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Oral history interview with Roy H. Hemmingway

This oral history interview with Roy H. Hemmingway was conducted by Michael O'Rourke at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, from August 29 to October 20, 2000. The interview was conducted as part of the Northwest Power Planning Council Oral History Project, which documented the history and purpose of the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The interview was conducted in four sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on August 29, 2000, Hemmingway discusses his family background and early life in Illinois, including his education and his early political beliefs. He shares his experiences studying international politics at Stanford University and studying environmental law at Yale University, and talks about his international travels in the 1960s. He discusses his reasons for specializing in environmental law; landmark environmental legislation in the 1960s and 1970s; and his involvement with the Oregon Environmental Council. He speaks about working as a lawyer for the Oregon Public Utility Commission, including researching a case against the Bonneville Power Administration and lobbying the Oregon Legislature on energy legislation.

In the second interview session, conducted on September 29, 2000, Hemmingway continues to discuss working for the Oregon Public Utility Commission, and talks about his conflict with PUC chair John J. Lobdell. He speaks at length about the drafting of the 1980 Northwest Power Act, and talks about the people and organizations that were involved. He then talks about representing Oregon on the Northwest Power Planning Council from 1981 to 1986. He describes the organization of the council, talks about the development of the first energy conservation plan and fish and wildlife plan, and speaks about the financial difficulties of the Washington Public Power Supply System (WPPSS).

In the third interview session, conducted on October 6, 2000, Hemmingway continues to discuss representing Oregon on the Northwest Power Planning Council from 1981 to 1986. He talks about opposition to the council's first plans, particularly the lawsuit against the model building codes, and discusses his reasons for leaving the council in 1986. He speaks about his fellow council members, about interstate conflicts that affected the council's work in the 1980s, and about the financial difficulties of WPPSS. He also talks about the development of the first NWPPC fish plan and discusses proposals to remove dams on the Snake River.

In the fourth and final interview session, conducted on October 20, 2000, Hemmingway speaks further about some of the NWPPC members, including those who served after he left the council. He shares his thoughts about the 1994 fish and wildlife plan, which he reviewed while working as a policy advisor for Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber; talks about the management of the Bonneville Power Administration, including his candidacy for administrator in the late 1990s; and discusses deregulation of electric utilities. He closes the interview by speaking about his career as an energy consultant, including his work with Portland General Electric, and about his role in Kitzhaber's administration from 1995 to the time of the interview.

Hemmingway, Roy H. (Leroy H.), 1946-

Oral history interview with Bob Saxvik

This oral history interview with Bob Saxvik was conducted by Michael O'Rourke at the Idaho State Historical Society in Boise, Idaho, on August 16, 2000. The interview was conducted as part of the Northwest Power Planning Council Oral History Project, which documented the history and purpose of the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.

In this interview, Saxvik discusses his family background and early life in Minnesota and Iowa, including his experiences during the Depression and his education. He talks about his service in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and about his marriage to Marilyn Anne DeMers. He speaks about his career in radio broadcasting at KBAR Radio in Burley, Idaho; discusses his service in the Idaho State Senate from 1971 to 1976; and talks about his role in the administration of Idaho Governor John V. Evans.

Saxvik discusses the passage of the 1980 Northwest Power Act, then speaks at length about representing Idaho on the Northwest Power Planning Council from 1981 to 1996. He talks about serving as vice chair of the council from 1981 to 1983, about the first meetings of the council, and about his work on the first energy and conservation plan. He discusses opposition to the council's Model Building Codes, talks about the first fish and wildlife plan, and speaks about energy forecasting. He talks about the effect Dan Evans' departure from the council in 1983 had on the organizational structure of the NWPPC. He discusses the development of the fish and wildlife plan over the 1980s and 1990s, and closes the interview by talking about how changing state politics in the 1990s affected the council's work, particularly the conflicts surrounding the council's 1994 fish and wildlife plan.

Saxvik, Bob (Robert William), 1930-2016

Oral history interview with Daniel J. Evans

This oral history interview with Daniel J. Evans was conducted by Michael O'Rourke in Seattle, Washington, from February 29 to March 1, 2000. The interview was conducted as part of the Northwest Power Planning Council Oral History Project, which documented the history and purpose of the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The interview was conducted in two sessions. Session 2 begins partway through Tape 3, Side 1.

In the first interview session, conducted on February 29, 2000, Evans discusses his family background and early life in Seattle, Washington, including his involvement in the Boy Scouts, and his education. He talks about his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War, and about his marriage to Nancy Bell. He speaks about his service in the Washington State House of Representatives from 1957 to 1965. He talks about some of his fellow legislators, and about some of the legislation he worked on, particularly regarding electrical utilities. He discusses his 1964 campaign for Washington governor, and talks about serving as governor from 1965 to 1977. He speaks about energy issues in the state during the 1970s, particularly focusing on the Washington Public Power Supply System and attempts to create a Columbia Valley Authority. He also discusses serving as president for The Evergreen State College in Olympia.

