Showing 609 results

Collections
Series
Print preview View:

Oral history interview with Charles L. Sauvie

This oral history interview with Charles L. Sauvie was conducted by Jim Strassmaier in Portland, Oregon, on May 3, 1988. In this interview, Sauvie briefly discusses his family background, early life, and early career as an economist. He then speaks at length about his career as an economist for the Oregon State Department of Planning and Development. He speaks about the report of the state's tax structure prepared by Professor Nicholas Sly; talks about his involvement on the Oregon Economic Advisory Committee; and describes some of the projects he worked on while in the planning department. He also talks about working with Governor Mark Hatfield and his staff, particularly Sam Mallicoat. He speaks at length about his efforts to attract business to Oregon. He closes the interview by talking about the role of Glenn Jackson in Oregon's economic development.

Sauvie, Charles L. (Charles Louis)

Oral history interview with Jim Towey

This oral history interview with Jim Towey was conducted by Jim Strassmaier on June 2, 1988. In this interview, Towey discusses his family background and early life in Jacksonville, Florida, including his Catholic upbringing. He talks about studying law at Florida State University, including working summer jobs and playing basketball. He then discusses his decision to forgo the practice of law and instead follow a spiritual calling to Washington, D.C. He describes how he came to be part of U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield's staff in 1982; his duties as a legislative assistant and later legislative director; and some of the other members of the senator's staff. Towey relates a few anecdotes regarding Hatfield's personality and spirituality. Using abortion legislation as an example, he describes the way the staff would engage with Hatfield on specific legislation and how the senator made decisions. He also describes working on improving conditions for refugees and the abuses he witnessed, as well as his feelings on President Ronald Reagan's agenda in general. Towey speaks at length about a real estate scandal during Hatfield's 1984 re-election campaign and how they dealt with it. He closes the interview by discussing Hatfield's spiritual life.

Towey, Jim

Oral history interview with Marian J. Bruner

This oral history interview with Marian J. Bruner was conducted by Clark Hansen at Bruner's home in Bowie, Maryland, on June 18, 1988. In this interview, Bruner discusses her family background and early life in Iowa. She talks about her schooling and her interest in Christian education; working for the Reform Church in New York City; and how she got a job on the staff of U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield. She talks about the other members of Hatfield's staff, and discusses some of her duties as caseworker early in Hatfield's senatorial career, including correspondence and some of the cases she handled. She then discusses Hatfield's opposition to the Vietnam War and the related cases she dealt with, including conscientious objectors. She then speaks about her promotion to executive assistant and the change in her duties, including making travel arrangements and managing Hatfield's schedule. Bruner discusses the types of engagements she arranged and Hatfield's work-life balance, as well as his hobbies and personal life. She also talks often about Hatfield's Christian faith and his political philosophy. She discusses Hatfield's relationship with his staff, his role in designing a few commemorative medals, and his committee assignments, particularly the appropriations committee. She closes the interview by discussing her decision to leave Hatfield's staff at the end of 1980.

Bruner, Marian J. (Marian Jeanette), 1915-2018

Oral history interview with Jack Robertson

This oral history interview with Jack Robertson was conducted by Clark Hansen in Robertson's office at the Bonneville Power Administration in Portland, Oregon, from November 7 to December 30, 1988. In this interview, Robertson discusses his family background and early life in Portland, including the evolution of his political beliefs. He then talks about attending Stanford University, including studying abroad in Austria. He focuses particularly on student protests against the Vietnam War.

