This oral history interview with John R. Laidlaw was conducted by Sally R. Stout around 1980. In this interview, Laidlaw discusses the background of his maternal family, particularly the Plowden family, in England and the United States. He talks about the Plowden family plantation in Maryland, and about the Plowden family's religious affiliation. He talks about his siblings, their careers, and their families.

The collection consists of a three-page letter, in Japanese, from Masuo Yasui to Sagoro Asai, written shortly after Yasui was released from incarceration in January 1946. In the letter, Yasui thanks Asai for his friendship, and describes his sadness over the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. He makes reference to an incident in which the American Legion post in Hood River, Oregon, removed the names of Japanese American soldiers from a local monument. He praises Asai's son Masami for having served in the U.S. military and for returning to Hood River despite white residents' opposition to the return of any Japanese Americans. He also shares his own hope to return to Hood River.

In addition to the original letter and its envelope, the collection includes transcripts in the pre-World War II Japanese writing system and modern Japanese characters, and a translation to English, all of which were made by Yoko Gulde in 2022.

The collection consists of papers of and relating to missionaries Marcus and Narcissa Whitman. A substantial portion of the collection consists of letters that they wrote to Narcissa Whitman's family. These letters describe the Whitmans' overland journey to the Pacific Northwest in 1836, and their lives as missionaries in the following decade. The letters also frequently express frustration with Native peoples' cultural norms and their reluctance to convert to Calvinist Christianity, often using patronizing and derogatory language. The letters also include pejorative terms for Roman Catholics and for biracial people of Native and European or Euro-American descent.

Other writings by the Whitmans include typescript copies of their correspondence with the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and a typescript of Marcus Whitman's proposed legislation to establish outposts to assist Euro-American emigrants traveling westward. Other materials in the collection include original and reproduced materials regarding the Whitman killings and their aftermath; microfilm of Mary Saunders and Helen Saunders' recollections of the Whitman killings and aftermath; and items related to the memorialization of the Whitmans, including efforts in the 1890s to erect a monument in their honor.

This oral history interview with Sergiu Luca was conducted by Jim Strassmaier at Luca's home in Otis, Oregon, from July 20 to August 17, 2005, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. The interview was conducted in two sessions. Collection also includes two digital and three print photographs of Luca.

In the first interview session, conducted on July 20, 2005, Luca discusses his family background and early life in Bucharest, Romania, including his early education in playing the violin. He talks about immigrating to Israel with his family in 1950, his father's death shortly after, and continuing his musical education. He then speaks about studying violin in London, England, and in Switzerland with Max Rostal, and later studying violin in the United States at the Curtis Institute with Ivan Galamian. He talks about his involvement with Portland State University and the origins of Chamber Music Northwest, including its funding and early performances, and the reasons why he left the organization. He also discusses his restaurant, Uncle Chen's. He then talks about the origins of the Cascade Head Music Festival.

In the second interview session, conducted on August 17, 2005, Luca speaks at length about living with Jenny Grimm, wife of Socialist leader Robert Grimm, while studying violin in Switzerland. He discusses his career as a professor of violin at William Marshall Rice University in Houston, Texas. He also revisits the topic of his musical education, then continues to discuss the Cascade Head Music Festival. He closes the interview by talking about his musical process, the music he enjoys playing, and popular music pieces.

This oral history interview with Charles L. Hayward was conducted by Linda S. Dodds on December 5, 1979. A transcript of the interview is available. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody.

In this interview, Hayward discusses his experiences as a balloon lookout during World War I. He talks about his Army training and learning how to operate balloons. He describes his deployment to Europe, including traveling across England and marching across France to reach the front lines. He speaks at length about the organization, equipment, and operations of the balloon corps. He also describes the experience of being in a balloon while under fire. He closes the interview by sharing his memories of Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, and of the return journey to the U.S.

