A low angle view of Portland and the Willamette River surrounded by 40 vignettes of structures in the city. Part of Kuchel & Dresel's Pacific Views series.

A city map of Portland and East Portland. The map shows city blocks, railroads, street names, homestead associations, parks, and city boundary lines.

A city map of Portland, East Portland, and Albina. The map shows various city boundaries and an inset explains the order of numbering lots.

Two plat maps of Northwest Portland neighborhoods, Willamette Heights and Blythswood. These maps show street names, along with housing boundaries and lot numbering. The Blythswood map also notes "Situated in Secs. 29-30, T.1.N.R.1.E."

Transcript. This oral history interview with Ida Mae Shepherd was conducted by Greta Smith Wisnewski from August 14 to October 26, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the interview was conducted using Zoom, a video conferencing software. Shepherd was nominated by Oregonians to be interviewed as part of a program by the Oregon Historical Society Research Library to enhance and expand the range of voices in the library's collections. Interviewees are selected from the pool of nominees by a staff committee appointed by the historical society's executive director. The interview was conducted in five sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on August 14, 2020, Shepherd speaks at length about her family background, particularly focusing on the life of her maternal grandmother, Edith Goodell Lee. She discusses her early life in the Eliot neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, and talks about businesses in the area. She then briefly talks about living in Vanport during World War II. She discusses her research into her family history.

In the second interview session, conducted on September 11, 2020, Shepherd speaks further about her family background, focusing on her paternal family. She revisits the topic of her early life in the Eliot neighborhood, and talks about her Catholic upbringing and involvement with the Immaculate Heart Catholic Church. She discusses how the Black community changed after World War II, as well as changes in the way white people treated them. She then continues to discuss living in Vanport as a teenager during World War II, including her social life, recreational activities, and segregation. She also talks about her early education and about jobs she worked after dropping out. She shares her experiences during the 1948 flood, including living in Guild's Lake for a short time afterward.

In the third interview session, conducted on September 25, 2020, Shepherd discusses her marriage to Theodore Cassidy Powell. She then talks about living in the Albina neighborhood in the early 1950s. She also revisits the topic of how the Black community changed after World War II, as well as how the way white people treated them changed. She talks about working as a janitor at KGW, and about her brief marriage to Curley Massey. She speaks about her marriage to Emmett Edwin Shepherd, about buying a house in the Eliot neighborhood, and about the changes in the neighborhood since the 1960s. She talks about raising a family, about her career in housekeeping and janitorial services, and about her experiences during the civil rights movement, including meeting Coretta Scott King. She shares her thoughts about police treatment of Black residents, talks about the mass displacement of Black residents during the construction of I-5 in the 1960s, and discusses the Black community in the Albina area of Portland.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on October 9, 2020, Shepherd discusses her experiences picking hops in the 1930s. She shares a childhood drawing she created of a tavern on Union Avenue, as well as a photograph. She talks about the people who lived in the Eliot neighborhood, and discusses her children, their families, and their careers. She revisits the topic of her experiences during the civil rights movement, and the topic of the mass displacement of Black people during the construction of I-5 in the 1960s, as well as during the expansion of Emanuel Hospital in the 1970s. She speaks at length about her involvement with Albina Fair Share and about working to reduce the amount of abandoned houses in the neighborhood. She talks about her involvement with Immaculate Heart Catholic Church.

In the fifth and final interview session, conducted on October 26, 2020, Shepherd speaks at length about how the Albina area of Portland, particularly the Eliot neighborhood, changed over her life. She also shares her reasons for living nearly her entire life in the area. She discusses how the ways that white and Black Portlanders interact have changed over her life. She talks about the death of her husband, Emmett E. Shepherd, about her volunteer work since her retirement in the late 1980s, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected her activities. She discusses the political situation at the time of the interview in 2020, including protests in Portland and the presidential election. She closes the interview by talking about her recent stroke and recovery.

Employee newspaper for Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation covering shipyard productivity and current projects, safety and injury reports, war bond drives, employee sports leagues, award recipients, and human-interest stories. Topical coverage in this issue includes: Brief history of shipbuilding; feature on African American janitorial staff; article on employment and payroll increases and improved transportation services; a two page photograph spread on welders; employee birthdays; a notice from local labor leaders; a series of photographs depicting the Columbia River Shipbuilding Corporation's plant from 1917-1920; employee photographs; safety notices; jokes and cartoons.

Employee newspaper for Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation covering shipyard productivity and current projects, safety and injury reports, war bond drives, employee sports leagues, award recipients, and human-interest stories. Topical coverage in this issue includes: Photographs and illustrations from the launch of the Star of Oregon on Sept 27, 1941; an article about the Star of Oregon launch, and the next ships to be launched; notes and letters of congratulations from employees; advertising for the formation of an employee band; poems; a two-page photo spread titled "Labor Men and Ships: Workers Lauded"; an article about workers leisure activities; an article about vocational trailing and procedures for enrollment; safety messages and cartoons; and USO advertising.