Robertson talks about joining U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield's staff in 1973, after he worked as a volunteer for Hatfield's 1972 re-election campaign. He describes Hatfield's campaign against Wayne Morse. He then talks about his duties as a legislative aide, and later press secretary, from 1973 to 1982, including speechwriting, research, and correspondence. He discusses Hatfield's relationship with other Oregon Republican politicians, including Tom McCall and Bob Packwood. He speaks at length about other members of Hatfield's staff and how Hatfield interacted with them. He also discusses speeches that he wrote for Hatfield, including some on topics such as the Middle East and refugees. He also talks about Hatfield's early use of computers in his office; some of Hatfield's legislative victories in the Senate Appropriations Committee; and Hatfield's personality. Robertson talks about working on legislation to freeze the creation of nuclear weapons. He speaks at length about the procedures of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He discusses Hatfield's relationship with the Republican Party; other senators and political figures; the presidential administrations of Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan; and the press. He also talks about a real estate scandal that affected Hatfield in 1984. He speaks at length about how Hatfield's personal morality influenced his votes on legislation, particularly regarding weapons and war. He describes the Northwest Power Planning Act, as well as Hatfield's views on nuclear power; the debate about funding for a neutron bomb; and Hatfield's foreign policy stances, particularly regarding Israel, Iran, and Panama. He also describes Hatfield's and his staff's reactions to Watergate; Hatfield's visit with Mother Theresa; Hatfield's efforts to locate soldiers missing in action in Vietnam; and chemical weapons in Oregon. He discusses Hatfield's stance on free trade, local government, and environmental issues. Robertson talks about how the Senate and Hatfield changed over the years. He closes the interview by discussing Hatfield's legacy, his own reasons for leaving Hatfield's staff, and his activities since then.

Robertson, Jack (John Strait), 1949-

Oral history interview with Freeman Holmer

This oral history interview with Freeman Holmer was conducted by Michael O'Rourke from May 17-24, 1988, as part of the Senator Mark O. Hatfield Oral History Project. The interview was conducted in two sessions. A transcript is available.

In the first interview session, conducted on May 17, 1988, Holmer briefly discusses his family background and early life in the Midwest, including his college experience, his World War II service, and his early political beliefs. He discusses teaching political science at Willamette University from 1949 to 1959, and meeting fellow faculty member Mark Hatfield. He talks about Hatfield's friendship with Travis Cross, Hatfield's spirituality, and his own involvement with the Republican Party. He discusses Hatfield's campaign for Oregon secretary of state; talks about serving as director of elections from 1957 to 1959; and describes other members of Hatfield's staff. He then talks about Hatfield's campaign for Oregon governor; about his own service as director of the Department of Finance and Administration from 1959 to 1966; and about Hatfield's staff. He also talks about Hatfield's marriage to Antoinette Kuzmanich. He talks about Hatfield's agenda as governor, particularly government reorganization, and about Hatfield's emergency response to a flood in 1964.

In the second interview session, conducted on May 24, 1988, Holmer discusses Hatfield's relationship with other prominent Oregon politicians, including Tom McCall, as well as members of the business community. He discusses Hatfield's position on some controversial issues, particularly the Vietnam War. He then describes his own efforts toward Oregon's economic development; Hatfield's keynote address at the 1964 Republican National Convention; and attending governors' conferences. Holmer then discusses his activities since leaving Hatfield's staff when Hatfield was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1966. He talks about serving as director of environmental protection for the state of Wisconsin from 1966 to 1968. He closes the interview by discussing his continued relationship with Hatfield.

Holmer, Freeman

Oral history interview with Riki P. Sheehan

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; collection includes a transcript.

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.

Sheehan, Riki P. (Fredrica Poster), 1951-

Oral history interview with Sherma J. Norris

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.

Norris, Sherma J. (Sherma Jwayad), 1914-1997

Oral history interview with Don Kielblock

This oral history interview with Don Kielblock was conducted by Judy Hartman on January 13, 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." The audio for this interview is incomplete, but the entire interview is included in the transcript.

In this interview, Kielblock discusses the strategic planning behind the Trojan Nuclear Power Plant. He talks about the early operation of the plant, navigating the early nuclear power regulations, and how public opinion regarding the plant has changed. He describes experiencing protests against Trojan. He talks about working with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; about the staff at Trojan; and about changes in PGE company culture. He also talks about changes in public opinion regarding PGE. He describes his job duties as a permit agent during his early career with PGE; talks about his involvement with the employee union; and laments the different expectations that newer employees have for the company. He closes the interview by sharing his thoughts about the future of PGE.

Kielblock, Don (Donald F.), 1941-

Oral history interview with Donald P. Krueger

This oral history interview with Donald P. Krueger was conducted by Curtis Johnson on November 13, 1980, at Krueger's home in Portland, Oregon. The interview was conducted as part of the Drive-in Restaurants of Portland Oral History Project, a series of interviews that Johnson conducted about the history of Portland drive-ins, with a particular emphasis on Tik-Tok and Yaw's Top Notch.

