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Oral history interview with Alice T. Biddle

  • SR 9543
  • Collection
  • 1976-09-21

This oral history interview with Alice T. Biddle was conducted by Charles Digregorio in Vancouver, Washington, on September 21, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. Henry C. C. Stevens was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Biddle discusses her family background, and her early life in the Nob Hill neighborhood of Portland. She talks about prominent families who lived in the neighborhood, about her childhood recreational activities, and about daily life in the early 20th century. She also talks about the medical practice of her father, Ernest Fanning Tucker.

Biddle, Alice T. (Alice Tucker), 1897-1987

Oral history interview with Robert L. Beebe

  • SR 9541-5
  • Collection
  • 1976-09-30

This oral history interview with Robert L. Beebe was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on September 30, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Beebe speaks about the history of the Beebe and Livingstone families, and talks about his affluent childhood in Portland, Oregon, including spending summers in Gearhart. He describes how Portland changed during the 20th century. He also talks about his son's interest in falconry.

Beebe, Robert L. (Robert Livingstone), 1912-1992

Oral history interview with Harvey S. Giffin

  • SR 9537
  • Collection
  • 1977-06-22

This oral history interview with Harvey S. Giffin was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on June 22, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Giffin discusses performing as an actor with the Portland Civic Theatre. He talks about plays he acted in, about actors he worked with, and about the theater and movie business in Portland. He also speaks about movies filmed in Oregon that he performed in.

Giffin, Harvey S. (Harvey Sheldon), 1922-1988

Oral history interview with Mildred B. Engdahl and Marion F. Kingery

  • SR 9535
  • Collection
  • 1977-06-09

This oral history interview with Mildred B. Engdahl and Marion F. Kingery was conducted by Charles Digregorio at Engdahl's home in Portland, Oregon, on June 9, 1977, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. Henry C. C. Stevens was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Engdahl discusses her work as director of the Portland Civic Theatre from 1927 to 1929. She describes how she came into that position and talks about shows that were performed during her tenure. Kingery talks about her acting career with the theater. Engdahl discusses her return as director in 1954 and talks about how the theater had changed. She also discusses her work directing plays for children. Both Engdahl and Kingery talk about actors they worked with at the Portland Civic Theatre. Engdahl closes the interview by discussing her work as an author.

Butler, Mildred Allen

Oral history interview with Isabelle K. Ashcraft

  • SR 9532
  • Collection
  • 1977-06-14

This oral history interview with Isabelle K. Ashcraft was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on June 14, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. Henry C. C. Stevens was also present.

In this interview, Ashcraft discusses her service on the board of the Portland Civic Theatre, beginning in 1945. She speaks about the history of the theater, about fundraising for the organization, and about some of the performances held there.

Ashcraft, Isabelle K. (Isabelle Kidd), 1901-1992

Oral history interview with Frederic Littman

  • SR 9530
  • Collection
  • 1974-02-06

This oral history interview with Frederic Littman was conducted by Charles Digregorio at Littman's home in Portland, Oregon, on February 6, 1974, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Littman discusses his welded bronze sculpture called "Joy" located in Portland's Council Crest Park, and talks about sculpting with different materials. He discusses his art education and art career in Budapest, Hungary, and in Paris, France. He shares his reasons for leaving Europe during World War II, and talks about how he came to Portland, Oregon, in 1941. He briefly speaks about his career as an art professor at Reed College, at the Museum Art School, now known as the Pacific Northwest College of Art, and at Portland State University. He also talks about the art career of his former wife, Marianne Littman. He talks about his sculptures and artworks in public spaces in Portland, including the doors he designed for the Zion Lutheran Church. He discusses concepts for future artworks, talks about his artistic process, and reflects on his development as an artist. He also discusses his preference for sculpting female figures, talks about his attempts to express political ideas through his art, and closes the interview by sharing why he prefers to live in Portland over New York City or Paris.

Littman, Frederic, 1907-

Oral history interview with Manuel Izquierdo

  • SR 9528
  • Collection
  • 1978-07-21

This oral history interview with Manuel Izquierdo was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Izuierdo's home in Portland, Oregon, on July 21, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Izquierdo discusses his education at the Museum Art School in Portland, now known as the Pacific Northwest College of Art, and describes how he became interested in welding as an art form. He talks about his artistic process, and about his personal art style. He discusses some of his sculptures and woodcuts and describes why he would like to sculpt a cow. He closes the interview by sharing why he believes art is important.

