This oral history interview with Leona E. Ellis was conducted by Sandy Polishuk in Portland, Oregon, on May 15, 1981. In this interview, Ellis discusses her family background and early life in Portland. She discusses working as a marine machinist for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. She describes her job duties, talks about her experiences as one of the first women in the shipyards, and speaks about some of the people she worked with. She talks about her wages, about her life after the war, and about attending business college. She speaks about her social life during the war, about the dangers of the job, and about her membership in unions. She talks about the treatment she received from her male coworkers, shares her observations of the treatment of Black shipyard workers, and describes the launch of the last Liberty ship. She shares several anecdotes about her time in the shipyards, particularly regarding her experiences as a woman. She closes the interview by looking at photographs and other documents, and talking about them. Incomplete transcript available (10 pages).

This oral history interview with Betty Niederhaus and Marie Schreiber was conducted by Barbara Whittlesey at Niederhaus’s home in Portland, Oregon, on May 17, 1981. In this interview, they discuss their family background and early life in Portland. They then talk about their experiences as marine machinists for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. They describe their job duties, talk about the dangers of the job, and speak about people they worked with. They also discuss the experience of being laid off immediately after the war ended. They talk about their lives after the war and Niederhaus speaks about working for Jantzen Knitting Mills. They discuss the lower wages they earn as women, and share their thoughts on the women’s movement and feminism.

This oral history interview with Patricia L. Rowlands was conducted by Karen Wickre at Rowlands’ home in Gresham, Oregon, on May 20, 1981. In this interview, Rowlands discusses her family background and early life in Portland, including attending high school with Connie McCready, her experience during the Depression, and her first marriage. She describes how she came to work on a clean-up crew at the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation in Portland, and shares her experiences as a woman worker in the shipyards. She talks about people she worked with, describes her job duties, and discusses the dangers of the job. She shares her experience with the Kaiser child care centers. She speaks about later working as an electrician trainee at the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. She describes her typical day as a shipyard worker, then talks about her life after the end of the war, including the end of her first marriage and working at Jantzen Mills. She speaks about her children, their families, and their careers. She shares her thoughts about the women’s liberation movement.

This oral history interview with Dorothy R. Anderson was conducted by Amy Kesselman at the U.S. Bancorp Building in Portland, Oregon, on May 22, 1981. In this interview, Anderson discusses her early life in Salem, and talks about jobs she worked during the Depression. She describes how she came to work as an electrician at Commercial Iron Works and at the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation in Portland. She also talks about her marriage in 1940 and about her divorce in 1944. She shares her experiences as a woman worker in the shipyards, talks about her job duties, and describes the dangers of the job. She talks about the jobs she held after the end of the war, particularly her career with the U.S. National Bank of Oregon, shares her thoughts on the women's liberation movement, and discusses her plans for retirement.

This oral history interview with Lois L. Housman was conducted by Madeline Moore at Housman’s home in Portland, Oregon, on May 22, 1981. In this interview, Housman speaks at length about her early life on a farm near Springfield, Missouri. She talks about her marriage to Joe Housman. She speaks at length about working at and running restaurants in Portland, Oregon. She describes how she came to work as a welder in the Kaiser shipyards in Portland during World War II and shares her experiences as a woman worker. She talks about her training, about her friendship with Augusta Clawson, author of “Shipyard Diary of a Woman Welder,” and about a typical day in the shipyards. She discusses the dangers of the job and the protective gear she wore; shares her observations about how Black workers were treated in the shipyards; and talks about balancing her family and work. She shares her thoughts about the women’s liberation movement.

This oral history interview with Helen E. Berggren was conducted by Sara Cook and Lynn Taylor at Berggren’s home in Brush Prairie, Oregon, on May 23, 1981. In this interview, Berggren discusses her early life in North Dakota and describes the death of her mother in 1920. She talks about working as an electrician at the Kaiser shipyard in Vancouver, Washington. She talks about other jobs she worked and raising her family. She speaks about the people she worked with at the shipyard, about her job duties, and about the dangers of the job. She speaks at length about her life after the war, particularly about houses where she lived in Brush Prairie, and revisits the topic of her early life to talk about her education. She closes the interview by talking about a trip she took to Washington, D.C. Complete transcript available (36 pages).