In the second interview session, conducted on March 1, 2000, Evans discusses his role in passing several pieces of environmental protection legislation in Washington, and talks about the passage of the 1980 Northwest Power Act. He talks about representing Washington on the Northwest Power Planning Council from 1981 to 1983 and acting as its first chair. He describes the first council meeting, talks about the other first members and staff, and speaks at length about his work on the first fish and wildlife plan. He talks about working with Native American tribes on the fish plan, particularly with Tim Wapato of the Yakama. He then discusses his work on the first power and conservation plan, and talks about opposition to both plans. He briefly speaks about serving in the U.S. Senate from 1983 to 1989. He closes the interview by talking about the activities of the NWPPC since his departure.

Evans, Daniel J., 1925-

Oral history interview with Chuck T. Collins

This oral history interview with Chuck T. Collins was conducted by Michael O'Rourke at Collins' home on Mercer Island, Washington, on October 19, 1999. The interview was conducted as part of the Northwest Power Planning Council Oral History Project, which documented the history and purpose of the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.

In this interview, Collins discusses his family background and talks about his early life on a ranch in Missoula, Montana, and about his teenage years in Spokane, Washington. He talks about his experiences at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., at Gonzaga University in Spokane, and at the University of Washington. He also talks about his marriage to Nancy Querna. He speaks at length about his service as a cavalry platoon leader in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He also shares his thoughts about the unfairness of the draft system and about the morality of the war. He talks about working with John Spellman in King County government and about serving as director of King County Metro.

Collins speaks at length about representing Washington on the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, from 1981 to 1986. He talks about other members and staff of the council, about the mission and purpose of the council, and about the development of the council's first power and conservation plan. He discusses opposition to the council's Model Conservation Standards and shares his reasons for leaving the NWPPC. He also speaks at length about the bankruptcy of the Washington Public Power Supply System. He talks about the activities of the council after his departure, particularly the change in state politics in the 1990s and how that affected the work and membership of the NWPPC. He also discusses the council's efforts to increase salmon populations in the Columbia River. He discusses his activities since leaving the NWPPC, and talks about his children, their families, and their careers. He closes the interview by speaking further about other members of the council.

Collins, Chuck (Charles T.)

Oral history interview with Angus Duncan

This oral history interview with Angus Duncan was conducted by Jim Strassmaier from July 15 to September 24, 1999. The interview was conducted as part of the Northwest Power Planning Council Oral History Project, which documented the history and purpose of the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The interview was conducted in four sessions. The audio for part of the first session (Tape 2, Side 2) is affected by speed issues. The audio for a portion of the fourth session (most of Tape 9) is missing, but is reflected in an incomplete transcript.

In the first interview session, conducted on July 15, 1999, Duncan discusses his family background and early life in Medford, Oregon, including the legislative career of his father, Robert Duncan; his education; and studying government at Harvard University. He speaks about working as an aide for Portland Mayor Neil Goldschmidt from 1974 to 1979, and talks about transportation issues in Portland, particularly the Mount Hood Freeway. He talks about energy issues in the Pacific Northwest in the 1970s, about the history of public and private electric utilities in the region, and about his role in the passage of the 1980 Northwest Power Act. A portion of the audio for this session is affected by speed issues.

In the second interview session, conducted on July 22, 1999, Duncan continues to discuss his role in the passage of the 1980 Northwest Power Act. He speaks about working as an aide for Neil Goldschmidt in the U.S. Department of Transportation from 1979 to 1980. He discusses his career with various renewable energy companies during the 1980s, and shares his thoughts about alternative energy sources. He then talks about serving on the Northwest Power Planning Council from 1990 to 1995. He discusses his attempts to incorporate more renewable energy sources into the council's plans, describes concerns about salmon populations in the 1990s, and talks about his relationship with other council members.

In the third interview session, conducted on September 16, 1999, Duncan continues to discuss serving on the Northwest Power Planning Council from 1990 to 1995. He speaks about some of the projects he worked on regarding salmon conservation, the shutdown of the Trojan nuclear power plant, and water efficiency. He talks about working with other council members, with the Bonneville Power Administration, and with Native tribes. He discusses the 1994 amendment cycle for the NWPPC fish and wildlife plan, and talks about the plan's reception, opposition, and implementation.

In the fourth and final interview session, conducted on September 24, 1999, Duncan continues to discuss serving on the Northwest Power Planning Council from 1990 to 1995. He revisits the topic of the shutdown of the Trojan nuclear power plant, and talks about his working relationship with the NWPPC council members and staff. He discusses the controversies surrounding the 1995 departure of Ed Sheets from the council; talks about working with federal agencies, particularly the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and shares his thoughts about the future of power generation on the Columbia River. He closes the interview by reflecting on his career in the public and private sectors. The audio for a portion of this session is missing, but is reflected in an incomplete transcript.

Duncan, Angus (Robert Angus), 1946-

Oral history interview with Kai N. Lee

This oral history interview with Kai Lee was conducted by Michael O'Rourke at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, from May 26-27, 1999. The interview was conducted as part of the Northwest Power Planning Council Oral History Project, which documented the history and purpose of the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The interview was conducted in two sessions. Access to the interview audio recording is restricted until 2042. An edited transcript is open for research.