Izquierdo, Manuel, 1925-2009

Oral history interview with Lorenzo E. Ghiglieri

  • SR 9526
  • Collection
  • 1980-09-25

This oral history interview with Lorenzo E. Ghiglieri was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at Ghiglieri's studio in Portland, Oregon, on September 25, 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, Ghiglieri discusses his family background and shares his reasons for moving to Portland, Oregon. He talks about his career as an artist, about the people who taught him, and about how living in the Pacific Northwest influences his art. He speaks about his experience in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, including the art he made as part of his service. He offers his personal definition of sculpture and talks about his favorite sculpting media. He speaks at length about life as an artist in Oregon, lists artists that influenced him, and talks about some of his paintings, including a portrait of President Richard M. Nixon, paintings in the Seventh-day Adventist multimedia presentation "Earth: Theater of the Universe," and portraits of Inuit people. He discusses the inspirations for some of his sculptures, including "Casey's Gold," which depicts a miner holding a nugget of gold, and his sculptures of wildlife. He closes the interview by talking about learning from his mistakes.

Ghiglieri, Lorenzo

Oral history interview with Virgil H. Langtry

  • SR 9524
  • Collection
  • 1976-12-20

This oral history interview with Virgil H. Langtry was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on December 20, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. Langtry's wife, H. Lavina Langtry, was also present and briefly contributed to the interview.

In this interview, H. Lavina Langtry briefly discusses her family background. Virgil H. Langtry then discusses his family background and early life in lumber towns near Eugene, Oregon. He talks about starting a law practice in Bend during the Depression, about serving as treasurer for the Farm Loan Association in Redmond, and about his work with the League of Oregon Cities. He discusses lawyers he worked with, shares his thoughts about political issues at the time of the interview, and talks about the relationship between the press and the judicial system. He closes the interview by talking about the disparity between the salaries of judges and lawyers.

Langtry, Virgil H. (Virgil Hillary), 1911-2000

Oral history interview with Nancie P. Fadeley

  • SR 9522
  • Collection
  • 1981-04-02

This oral history interview with Nancie P. Fadeley was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at the Capitol building in Salem, Oregon, on April 2, 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 this interview, Fadeley discusses her marriage to Ed Fadeley, talks about their reasons for moving to Eugene, Oregon, in 1954, and speaks about raising a family while working as an elementary school teacher. She discusses Ed Fadeley's career as a lawyer and his service in the Oregon State Legislature, and talks about working as his secretary. She then discusses her own service in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1971 to 1981, including the challenges she faced as a woman campaigning for office, and how attitudes towards women in politics changed during her legislative career. She talks about legislation she worked on regarding women's rights, including her role in Oregon's ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, and legislation to improve the social safety net for women. She shares her experience of studying journalism at the University of Oregon in the 1970s, and discusses her failed 1980 re-election campaign. She closes the interview by talking about her role in the passage of SB 100, Oregon's landmark land-use legislation.

Fadeley, Nancie, 1930-

Oral history interview with Paul S. Wright

  • SR 9520
  • Collection
  • 1981-09-23

This oral history interview with the Reverend Paul S. Wright was conducted by Linda S. Brody at the First Presbyterian Church in Portland, Oregon, on September 23, 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 this interview, Wright discusses his family background and early life as the son of Presbyterian missionaries in early 20th-century Tebriz, Persia (now Iran). He then talks about his education in Wooster, Ohio, and shares his experiences in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War I. He discusses his reasons for attending McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois, and talks about serving as a Presbyterian minister in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Oklahoma. He then speaks at length about his service as minister at the First Presbyterian Church in Portland. He also talks about his involvement with Lewis and Clark College and the Menucha Retreat and Conference Center. He closes the interview by talking about awards and honors he received, and about serving as moderator for the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.

Wright, Paul S.

Oral history interview with Thelma O. Williams

  • SR 9515
  • Collection
  • 1982-05-05

This oral history interview with Thelma O. Williams was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at Williams' home in Portland, Oregon, on May 5, 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. The sound quality is very poor.

In this interview, Williams discusses her family background and early life in Des Moines, Iowa, and in Portland, Oregon. She shares her memories of being Portland Rose Festival queen in 1914, and talks about her continued involvement in the annual festival.

