Transcript. This oral history interview with Richard Sommer was conducted by Clark Hansen at the Hillcrest Vineyard near Roseburg, Oregon, on June 18, 2002. The interview was conducted as part of the Oregon Wine Archives Oral History Project, which collected interviews with notable figures in the wine-growing industry, including vintners, vineyard growers, community members, and workers active in the development of Oregon's wine industry. In this interview, Sommer discusses his family background and early life in San Francisco, California. He talks about studying agronomy at the University of California at Davis, including taking classes on winemaking. He discusses continuing his education at the University of California at Berkeley after his discharge from the U.S. Army in the early 1950s, and he talks about his brief employment as a surveyor with the East Bay Municipal Utility District and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He then talks about founding Hillcrest Vineyard near Roseburg, Oregon, in 1961. He discusses the history of winemaking in Oregon before then; describes his reasons for choosing the Umpqua Valley for his vineyard; and talks about his focus on Riesling. He talks about the early market for Oregon wine, other early winemakers around Oregon, and recognition his Riesling has earned. He describes his grape-growing methods, including his use of the divided canopy method; memorable vintages; and the changing market for Oregon wine. He discusses some of Oregon's other winemakers and their growing methods. He closes the interview by talking about oak barrel aging and by sharing advice for aspiring winemakers.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Rick Harmon was conducted by Jim Strassmaier at Harmon's home in Portland, Oregon, in two sessions, on October 17 and November 14, 2001, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. Tape 6 of the interview is missing, but its contents are included in a transcript.

In the first interview session, conducted on October 17, 2001, Harmon discusses how he became interested in history while a student at the University of California, San Diego. He also talks about his marriage to Candice Gaucher. He then discusses his graduate school experience at Columbia University in New York, and shares his reasons for returning to UCSD, as well as his reasons for leaving graduate school to work in publishing. He then speaks about his work for the oral history program at the University of California, Los Angeles, in the early 1980s, including editing transcripts and conducting interviews. He also discusses the people he worked with. He describes his experience interviewing Lynn Townsend White, Jr. He then shares his reasons for accepting the job of oral historian at the Oregon Historical Society in 1984. Harmon then speaks at length about his work as OHS oral historian from 1984 to 1986. He talks about reviving the oral history program after a year-long hiatus, about changes he made to the program, and about people he worked with. He also discusses interviews he conducted, particularly with Monroe Sweetland and Gus Solomon; talks about using oral history interviews in articles he later wrote for Oregon Historical Quarterly as the journal's editor; and shares his interviewing methods. He then shares his experiences during and after his divorce in 1985, including being hospitalized for depression and experiencing suicidal thoughts.

In the second interview session, conducted on November 14, 2001, Harmon further discusses interviews he conducted, particularly with Kathryn Bogle and William East. He talks about the partnership between the OHS oral history program and the U.S. District Court of Oregon Historical Society. He then talks about the one-year period when he worked both as editor of Oregon Historical Quarterly and as the OHS oral historian, and shares his reasons for leaving the oral historian position in 1986. He describes the transition of the oral historian job to Jim Strassmaier. He closes the interview by talking about his relationships with Thomas Vaughan and Chet Orloff.

Transcript. Hawes discusses his involvement (since the mid-1980s) with the Rosetown Ramblers, a Portland chapter of the Gay & Lesbian Square Dancing Association.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Riki P. Sheehan was conducted by Michael O'Rourke from June 2-11, 1988, as part of the Senator Mark O. Hatfield Oral History Series. The interview was conducted in three sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on February 2, 1988, Sheehan discusses her early political career and describes how she joined the staff of Senator Mark Hatfield as a caseworker in 1974. She speaks about working with Hatfield, describes her job duties, and talks about working with other members of Hatfield's staff. She speaks about Hatfield's opposition to the Vietnam War, talks about his personality, and discusses Hatfield's place in the increasingly right-wing Republican Party of the 1980s. She shares examples of cases she worked on.