In the first interview session, conducted on May 26, 1999, Lee discusses his family background and early life in New York, including his Chinese heritage. He talks about his college education, particularly at the University of California at Berkeley, and about his marriage. He speaks about teaching political science and environmental studies at the University of Washington from 1973 to 1990, describes his experiences during a 1977 White House fellowship, and discusses the development of his interest in energy issues. He talks about his involvement in the development of the Washington Public Power Supply System, and about how energy demand projections in the 1970s led to the passage of the 1980 Northwest Power Act. He then discusses representing Washington on the Northwest Power Planning Council from 1983 to 1987. He speaks about a paper he wrote about the failure of WPPSS nuclear power plants 4 and 5, "Path Along the Ridge"; about his efforts to represent all Washingtonians; and about his relationship with Native tribes in the region. He talks about other council members, particularly Dan Evans and Ed Sheets, and discusses opposition to the council's Model Home Standards. He speaks at length about his role in the development of the council's fish and wildlife plan, and reflects on the plan's successes and failures.

In the second interview session, conducted on May 27, 1999, Lee continues to discuss representing Washington on the Northwest Power Planning Council, and briefly reviews many of the topics discussed in session 1. He speaks further about the development of the council's fish and wildlife plan, and about other council members and staff. He also shares his thoughts about nuclear power. He talks about serving on the Board of Environmental Studies and Toxicology, describes taking a sabbatical in Kyoto, Japan, to write the book "Compass and Gyroscope," and shares his reasons for leaving the University of Washington to teach at Williams College. He closes the interview by reflecting on the accomplishments of the NWPPC.

Lee, Kai N.

Oral history interview with Tom L. Eckman

This oral history interview with Tom L. Eckman was conducted by Michael O'Rourke at the Northwest Power Planning Council offices in Portland, Oregon, from September 16, 1998, to September 29, 2000. The interview was conducted as part of the Northwest Power Planning Council Oral History Project, which documented the history and purpose of the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The interview was conducted in five sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on September 16, 1998, Eckman discusses his family background and early life on a farm in Galesburg, Illinois, including his education. He briefly talks about studying forestry and environmental science at Southern Illinois University, about working as an environmental science educator in Washington, and about serving as chair of both the Washington Environmental Council and the Washington Chapter of the Sierra Club. He speaks at length about the passage of the 1980 Northwest Power Act, and about the Washington Public Power Supply System. He talks about working with Ed Sheets, the U.S. senators from Washington, and with administrators from Bonneville Power Administration during and after the passage of the Northwest Power Act. He discusses serving as manager of conservation resources for the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, from 1982 to the time of the interview.

In the second interview session, conducted on December 17, 1998, Eckman continues to speak about the passage of the 1980 Northwest Power Act, and about the Washington Public Power Supply System. He continues to discuss serving as manager of conservation resources for the Northwest Power Planning Council, and talks about the early activities of the council. He discusses the NWPPC's 1983 conservation and electric power plan, and talks about the first members of the council.

In the third interview session, conducted on September 21, 1999, Eckman continues to discuss serving as manager of conservation resources for the Northwest Power Planning Council, and to talk about the 1983 conservation and electric power plan. He speaks at length about developing and implementing the model conservation standards for residential and commercial buildings, about opposition to the energy efficient building codes, and about working with Northwest electric utilities on the Super Good Cents program.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on May 11, 2000, Eckman continues to discuss serving as manager of conservation resources for the Northwest Power Planning Council. He talks about the conservation and electric power plan amendment processes in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He speaks about factors affecting energy prices in the Northwest, particularly at the BPA, and discusses how changing state politics in the 1990s affected the NWPPC, particularly its fish and wildlife plan.

In the fifth and final interview session, conducted on September 29, 2000, Eckman continues to discuss serving as manager of conservation resources for the Northwest Power Planning Council, with a focus on the period between 1995 and the time of the interview. He talks about conducting a comprehensive review of the Northwest power systems and about developing the 1996 version of the conservation and electric power plan. He also speaks at length about the financial situation of the BPA, and about factors affecting its energy prices.

Eckman, Tom L. (Thomas Lester), 1949-

Oral history interview with Ed W. Sheets

This oral history interview with Ed W. Sheets was conducted by Michael O'Rourke at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, from November 10, 1998, to September 28, 2000. The interview was conducted as part of the Northwest Power Planning Council Oral History Project, which documented the history and purpose of the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The interview was conducted in eight sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on November 10, 1998, Sheets discusses his family background and early life in Spokane, Washington, and in Portland, Oregon, including his education and his early political beliefs. He talks about his experiences studying political science at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, including his involvement with the college radio station, and an internship with the Rhode Island state legislature. He also talks about his opposition to the Vietnam War. He shares his experiences as a graduate student at the University of Washington school of communications, including producing a series of programs on the environment for local television stations.

In the second interview session, conducted on November 15, 1998, Sheets continues to discuss programs on the environment that he produced while at UW. He talks about his marriage to Ronda Skubi. He talks about working as a special assistant to U.S. Senator Warren Magnuson from 1977 to 1981, and speaks at length about Magnuson's political career, and about some of the energy and environmental issues he worked on for the senator.