Williams, Thelma O. (Thelma Olive), 1896-1984

Oral history interview with Sidney Teiser

  • SR 9509
  • Collection
  • 1977-02-03

This oral history interview with Sidney Teiser was conducted by Charles Digregorio at Teiser's home in Portland, Oregon, on February 3, 1977, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Teiser discusses his family background and early life in Virginia, including his experience of being raised by relatives. He speaks about studying law at the University of Virginia and shares his reasons for moving to Portland, Oregon, in 1911. He talks about practicing law in Portland, about cases he has worked on, and about why he enjoys his career as a lawyer. He shares his experiences as a Jew in Portland in the early 20th century, talks about racism in the American Bar Association (ABA), and discusses his work as a historian and author. He talks about founding the Scribes branch of the ABA, also called the American Society of Writers on Legal Subjects, and shares his thoughts about the way lawyers tend to write.

Teiser, Sidney, 1882-

Oral history interview with Helen W. Stone

  • SR 9508
  • Collection
  • 1978-10-26

This oral history interview with Helen W. Stone was conducted by Deborah M. Frosaker at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on October 26, 1978, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Stone discusses the legal and political career of her father, Oswald West, and shares her experiences as the daughter of a governor. She discusses Oswald West's involvement in the operations of the Oregon penitentiary and talks about his reputation for theatrics. She describes the family summer home in Cannon Beach. She closes the interview by discussing Oswald West's affiliation with the Democratic Party.

Stone, Helen W. (Helen West), 1902-1986

Oral history interview with John H. Steelquist

  • SR 9507
  • Collection
  • 1977-12-08

This oral history interview with John H. Steelquist was conducted by Deborah M. Frosaker at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on December 8, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Steelquist discusses the medical work of his maternal great-grandmother, Catherine Davis, and the pharmaceutical career of his maternal grandfather, Melancthon Marshall Davis, in 19th- and 20th-century Oregon. He talks about his early interest in engineering, about his college experience at Stanford University, and about his reasons for pursuing a career in medicine. He closes the interview by discussing his research on Captain James Cook.

Steelquist, John H. (John Harold), 1912-1986

Oral history interview with Leo F. Simon

  • SR 9503
  • Collection
  • 1980-02-07

This oral history interview with Leo F. Simon was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on February 7, 1980, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody.

In this interview, Simon shares his memories of moving to Portland with his family in 1902 and living on homesteads. He talks about his early education. He discusses his early interest in photography, and talks about working in photography studios and later owning his own studio in Portland. He speaks about his involvement with the Audubon Society, the Mazamas, and the Geological Society of the Oregon Country. He describes his work restoring photographs for the Oregon Historical Society. He closes the interview by giving a brief chronology of his photography career.

Simon, Leo, 1891-1986

Radio interview with Homer T. Shaver

  • SR 9502
  • Collection
  • 1963-08-14

This radio interview with Homer T. Shaver was conducted by Doug Porter on August 14, 1963, for the Junior Chamber of Commerce evening program, "Mr. Jaycee Report." The interview aired on Portland radio station KWJJ.

In this interview, Shaver discusses his tug and barge business, the Shaver Transportation Company, which operated on the Willamette and Columbia rivers. He talks about the history of the company, about the company's past and present competitors, and about how the industry has changed over the 20th century. He discusses cargo his barges carry, describes the operations of his company, and discusses the future of the Portland harbor.

Shaver, Homer T., 1891-

Oral history interview with Homer T. Shaver

  • SR 9501
  • Collection
  • 1976-09-08

This oral history interview with Homer T. Shaver was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Shaver Transportation Company in Portland, Oregon, on September 8, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Shaver speaks at length about his family background and describes the founding of the Shaver Transportation Company. He talks about changes he made to the company when he became assistant manager in 1921. He discusses the company's competitors and talks about how the Depression affected the business. He also describes his experiences working on the construction of a water pipeline in Alaska during the summer of 1909. He closes the interview by talking about his accomplishments.

Shaver, Homer T., 1891-

Oral history interview with Jerry F. Cundari

  • SR 1164
  • Collection
  • 2023-08-23

This oral history interview with Jerry F. Cundari was conducted by Kerry Tymchuk in Portland, Oregon, on August 23, 2023. A transcript of the interview is available.