Employee newspaper for Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation covering shipyard productivity and current projects, safety and injury reports, war bond drives, employee sports leagues, award recipients, and human-interest stories. Topical coverage in this issue includes: Schedule of events for the launching of the William Clark (Hull 172) October 26, 1941; details on the laying of a new keel after the ceremony; a four panel comic; an article about the launching ceremony of the Meriwether Lewis; an article on the members of the United States Maritime Commission to be present at the launch of the William Clark; facts about William Clark; description of the first meeting of workers interested in starting a shipyard band, including member list and instruments; photographs of the launching ceremony of the Meriwether Lewis; "Sighting the Pacific -- 1805" by D. Curtis Freeman reprinted from Lewis and Clark Journal 1905; an article about the custom of women sponsors for ship launching, a brief history of Sacajawea, and a note about Mrs. Charles A. Shea the sponsor for the William Clark; a feature title "Sportsman's Corner" describing hunting and fishing activities by Oregon County; descriptions of leisure activities and hobbies; an advertisement for vocational training courses; a safety article; and an advertisement for Navy Day on October 27, 1941.

Employee newspaper for Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation covering shipyard productivity and current projects, safety and injury reports, war bond drives, employee sports leagues, award recipients, and human-interest stories. Topical coverage in this issue includes: Announcement of group sickness and accident insurance plan for Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation employees; Payroll and employee information; Photographs of the launch of the William Clark; articles on hobbies, groups, and leisure activities; a map and schedule for public transportation to the shipyard; advertisements for carpools; and a poem by Longfellow with illustration.

Employee newspaper for Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation covering shipyard productivity and current projects, safety and injury reports, war bond drives, employee sports leagues, award recipients, and human-interest stories. Topical coverage in this issue includes: A New Years message from Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation; A transcript of a radio broadcast aboard the trial run of the Star of Oregon; an article about employees collecting donations for their co-workers who were unemployed or in need; an article about A.R. Hammond and his experiences in Thailand; an article about ship sponsors; advertisements for vocational training; Air raid blackout instructions; and a message and advertisements about the Red Cross.

Employee newspaper for Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation covering shipyard productivity and current projects, safety and injury reports, war bond drives, employee sports leagues, award recipients, and human-interest stories. Topical coverage in this issue includes: A message about U.S. Treasury defense savings bond payroll deductions; an article about the Oregon Shipyard receiving the Navy "E" award, along with photos of the ceremony; photo essay about safety and handling of tools and materials; "News and Views of Oregon Shipbuilders" feature; a message from the Multnomah County Rationing Board about automobile tires; an article about the construction of the Vancouver (Washington) shipyard with a timeline of the work; and an announcement of Orville Bennett as the new head of the welding school and test shop.

Employee newspaper for Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation covering shipyard productivity and current projects, safety and injury reports, war bond drives, employee sports leagues, award recipients, and human-interest stories. Topical coverage in this issue includes: Announcement of a new ten-way shipyard to be constructed on Swan Island; instructions on what to do during a blackout; an article about an employee questionnaire regarding family medical insurance plans; a safety notice regarding eye hazards; employee "news and views"; an article about transportation methods encouraging car pools and public transit; employee contributions; a photo spread about employee wives acting as sponsors for ship launches; and an article about the ongoing construction of the Vancouver shipyard.

Employee newspaper for Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation covering shipyard productivity and current projects, safety and injury reports, war bond drives, employee sports leagues, award recipients, and human-interest stories. Topical coverage in this issue includes: An article about the payroll allotment plan for defense bonds; an article about improvements to pipe assembly procedures, and improved bushings; safety messages; employee "news and views"; advertisements for bus service; updates on the plans for the Swan Island Shipyard; an article about the Vancouver shipyard with photographs of construction progress; job and vocational training advertisements; employee contributions.

Employee newsletter for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. Special edition to commemorate Maritime Day. Contents include: Photographs and description of the first ship launch at the Oregon Shipyard held at night; photographs and description of the second launching in celebration of Maritime Day; photographs and description of the third ship launch in celebration of Maritime Day; call for employees to donate blood; update on the progress of the Vancouver Shipyard, with photos; article about the construction of school buildings for the Swan Island Shipyard; article titled "How Liberty Ships are Built" focusing on activities in the Plate Shop; updates on Payroll Allotment War Bond Plan enrollment, radio shows, and John B. Hughes.

