met during their careers.

Foster, Chuck (Charles Neal), 1920-2005

Oral reminiscences by Robin Latta about his education

  • SR 9094
  • Collection
  • 1972 - 1981-03-25

These reminiscences by Robin Latta were recorded in Newport News, Virginia, around 1972. The introduction was added by Katharine W. Latta at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on March 25, 1981.

In these reminiscences, Latta discusses his education at Cady Music Education School and Catlin Gabel School in early 20th-century Portland.

Latta, Robin (Robert), 1908-1989

Oral history interview with Frank Branch Riley

  • SR 9092
  • Collection
  • 1972-01-05

This oral history interview with Frank Branch Riley was conducted by Tom Vaughan on January 5, 1972. In this interview, Riley discusses the history of the University Club of Portland, Oregon. He describes the three buildings that housed the club, and shares stories about events and public figures hosted by the club. He shows photographs and event programs to Vaughan, and talks about them. He closes the interview by talking about financial difficulties that the club faced during the Depression.

Riley, Frank Branch, 1875-1975

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