Oral history interview with Vern B. Ryles
- SR 2048
- Collection
- 1994-06-02 - 1995-02-23
This oral history interview with Vern B. Ryles was conducted by Michael O'Rourke at Ryles's office in Portland, Oregon, from June 2, 1994 to February 23, 1995, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. The interview was conducted in seven sessions.
In sessions one and two, Ryles discusses his family background and early life in Walla Walla, Washington, his relationship with his father, and his marriage to Nancy Wyly. He talks about working for a trucking company in Chicago, Illinois, during the time that Jimmy Hoffa ran the Teamsters Union.
In sessions three through five, Ryles shares his thoughts about the economic and social factors behind the increase in homelessness, particularly in Oregon, in the late 20th century. He talks about his work as a member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to provide social services to people experiencing homelessness in Portland, discusses Portland Mayor Bud Clark's 12-point plan to address homelessness, and talks about the development of the Homeless Action Fund.
In sessions six and seven, Ryles reflects on the accomplishments of Portland's programs for homeless services. He then speaks at length about Nancy Ryles' service on the Beaverton school board; representing Washington County in the Oregon House from 1979 to 1982, and in the Oregon Senate from 1983 to 1987; and as a member of the Public Utility Commission from 1987 until her death in 1990. He talks about his marriage to Nancy Ryles, and about her death from cancer.
Ryles, Vern B. (Vernon Barton), 1937-2013