In the second interview session, conducted on June 7, 1988, Sheehan discusses Hatfield's relationship with other members of Congress, with his staff, and with his family. She speaks at length about serving as Hatfield's legislative aide on the Senate Appropriations Committee, and describes Hatfield's role and accomplishments as chair of that committee.

In the third and final interview session, conducted on June 11, 1988, Sheehan speaks at length about Hatfield's work to secure funding for research and development at Oregon Health and Science University through the Senate Appropriations Committee, and also talks about the committee's funding for AIDS research. She discusses Hatfield's admiration of Mother Theresa, talks about how Hatfield's liberal Republicanism differs from the Republicanism of President Ronald Reagan, and speaks about the 1984 controversy surrounding Hatfield's association with Greek arms dealer Basil Tsakos. She closes the interview by reflecting on Hatfield's accomplishments.

This oral history interview with Robert A. Leedy was conducted by Anna J. Brown and Katherine H. O'Neil at Leedy's home in Milwaukie, Oregon, from September 10 to October 1, 1994. The interview was conducted in two sessions. In the first interview session, conducted on September 10, 1994, Leedy discusses his family background and early life in the rural areas around Portland, Oregon, including his education, and the family farm. He then discusses studying law at the University of Oregon, including his social life and working in a can factory to pay tuition. He also describes some of the members of his graduating class, including Otto Frohnmayer. He talks about getting started in law practice in Portland, including some of the lawyers he worked with and cases he was involved in. He also speaks at length about his interest in golf and how it led to his becoming a U.S. commissioner for the U.S. District Court of Oregon. He briefly discusses forming the law firm of Barzee, Leedy & Keene. He describes the duties and procedures of the U.S. District Court of Oregon commissioner, as well as some of the judges he worked with, particularly Judge James Alger Fee. He speaks at length about the bail process and several of the cases he heard. In the second and final interview session, conducted on October 1, 1994, Leedy discusses his involvement with the Oregon State Bar, including administering the bar exam in the 1940s, and serving as president in the 1950s. He speaks at length about his children, their families and their careers. He also describes in great detail several European trips he took, beginning in the 1950s, as well as trips to Hawaii and to Death Valley, California. He discusses his involvement with the Episcopal Church. He goes on to talk about some of the cases he worked on in private law practice, as well as the lawyers he's worked with. He closes the interview by discussing some of the changes in the law profession over the years.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Robert C. Belloni was conducted by Jim Strassmaier from September 19, 1988, to July 28, 1989. In this interview, Belloni discusses his family background and early life in Coos County, Oregon, including his education. He talks about studying pre-med at the University of Oregon and his service as a U.S. Army medical officer in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He describes landing in Japan just as it surrendered. He talks about returning to civilian life and deciding to go to law school, attending the University of Oregon, and his friendship with Ted Goodwin. He discusses his early law career in Coos County. He also talks about his early political career, holding the offices of chair of the Democratic Central Committee for Coos County and mayor of Myrtle Point. He also talks about his relationship with Wayne Morse. He discusses serving as a Circuit Court judge in Southern Oregon from 1957 to 1967, particularly presiding over juvenile cases. He then discusses serving on the U.S. District Court of Oregon from 1967 to the time of the interview, including the politics of his appointment. He discusses his fellow District Court judges, including Gus Solomon, John Kilkenney, and Otto Skopil. He also talks about the variety of cases that came before him, including on land fraud, asbestos, consumer protections, and several cases involving Native American rights. He discusses his law clerks, judicial process, and ethics. Belloni discusses serving as chief judge on the District Court from 1971 to 1976, and the duties and responsibilities of that position, including his work in establishing the magistrate system and the sentencing council. He closes the interview by discussing changes in the court systems over the 20th century, his experience as a senior judge, and his personal life.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Robert E. Jones was conducted by Clark Hansen at the U.S. District Courthouse in Portland, Oregon, from September 12 to October 14, 2005, as part of the United States District Court Oral History Project. The interview was conducted in five sessions. The first four interview sessions were recorded on audiocassette; the final session was recorded on videocassette. The transcript includes a foreword by Owen Panner and an introduction by Donna Sinclair, as well as several autobiographical addendums by Robert E. Jones.