In the third interview session, conducted on November 25, 1998, Sheets continues to discuss his work as special assistant to U.S. Senator Warren Magnuson, and speaks at length about the passage of the Northwest Power Act of 1980. He speaks about the history of public and private power utilities in the Pacific Northwest leading up to the passage of the act, particularly the Bonneville Power Administration and the Washington Public Power Supply System; and describes how the Northwest Power Act led to the creation of the Northwest Power Planning Council. He talks about other members of Magnuson's staff, and about Magnuson's unsuccessful 1980 re-election campaign.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on January 22, 1999, Sheets discusses serving as director of the Washington State Energy Office during Governor John Spellman's administration in 1981, particularly focusing on working with the Washington State Legislature to create the NWPPC. He talks about serving as the first executive director of the NWPPC, about the first members of the NWPPC, and about the first NWPPC meetings.

In the fifth interview session, conducted on June 15, 1999, Sheets continues to talk about serving as the first executive director of the NWPPC, about the first members of the NWPPC, and about the first NWPPC meetings. He discusses the first plans and recommendations produced by the council regarding salmon population loss mitigation at hydro-electric dams, power production, and energy conservation. He talks about the council's relationship with the BPA and other electric utilities in the Pacific Northwest, about its relationship with federal agencies, and about its relationship with the public. He speaks about opposition to the council's recommendations, including lawsuits.

In the sixth interview session, conducted on June 24, 1999, Sheets continues to talk about serving as the first executive director of the NWPPC. He speaks further about opposition to the council's plans, particularly from the BPA, and about the council's relationship with federal agencies and with local Native American tribes. He discusses the NWPPC fish and wildlife plan, which aimed to conserve salmon populations, and talks about the plan's implementation. He speaks about the conflicting interests among the Northwest states during the plan's amendment processes in the 1980s and 1990s.

In the seventh interview session, conducted on November 8, 1999, Sheets continues to talk about serving as the first executive director of the NWPPC. He briefly talks about changes in the council's membership during the 1980s and 1990s. He speaks about the NWPPC energy conservation plan, and about the plan's implementation. He talks about changes to the NWPCC's fish and wildlife plan during the 1990s.

In the eighth and final interview session, conducted on September 28, 2000, Sheets continues to talk about serving as the first executive director of the NWPPC. He speaks further about the changes to the NWPPC's fish and wildlife plan during the 1990s. He talks about political changes in some Northwest states during the 1990s and about how that affected the council and its plans; speaks about leaving the council in 1995; and discusses the actions of the council since his departure. He talks about the life cycle of salmon and about the importance of restoring salmon habitats. He discusses his activities since leaving the council, particularly his work as a consultant for Native tribes. He closes the interview by talking about deregulation of electric utilities and power rates.

Sheets, Ed W. (Edward Wendell), 1949-

Oral history interview with Peter J. Paquet

This oral history interview with Peter J. Paquet was conducted by Michael O'Rourke from October 21, 1998, to April 18, 2000. The interview was conducted as part of the Northwest Power Planning Council Oral History Project, which documented the history and purpose of the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The interview was conducted in nine sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on October 21, 1998, Paquet discusses his family background and early life in Portland, Oregon, including his education, his social life, and his early jobs. He talks about his experiences at the University of Santa Clara in California, including his involvement in the student political movements of the 1960s. He talks about working for NASA after graduating; hiking the Pacific Crest Trail with his brother in 1971; and his experiences as a graduate student studying biology at Portland State University. He also discusses supporting his family by running a leather dressing business.

In the second interview session, conducted on December 15, 1998, Paquet discusses developments in environmental legislation and electricity production in Oregon during the 1970s. He talks about anti-nuclear activist Lloyd Marbet; shares his opinion regarding nuclear power; and speaks at length about working for the Oregon Department of Energy on the Energy Facility Siting Council in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He talks about renewable energy resources, and about working with the Bonneville Power Administration. A portion of this session, Tape 3, is missing.

In the third interview session, conducted on December 23, 1998, Paquet discusses his work with the Northwest Power Planning Council to create a fish and wildlife plan in the early 1980s. He talks about navigating the conflicting interests of power companies, state agencies, Native American tribes, and sport fishers and game hunters. He talks about the life cycle of fish native to the Columbia River, describes how those cycles are disrupted by the dams, and talks about efforts to mitigate these disruptions. He speaks about the reception and implementation of the NWPPC fish and wildlife plan. He also talks about the people he worked with on the plan.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on August 12, 1999, Paquet continues to discuss his work with the Northwest Power Planning Council to create a fish and wildlife plan in the early 1980s. He continues to talk about the life cycle of fish native to the river, describes how those cycles are disrupted by the dams, and talks about efforts to mitigate these disruptions. He continues to speak about the reception and implementation of the NWPPC fish and wildlife plan. He talks about changes to the plan after implementation.

In the fifth interview session, conducted on August 25, 1999, Paquet continues to discuss his work to create a fish and wildlife plan in the early 1980s. He continues to talk about changes to the plan after implementation. He discusses court cases regarding the plan. He talks about other members of the NWPPC, particularly Kai Lee, and describes their contributions to the council. He speaks about fish populations and inter-state politics leading up the 1987 amendment cycle for the fish and wildlife plan.

In the sixth interview session, conducted on September 15, 1999, Paquet continues to discuss fish populations and inter-state politics leading up the 1987 amendment cycle for the fish and wildlife plan. He discusses the changes made to the plan in 1987, the changes in the NWPPC's goals, and the implementation of the new plan. He talks about tracking fish, about mapping waterway systems, and about the organizational structure of the NWPPC. He then discusses the additional focus on the wildlife portion of the plan in 1991, and talks about the need to preserve habitat.