In this interview, Cundari discusses his early career as a golf caddy at the Portland Golf Club and describes his experiences playing in golf tournaments as a teenager. He speaks about golf players he competed against, and about titles he won. He talks about his college experience at the University of Oregon, particularly playing golf for the university team. He discusses continuing to play golf while working for the family insurance company, Cundari Insurance, and while raising a family, and shares his reasons for never pursuing a career as a professional golfer. He talks about professional golfers he played with, including Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, and Jack Nicklaus. He closes the interview by talking about tournaments he played in as a senior golfer.

Cundari, Jerry F. (Gerald Francis), 1940-

Oral history interview with John D. Scott

  • SR 9500
  • Collection
  • 1976-11-03

This oral history interview with John D. Scott was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on November 3, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Scott discusses his family background, and also the family background of his wife, Jessie M. Scott. He then talks about the history of the Mazamas, a mountaineering organization in Oregon, and about his experiences climbing Mount Hood. He closes the interview by discussing the naval career of his father, Bernard Orme Scott.

Scott, John D. (John Denny), 1885-1977

Oral history interview with Hilde Schmoll

  • SR 9499
  • Collection
  • 1979-03-26

This oral history interview with Hilde Schmoll was conducted by Portland architect Alfred Staehli at Schmoll's home in Portland, Oregon, on March 26, 1979, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Schmoll discusses the history and design of her home in the Mount Tabor neighborhood of Portland, which was designed by architect A. E. Doyle and previously owned by the haute couture dressmakers May Shogren and Ann Shogren. She also briefly talks about the violin-making business of her husband, Rudolph F. Schmoll.

Schmoll, Hilde, 1904-1999

Oral history interview with Lewis L. McArthur

  • SR 9469
  • Collection
  • 1982-04-16 - 1982-06-08

This oral history interview with Lewis L. McArthur was conducted by Nancie Fadeley in two sessions, on April 16, 1982, and June 8, 1982. The second interview session was recorded at the Ray F. Becker Company. The interview was conducted for a radio segment that may have aired on the radio station KWAX in Eugene, Oregon.

In the first interview session, conducted on April 16, 1982, McArthur discusses his research on Oregon place names for the book "Oregon Geographic Names." He also talks about the career of his father, Lewis A. McArthur, and about Lewis A. McArthur's work on the early editions of the book. He shares information about the origins of several Oregon place names, including Granite, Noti, Oneonta, and Bear Springs. He discusses the work of the Oregon Geographic Names Board. He talks about the numerous Oregon place names that include "hell," shares theories about the origins of the name "Oregon," and discusses the history of some military-related place names.

In the second interview session, conducted on June 8, 1982, McArthur discusses his career as an industrial engineer for the Ray F. Becker Company. He gives a tour of the company, describes equipment the company uses to produce sheet metal, and talks about the production process. He then briefly discusses his early life in Portland, his work history, and his marriage to Joyce A. Clark. He speaks about his work on "Oregon Geographic Names," about his plans for future editions of the book, and about working on the book with his father. He closes the interview by discussing the complications in changing existing place names.

McArthur, Lewis L.

Oral history interview with Dick K. Harmon

  • SR 2459
  • Collection
  • 1998-12-15 - 1998-12-22

This oral history interview with Dick K. Harmon was conducted by Kay Reid in two sessions, on December 15 and December 22, 1998, as part of the Legacy of Hope: Catholics and Social Justice Project, which collected interviews with Catholic clergy and social justice activists in Oregon about their work on social action in the Roman Catholic tradition.

In the first interview session, conducted on December 15, 1998, Harmon discusses his involvement with the Portland Organizing Project, an alliance of churches in Portland, Oregon, that was founded in 1985 to further social justice. He talks about the organization's work lobbying the Oregon Legislature to fund worker training programs, and about how the organization changed in the late 1990s. He speaks about the history of the post-World War II labor movement and how changes in the working class lifestyle are related to changes in social justice organizing by churches. He shares his thoughts about the importance of the church to American social life. He discusses his family, their lives, and their careers. He speaks about pollution in the Willamette River and talks about solutions to the issue that would also create jobs.

In the second interview session, conducted on December 22, 1998, Harmon discusses his work in family therapy, speaks at length about the Portland Organizing Project's work on affordable housing during the development of Portland's River District in 1995, and describes the organization's relationship with journalists. He reflects on his accomplishments as a social justice organizer in Chicago, Illinois, in Brooklyn, New York, and in Portland, Oregon. He shares his reasons for moving to Portland in the mid-1990s. He describes how he became involved in social justice organizing while in college in the 1950s, talks about the staff and volunteers of the Portland Organizing Project, and discusses the organization's current focus on public education. He closes the interview by talking about the growth of the POP.

