Session 1. 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.

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

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Sam Kahl and Zaki Kahl was conducted by Robert J. Gassner in Portland, Oregon, on September 6, 1988. The interview was one of a series conducted in 1988 by Oregon Historical Society volunteer Robert Gassner with members of the Syrian and Lebanese community in Portland, Oregon. In this interview, the Kahl brothers discuss their family background, including their distant relation to Oregon Governor Vic Atiyeh and the life of their uncle, S.A. Kahl. They describe the experience of immigrating to the United States and how they came to settle in Portland, Oregon, in the mid-20th century. They talk about the Syrian and Lebanese community in Portland, including the activities of the Syrian Orthodox Church and the Syrian Lebanese American Club. They speak about the religious faith of people in Syria. They also briefly discuss how the independence of Lebanon in 1948, and the creation of Israel, affected the Syrian, Lebanese, and Palestinian communities. They close the interview by talking about Syrian- and Lebanese-owned businesses in Portland.

Tape 1, Side 2. This oral history interview with Sam Kahl and Zaki Kahl was conducted by Robert J. Gassner in Portland, Oregon, on September 6, 1988. The interview was one of a series conducted in 1988 by Oregon Historical Society volunteer Robert Gassner with members of the Syrian and Lebanese community in Portland, Oregon. In this interview, the Kahl brothers discuss their family background, including their distant relation to Oregon Governor Vic Atiyeh and the life of their uncle, S.A. Kahl. They describe the experience of immigrating to the United States and how they came to settle in Portland, Oregon, in the mid-20th century. They talk about the Syrian and Lebanese community in Portland, including the activities of the Syrian Orthodox Church and the Syrian Lebanese American Club. They speak about the religious faith of people in Syria. They also briefly discuss how the independence of Lebanon in 1948, and the creation of Israel, affected the Syrian, Lebanese, and Palestinian communities. They close the interview by talking about Syrian- and Lebanese-owned businesses in Portland.

Index. This oral history interview with Esther Azorr Rask was conducted by Robert J. Gassner on September 10, 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, Rask speaks at length about her family background, particularly the experience of her father, Albert Azorr, as a Syrian immigrant. She also talks about her family's connection to the Atiyeh family. She speaks about the Syrian-Lebanese community in Portland, Syrian-owned businesses, and the Syrian-Lebanese Social Club. She talks about the religious life of the Syrian and Lebanese community. She closes the interview by discussing her early life in Portland, including her education and social life.

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Esther Azorr Rask was conducted by Robert J. Gassner on September 10, 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, Rask speaks at length about her family background, particularly the experience of her father, Albert Azorr, as a Syrian immigrant. She also talks about her family's connection to the Atiyeh family. She speaks about the Syrian-Lebanese community in Portland, Syrian-owned businesses, and the Syrian-Lebanese Social Club. She talks about the religious life of the Syrian and Lebanese community. She closes the interview by discussing her early life in Portland, including her education and social life.

Tape 1, Side 2. This oral history interview with Esther Azorr Rask was conducted by Robert J. Gassner on September 10, 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, Rask speaks at length about her family background, particularly the experience of her father, Albert Azorr, as a Syrian immigrant. She also talks about her family's connection to the Atiyeh family. She speaks about the Syrian-Lebanese community in Portland, Syrian-owned businesses, and the Syrian-Lebanese Social Club. She talks about the religious life of the Syrian and Lebanese community. She closes the interview by discussing her early life in Portland, including her education and social life.

Tape 1, Side 2. This oral history interview with Sam Teeny and Minerva Teeny was conducted by Robert J. Gassner on September 8, 1988. The interview was one of a series conducted in 1988 by Oregon Historical Society volunteer Robert Gassner with members of the Syrian and Lebanese community in Portland, Oregon. In this interview, Sam Teeny discusses his family background and early life Zahle, Lebanon, and Portland, Oregon. He talks about members of the Syrian and Lebanese community in Portland, and about his social life. He also talks about speaking English as a second language. He discusses his involvement in the Lebanese/Syrian softball league. The Teenys talk about the history of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Portland and the Syrian Lebanese American Club. They describe the effect that Lebanese independence had on the Syrian and Lebanese community in Portland. Sam Teeny then talks about Syrian and Lebanese businesses in Southeast Portland, particularly the businesses operated by his relatives. In closing, Minerva Teeny describes a traditional Lebanese wedding and Sam describes the various businesses he's owned and his youth ministry work.

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

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Sam Teeny and Minerva Teeny was conducted by Robert J. Gassner on September 8, 1988. The interview was one of a series conducted in 1988 by Oregon Historical Society volunteer Robert Gassner with members of the Syrian and Lebanese community in Portland, Oregon. In this interview, Sam Teeny discusses his family background and early life Zahle, Lebanon, and Portland, Oregon. He talks about members of the Syrian and Lebanese community in Portland, and about his social life. He also talks about speaking English as a second language. He discusses his involvement in the Lebanese/Syrian softball league. The Teenys talk about the history of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Portland and the Syrian Lebanese American Club. They describe the effect that Lebanese independence had on the Syrian and Lebanese community in Portland. Sam Teeny then talks about Syrian and Lebanese businesses in Southeast Portland, particularly the businesses operated by his relatives. In closing, Minerva Teeny describes a traditional Lebanese wedding and Sam describes the various businesses he's owned and his youth ministry work.

Tape 1, Side 1. 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.

Tape 1, Side 2. 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.

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

Transcript. This oral history interview with Victor Atiyeh was conducted by Clark Hansen at Atiyeh's office in Portland, Oregon, from November 24, 1992, to September 10, 1993, and on June 11, 1998. The interview was conducted as part of the Oregon Legislature Oral History Series, which was a series of interviews conducted with people involved in Oregon government. The interview was conducted in forty-two sessions.