In the seventh interview session, conducted on September 16, 1999, Paquet continues to discuss the wildlife portion of the fish and wildlife plan. He speaks about the 1991 amendment cycle for the plan, including concerns that salmon could be added to the endangered species list, the contributions of Senator Mark Hatfield, and the development of new energy and fish forecasting models. He discusses the work of the National Marine Fisheries Service in Oregon, the philosophy behind watershed-based planning, and conflicting interests among the Pacific Northwest states in the 1990s.

In the eighth interview session, conducted on April 12, 2000, Paquet speaks at length about the political changes in the Pacific Northwest states in the mid-1990s and how that affected the work of the NWPPC. He speaks about the new council members, about changes in economic factors around power utilities, and about changes in the council's policies. He also talks about working with a reduced budget in the late 1990s. He talks about the results of an independent science review of the NWPPC's fish and wildlife plan, and discusses plans for the next amendment cycle in 2001.

In the ninth and final interview session, conducted on April 18, 2000, Paquet discusses Senator Slade Gorton's role in the NWPPC plan's 2001 amendment cycle. He speaks at length about members of the council, their roles, their contributions, and their personalities. He compares the council's efforts to restore salmon populations and habitats to other restoration efforts in the U.S. He also discusses the possible removal of dams on the Snake River. He talks about the status of salmon populations at the time of the interview in 2000, and about international interest in the work of the council, particularly in Eastern Europe. He closes the interview by reflecting on his career and family life since joining the council in 1980.

Paquet, Peter J., 1945-

Oral history interview with Richard F. Berg

This oral history interview with Richard F. Berg was conducted by Leigh Coffey in August 1996. The interview was conducted as part of the Legacy of Hope: Catholics and Social Justice Project, which collected interviews with Catholic clergy members in Oregon about their work on social action in the Roman Catholic tradition. The interview was conducted in three sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on August 2, 1996, Berg discusses his family background and talks about how his family influenced his spirituality. He discusses his early life in Portland, Oregon, and speaks about his sisters, their families, and their careers. He also shares his childhood experiences during World War II while his father worked as chief surgeon at a military hospital at Fort Ord, California. He speaks about his decision to go to seminary and shares his experiences at the seminary at Notre Dame University. He also talks about fundraising for the March of Dimes as a teenager and about what the experience taught him about generosity. He then discusses a trip to Guatemala after he became a priest and talks about his work in Texas with youth struggling with drug addiction.

In the second interview session, conducted on August 3, 1996, Berg further discusses his early life in Portland and talks about his relationship with Catholicism during his youth, including in his schooling and at home. He shares his thoughts about the inclusivity of the Catholic Church. He talks about his service as pastor for the St. Andre Parish, also known as the Downtown Chapel, and speaks at length about his work with people experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, drug addiction, and homelessness. He talks about his involvement with the Northwest Neighborhood Association and about life in the neighborhood. He speaks about his experience during a trip to Japan in 1987.

In the third and final interview session, conducted in August 1996, Berg discusses his mentors in the Catholic Church and talks about their work. He shares his strategies for maintaining enthusiasm for new projects, and speaks about his work with the MacDonald Center, now the Maybelle Center for Community, an organization dedicated to building community for people who are socially isolated. He talks about counseling draftees during the Vietnam War in Texas, and speaks further about his work with people with post-traumatic stress disorder. He shares his thoughts on the Catholic Church's stance on homosexuality, talks about social justice issues that he believes the church should address, particularly poverty, and closes the interview by describing the concept of "social mercy."

Berg, Richard F.

Oral history interview with Helen G. Rees

This oral history interview with Helen G. Rees was conducted by Anne Cummins at Rees' home in Fairview, Oregon, on December 13, 1995. The interview was conducted as part of the Rural Telephone Operators Oral History Series, which was a series of interviews about telephone operators in rural areas in the early 20th century, conducted by Anne Cummins in the early 1990s.

In this interview, Rees discusses her family background and early life in Sherman County. She also talks about the family background of William A. Rees and his early life in Shaniko. Rees then discusses her life in Shaniko after her marriage to William A. Rees. She speaks at length about the telephone system in Shaniko in the 1930s and early 1940s, describing how the system worked and the equipment used, and she talks about some of the telephone operators. She closes the interview by talking about the different ways the operators served the community beyond the job of answering and directing phone calls.

Rees, Helen Guyton, 1910-

Oral history interview with James K. Logan

This oral history interview with James K. Logan was conducted by Toni R. Black Cloud in Portland, Oregon, over three sessions from April 12 to May 23, 2002, as part of the Radical Elders oral history series. The interview was conducted as part of a senior capstone class on history at Portland State University, with instructor Sandy Polishuk. The sound quality during session 2 is very poor, and during session 3, the tape recorder malfunctioned.

In the first interview session, conducted on April 12, 2002, Logan discusses his family background and early life on the Washington coast. He describes family life with an abusive, alcoholic father and shares his memories of the murder of his father in 1969. He discusses his experiences in the foster care system in Oregon, and describes how he became homeless at age 12. He speaks at length about his experience as a homeless teenager in Portland during the 1970s, describes the dangers and stress of that life, and talks about his experiences with police and the justice system as an unhoused person. He discusses his six-year incarceration in MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, talks about his alcoholism and drug addiction, and discusses his later experiences being incarcerated in his 20s. He then speaks about his efforts to get sober, about his involvement with the American Indian Movement, and about his relationships with women.