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

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

Documents relating to the voyage of scientific exploration, 1789-1794, conducted by the Italian mariner Alessandro (Alejandro) Malaspina, assisted by José Bustamente y Guerra, and sponsored by the Spanish crown. The expedition included stops in Trinidad, Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador, Chile, Peru, points along the coast of North America as far north as Nootka Sound, the Philippine Islands, Australia, and New Zealand. The documents relate to the American portion of the voyage as far as California and include documentation on inland explorations and the gathering of scientific data, including descriptions of conditions among the California missions. Also included are a group of items relating to preparations and supplies. Many documents were sent to or from the office of Spanish naval minister Antonio Valdés y Bazán. Some documents are contemporary copies.

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

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

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

This oral history interview with Samuel L. Diack was conducted by Charles Digregorio at Diack's home in Portland, Oregon, on May 6, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Diack discusses his family background and shares his reasons for pursuing a career as a physician. He shares his experiences as a medical student, discusses his reasons for moving to Portland, Oregon, in 1932, and talks about how the medical field has changed since he began practicing. He speaks at length about his service as president of the board of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and about the construction of the museum building in Southeast Portland. He then discusses his retirement activities, including traveling the world by ship and serving on the board of the Oregon Graduate Center. He closes the interview by talking about prominent Portlanders he was acquainted with.

This oral history interview with Frederick Clausen was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at Clausen's home in Beaverton, Oregon, in two sessions from October 27-29, 1981, 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 the first interview session, conducted on October 27, 1981, Clausen discusses how he came to the United States from Sweden in 1903, and talks about working on his uncle's farm in the Pomme de Terre River Valley in Minnesota, and on another relative's dairy farm in Silvana, Washington. He describes life in Portland, Oregon, in the early 20th century and talks about working in the grocery trade. He describes making deliveries and talks about how the Depression affected the grocery trade. He then talks about owning a grocery store in Southeast Portland during World War II and about how rationing affected his business.

In the second interview session, conducted on October 29, 1981, Clausen continues to discuss how rationing during World War II affected the grocery trade. He then talks about his service in the U.S. Army in France during World War I, and also about becoming a U.S. citizen in 1920. He shares his reasons for leaving the grocery business after the end of World War II, and talks about his activities since. He closes the interview by discussing his photography hobby.

This oral history interview with Harold H. Cake was conducted by Linda S. Dodds in Portland, Oregon, in two sessions on September 2 and September 14, 1982, 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 the first interview session, conducted on September 2, 1982, Cake discusses his family background and early life in the Goose Hollow neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, then talks about his college experiences at the University of Oregon and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He discusses his work as an electrical engineer for GE in Los Angeles, California, during the Depression, then talks about his return to Portland in 1935 to work for the Haseltine Company. He briefly speaks about his marriage history and his children. He shares his reasons for leaving the Haseltine Company to join Equitable Savings and Loan as a director. He talks about the careers of his brothers, Ralph Cake and William Cake. He speaks at length about the history of Equitable Savings and Loan and about its business practices, including its activities during the Depression, the buildings it occupied, and its operations in other states. He discusses how the inflation of the 1970s affected savings and loan institutions.

In the second interview session, conducted on September 14, 1982, Cake discusses how Equitable survived the financial crisis triggered by the high inflation of the 1970s.

This oral history interview with Edward T. Brounstein was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at Brounstein's home in Portland, Oregon, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. The interview was conducted in two sessions, on May 25 and June 9, 1982. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody.

In the first interview session, conducted on May 25, 1982, Brounstein discusses his family background and early life in Portland, Oregon. He talks about his family's wool trade company, J. Brounstein and Sons, and also describes some of his father's wagoneering experiences. He discusses his Jewish heritage and his family's observation of Judaism. He then talks about his career as a patternmaker and clothing designer, including his experiences at White Stag and the Columbia Garment Company in Portland and at the Del Mode Company in Seattle, Washington. He discusses the changes in women's fashion over the 20th century, and talks about sizing of women's clothing.