This oral history interview with Nona F. Pool was conducted by Amy Kesselman on May 25, 1981. In this interview, Pool discusses her early life in Nebraska and in Denver, Colorado, and describes her experiences during the Depression. She speaks about her experience as a welder for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. She talks about living in Vanport and about her child care arrangements. She describes her training, her job duties, and the dangers of the job. She discusses balancing work and family life. She speaks at length about jobs she held after the war, including returning to welding for Freightliner. She shares her opinion on the women’s movement and feminism. Incomplete transcript available (6 pages).

This oral history interview with Mabel L. Hegg was conducted by Susan Feldman at Hegg’s home in Portland, Oregon, on May 26, 1981. In this interview, Hegg discusses her early jobs, then describes how she came to work as a lead lady tank cleaner for Commercial Iron Works during World War II. She talks about the work of tank cleaners and about the duties of a lead lady. She discusses racism she observed in the shipyards, talks about people she worked with, and speaks about her work after the end of the war. She also talks about briefly working in a shipyard in Seattle, Washington.

This speech was delivered by Gertrude Glutsch Jensen on May 28, 1981, to an unknown audience. She repeats remarks made to the Portland Women's Forum at the Western Forestry Center in Portland, Oregon, on May 5, 1981. A person identified only as Mr. Short delivers introductory remarks. Jensen discusses the history of Columbia River Gorge conservation efforts by the Portland Women’s Forum and the Columbia Gorge Commission. She advocates immediate action by way of a presidential proclamation to designate the Gorge as a national monument; reads a letter she received from former Oregon Governor Oswald West regarding the Gorge; and talks about her friendship with conservationist Horace M. Albright. She presents arguments in favor of proposed legislation to designate the Gorge as a National Recreation Area. Jensen closes the speech by talking about the 1937 Columbia River Gorge Commission report, and Short makes closing remarks.

This oral history interview with Edna L. Hopkins was conducted by Amy Kesselman on May 28, 1981. In this interview, Hopkins discusses her early life in Kentucky and Tennessee, including raising a family and working at an aircraft plant. She then talks about coming to Oregon in 1943 and shares her experiences as a welder in the Kaiser shipyards in Vancouver, Washington. She describes her training, her job duties, and the dangers of the job. She discusses her union membership, as well as balancing work and home life. She speaks about her life after the war, including working at the Jantzen Knitting Mills. She shares her opinion on the women’s movement and feminism, shares her observations of the treatment Black people received in Portland, and talks about her children, their families and their careers. Incomplete transcript available (37 pages).

This oral history interview with Etta G. Harvey was conducted by Sandy Polishuk at Harvey's home in Portland, Oregon, on May 28, 1981. In this interview, Harvey discusses her early life in Portland, including her first marriage to John F. Frey and early job as a waitress, then describes how she came to work as a burner at Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation in Portland. She also talks about her marriage to Clarence L. Harvey in 1944. She describes her job duties, shares her experiences as a woman worker in the shipyards, and talks about her wages. She describes the dangers of the job, as well as her own work-related injuries. She talks about her son's education, career, and family. She speaks about working as a waitress after the end of the war, and reflects on the most challenging aspects of working alongside men in the shipyard. She closes the interview by sharing her thoughts on the women's liberation movement.

This oral history interview with Ree F. Adkins was conducted by Lynn Taylor at Adkins’ home in Vancouver, Washington, on June 2, 1981. In this interview, Adkins discusses her family background and early life in Hardman, Oregon. She talks about her career as a teacher, about her experience during the Depression, and about her marriage to Conser L. Adkins. She describes how she came to work as an electrician at the Kaiser shipyards in Vancouver, Washington, during World War II, and shares her experiences as a woman worker in the shipyards. She talks about her job duties, about the people she worked with, and about the protective clothing she wore. She discusses her living conditions during the war, her commute to the shipyards, and briefly working in the cafeteria at the Kaiser hospital. She describes a typical day during the time she worked in the shipyards, talks about her life after the end of the war, and shares her thoughts about women in the workforce.