Employee newsletter for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. Sub Titled: "War Mother". Contents include: An article titled "An Open Letter to Joe Layoff"; a notice to employees about a retroactive pay increase of $4.16 per week between April 1, 1942 and the time of publication, urging employees to use the increase to purchase war bonds; an article about the award of merit received by the shipyard, and a proposal by Henry J. Kaiser to shift manufacturing at some shipyards to the construction of cargo airplanes; a photo essay about the Vancouver Shipyard employee contribution percentage to War Bonds; an article about Template Photography and its improvement on steel consumption and layout times; an article with photos about the progress of construction at the Swan Island Shipyard; an article about prefabrication techniques and the assembly plant at Swan Island; employee "news and views"; an article about techniques for conserving oxygen and acetylene; an article about rubber conservation; An article titled "War Mothers -- 1942 Style" with a profile on Mary Carroll, who along with Jeanne Wilde were the first women ship workers; an article titled "How Liberty Ships are Built" focusing on the Assembly Building; employee contributions.

Employee newspaper for Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation covering shipyard productivity and current projects, safety and injury reports, war bond drives, employee sports leagues, award recipients, and human-interest stories. Topical coverage in this issue includes: "Second Front, Labor Management Committee Speeds Program on Ideas"; war bond progress; "Here's what Oregon's 100 Liberty Ships Mean"; "Short Order Shipyard" about ship prefabrication; "Swan Island Shaves" photos and cartoons relating to a beard growing competition at the Swan Island Shipyard; "News and Views of the Three Shipyards"; "Bachelor City" about new facilities being constructed at the Hudson House dormitory; "Dormitory 'D' Comes Back" about the fire and reconstruction of the dormitory; "Does it Matter what a Shipyard Worker Eats?" with images and description of ideal nutrition practices; "How Liberty Ships are Built" focusing on ship boilers; "Three Yard Scorecard" and employee news.

Employee newspaper for Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation covering shipyard productivity and current projects, safety and injury reports, war bond drives, employee sports leagues, award recipients, and human-interest stories. Topical coverage in this issue includes: An article about holiday festivities at the shipyards, including fundraising for sick and injured employees; "The Last Voyage of the Star of Oregon" describing the sinking of the first ship constructed at the Oregon Shipyard; an article about fire prevention and tanker construction; "News and Views of the Three Shipyards"; a section about the Vancouver shipyard, the "Mystery Ships" constructed there, and the Northern Permanente Hospital; "How to Keep from Catching Colds" public service announcement; "How Liberty Ships are Built" about the "second deck" interior portions of the ships; "Three Yard Scorecard" and list of song contest winners.

Employee newspaper for Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation covering shipyard productivity and current projects, safety and injury reports, war bond drives, employee sports leagues, award recipients, and human-interest stories. Topical coverage in this issue includes: Message to workers about pedestrian safety along main transit routes, particularly around schools, with a map for those routes and school zones; an article about the S.S. Schenectady breaking in half at its berth in January 1943 and a letter from Dale Davis offering to work extra shifts to replace it; an article about the safety records at the shipyards with statistics by type of injury; "Shipyards in the Snow" photo essay; "News and Views of the Three Shipyards" including women welding competitions, and the shipyards tallest and shortest employees; "The ABC of Tax Payments"; List of additional winners of prizes for production or safety ideas; an article about transportation options and encouraging alternative transportation; "How Liberty Ships are Built" focusing on rudders and steering mechanisms; an article about templates and template storage at Swan Island Shipyard.

Employee newspaper for Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation covering shipyard productivity and current projects, safety and injury reports, war bond drives, employee sports leagues, award recipients, and human-interest stories. Topical coverage in this issue includes: Announcement of Eleanor Roosevelt to christen the first Escort Carrier ship produced at Vancouver Shipyard, previously referred to as the "Mystery Ship"; an article about the receipt of three more gold stars for the flag of merit given by the U.S. Maritime Commission; an article about child care options, prices and locations; "Shipyards at Night" photos and descriptions of the activities at each shipyard during the night shifts; a warning about proper tool care and maintenance; February winners of the Labor Management Committee's Idea prizes; "News and Views of the Three Shipyards"; "How Liberty Ships are Built" focusing on installation of winches, smokestacks and masts; "Man the Lifeboats" about the equipment and provisioning of life boats and rafts.

Employee newspaper for Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation covering shipyard productivity and current projects, safety and injury reports, war bond drives, employee sports leagues, award recipients, and human-interest stories. Topical coverage in this issue includes: Employee letters; "How a Leadsman Leads" about the qualifications and opportunities for leadership positions; illustration and description of the new Victory ship; "Life on an Aircraft Carrier"; "Shipyard Wife" a profile of Lois Nelson; "What will happen when you quit building ships?" a survey of various employees; "What's in a name?" profiling employees with interesting nicknames and how they got them; An article about water quality and the introduction of chlorine, with chemical analysis; "News and Views of the Three Shipyards" including an update on Hermina "Billie" Strmiska who finished in second place in the national women's welding competition; an article promoting the family hospital plan for Vancouver Shipyard employees; "Spend, Sucker, Spend" by Ralph De Castro, encouraging workers to save their money and invest in war bonds.