In the first interview session, conducted on September 12, 2005, Jones discusses his family background and early life in Portland, including his experiences during the Great Depression, his social life, and working in the shipyards during World War II. He describes his service in the U.S. Navy Reserve at the end of the war and talks about how those experiences inform his worldview.

In the second interview session, conducted on September 19, 2005, Jones continues to discuss his service in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He talks about his marriage to Pearl Jensen and attending the University of Hawaii. He then discusses studying at the Northwestern School of Law and talks about practicing law from 1953 to 1963, including lawyers he worked with, cases he worked on, and judges he argued before. He talks about serving as a judge on the Multnomah County Circuit Court, including judges he served with and cases he heard. He also discusses representing Washington County in the Oregon House of Representatives during the 1963 legislative session and talks about legislation that came up during his term.

In the third interview session, conducted on September 22, 2005, Jones discusses serving on the Oregon Commission for Prison Term and Parole Standards and talks about criminal justice. He talks about teaching courses on evidence. He revisits the topic of his service as a judge on the Multnomah County Circuit Court and speaks about cases he presided over, talks about his staff, and describes how the circuit court differed from the U.S. District Court. He then briefly talks about serving as a justice on the Oregon Supreme Court.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on September 29, 2005, Jones continues to discuss serving as a justice on the Oregon Supreme Court. He talks about cases he heard, justices he served with, and some of the decisions he authored. He then discusses serving as a judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon; talks about the political process of nominating judges; and describes some of the cases he heard. He also speaks about the jury selection process.

In the fifth and final interview session, conducted on October 14, 2005, Jones continues to discuss serving as a judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon. He speaks further about cases he heard, and talks about technology used in the courtroom. He discusses a 1998 trip to Russia and talks about the Russian legal system. He closes the interview by talking about the most difficult aspects of being a judge.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Robert F. Smith was conducted by Clark Hansen at Smith’s office in Medford, Oregon, from August 30 to September 1, 1995. In this interview, Smith discusses his family background and early life in Burns, Oregon. He talks about his interest in basketball while attending Willamette University. He also talks about running a ranch and multiple other businesses after graduation; his flying hobby; and his involvement with a number of civic organizations. He goes on to talk about being recruited to run for the Oregon Legislature by members of the Oregon Republican Party, and his time in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1960 to 1973. He discusses his campaigns, committees, fellow legislators, and legislation that he worked on. He talks about Tony Yturri, Monte Montgomery, Bill Holmstrom, Stan Ouderkirk, Clarence Barton, and Stafford Hansell. He discusses legislation on agriculture, taxes, labor, forestry and land-use. He also talks about how his leadership style as speaker of the House from 1969 to 1973, and about his legislative agenda. He closes the interview by discussing the social life of legislators.

Transcript. Thorpe discusses her tenure as Director of Basic Rights Oregon (2001-2006) and her subsequent role on staff at Planned Parenthood in Portland. Thorpe also discusses her youth in Columbia, SC, her coming-out process during the early 1980s, and the significant positions she has held in organizations dedicated to LGBT rights, non-profit community childcare, and at Empire State Pride Agenda (NY).