In the second interview session, conducted on June 9, 1982, Brounstein continues to discuss his career as a patternmaker and clothing designer. He talks about his design process, about working with different fabrics, and about how mass production of clothing changed the industry. He closes the interview by discussing his retirement activities, particularly teaching classes on patternmaking at Bassist College, now the Portland Art Institute.

This oral history interview with Don G. Berry was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at Berry's home on Vashon Island, Washington, on February 11, 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, Berry discusses and plays Zimbabwean music on an mbira, also known as a thumb piano. He speaks about his spirituality and shares thoughts on Eastern philosophies. He also discusses his experiences at Reed College from 1949 to 1951. He speaks about writing historical novels, as well as the reasons why he stopped writing fiction. He discusses writing as an art form, and talks about his other work as an artist, including film and bronze sculpture. He talks about the benefits and drawbacks of life in individualistic and communal societies; shares his thoughts about the future of computers, particularly for use in writing and music; and speaks at length about his feminism and support for the women's movement. He closes the interview by talking about how he developed his interests.

This oral history interview with Margaret Biddle Parker was conducted by Charles Digregorio and Terence O'Donnell in Portland, Oregon, on March 28, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Parker looks at and describes photographs of her mother, Margaret Burrell Biddle, and talks about her mother's life. She talks about their relationship, about their travels, and about her mother's talent for gardening. She describes the places her mother lived after her divorce in 1925, talks about her mother's antisemitism, and discusses her mother's recreational activities.

This oral history interview with Forrest T. Berg was conducted by Charles Digregorio on November 6, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Berg discusses his family background and early life in the San Francisco Bay Area, including his experiences working in department stores in San Francisco. He talks about moving to Portland, Oregon, in the 1920s to work for his father's clothing store, the Charles F. Berg Company. He also briefly talks about the career of his half-sister, Caroline Berg. He describes building the Chumley clothing line for women, talks about marketing the Charles F. Berg clothing store, and discusses how the clothing retail industry changed over the 20th century. He talks about his involvement with several civic organizations, including the Portland Chamber of Commerce and the Boys Club of America. He closes the interview by discussing the construction of the Timberline Lodge.

This oral history interview with Robert A. Benz was conducted by Jacob Cohen in Portland, Oregon, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. The interview was conducted in two sessions, on February 27 and May 30, 1980. An unidentified woman was also present. On the original cassettes, the recording speed increases throughout the first interview session. In this digitized version of the recording, the audio has been edited to adjust the speed.

In the first interview session, conducted on February 27, 1980, Benz describes how Benz Spring got its name and gives directions to the spring. He speaks about the history of his family's spring-manufacturing company, the Benz Spring Company. He talks about the uses for the company's springs, about the manufacturing process, and about the company's other products and patents. He also talks about a spring he donated to the Oregon Historical Society. He then discusses his family background. He talks about the Benz Spring Company's competition with the Laher Company, which also manufactured springs.

In the second interview session, conducted on May 30, 1980, Benz speaks further about Benz Spring, and continues to discuss the history of the Benz Spring Company. He talks about the company's products, including logging trailer springs and leaf springs; speaks again about a spring he donated to the Oregon Historical Society; and describes the power sources the company used for its manufacturing processes. He then speaks further about his family background and talks about his service in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He closes the interview by discussing the growth of the Benz Spring Company.

This oral history interview with Stanton W. Allison was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on August 11, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. A transcript is available.

In this interview, Allison discusses his family background and early life in the Portland Heights neighborhood of Portland. He speaks at length about his relatives, their families, and their careers. He then talks about the family background of his wife, Winifred Allison, and particularly talks about her uncle, James Carlyle "Carl" Denton, conductor of the Portland Symphony Orchestra (now known as the Oregon Symphony) from 1918 to 1925. He closes the interview by discussing his career as a lawyer in Portland and talking about cases he worked on.