This oral history interview with Doris Avshalomov was conducted by Madeline Moore at Avshalomov’s home in Portland, Oregon, on June 5, 1981. In this interview, Avshalomov discusses her early life in Portland, Oregon, including her experience at Reed College. She speaks about working as an electrician in the Kaiser shipyard in Vancouver, Washington; shares her observations on the experiences of Black shipyard workers; and describes some of the discrimination she experienced due to her age, her gender, and her friendliness towards Black workers. She talks about her training and describes her job duties; talks about her living situation; and then speaks about her life after the war. She shares her reasons for leaving the shipyards in 1944. She reads a poem she wrote about working in the shipyards. She closes the interview by talking about some of the people she met in the shipyards. Complete transcript available (35 pages).

This oral history interview with Alice A. Erickson was conducted by Amy Kesselman on June 5, 1981. In this interview, Erickson discusses her early life on farms in Nebraska and South Dakota. She talks about her reasons for coming to Oregon in 1941, then discusses her experiences as a tack welder and a driller in the shipyards in Portland. She describes her job duties, talks about the treatment she received from her male coworkers, and discusses jobs she held after the war. Complete transcript available (15 pages).

This oral history interview with Betty B. Cleator was conducted by Madeline Moore in Warrenton, Oregon, on June 6, 1981. In this interview, Cleator briefly discusses her family background and early life, talks about how she came to work in the Kaiser shipyard in Vancouver, Washington, and shares her experiences as a drafter. She describes the work she did as a draftsman, and speaks at length about the drafting process at Kaiser. She talks about studying landscape architecture in college, and about the difficulty of finding a job in that field as a woman. She describes daily life in the shipyards, shares stories about the dangers of the work, and talks about the discrimination women faced from their union. She shares her memories of life in Portland during the early days of World War II. She talks about jobs she held after the end of the war and discusses how attitudes toward women in the workforce changed.

This oral history interview with Beatrice G. Marshall was conducted by Madeline Moore and Christine Poole on June 11, 1981. In this interview, Marshall discusses her involvement in the National Youth Administration during World War II, then talks about her experiences as a Black woman worker in the Portland shipyards. She describes her machinist training in Indiana; speaks about being denied work for which she was qualified due to racial discrimination; and talks about working as a painter’s helper and a sweeper, which were the only jobs open to Black women. She talks about her life after the war, including the jobs she held. Complete transcript available (35 pages).

This oral history interview with Billie H. Strmiska was conducted by Karen Wickre at Strmiska’s home in Wheeler, Oregon, on June 14, 1981. Strmiska’s husband, Edward Strmiska, was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview. In this interview, Strmiska discusses her early life in Penelope, Texas, then talks about her experiences during the Depression in Oregon, in Texas, and in Washington. She discusses her experiences as a welder for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation and for Commercial Iron Works in Portland, Oregon. She describes her training, talks about the protective clothing she wore, and discusses the dangers of the job. She speaks at length about participating in a welding contest in 1943 and about the trip she took as a result of achieving second place. She talks about her life after the war, running a berry farm with her husband. Complete transcript available (60 pages).

This oral history interview with Audrey B. Dotsey was conducted by Amy Kesselman on June 15, 1981. In this interview, Dotsey discusses her early life in Arkansas and talks about coming to Oregon in 1943. She talks about working as a scaler for Willamette Iron and Steel (WISCO). She also talks about other jobs she held after the war, including working as a waitress, in canneries, and as a housekeeper. She describes a typical work day as a scaler, discusses her child care arrangement, and talks about discrimination she experienced as a Black woman. She shares her reasons for staying in Portland after the war; talks about her marriages and about adopting children; and speaks further about her experiences in the shipyards. Incomplete transcript available (5 pages).