Transcript. This oral history interview with Roosevelt Robinson was conducted by Clark Hansen at Robinson's home in Portland, Oregon, from February 12 to March 10, 2004. In this interview, Robsinson discusses his family background and early life in Georgia; he describes life as a black person in the segregated South, his early education, and growing up on a farm. He talks about attending Southwestern Christian College in Texas, and moving to Portland, Oregon, after graduation. He describes working for National Biscuit Company (now known as Nabisco Inc.), racism he faced in Oregon, and his marriage to and later divorce from Beverlee Foreman. He then talks about giving up plans to become a minister and instead attending Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College. He also talks about taking the Oregon Bar exam.Robinson discusses starting his private law practice in Portland. He talks about arguing cases before Judge Gus Solomon and some of the cases he handled. He then discusses working as a Multnomah County deputy district attorney. He talks about cases he prosecuted (and a few he chose not to prosecute), and arguing against public defenders. He also discusses systemic racism in the criminal justice system. He discusses serving on the Oregon Parole Board, including some of the decisions he made. He discusses serving as a judge on the Multnomah County Circuit Court, including his appointment in 1990. He also talks about his involvement with the Oregon Bar Association, as well as numerous other organizations. He discusses cases he heard on the Circuit Court, judicial procedure, and programs to reduce recidivism. He discusses his involvement with the community court program and the drug diversion court program. He closes the interview by talking about his children, their families, and their careers; his health; and the Roosevelt Robinson scholarship fund.

Transcript. 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.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Roy H. Hemmingway was conducted by Michael O’Rourke at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, from August 29 to October 20, 2000. The interview was conducted as part of the Northwest Power Planning Council Oral History Project, which documented the history and purpose of the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The interview was conducted in four sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on August 29, 2000, Hemmingway discusses his family background and early life in Illinois, including his education and his early political beliefs. He shares his experiences studying international politics at Stanford University and studying environmental law at Yale University, and talks about his international travels in the 1960s. He discusses his reasons for specializing in environmental law, landmark environmental legislation in the 1960s and 1970s, and his involvement with the Oregon Environmental Council. He speaks about working as a lawyer for the Oregon Public Utility Commission, including researching a case against the Bonneville Power Administration and lobbying the Oregon Legislature on energy legislation.

In the second interview session, conducted on September 29, 2000, Hemmingway continues to discuss working for the Oregon Public Utility Commission, and talks about his conflict with PUC chair John J. Lobdell. He speaks at length about the drafting of the 1980 Northwest Power Act, and talks about the people and organizations that were involved. He then talks about representing Oregon on the Northwest Power Planning Council from 1981 to 1986. He describes the organization of the council, talks about the development of the first energy conservation plan and fish and wildlife plan, and speaks about the financial difficulties of the Washington Public Power Supply System.

In the third interview session, conducted on October 6, 2000, Hemmingway continues to discuss representing Oregon on the Northwest Power Planning Council from 1981 to 1986. He talks about opposition to the council’s first plans, particularly the lawsuit against the model building codes, and discusses his reasons for leaving the council in 1986. He speaks about his fellow council members, about interstate conflicts that affected the council’s work in the 1980s, and about the financial difficulties of WPPSS. He also talks about the development of the first NWPPC fish plan and discusses proposals to remove dams on the Snake River.

In the fourth and final interview session, conducted on October 20, 2000, Hemmingway speaks further about some of the NWPPC members, including those who served after he left the council. He shares his thoughts about the 1994 fish and wildlife plan, which he reviewed while working as a policy advisor for Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber; talks about the management of the Bonneville Power Administration, including his candidacy for administrator in the late 1990s; and discusses deregulation of electric utilities. He closes the interview by speaking about his career as an energy consultant, including his work with Portland General Electric, and about his role in Governor Kitzhaber’s administration, from 1995 to the time of the interview.

Transcript. Watters discusses his early life in Vancouver, Washington, life as a young gay man in Portland, Oregon in the 1970s, his experiences during the AIDS epidemic while in San Francisco, California, and feeling the need to hide his sexual orientation to protect his career.

Transcript. Kinnard discusses a few different subjects that include the accident that left him a paraplegic, his experience and career in cartooning and graphic design, working for Just Out, his new venture The LifeCapsule Project, and his feelings on gay marriage.