In this interview, Krueger discusses going to drive-in restaurants and car clubs in Portland, Oregon, while in high school in the mid-1950s. He talks about his involvement in street racing, describes the drive-ins he frequented, and discusses how the drive-in culture changed over the years. He talks about dating, music, and food at the drive-ins, focusing on Yaw's Top Notch, Tik Tok, and Jim Dandy; describes cruising on Broadway Street and Sandy Boulevard; and talks about the cars he owned. He closes the interview by sharing a few anecdotes about his drive-in days, talking about his activities with the car club, and by discussing the decline of Portland's drive-ins.

Krueger, Donald P. (Donald Paul), 1937-2008

Oral history interview with Sumitra Chhetri

This oral history interview with Sumitra Chhetri was conducted by Sankar Raman on March 19, 2017. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. In this interview, Chhetri discusses her early life in a camp for Bhutanese refugees in Nepal. She describes the educational system in the camp, as well as her social life and daily activities. She talks about the process of resettling in the United States in 2008; describes her experience attending high school in Portland, Oregon; and discusses learning English as a second language. She talks about studying political science at Portland State University and her future plans, including her intention to attend law school and run for office. Sankar Raman shares advice for seeking out career mentors. Chhetri closes the interview by discussing the challenges she has faced as a first-generation immigrant.

Chhetri, Sumitra, 1993-

Oral history interview with Fowzia Ibrahim

This oral history interview with Fowzia Ibrahim was conducted by Don Schwartz on April 4, 2017. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. In this interview, Ibrahim discusses her early life in Boise, Idaho, as a Somalian refugee, including the different ways that she and her parents adjusted to American life. She describes her desire to help people and her plans for her future career. She also talks about being bullied in elementary school. She talks about coming to Portland, Oregon, in 2014 and how her experience there differed from her experience in Idaho. She discusses being the oldest of twelve children, her ethnic and cultural identity, and making friends in high school in Portland. She closes the interview by discussing her preparations for college and plans for the future.

Ibrahim, Fowzia, 2001-

Oral history interview with Prashant Kakad

This oral history interview with Prashant Kakad was conducted by Sankar Raman on July 20, 2017. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. In this interview, Kakad discusses his early life in India, including his father's career in the Air Force and later as a police officer in Bombay. He describes life in Bombay as a teenager, the pressure to succeed at education in the sciences, and his passion for music and dance. He talks about competing in singing competitions in high school, attending Institute of Chemical Technology in Mumbai, and organizing cultural events at his college. He describes applying to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

Kakad discusses his experience studying polymer science and working as a research assistant at Cornell University. He talks about adjusting to life in the United States, realizing that he didn't want to pursue a career in chemical engineering, and rediscovering his passion for dance and music. He discusses dealing with body image issues and depression. He then talks about moving to Hillsboro, Oregon, and working for Intel; learning and performing classical Indian singing; and teaching his own dance choreography based on Bollywood music. He also gives a brief history of Bollywood music. He describes quitting his job at Intel in 2009 and beginning his career as a DJ. He then talks about the process of getting his green card. He closes the interview by discussing people who helped him succeed.

Kakad, Prashant (Prashant Ashok), 1982-

Oral history interview with Abood Aldabea

This oral history interview with Abood Aldabea was conducted by Sankar Raman on May 18, 2018. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Aldabea's family was present, and they occasionally contributed in Arabic. An unidentified neighbor was also present.

In this interview, Aldabea discusses his early life in Damascus, Syria, including his education, family, and neighborhood. He also describes some of his favorite Syrian foods. He shares his memories of the civil war in Syria, including being gassed by the Syrian military while heading home from his mosque and bombings in his neighborhood. He talks about fleeing to Jordan, and about life in Jordan as a Syrian refugee. He describes the process of being resettled in the United States in 2014. The unidentified neighbor talks about helping Aldabea's family get established in Portland, Oregon. Aldabea talks about adjusting to life in Portland, his education, and his involvement in sports. He closes the interview by discussing learning English as a second language, his friends, and his plans for the future.