This oral history interview with Eva L. Groshong was conducted by Amy Kesselman in Gresham, Oregon, on June 18, 1981. In this interview, Groshong discusses her early life on a farm in Goldendale, Washington, her marriage history, and her work as a fruit packer and teacher. She describes how she came to work in the Kaiser shipyard in Vancouver, Washington, during World War II and shares her experiences as a woman worker. She talks about the dangers of the job, about the people she worked with, and about her daily activities during that time. She also discusses her husband's health and her activities after the end of the war. She shares her thoughts about the women's liberation movement and about secular government.

This oral history interview with Ida E. Matz was conducted by Sandra Cook at Matz's home in Portland, Oregon, on June 18, 1981. In this interview, Matz discusses her early life as the child of a forest ranger in Oregon and Washington, including her education and family summers camping in state forests. She talks about her education and career as a nurse at Emanuel Hospital in Portland. She also shares her experience during the Depression. She describes how she came to work as a nurse at Commercial Iron Works during World War II. She talks about some of the injuries she saw in patients at the shipyards and about workplace safety there. She compares her shipyard nursing work to her other nursing jobs and shares her reasons for leaving the field of industrial nursing after 1968. She shares her thoughts about the women’s liberation movement.

This oral history interview with Patricia C. Koehler was conducted by Sandra Cook at Koehler’s home in Portland, Oregon, on June 18, 1981. In this interview, Koehler describes how she came to work as an electrician in the Kaiser shipyards in Vancouver, Washington, during World War II and shares her experiences as a woman worker in the shipyards. She discusses the job duties of an electrician, describes a typical day in the shipyards, and talks about the protective gear she wore. She discusses her wages, the people she worked with, and the dangers of the job. She shares her experience working the graveyard shift, talks about her commute, and discusses her social life. She then talks about her college experiences at Reed College and Portland State University, and about her children, their families, and their careers.

This oral history interview with Marie Merchant was conducted by Amy Kesselman at Merchant's home in Portland, Oregon, on July 20, 1981. In this interview, Merchant discusses her early life in Lexington, Kentucky, including her marriage history and raising a family during the Depression. She describes how she came to work as a scaler and painter’s helper at Willamette Iron and Steel in Portland, Oregon, during World War II. She talks about the job duties of a scaler, about her child care arrangements, and about the work she did after the end of the war. She shares her reasons for remaining in Portland and talks about her involvement in her church.

This speech by Gertrude Glutsch Jensen was delivered around 1981 to a group of people gathered at her home in Portland, Oregon, under the auspices of Senator Mark Hatfield. The speech was also broadcast on KOIN radio. In the speech, Jensen talks about the history of Columbia River Gorge preservation efforts and discusses her own preservation work. She presents arguments in favor of proposed legislation to designate the Gorge as a national recreation area, and advocates immediate action by way of a presidential proclamation to designate the Gorge as a national monument. She also describes the current state of the Washington side of the Gorge. She closes the speech by talking about Chanticleer Point.

Contains mostly biographical information about Palmer, along with letters written by his descendants and letters relating to the dedication of a statue of Palmer in 1971.

This oral history interview with John F. Kilkenny was conducted by Rick Harmon in Portland, Oregon, in 15 sessions from June 12 to October 3, 1984. A transcript is available. The original audio of the recording is incomplete due to irretrievable damage to Tape 14, side 2. Tape 17 is a re-enactment of that audio. The re-enactment was created after the damage to the original tape was discovered. It was based upon an earlier transcript created before the damage occurred, which no longer exists. The accuracy of the re-enactment cannot be verified.

In the first interview session, conducted on June 12, 1984, Kilkenny discusses his family background and early life on a sheep farm in Heppner, Oregon. He talks about the Heppner community's relationship with local Native people; describes the sheep-cattle wars; and talks about his recreational activities.