Transcript. 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.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Sally H. Cohn was conducted by Jade Davis and Erin Babcock Musick at Cohn's home in Portland, Oregon, on February 8, 2011. Davis and Musick conducted the interview for the Gay and Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest as part of Professor Pat Young's senior capstone class on LGBTQ history at Portland State University.

In this interview, Cohn talks about teaching herself to hand whistle. She discusses her preference for short hair and talks about lesbian stereotypes. She talks about her involvement in gay and lesbian rights organizations, including the Lesbian Community Project and Old Lesbians Organizing for Change. She also shares the experience of coming out to her family in the 1970s. She talks about her volunteer work; about the fight against Measure 9, an initiative against LGBTQ rights, in 1992; and about her work for an alcohol and drug treatment center in Portland, which is now known as the Avel Gordly Healing Center. She closes the interview by talking about writing her book, "A Handwhistler: Memories of Creativity and Activism," and speaking about her 2010 appearance as a handwhistler on "America's Got Talent."

Index. This oral history interview with Sam Kahl and Zaki Kahl was conducted by Robert J. Gassner in Portland, Oregon, on September 6, 1988. The interview was one of a series conducted in 1988 by Oregon Historical Society volunteer Robert Gassner with members of the Syrian and Lebanese community in Portland, Oregon. In this interview, the Kahl brothers discuss their family background, including their distant relation to Oregon Governor Vic Atiyeh and the life of their uncle, S.A. Kahl. They describe the experience of immigrating to the United States and how they came to settle in Portland, Oregon, in the mid-20th century. They talk about the Syrian and Lebanese community in Portland, including the activities of the Syrian Orthodox Church and the Syrian Lebanese American Club. They speak about the religious faith of people in Syria. They also briefly discuss how the independence of Lebanon in 1948, and the creation of Israel, affected the Syrian, Lebanese, and Palestinian communities. They close the interview by talking about Syrian- and Lebanese-owned businesses in Portland.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Sam R. Christensen was conducted by Judy Hartman on January 12, 1988. The interview was conducted as part of the Portland General Electric Centennial Oral History Series, which marked PGE's 100th anniversary and was used in the writing of the book "Electrifying Eden." In this interview, Christensen discusses his career at Portland General Electric as an engineer. He describes his job duties and the organizational structure of PGE's engineering departments, and he talks about the construction of several of PGE's hydroelectric plants. He also talks about the construction of the Trojan Nuclear Power Plant and the uncompleted construction of the Pebble Springs nuclear power plant. He discusses how PGE as a company has changed during his career, the maintenance of PGE's power plants, and his thoughts on the future of the company. The interview transcript includes two addendums: a 1988 list of jobs the PGE engineers were currently working on, and a 1988 article entitled "Dimming our Electric Future."

Index. This oral history interview with Sam Teeny and Minerva Teeny was conducted by Robert J. Gassner on September 8, 1988. The interview was one of a series conducted in 1988 by Oregon Historical Society volunteer Robert Gassner with members of the Syrian and Lebanese community in Portland, Oregon. In this interview, Sam Teeny discusses his family background and early life Zahle, Lebanon, and Portland, Oregon. He talks about members of the Syrian and Lebanese community in Portland, and about his social life. He also talks about speaking English as a second language. He discusses his involvement in the Lebanese/Syrian softball league. The Teenys talk about the history of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Portland and the Syrian Lebanese American Club. They describe the effect that Lebanese independence had on the Syrian and Lebanese community in Portland. Sam Teeny then talks about Syrian and Lebanese businesses in Southeast Portland, particularly the businesses operated by his relatives. In closing, Minerva Teeny describes a traditional Lebanese wedding and Sam describes the various businesses he's owned and his youth ministry work.