Aldabea, Abood (Abdulelah), 2002-

Oral history interview with Jhoana Monroy-Espinoza

This oral history interview with Jhoana Monroy-Espinoza was conducted by Sankar Raman on February 5, 2018. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. In this interview, Espinoza discusses her early life in Pachuca, Mexico, and the journey to the United States in 1997. She talks about life as an undocumented immigrant in Beaverton, Oregon, including her education and the racial discrimination she and her family faced. She then talks about becoming a teenage parent and refocusing on her education. She talks about marrying her partner and being denied a green card due to her undocumented status; the deportation of some of her family members; and applying for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. She talks about studying at Portland Community College and her plans for the future. She closes the interview by discussing the stress of living with undocumented status, the systemic racism in the United States, and her work with the Dream Center.

Monroy-Espinoza, Jhoana, 1991-

Oral history interview with Ruben Estrada-Herrera

This oral history interview with Ruben Estrada-Herrera was conducted by Sankar Raman on February 15, 2018. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. In this interview, Estrada-Herrera discusses his early life in Santiago, Cuba, including the festival of Carnavales, his education, and Cuban culture. He describes the process of immigrating to the United States in 2011. He talks about his life in Portland, Oregon, including his parents' careers, his education, and learning English as a second language. He discusses earning scholarships, choosing to attend Warner Pacific University, and studying bio-medical engineering. He closes the interview by talking about his plans for the future and his thoughts on the American Dream.

Estrada-Herrera, Ruben, 1995-

Oral history interview with Hanin Najjar

This oral history interview with Hanin Najjar was conducted by Ibrahim Ibrahim on December 19, 2017. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. In this interview, Najjar discusses the reasons her parents came to the United States from Saudi Arabia shortly after she was born. She talks about gender roles in Saudi Arabian culture, her ethnic and cultural identity, and wearing the hijab as an expression of her feminism. She also talks about discrimination she has experienced as a Muslim. Najjar discusses her plans for the future, including studying journalism at Pacific University and pursuing a career as a journalist.

Najjar, Hanin, 1999-

Oral history interview with Masumi Timson

This oral history interview with Masumi Timson was conducted by Sankar Raman and Giacomo Ranieri on March 19, 2018. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. In this interview, Timson discusses her early life on Tokunoshima Island in Japan, including Japanese cultural practices and her early education. She describes her first time hearing the koto and her subsequent fascination with the instrument, as well as growing up in a musical family. She talks about studying koto music at Seiha Conservatory of Traditional Japanese Music while also studying English at Kansai Junior College (now known as Kansai Gaidai College) in Hirakata, Osaka. She describes the reception her koto performances received in Oregon and how that inspired her to become much more serious about her music. She talks about her marriage to Stephen F. Timson in 1977 and immigrating to the United States in 1991. She also describes some of the mechanics of the koto. She talks about teaching koto at the Willamette University Koto Club, performing in Oregon and Japan, and her longtime collaboration with Pink Martini. She also talks about her koto collection. She discusses her cultural and ethnic identity, particularly how the koto helps her keep her connection to her Japanese roots. She closes the interview by talking about the future of koto music in Japan, Japanese traditions and culture, and her koto students.

Timson, Masumi S. (Masumi Sakura), 1953-

Oral history interview with Jim Tsugawa

This oral history interview with Jim Tsugawa was conducted by Sankar Raman and Elizabeth Mehren on July 19, 2018. Amy Tsugawa, Jim Tsugawa's wife, was also present and contributed at the end of the interview. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. In this interview, Jim Tsugawa discusses his family background and early life in Portland, Oregon. He describes his experience of being incarcerated by the U.S. government, including his family's detention at the Portland Livestock Pavilion and transfer to the Minidoka War Relocation Camp in Idaho. He also discusses his older brother Henry Tsugawa's military service during World War II. He talks about his family being sponsored by a reverend for residency in Boise, Idaho, and briefly describes his childhood there. He talks about the family renting a strawberry farm in Ontario, Oregon, and his high school experience in Beaverton, Oregon, particularly his interest in sports. He speaks briefly about attending Lewis & Clark College on a sports scholarship, then discusses his experience in the U.S. Army and being stationed in Zweibrücken, Germany, during the Korean War. He talks about studying at Oregon State University after his discharge, and about earning his degree in dentistry from the University of Oregon Dental School, which is now part of Oregon Health & Science University. He then briefly speaks about his marriage to Amy Goda, now Amy Tsugawa, her family background, and her experience of incarceration by the U.S. government during World War II. He discusses the U.S. political climate at the time of the interview in 2018, particularly the Trump administration's immigration policies. Mehren and Tsugawa discuss the large Asian populations in California and Hawaii. Tsugawa describes a recent trip to the Minidoka National Historic Site and revisits the topics of his childhood and playing sports. Amy Tsugawa closes the interview by talking about spending her teenage years in postwar Japan.