In the second interview session, conducted on June 15, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss his early life, including his early education in a one-room school, his Catholic upbringing, and his family's political beliefs. He describes his experiences attending Columbia Preparatory, a boarding school in Portland.

In the third interview session, conducted on June 21, 1984, Kilkenny briefly discusses his memories of World War I. He speaks further about sheep ranching, then talks about attending the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, including playing football under Knute Rockne.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on June 26, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss attending Notre Dame in Indiana, including studying law and his social life. He talks about preparing for the Oregon Bar by taking prep courses at Northwestern College of Law. He discusses his early law career in Pendleton and notable cases he worked on, including bankruptcy and Prohibition cases. He also talks about his political views and Republican affiliation.

In the fifth interview session, conducted on June 29, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss his political views and Republican affiliation. He describes the effects of the Depression on his family. He talks about serving as city attorney for Pendleton from 1930 to 1934; speaks about his marriage to Virginia Brannock; and discusses working as a lawyer in private practice.

In the sixth interview session, conducted on July 5, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss working as a lawyer in private practice and talks about some of the cases he worked on. He speaks about how World War II affected people in Eastern Oregon.

In the seventh interview session, conducted on July 27, 1984, Kilkenny discusses his involvement with the Oregon State Bar.

In the eighth interview session, conducted on August 3, 1984, Kilkenny speaks at length about his 1959 appointment to the U.S. District Court of Oregon.

In the ninth interview session, conducted on August 9, 1984, Kilkenny discusses serving as a judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon. He briefly describes judges he worked with, including Hall Lusk and Gus Solomon, and discusses cases involving admiralty law.

In the tenth interview session, conducted on August 21, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss serving as a judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon. He talks about cases involving labor law.

In the eleventh interview session, conducted on August 28, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss serving as a judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon. He talks about cases involving the first amendment and criminal law. He also speaks further about serving with Hall Lusk. He then discusses his 1969 appointment to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

In the twelfth interview session, conducted on September 4, 1984, Kilkenny discusses serving as a judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He discusses cases involving the draft and talks about procedures of the court.

In the thirteenth interview session, conducted on September 11, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss serving as a judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He talks about serving as a guest judge in other circuit courts, about his senior status, and about his decision-making process.

In the fourteenth interview session, conducted on September 27, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss serving as a judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He talks about how his sentencing style has changed over time and about new precedents set by recent courts.

In the fifteenth interview session, conducted on October 3, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss serving as a judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He shares his thoughts on the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. He discusses his involvement in the preservation of the Pioneer Courthouse in Portland. He closes the interview by talking about his recent activities and family life.

This oral history interview with Gus J. Solomon was conducted by Rick Harmon at the U.S. District Courthouse in Portland, Oregon, from July 23 to October 18, 1984. In this interview, Solomon discusses his family background and early life in Portland, including his memories of World War I, his Jewish upbringing, his father's store, and his education. He then discusses attending Reed College, his interest in history, and his subsequent transfer to the University of Chicago. He discusses studying law at Columbia University, including his social life in New York, then transferring to Stanford University, including his developing political beliefs. He also discusses his family's financial difficulties during this time period. He talks about the difficulty in finding a job in a law office during the Depression, and about some of the cases he worked on, particularly cases involving civil rights. He also talks about his involvement with the Democratic Party, the Oregon Commonwealth Foundation, and the American Civil Liberties Union. He describes his work toward establishing a legal aid program in Oregon, his work on public power, and his efforts getting jobs for young lawyers, particularly those from underrepresented groups. He describes being rejected for military service in World War II and cases he worked on related to internment of Japanese-Americans, particularly after the war.