This oral history interview with David E. Becker was conducted by Charles Digregorio on August 11, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Becker discusses his family background, and particularly talks about the life and career of his father, Ray F. Becker. He discusses the family steel fabrication business, the Ray F. Becker Company, and talks about how the business changed over the 20th century.

This oral history interview with Forrest E. Balliet was conducted by Roberta Watts in Portland, Oregon, on March 2, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. An unidentified woman was also present.

In this interview, Balliet discusses his family background and early life with his grandmother near Talent, Oregon, and in Ashland, Oregon. He describes his work history in Montana, Missouri, Washington, Utah, Oregon, and California, including sheep ranching, mule driving, and seasonal farm work. He discusses living in rooming houses in downtown Portland and describes the city in the late 1910s, and also talks about staying in shelters run by the Salvation Army. He shares his experiences in the U.S. Army in France during World War I.

This oral history interview with Henry C. C. Stevens was conducted by Charles Digregorio on January 5, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. An incomplete transcript is also available, and includes an addendum provided by Stevens after the interview.

In this interview, Stevens discusses his family background and early life in the Nob Hill neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. He talks about the people who lived in the neighborhood, about the businesses and schools in the area, and about his experience with childhood diseases. He speaks about his education at Portland Academy, including his teachers and classmates. He shares his memories of the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition. He talks about his service in the U.S. military during World War I, shares his reasons for not completing college, and speaks about his career in the insurance business.

This oral history interview with Emily N. Cameron was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on August 6, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. A man identified only as Mr. Stevens was also present.

In this interview, Cameron discusses her family background and early life in the Portland Heights neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, including her family's role in the founding of the Waverley Country Club, and swimming in the Willamette River. She speaks at length about the lives of her grandparents and parents, describes the people and businesses in Portland Heights, and talks about traveling to the East Coast to visit family.

This oral history interview with Sidney W. Isaacs was conducted by Mary M. Rosenberg on April 18, 1967.

In this interview, Isaacs discusses his early life in Portland, Oregon, and describes going to and working in theaters in the early 20th century. He talks about working as an usher and ticket seller at the Cordray Theater, and about John F. Cordray, the owner of the theater. He discusses the popularity of vaudeville shows in the early 20th century. He talks about leaving the Cordray to usher at the Baker Theater, and about the theater's owner, Portland Mayor George L. Baker. He describes the theaters in operation during the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition, talks about Portland actors in the Baker Stock Company, and speaks about the operations of touring theater companies. He speaks at length about his work as manager of the Portland Public Auditorium, now known as the Keller Auditorium, including working with Impresario Lois Steers, shows that were held at the venue, and the city's use of the auditorium as a temporary morgue during the 1918 flu pandemic. He also discusses the entertainment provided by the Chautauqua Association in Gladstone Park, Oregon. He talks about the history of the Portland Public Auditorium, about the different types of events held there, and about the auditorium's affiliation with the Oregon Historical Society. He closes the interview by discussing the auditorium's workforce, the political nature of the manager's job, and his retirement activities.

This oral history interview with Ruth B. Hollister was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on February 22, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Hollister discusses her family background and early life in the Northwest neighborhood of Portland. She describes the neighborhood and discusses everyday life. She talks about people who lived there, and about business in the area. She briefly discusses her marital history, and talks about how her life in Portland compared to her life in Vancouver, British Columbia, and in Dayton, Ohio. She describes her work with the Junior League of Portland in the 1930s and 1940s. She closes the interview by sharing her thoughts on how and why Portland changed over the 20th century.

This oral history interview with sisters Frances S. Charlton and Mary H. Clair was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on February 2, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Charlton and Clair discuss their early life living with their grandparents in the King's Hill neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. They describe the house they lived in, talk about other families in the neighborhood, and discuss the manners and customs of wealthy people in early 20th-century Portland. They talk about spending summers in Ocean Beach, Washington, and winters in Santa Barbara, California. They also share their experiences during the 1918 flu pandemic. They talk about their education and lessons, about their leisure activities, and about businesses in the neighborhood.