Transcript. Philips discusses his involvement (since the 1980s) with the Rosetown Ramblers, a gay & lesbian square dancing club and with the leather & S/M community.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Scotty Cohen was conducted by Charles Digregorio on August 31, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. Mary Ann Cohen was also present, and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Cohen briefly discusses his family background and early life in Glasgow, Scotland, and his experience immigrating to the United States. He describes how he became a public address announcer at Vaughn Street Park for Portland Beavers baseball games in the early 20th century, and talks about his business as a news vendor in downtown Portland. He discusses Portland's night life in the early 20th century and talks about how the city changed.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Selma J. Denecke was conducted by Elizabeth Meyer at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, from March 17 to June 23, 1999. In this interview, Denecke discusses her family background and early life in Portland, Oregon, including her early education and her memories of the Depression. She also talks about her interest in art and music and attending Scripps College in Claremont, California. She talks about working at the Portland Art Museum during World War II. She discusses meeting Arno H. Denecke and their subsequent marriage. Denecke describes Arno Denecke’s service in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II, as well as their long-distance courtship. She talks about Arno Denecke’s career from professor at the University of Oregon Law School to chief justice of the Oregon Supreme Court. She discusses raising a family, as well as the prenatal and maternity care she received.

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

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

Index. This oral history interview with Sherma J. Norris was conducted by Robert J. Gassner on August 26, 1988. The interview was one of a series conducted in 1988 by Oregon Historical Society volunteer Robert Gassner with members of the Syrian and Lebanese community in Portland, Oregon. In this interview, Norris discusses donating a photograph to the Oregon Historical Society. She then talks about her family background and early life in Portland, Oregon, as part of the Syrian and Lebanese community. She discusses Syrian and Lebanese clubs and organizations, including the Syrian Star Society, which later became the Syrian-Lebanese Social Club; and talks about Lebanese- and Syrian-owned businesses in Portland, particularly those run by her family. She briefly outlines the events of her life. She talks about her education at St. Mary's Academy and her childhood friends. She talks about her involvement in the Republican Party and support of Governor Victor Atiyeh; the members of the Syrian and Lebanese community that were friends with her parents; and speaking Arabic at home as a child. She speaks at length about her family, siblings, and children. She closes the interview by describing a recent trip she took with her daughter.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Sidney Leiken was conducted by Clark Hansen at Leiken’s office in Roseburg, Oregon, on June 8, 1992. In the interview, Leiken discusses his family background and early life in New Haven, Connecticut, including the effect the Depression had on his family and his experience in the Civilian Conservation Corps, which brought him to Oregon. He then discusses working at sawmills, his marriage to Thora Hult, and the lumber business. He discusses moving to Roseburg, Oregon, starting a family, and getting into politics, including his involvement with the Democratic Party. Leiken talks about serving in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1961 to 1967. He describes his campaign and constituency in Douglas County. He talks about legislation, including on taxes, community colleges, timber, labor, and land use. He also talks about his fellow legislators, including Monte Montgomery, Al Flegel, Jason Boe, and W.O. Kelsay. He also discusses working on Bob Duncan’s campaign for the U.S. Senate in 1966. Leiken talks about leaving politics, his wife’s cancer diagnosis, and subsequent death in 1969. He goes on to talk about the changes in the Democratic Party since then, as well as partisan politics during his terms in the Legislature. He closes the interview with some words of advice to aspiring politicians, and a discussion of his family life.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Sidney Lezak was conducted by Jack G. Collins from August 16, 1988, to June 6, 1990, as part of the United States District Court Oral History Project. The interview was conducted in four sessions, and a transcript is available.

In the first interview session, conducted on August 16, 1988, Lezak discusses his family background and early life in Chicago, Illinois, including the reasons why his family immigrated to the United States from Russia. He speaks at length about jobs he worked, then briefly discusses his studies at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, before he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1942. He speaks at length about his experience during his time in the Air Force during World War II, including his training, his work as a navigator, and his memories of V-E Day and V-J Day. He discusses his political views and his involvement in politics even at a young age. He talks about his marriage to Muriel Deutsch, and about relocating to Portland, Oregon, to practice law at the firm Lensky, Spiegel, Spiegel, and Martindale. He discusses some of the cases he worked on, particularly regarding labor law and civil rights, including the "Mango Ang" case; talks about some of the other law firms he worked for; and shares his experience of arguing before Judge Gus Solomon. He discusses his involvement with the Democratic Party of Oregon, including serving as the organization's legal counsel. He then talks about his service as U.S. attorney for Oregon from 1961 to 1982, including his appointment, his work toward making the U.S. attorney's office non-partisan, and some of the cases he prosecuted, including mail fraud that happened in 1956.