Tsugawa, Jim M. (James Masao), 1932-

Oral history interview with Jeanette Amisi Mmunga

This oral history interview with Jeanette Amisi Mmunga was conducted by Julianna Robidoux on July 10, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Sankar Raman was also present and occasionally contributed interview questions.

In this interview, Mmunga discusses her family background and early life in the Nyarugusu refugee camp in Tanzania, including living conditions in the camp, daily chores, and recreational activities. She also describes experiencing night terrors as a child and her belief that she was the target of witchcraft. She then talks about the process of being resettled in the United States and adjusting to life in Boise, Idaho, in 2010, including experiencing culture shock, learning English, and her education. She talks about relocating to Portland, Oregon, in 2013, and talks about her education and making friends. She also discusses the birth of her younger sister and her sister's early health problems. She talks about applying for college and earning scholarships, her extracurricular activities in high school, and people who inspired her. She discusses her involvement in I Am M.O.R.E., an organization that encourages young people to tell their stories in order to inspire other young people. She closes the interview by talking about her work educating young women about their bodies, about her plans for the future, and about the meaning of her birth name as well as her chosen name.

Mmunga, Jeanette Amisi, 2001-

Oral history interview with Anna Giurgiev

This oral history interview with Anna Giurgiev was conducted by Caitlyn Malik and Sankar Raman on June 7, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. One of Giurgiev's daughters, Vesna Giurgiev, was also present.

In this interview, Giurgiev discusses her family background and early life in communist Romania, including working on a farm, her education, and the national athletics program. She speaks about her marriage to Sava Giurgiev and describes their wedding. She talks about rationing and traveling to Yugoslavia to buy food. She describes Sava Giurgiev's flight from Romania and talks about reuniting with him in Chicago, Illinois. She describes the process of getting a visa to the United States. She also looks at photographs and talks about them. She talks about adjusting to life in the U.S., about earning her nursing degree, and about working in Chicago and in Florida. She then talks about the reasons the family moved to the Portland, Oregon, area. She closes the interview by reflecting on her experiences as a Romanian immigrant and talking about her hopes for her children.

Giurgiev, Anna, 1958-

Oral history interview with Anne Johnson

This oral history interview with Anne Johnson was conducted by Julianna Robidoux and Monica Salazar on November 29, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Sankar Raman was also present.

In this interview, Johnson discusses her family background and early life in Nairobi, Kenya, including her education. She talks about turning her love of creative pursuits into a tea and chocolate business in Oregon. She discusses her reasons for relocating to Portland, Oregon, for college. She describes the tea sommelier course she took, talks about starting her business, and discusses ethically sourcing her products. She talks about her partnership with her husband, Mark Johnson, about the importance of tea in her family life, and about her reasons for including chocolate in her business. She talks about her future plans for Mamancy Tea Co. She closes the interview by discussing discrimination that she experienced as a Black woman and an immigrant.

Johnson, Anne, 1978-

Oral history interview with Hatidza Polovina

This oral history interview with Hatidza Polovina was conducted by Elizabeth Mehren and Sankar Raman on January 7, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Abdulah Polovina was also present.

In this interview, Hatzida Polovina discusses her marriage to Abdulah Polovina and her experiences as a Muslim in Bosnia during the Yugoslav Wars. She talks about her early life in Bosnia, including her education, and practicing Islam in a communist country. She describes the atrocities committed against Bosnian Muslims during the war, including her father and older brother, and talks about escaping to and living in Austria. She then describes returning to Sarajevo to marry Abdulah Polovina, and talks about making a life in the middle of a war zone. She speaks about her Islamic faith. She then talks about emigrating to the United States and about adjusting to life in Seattle, Washington, and in Portland, Oregon. Polovina and Mehren discuss the reasons behind the many genocides around the world in recent decades. She speaks further about her education at a madrassa in Sarajevo. Polovina closes the interview by talking about social conditions in Bosnia at the time of the interview.

Polovina, Hatidza, 1974-

Oral history interview with Nong Poonsukwattana

This oral history interview with Nong Poonsukwattana was conducted by Monica Salazar on August 12, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Poonsukwattana's landlord was also briefly present.