In the second interview session, conducted on May 9, 2002, Logan speaks further about his experiences as a homeless teenager and talks about his work mentoring youth gang members. He speaks further about his involvement with the American Indian Movement, talks about connecting to his Native American heritage, and describes discrimination he experienced as a person of color. He talks about attending pow-wows.

In the third and final interview session, conducted on May 23, 2002, Logan continues to discuss attending pow-wows and talks about the spiritual significance of playing drums. He speaks further about getting sober in 1989, and also about his involvement with the American Indian Movement. He describes his experiences working in the sobriety program at Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, Inc. He talks about his sister, who had also experienced homelessness as a teenager. He speaks about going through the 12-step sobriety program. He talks about his work history in roofing and construction, discusses racism he experienced, and speaks at length about his relationship with his children and their mothers. He closes the interview by talking about his civil rights activism, and about his health.

Logan, James K., 1962-

Oral history interview with Joyce Braden Harris

This oral history interview with Joyce Braden Harris was conducted by Jan Dilg at Education Northwest in Portland, Oregon, in three sessions from November 19 to December 12, 2018. Harris 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.

In the first interview session, conducted on November 19, 2018, Harris discusses her family background and early life with her grandmother in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, and then with her parents and siblings in Madrid, Spain. She discusses her experiences as the only member of her family to speak Spanish and as the only black person in her class. She also describes growing up in Harlem and its community. She discusses her education in New York, including a teacher strike in 1968; starting a black literature class; racism that she, her teachers, and other students faced; and her early activism and leadership roles. She also talks about the Vietnam War, particularly its effect on two of her brothers, who served in the Air Force during that time. She discusses her experiences at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, including how she chose that school. She also speaks about her and her brothers' experiences with police. She talks about events that shaped her political outlook, including the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.; her love of mystery novels by black women authors; and people who have influenced her. She discusses some of the awards she has received, her involvement in annual Kwanzaa celebrations, and her work as an educator.

In the second interview session, conducted on December 3, 2018, Harris discusses her experiences at Reed College in Portland, including her efforts to make the curriculum less Eurocentric. She talks about her involvement with Ron Herndon and the black community in Portland; racism she experienced and witnessed; and her involvement with the Black Student Union. She describes the origins of the Black Educational Center, which provided free summer education to black youth and became a full-time private school in 1974. She also talks about continuing her studies at Portland State University. She speaks at length about her work as an educator, including designing lessons for her students, working with parents, and taking her students on field trips to meet public figures. She then discusses working at the Talking Drum bookstore and her involvement in Portland Kwanzaa celebrations. She speaks at length about working with Portland Public Schools to improve the educational environment, particularly for black students. She talks about working with the Northwest Regional Education Laboratory beginning in 1992. She closes the session by discussing her family life.

In the third session, conducted on December 12, 2018, Harris discusses the work of the Black United Front towards providing quality, non-racist education. She also talks about her involvement with the BUF. She talks about the presence of police in schools, the rise of charter schools, and organizing black college fairs. She discusses her involvement with the Albina Ministerial Alliance Coalition for Justice and Police Reform, including the coalition's efforts toward a federal investigation of police violence in Portland. She also outlines a brief history of police killings of black people in Portland and describes some of the memorials she attended. She then describes organizing a welcoming committee and other volunteer efforts for New Orleans evacuees in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. She also shares the story of arranging a funeral for a baby who was found in a dumpster, and whom she named Baby Precious. She closes the interview by talking about some of the awards and other recognition she has received, and her plans for the future.

Harris, Joyce Braden, 1951-

Oral history interview with Jacob B. Tanzer

This oral history interview with Jacob B. Tanzer was conducted by Frank Parisi in Tanzer's office in Portland, Oregon, in October 1988. The interview was created as part of the Oregon Court of Appeals Oral History Project, which was later donated to the U.S. District Court of Oregon Historical Society to become part of their U.S. District Court Oral History Project. The interview was conducted in two sessions.

In the first interview session, Tanzer discusses serving as a judge on the Oregon Court of Appeals, and discusses some of the cases he heard while on the court of appeals, particularly regarding administrative law. He speaks about his admiration for Judge Herb Schwab, and about serving on the Oregon Supreme Court with Justice Hans Linde. He also talks about his judicial and political philosophy. The video focuses on the art and photographs in Tanzer's office as Tanzer talks about their relationship to his career in the U.S. Department of Justice, on the Oregon Supreme Court, and as director of the Oregon Department of Human Resources, now known as the Oregon Department of Human Servcices. Other art and photos prompt him to discuss Portland Police Chief Penny Harringon, his family history, and his experiences with the U.S. Supreme Court. He talks about writing the 1981 opinion for the Oregon Supreme Court that overturned the 1978 reinstatement of the death penalty. He shares the reasons he prefers work as a lawyer in private practice over work as a judge, and talks about changes he would recommend for the court of appeals.