In the second interview session, conducted on December 14, 1988, Lezak continues to discuss his service as U.S. attorney for Oregon. He talks about his experience as the chief federal prosecutor in the District of Oregon, about his acquaintance with Ed Luckey, and about working with the FBI and local law enforcement. He speaks at length about working under U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, including a case involving Assistant U.S. Attorney David Robinson, Jim Elkins, and investigator Arthur Kaplan. He then talks about judges on the U.S. District Court that he argued before, including William East, Gus Solomon, and John Kilkenny. He speaks at length about cases that were pending when he began his service as U.S. Attorney, particularly those involving Phil Weinstein and Reuben Lensky. He also discusses a land fraud case that was tried by John Kilkenny.

In the third interview session, conducted on September 7, 1989, Lezak continues to discuss his service as U.S. attorney for Oregon. He speaks at length about civil unrest during the Vietnam War, and about prosecuting protestors and conscientious objectors, including Eric Newhall. He also talks about a conversation he had with Senator Wayne Morse about the Vietnam War. He discusses working on cases regarding draft evasion; about working with Tommy Hawk, who was in charge of handling difficult draft cases; and about working on the case of David Gwyther and Kip Morgan, protestors charged with hindering a draft board meeting. He also shares his memories of draft protester Lance Montauk. He discusses Governor Tom McCall's handling of the 1970 American Legion national convention in Portland. He speaks at length about cases he worked on during the 1970s, including the federal investigation into the Portland Police Bureau's use of lethal force, with a focus on the murder of Ricky Johnson.

In the fourth and final interview session, conducted on June 6, 1990, Lezak continues to discuss his service as U.S. attorney for Oregon. He talks about U.S. District Court judges, including Robert Belloni, William G. East, and Ted Goodwin. He speaks at length about a situation involving Oregon Journal reporter Jim Bonet. He then briefly talks about Mallory Walker, the first Black assistant U.S. attorney. He also speaks about his staff and law clerks, particularly Kristen Olson, who later became U.S. attorney. He shares his memories of the Saturday Night Massacre, when President Richard Nixon attempted to fire the special prosecutor investigating the Watergate scandal. He then discusses the American Indian Movement in Oregon, including relations with the Warm Springs tribe. Lezak discusses his resignation in 1982 in response to the policies of the Reagan administration. He closes the interview by talking about his activities since leaving office, including his career as a mediator.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Sister John Mary Lane was conducted by Roberta Watts at Marylhurst University in Marylhurst, Oregon, from April 17 to June 6, 1978. Norma Peters was also present. The interview was conducted in two sessions. In the first interview session, conducted on April 17, 1978, Lane discusses her family background and early life in Spokane, Washington, including her early influences and her education. She then talks about her involvement with the Sisters of the Holy Names and about why she chose to become a nun, and describes her spiritual philosophy. She discusses the ways in which the Catholic Church has become more progressive; describes life in a convent; and talks about the role of women in the church. In the second interview session, conducted on June 6, 1978, Lane revisits the topic of her family background and early life in Spokane, Washington. She also revisits the topic of her involvement with the Sisters of the Holy Names and why she chose to become a nun. She talks about the reasons that fewer women were joining convents at the time of the interview in 1978. She then revisits the topic of life in a convent. She talks about her career as a professor, particularly at Marylhurst University, and discusses stereotypes about nuns. She closes the interview by talking about her plans for the future.

Transcript. 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.