Harmon, Dick K. (Richard Keylon), 1937-

Oral history interview with Dick K. Harmon

  • SR 2406
  • Collection
  • 1995-12-29

This oral history interview with Dick K. Harmon was conducted by Jim Strassmaier on December 29, 1995, as part of the Legacy of Hope: Catholics and Social Justice Project, which collected interviews with Catholic clergy and social justice activists in Oregon about their work on social action in the Roman Catholic tradition.

In this interview, Harmon discusses his family background and early life in Colorado, and talks about his interest in learning about the roots of violence in American culture. He describes his college experience at the University of Chicago, and describes how he became involved with the Industrial Areas Foundation. He speaks at length about his work as a social justice organizer for the IAF and later for the Brooklyn Ecumenical Cooperatives. He talks about the communities he worked in, about the people he worked with, and about the relationship between his work and his Christian faith. He shares his opinion on the organization and rules of the Catholic Church. He then speaks at length about his work with the Portland Organizing Project in Oregon, an alliance of churches founded in 1985 to further social justice. He closes the interview by sharing how his social justice work helped him to process his abusive childhood, and by discussing the concept of sin.

Harmon, Dick K. (Richard Keylon), 1937-

United States District Court Oral History Project

  • USDCHS
  • Collection
  • 1966-2020 (bulk 1984-2008)

Since 1984, the Oregon Historical Society has partnered with the United States District Court of Oregon Historical Society to interview judges, lawyers and other legal professionals affiliated with that Court.
With an appeal rate at around 10%, the decisions made by the District Court of Oregon have been deeply influential on the laws and peoples of the state. It has presided over decisions on public land disputes and fishing rights, as well as civil rights and law enforcement. The stories of the people that make up this judicial body provide a valuable tool for helping the public understand the pivotal role the court has had on Oregon’s history.

United States District Court of Oregon Historical Society

Oral history interview with Margaret Biddle Parker

  • SR 9484
  • Collection
  • 1984-03-15

This oral history interview with Margaret Biddle Parker was conducted by Elisabeth W. Potter and Alfred Staehli in Portland, Oregon, on March 15, 1984, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Parker discusses the career of her husband, Portland architect Jamieson Parker. She discusses how the 1929 stock market crash affected his business, talks about his work for the Historic American Buildings Survey and the Federal Housing Administration in the 1930s, and speaks about some of the buildings he designed. She also talks about her children, their family, and their careers; and about her mother, Margaret Burrell Biddle. She discusses the cause of Jamieson Parker's death in 1939. She closes the interview by talking about Alfred Parker.

Parker, Margaret Biddle, 1898-1987

Oral history interview with Catherine R. Sabin

  • SR 9498
  • Collection
  • 1976-06-15

This oral history interview with Catherine R. Sabin was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on June 15, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Sabin discusses her family background and early life in Northwest Portland, including her Scottish heritage and traveling with her family. She also describes the Willamette Heights neighborhood and talks about people who lived there. She talks about the family background of her husband, Robert L. Sabin. She shares her experiences as a student at Reed College, and closes the interview by talking about some of the organizations she was involved with, including the Portland Art Museum.

Sabin, Catherine R. (Catherine Russell), 1895-1986

Oral history interview with Hazel I. Ross

  • SR 9497
  • Collection
  • 1976-01-29

This oral history interview with Hazel I. Ross at her home in Vancouver, Washington, was conducted by Charles Digregorio on January 29, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. Dale Archibald and Hazel Ross's husband, Melvin F. Ross, were also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Archibald reads from the obituary of Hazel I. Ross's father, William John Kilgore. Ross then discusses a photograph she donated to the Oregon Historical Society that shows her father with the Wright brothers. She talks about the career of William John Kilgore; about her early life, education, and strict upbringing in Northwest Portland; and about fires in early 20th-century Portland. Melvin F. Ross also briefly discusses his early life in St. Helens, Oregon. Hazel I. Ross talks about the 1923 airplane crash that killed her half-brother, Paul T. Wagner.

Ross, Hazel I. (Hazel Irene), 1904-1991

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