In this interview, Poonsukwattana discusses her family background and early life in Bangkok, Thailand, and talks about experiencing child abuse. She talks about immigrating to the United States after marrying an American citizen in 2003; about adjusting to life in Portland, Oregon, including learning English; and about working as a waitress in Thai restaurants in Portland, including Pok Pok. She discusses developing recipes, opening Nong's Khao Man Gai, a food cart in downtown Portland, in 2009, and then a restaurant of the same name in 2011. She then describes opening a second location for her restaurant in 2018. She closes the interview by sharing her plans for the future, by talking about managing her restaurant staff, and by discussing her experience with the immigration process.

Poonsukwattana, Nong, 1980-

Oral history interview with Nader Rezvani

This oral history interview with Nader Rezvani was conducted by Dora Totoian and Sankar Raman on August 15, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Rebecca Benoit was also present and contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Rezvani discusses his family background and early life in Tehran, Iran, including his education and his conversion from Islam to atheism. He describes life in pre-revolution Iran and talks about working as an inspector on a hydroelectric project after high school. He speaks about his experiences in Berlin, Germany, in 1963, and shares his reasons for immigrating to the United States that same year. He describes adjusting to life in the U.S., experiencing winter in New York, and his experiences living in Los Angeles and attending college to study mechanical engineering. He shares his reasons for moving to Beaverton, Oregon, and speaks about his 20-year career as an engineer at Tektronix, Inc. Rezvani talks about his children and grandchildren, and Benoit talks about the Iranian community in the Portland area. He discusses his retirement on a farm near Gaston, Oregon, and Benoit shares the story of meeting Rezvani. He closes the interview by sharing his opinion on events in Iran after he left in 1963, and by talking about U.S.-Iranian relations, and about his cultural and ethnic identity.

Rezvani, Nader, 1938-

Oral history interview with Sivheng Ung

This oral history interview with Sivheng Ung was conducted by Elizabeth Mehren and Sankar Raman on March 25, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States.

In this interview, Ung discusses her family background and early life in Battambang, Cambodia, describes a happy and affluent childhood, and talks about her education. She describes the rise of the communist rebels who would become the Khmer Rouge during the 1960s and 1970s. She speaks about living in Phnom Penh in the early 1970s, about her marriage in 1974, and about the Khmer Rouge takeover of the capital in 1975. She speaks at length about her experiences during the forced march of Phnom Penh residents to a labor camp, talks about conditions in the camp, and describes what they did to survive. She gives a detailed account of her attempt to escape with her husband, and talks about their eventual capture and imprisonment, which led to the murder of her husband and a miscarriage around 1977. She describes her months-long illness and depression following these losses, her continued ordeal during the Khmer Rouge regime, and the horrors she witnessed over the next years. She talks about returning to Battambang and reuniting with her surviving family after Pol Pot was overthrown. She then describes her successful escape to Thailand with her brother and her future husband in 1979, talks about living in a refugee camp, and describes the process of immigrating to the United States. She shares how her traumatic experiences in Cambodia affected her ability to adjust to life in the U.S. and Portland, Oregon. She talks about her marriage to Van Touch in 1984, about the education, family, and career of her younger brother, and about jobs she and her husband worked. She closes the interview by sharing her reasons for talking about her experiences, including the death of her son, and talks about what she hopes others learn from her story.

Ung, Sivheng, 1951-

Oral history interview with Inés A. Voglar Belgique

This oral history interview with Inés A. Voglar Belgique was conducted by Nancy Dollahite and Sankar Raman on March 21, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States.

In this interview, Voglar Belgique discusses her family background and early life in Valencia, Venezuela, including her Slovenian heritage. She speaks at length about studying the violin beginning at age 6, describes the music education system in Venezuela, and talks about earning a degree in chemical engineering. She shares her experiences studying violin at Duquesne University and at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She also talks about adjusting to life in the United States. She describes living in Slovenia after her student visa expired, and returning to the U.S. to play with the Pittsburgh Symphony. She then speaks about auditioning for the Oregon Symphony in Portland. She shares her first impressions of Portland, shares her experiences playing with the symphony, and talks about teaching music at Lewis & Clark College and other organizations. She discusses the political and economic situation of Venezuela in 2019, and her involvement with Venezuela's Voice in Oregon, an organization that sends humanitarian aid to Venezuela. She closes the interview by talking about her family and her plans for the future.