Solomon discusses serving as a judge for the U.S. District Court of Oregon. He talks about his election to the bench and the opposition he faced; the adjustment from lawyer to judge; and his relationship with his fellow judges. He describes in detail his techniques for speeding up the judicial process, with some case examples. He then discusses his activities as a senior judge, beginning in 1971, which he describes as being largely the same as when he was an active judge. He talks about hearing cases in other districts, particularly in Southern California; the McCarthy era; and cases with political implications, particularly cases regarding the draft. He talks about serving as chief judge from 1959 to 1971, and the changes he made to rules and procedures of the court. He describes some of the law clerks he's had over his career, including Jerome Kohlberg, Jr. He speaks briefly about his early opposition to clubs with discriminatory policies. Solomon provides advice to lawyers on how to win cases, and discusses lawyers he has worked with. He talks about sentencing, judicial activism, and interpreting law.

Solomon closes the interview by talking about his personal life and activities. He discusses the many organizations he has belonged to, including the Reed College Alumni Association and Amnesty International. He also talks about organizations he regularly donates to, including the Jewish Federation. He describes his family life and the activities of his children and grandchildren.

This oral history interview with William G. East was conducted by Rick Harmon in East's chambers in Eugene, Oregon, in two sessions from November 8-15, 1984, as part of the United States District Court Oral History Project.

In the first interview session, conducted on November 8, 1984, East discusses his family background and early life in Salem, Oregon, including his education and interest in journalism and sports. He then discusses attending the University of Oregon from 1927 to 1932 and studying law. He talks about the Depression hitting in the middle of his studies, his social life, and his developing political outlook. He also talks about Orlando Hollis and Wayne Morse as law professors. He then discusses practicing law in Eugene from 1932 to 1942, including law firms he worked at and cases he tried. He describes his experience in the U.S. Army during World War II, including his training, service in Germany, and his involvement in the capture of Hermann Göring. He describes his return to civilian life and law practice, as well as his position as city attorney for Eugene.

In the second interview session, conducted on November 15, 1984, East talks about his service on the Oregon Circuit Court from 1949 to 1955, including his appointment, conflict with the press, and various cases he heard. East goes on to discuss his service on the U.S. District Court of Oregon from 1955 to 1967, including his appointment. He particularly focuses on a scandal that nearly derailed his appointment and on a meeting with President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He also discusses cases he heard, including a negligence case involving Booth-Kelly Lumber Company that he heard twice, and a case on public defender compensation. He describes the changes to court procedures implemented by Judge Gus Solomon. He then discusses his decision to take senior status in 1967, as well as his activities since then, including cases on Native American rights and sovereignty. He closes the interview with a discussion of his judicial philosophy, his involvement with various civic organizations, and his hobbies and family life.

This oral history interview with Ariel Rubstein was conducted by Oregon photographer Marian W. Kolisch in two sessions, on December 17, 1984, and February 18, 1985. The interview was part of a series conducted by Kolisch to accompany portraits of Oregon artists, businesspeople, and politicians.

In the first interview session, Rubstein discusses his family background and early life in Kiev, Russia, now Ukraine, including an explanation about the ambiguity surrounding his birthdate. He describes his music education at the Kiev Conservatory. He compares his memories of life in pre-revolution Russia to living conditions in Russia at the time of the interview. He shares his reasons for leaving Kiev in 1919 during the Russian Revolution, describes how he was able to escape Russia, and discusses his journey through Europe while awaiting approval of his visa to the United States, where he arrived in 1922. He shares his thoughts about higher education. He talks about his career as a musician and teacher in New York, New York, and talks about other Russian refugees. He shares his reasons for leaving the East Coast and settling in Portland, Oregon, in 1936.

In the second interview session, conducted on February 18, 1985, Rubstein discusses his career as a musician and instructor in Portland, Oregon. He talks about his marriage to Margaret Eleanor Reed, and about raising a family. He discusses his work as director of the Portland School of Music until its closure in 1959, and talks about how the school's opera department led to the Portland Opera. He speaks about running his business, Celebrity Attractions, Inc., which produced concerts, operas, and musicals in Portland; talks about promoting the shows to Oregonians; and discusses working with the musical artists the organization contracted with. He closes the interview by sharing his thoughts about appreciation of the arts among the American public in the 1980s.