This oral history interview with Nancy E. Stevens was conducted by Dale Archibald, Susan Horton, and Robert Keeler at Blue Lake Regional Park in Fairview, Oregon, on January 29, 1981. Susan Horton was also recording video at the time of the interview.

In this interview, Stevens directs a driving tour of Blue Lake Park. She uses a 1930 U.S. Geographic Survey map to point out the former locations of buildings, piers, and Native sites. She talks about her childhood on the land when it was owned by her family, including fishing in the lake and people who lived in the area. They all also discuss Multnomah County's plans for the park.

This oral history interview with Alfred Powers was conducted at Powers' home in Portland, Oregon, by Linda S. Dodds from February 22 to March 7, 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. The interview was conducted in three sessions. Molly Powers was also present during the interview.

In the first interview session, conducted on February 22, 1980, Powers discusses his college education at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Oregon, particularly his experiences studying Greek and English. He briefly outlines his career as a high school teacher, and as a University of Oregon professor and dean of the extension division. He speaks about serving as director of the Federal Writers Project in Oregon, and talks about writers he worked with. He discusses his affiliation with the Oregon Historical Society and speaks at length about his work as editor of the Oregon Historical Quarterly.

In the second interview session, conducted on February 28, 1980, Powers speaks further about authors he worked with while director of the Federal Writers Project in Oregon. He speaks about writing the book "History of Oregon Literature," and about working as an editor with the publisher Binford & Mort. He speaks about people he worked with at the University of Oregon, particularly University President Prince Lucien Campbell.

In the third and final interview session, conducted on March 7, 1980, Powers speaks at length about Oregon authors with whom he was acquainted. He also talks about writing a column for the Oregon Journal newspaper. He discusses his interest in book collecting and talks about his personal library. He closes the interview by talking about how the writing style of Oregon authors changed over the 20th century.

Collection consists of 39 black and white photographs mounted on cloth backing, which were originally bound in a booklet. The photographs depict scenes of the Peninsula Industrial District in North Portland, Oregon, and surrounding neighborhoods, between approximately 1915 and 1920. Stamped on the back of one image and the original booklet cover is the text: "Alfred A. Aya, Industrial Agent / Peninsula Industrial District / Corbett Building, Portland, Oregon." Most of the photographs depict mills, factories, and other industrial facilities, and include identifying information in the image. Identified places and businesses include the Coast Culvert & Flume Co.; the Columbia Sub-Station of the Portland Railway, Light, and Power Company; the L. Moore Dry Kiln Co.; the Livestock Exchange; the Millmade Construction Co.; the Monarch Mill; National Tank and Pipe Co.; the Nicolai Door Manufacturing Co.; North Portland Box Company facilities; the North Portland harbor; the Oregon Scouring Mills; the Pacific Cement Pipe Co.; the Porter-Scarpelli Macaroni Co.; Portland Stove Works; the Portland Union Stockyards; the Standifer shipyard; the Swift & Co. packing plant; the West Coast Box & Lumber Co.; and the Western Spar Co. The photographs also include unidentified residential scenes and buildings. The photographer or photographers are unidentified.

This oral history interview with Wilbert R. Todd was conducted by Linda S. Dodds in Portland, Oregon, on March 29, 1980. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody.

In this interview, Todd discusses his college experience studying biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin and how he came to work at the University of Oregon Medical School, now known as Oregon Health & Science University. He talks about the growth of the biochemistry department at OHSU; describes the OHSU campus and how it changed; and discusses his fellow faculty members. He also talks about his involvement with the Association of Official Racing Chemists and with the Oregon Racing Commission. He discusses some of the students he taught, his research projects, and his brief tenure as president of the biochemistry department. He closes the interview by reflecting on his career. This interview contains explicit descriptions of medical experiments conducted on dogs.