In the second interview session, Tanzer talks about Oregon Supreme Court justices Ralph Holman and Kenneth J. O'Connell, and talks about his process of writing opinions. He speaks at length about the tendency of the Oregon Supreme Court to defer to the state constitution before the federal. He talks about Oregon attorney generals Dave Frohnmayer and Lee Johnson; speaks about his unsuccessful 1974 campaign for a seat on the Oregon Court of Appeals; and shares his opinion about judicial elections. He revisits the topic of his experiences with the U.S. Supreme Court; talks about managing the caseload of the Oregon Court of Appeals and Supreme Court; and discusses the role of law clerks in the courts. He speaks further about his admiration for Judge Herb Schwab, and about his family history. He closes the interview by sharing his thoughts about the civil rights movement, about immigrants in American society, and about the Watergate scandal.

Tanzer, Jacob B., 1935-2018

Oral history interview with Isaka Shamsud-Din

This oral history interview with Isaka Shamsud-Din was conducted by Milo Reed and P.C. Peri from December 7, 2018, to January 25, 2019. Isaka Shamsud-Din 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 three sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on December 7, 2018, Shamsud-Din discusses his family background and early life on a farm in Atlanta, Texas. He talks about his life in Vanport, Oregon, from 1947 until the 1948 flood that destroyed Vanport. He shares his experiences studying art at the University of Kansas and at the Museum Art School in Portland, Oregon, while a teenager; and talks about the reasons he considered dropping out of high school, including racism he experienced and the focus of public school curriculum on white culture and history. He also shares his reasons for changing his name to Isaka Shamsud-Din. He talks about hitchhiking to San Francisco, California, after high school.

In the second interview session, conducted on January 18, 2019, Shamsud-Din discusses studying art at Portland State University and painting his first murals. He speaks at length about his involvement with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in Arkansas during the civil rights movement. He talks about living in San Francisco from 1966 to 1967 and about his involvement with the Black arts community there; about living in Anchorage, Alaska; and about returning to Portland to teach at PSU. He discusses serving as artist-in-residence at several educational institutions during the 1970s, including Reed College; talks about his work with the Albina Mural Project; and shares his experiences of not being paid adequately for his work. He talks about the status of the Black community in Portland.

In the third and final interview session, conducted on January 25, 2019, Shamsud-Din discusses his role in starting Black studies courses at San Francisco State University and at PSU, and shares his thoughts on the value of such programs. He talks about his involvement with the Nation of Islam, about his reasons for leaving the organization in 1976, and about his identity as a Black Muslim. He also speaks further about his reasons for changing his name. He discusses his painting process and his work as an editorial cartoonist, and talks about vandalism of some of his murals in Portland. He closes the interview by talking about the lives of his siblings, about the patronage of Arlene Schnitzer and Harold Schnitzer for his art, and about the many jobs he worked over his life.

Shamsud-Din, Isaka, 1940-

Oral history interview with LeRoy Haynes, Jr.

This oral history interview with the Rev. Dr. LeRoy Haynes, Jr., was conducted by Jan Dilg at Haynes' office in Portland, Oregon, from October 8 to December 5, 2018. Haynes 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 three sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on October 8, 2018, Haynes discusses his family background and early life in Beaumont, Texas, including his experiences with racism and segregation as a black person. He talks about the black community in Beaumont, his early education, and his early involvement with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He discusses his involvement in the civil rights movement, including his training for and participation in non-violent protests. He then talks about his involvement in the Black Power Movement and the Black Consciousness Movement. He discusses his role in the development of the Black Panther Party; talks about the history of the struggle for freedom for black people; and discusses his experience in college while organizing for civil rights. He talks about his journey in becoming a Methodist Episcopal pastor and briefly discusses his experience at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

In the second interview session, conducted on October 29, 2018, Haynes continues discussing his journey in becoming a Methodist Episcopal pastor and his experience at the Perkins School of Theology. He also talks about the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He discusses his career as a pastor in Texas; talks about navigating the conservative attitudes in Dallas to accomplish his goals; and describes his accomplishments. He goes on to speak about his involvement with the Albina Ministerial Alliance in Portland, Oregon. He discusses his work, in both Oregon and Texas, for programs regarding AIDS and HIV, as well as addiction. He then briefly talks about serving as president of the North Portland Bible College. He discusses his love of education and talks about earning his doctorate of ministry from Brite Theological Seminary and doing post-doctoral work at the Boston University. He describes being recruited to serve as pastor of Allen Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Portland, and as presiding elder of the Alaska & Oregon/Washington Districts and in the Alaska-Pacific Region of the 9th Episcopal District. He shares his first impression of Portland and describes his congregation and the church building. He revisits the topic of his involvement in the Albina Ministerial Alliance and talks about his work toward police reform.

In the third interview session, conducted on December 5, 2018, Haynes discusses serving as president of the North Portland Bible College. He talks about his involvement with the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and his continued activism. He reflects on the challenges he faced as a civil rights activist, and how he applied the lessons he learned during that time to his community activism in Portland. He also talks about the different forms that racism takes, particularly describing the difference between his experiences in Texas and Oregon. He discusses his book, "God's Prophet in Non-Violence: The Theology and Philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.," and talks about what he hopes readers take from it. He closes the interview by talking about his work with the Allen Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church at the time of the interview, awards he's received, and his hopes for the future.