In sessions 1 and 2, Atiyeh discusses his family background and early life, including his Syrian heritage and his education, as well as his marriage to Delores Hewitt. In sessions 3 through 5, Atiyeh discusses his service in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1959 to 1964. In sessions 6 through 15, he discusses his service in the Oregon Senate from 1965 to 1979, and his 1974 campaign for governor. In sessions 16 and 17, he discusses his 1978 campaign for Oregon governor. In sessions 18 through 23, he discusses his first term as governor from 1979 to 1982. In sessions 24 through 26, he talks about his 1982 re-election campaign. In sessions 27 through 38, he discusses his second term as governor, from 1983 to 1987. In sessions 39 through 42, he reflects on his achievements as governor, and discusses Republican politics since he left elected office.

Tape 2, Side 1. In the second interview session, conducted on December 1, 1992, Atiyeh continues discussing his early life in Portland, including his experiences during high school, his involvement in sports, and his social life. He describes his memories of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and his unsuccessful attempt to enlist in the military during World War II. He talks about his experience at the University of Oregon, including his social life, his classes, and the development of his political beliefs. He describes the military service of his brothers during World War II and talks about his own service in the Coast Guard Temporary Reserve. He also talks about his marriage to Delores Hewitt in 1944, his involvement with the Boy Scouts, and raising a family in Portland. He speaks about operating Atiyeh Brothers, the family Oriental rug business.

Tape 1, Side 1. In the first interview session, conducted on November 24, 1992, Atiyeh discusses his family background, including their immigration to the United States from Syria in the late 19th century, the family business selling Oriental rugs in Portland, and his parents' marriage in 1921. He then discusses his early life in Portland, including his experience growing up as a Syrian American, his early education, and a trip to Syria when he was 6 years old. He also talks about his summer jobs and his memories of the Depression.

Tape 3, Side 1. In the second interview session, conducted on December 1, 1992, Atiyeh continues discussing his early life in Portland, including his experiences during high school, his involvement in sports, and his social life. He describes his memories of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and his unsuccessful attempt to enlist in the military during World War II. He talks about his experience at the University of Oregon, including his social life, his classes, and the development of his political beliefs. He describes the military service of his brothers during World War II and talks about his own service in the Coast Guard Temporary Reserve. He also talks about his marriage to Delores Hewitt in 1944, his involvement with the Boy Scouts, and raising a family in Portland. He speaks about operating Atiyeh Brothers, the family Oriental rug business.

Tape 1, Side 2. In the first interview session, conducted on November 24, 1992, Atiyeh discusses his family background, including their immigration to the United States from Syria in the late 19th century, the family business selling Oriental rugs in Portland, and his parents' marriage in 1921. He then discusses his early life in Portland, including his experience growing up as a Syrian American, his early education, and a trip to Syria when he was 6 years old. He also talks about his summer jobs and his memories of the Depression.

Tape 2, Side 2. In the second interview session, conducted on December 1, 1992, Atiyeh continues discussing his early life in Portland, including his experiences during high school, his involvement in sports, and his social life. He describes his memories of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and his unsuccessful attempt to enlist in the military during World War II. He talks about his experience at the University of Oregon, including his social life, his classes, and the development of his political beliefs. He describes the military service of his brothers during World War II and talks about his own service in the Coast Guard Temporary Reserve. He also talks about his marriage to Delores Hewitt in 1944, his involvement with the Boy Scouts, and raising a family in Portland. He speaks about operating Atiyeh Brothers, the family Oriental rug business.

Tape 3, Side 2. In the third interview session, conducted on December 4, 1992, Atiyeh discusses his involvement in political organizations, including the Trumpeters and the National Rifle Association. He speaks at length about his interest in gun collecting and shares his opinion regarding gun control policies. He discusses his involvement in the Republican Party and his first campaign for the Oregon Legislature in 1958. He talks about serving in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1959 to 1964, including interacting with his constituents, his committee assignments, and his fellow legislators. He talks about some of the House speakers he served under, the House’s relationship with the Senate, and his experience as a legislator in the minority party.

Tape 4, Side 2. In the third interview session, conducted on December 4, 1992, Atiyeh discusses his involvement in political organizations, including the Trumpeters and the National Rifle Association. He speaks at length about his interest in gun collecting and shares his opinion regarding gun control policies. He discusses his involvement in the Republican Party and his first campaign for the Oregon Legislature in 1958. He talks about serving in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1959 to 1964, including interacting with his constituents, his committee assignments, and his fellow legislators. He talks about some of the House speakers he served under, the House’s relationship with the Senate, and his experience as a legislator in the minority party.

Tape 4, Side 1. In the third interview session, conducted on December 4, 1992, Atiyeh discusses his involvement in political organizations, including the Trumpeters and the National Rifle Association. He speaks at length about his interest in gun collecting and shares his opinion regarding gun control policies. He discusses his involvement in the Republican Party and his first campaign for the Oregon Legislature in 1958. He talks about serving in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1959 to 1964, including interacting with his constituents, his committee assignments, and his fellow legislators. He talks about some of the House speakers he served under, the House’s relationship with the Senate, and his experience as a legislator in the minority party.

Tape 5, Side 1. In the fourth interview session, conducted on December 9, 1992, Atiyeh continues discussing his service in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1959 to 1964, with a focus on the 1959 legislative session. He talks about his relationship with Governor Mark Hatfield, his staff, and other members of the executive branch. He discusses legislation that came up during his service in the House, particularly regarding taxes. He talks about his committee assignments, his fellow legislators, and lobbyists.