Voglar, Inés

Oral history interview with Naskah Zada

This oral history interview with Naskah Zada was conducted by Dora Totoian and Sankar Raman on June 27, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States.

In this interview, Zada discusses her family background and early life as a Kurd in Sangasar, Iraq. She describes the destruction of her hometown by the Iraqi Army in 1988, and talks about living in the camp near Mosul where her family was forced to relocate. She also shares her memories of life during the Iran-Iraq War, and talks about bigotry that she experienced. She speaks at length about a childhood friend who inspired her to become a feminist, and who was later murdered in an honor killing. She discusses her experiences at the University of Sulaimani, including her ongoing education in feminist issues. She shares the reasons her family was evacuated by the U.S. military in 1996 as part of Operation Pacific Haven, describes the journey, and talks about adjusting to life in Portland, Oregon. She discusses learning English, jobs she worked, and her education. She describes racism she experienced in Portland. She speaks at length about her first marriage, discusses working in radio broadcasting in Washington, D.C., and shares her reasons for returning to Portland. She speaks about The Zada Show, her YouTube show focusing on Middle East news and culture. She reflects on the challenges she faced, discusses her preference for the both-sides news style, and closes the interview by talking about her plans for the future.

Zada, Naskah

Oral history interview with John A. Jelderks

This oral history interview with John A. Jelderks was conducted by Donna Sinclair from December 19-27, 2006, and Jan Dilg from May 28 to September 16, 2009, as part of the United States District Court Oral History Project. The interview was conducted in five sessions. The first two sessions were recorded on audiocassette; Audiocassette 1 is missing, but its content is reflected in the interview transcript. The third and fourth sessions were recorded as digital audio files. The fifth session was recorded simultaneously as digital audio files and on videocassette; the audio files contain additional content.

In the first interview session, conducted on December 19, 2006, Jelderks discusses his family background and early life in Salem, Oregon, including his education, recreational activities, and summer jobs. He also shares his memories of life in Salem during World War II, including neighbors who fought in the war, and the U.S. government's incarceration of Japanese Americans.

In the second interview session, conducted on December 27, 2006, Jelderks discusses his experiences studying psychology and later law at Willamette University, including his involvement in a fraternity, his service in the Oregon Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force Reserve, and some of his law school professors and classmates. He shares his opinion on sentencing guidelines, discusses how the practice of law changed, and briefly talks about his first marriage and raising a family. He talks about his experience as a law clerk for Oregon Supreme Court Justice Gordon Sloan and about his relationship with other justices. He talks about his career as a district attorney for Marion and Hood River counties, and talks about some of the cases he prosecuted, including a rape case.

In the third interview session, conducted on May 28, 2009, Jelderks continues to discuss his service as Hood River County district attorney from 1966 to 1971. He describes some of the cases he prosecuted, then discusses working as a lawyer in a private practice in Hood River for a short time. He speaks about serving as a judge in Oregon's 7th judicial district. He describes the appointment process, discusses adjusting to a judge's workload, and talks about his re-election campaigns. He also discusses his unsuccessful 1988 campaign for a seat on the Oregon Supreme Court. He talks about cases he heard, particularly domestic relations cases, and about writing decisions.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on August 20, 2009, Jelderks continues to discuss serving as a judge in Oregon's 7th judicial district. He speaks at length about hearing cases regarding the Rajneeshees. He then revisits the topic of his unsuccessful campaign for a seat on the Oregon Supreme Court. He talks about the changes in his family during the 1970s and 1980s, including his second marriage, and the death of one of his children in a car collision.

In the fifth and final interview session, conducted on September 16, 2009, Jelderks discusses his involvement with the Hood River Rotary Club. He speaks at length about serving as a magistrate judge for the U.S. District Court of Oregon from 1991 to the time of the interview. He describes the appointment process, discusses the role of magistrate judges in Oregon, and talks about judges he worked with. He describes the differences between the state and federal courts, and speaks at length about his decision in the Kennewick Man case, which regarded the custody of ancient Native American remains. He closes the interview by sharing his thoughts on restorative justice, on the concept of judicial activism, and on electing judges.

Jelderks, John A. (John Anthony), 1938-

Results 113 to 140 of 609