Haynes, LeRoy, Jr., 1949-

Karen Beck Skold presentation, "The Politics of Child Care During World War II: the Case of the Kaiser Child Service Centers"

Audio recording of a presentation Skold gave on February 1, 1980, to a group identified as "SWS" and based in Alameda County, California, possibly Sociologists for Women in Society. The presentation is based on research for Skold's dissertation. She speaks at length about the services provided by the Kaiser Child Service Centers, about the reasons the centers were created, and about opposition to their creation by the Portland community. She speaks about the use of the day care centers by the female workforce in the Kaiser shipyards. She describes the closure of the centers after the end of World War II and what happened to the centers' buildings and teachers. She talks about the reasons the day care centers were not continued after the war. A question and answer session follows the presentation, as well as discussions about day care as a feminist concern and about the Kaiser health care system.

Skold, Karen Beck

Interview with Mildred O. Kane (Interview 24)

In this interview, Mildred O. Kane discusses working as a teacher at the Kaiser Child Service Center on Swan Island during World War II. She describes a typical day at the center; discusses the program for children 18 to 24 months old; and talks about the center's early childhood education philosophy. She talks about the influence the Kaiser Child Service Centers had on other day care facilities in Portland; discusses the low wages child care workers are paid; and shares ideas for expanding and improving the child care options available at the time of the interview in 1976. Incomplete transcript available (27 pages).

Kane, Mildred O. (Mildred Olive), 1910-1989

Interview with Stella I. Vogel and Reynold S. Vogel (Interview 23)

In this interview, Stella I. Vogel discusses her work as a tank cleaner for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. Reynold S. Vogel discusses his work as a welding leadman at the same company. Stella I. Vogel talks about living in Vanport, about the hours she worked, and about her child care arrangements. The Vogels discuss their activities after the war, and Stella I. Vogel briefly talks about her family background and early life. They describe the work they did at the shipyards, talk about tensions between women and men on the job, and Reynold S. Vogel talks about supervising women welders. Incomplete transcript available (29 pages).

Vogel, Stella I. (Stella Irene), 1915-1986

Interview with Helen Gardner (Interview 22)

In this interview, Helen Gardner discusses working as a welder for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. She talks about her training and the dangers of the job, and describes the assembly line workflows. She discusses the treatment of women workers by male coworkers and the boilermaker's union; talks about the lay-offs after the war ended; and discusses her activities after the war, including her return to welding in the 1970s. Incomplete transcript available (23 pages).

Gardner, Helen, 1913?-

Interview with Violet McMurtrey (Interview 21)

In this interview, Violet McMurtrey discusses her work as a teacher at the day care center in the University Homes war housing project during World War II. She talks about the staff, about the building, and about the equipment. She discusses the care the children received at the center. She talks about the closure of the day care centers after the end of World War II and about her activities after the war. She compares the program at the University Homes day care center with the child care options available at the time of the interview in 1976. Incomplete transcript available (26 pages).

McMurtrey, Violet

Interview with Frances M. Brandon (Interview 20)

In this interview, Frances M. Brandon discusses her work as a nurse at the Kaiser shipyard day care center on Swan Island. She talks about the health and sanitation practices in the day care infirmary. She also talks about using the centers for her children. Incomplete transcript available (15 pages). The recording is on a shared cassette. It begins on Side 1, following the end of the preceding interview with Ruth Cave.

Brandon, Frances M. (Frances Mae), 1913-1996

Interview with Ruth Cave (Interview 19)

In this interview, Ruth Cave discusses her work as head teacher at day care centers funded by the Lanham Act of 1940 in Portland, Oregon, during World War II. She talks about some of the children she worked with in Portland; speaks about her teaching methods; and discusses the training available for early childhood educators during the 1940s. She describes some of the children's crafts and activities in the day care centers. She talks about the staff at and the services offered by the day care centers. She compares the Lanham-funded nurseries with the Kaiser day care centers. She speaks about the sanitation protocols at the Lanham-funded day cares. Incomplete transcript available (27 pages). The end of the recording is on Side 1 of a shared cassette. The next interview, with Frances M. Brandon, also begins on Side 1 of the cassette.

Cave, Ruth

Interview with Eva M. Lund (Interview 18)

In this interview, Eva M. Lund discusses working as a welder for Commercial Iron Works. She speaks about her experience with the boilermaker's union; talks about her experience as the first woman to join the bartender's union; and her child care arrangement while working in the shipyards. She discusses the trucking business she ran with her husband after the war; talks about how work as a welder affected her health; and describes the dangers of the job. She also talks about quality control in the shipyards, about grocery shopping and rationing, and about the mass layoffs of women after the war ended in 1945. She closes the interview by sharing anecdotes about people and events at the shipyards. Incomplete transcript available (29 pages).

Lund, Eva M. (Eva May), 1912-1996

Interview with Ione L. Williams (Interview 17)

In this interview, Ione L. Williams discusses working as a welder for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. She talks about the dangers of the job and discusses the kind of work she and other women did. She speaks about using the shipyard day care centers and describes the care her children received. She discusses life in the St. Johns Woods war housing project, talks about grocery shopping, and discusses her career after the war ended. She also talks about being required to buy war bonds. Incomplete transcript available (25 pages).

Williams, Ione L. (Ione Lucille), 1919-2010

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

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