Tape 1, Side 2. This oral history interview with Joan F. Hudlicky was conducted by Sara Cook and Amy Kesselman at Hudlicky’s home in Vancouver, Washington, on April 10, 1981. In this interview, Hudlicky discusses her early life in Portland, Oregon. She talks about her experiences working in the shipyards, particularly her work as a crane operator. She also discusses her life after the war. She describes a typical day in the shipyards, talks about her child care arrangement, and discusses the dangers of the job. She speaks about the treatment she received from her male coworkers and talks about how women’s status in society changed after the war. Incomplete transcript available (29 pages).

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Joan F. Hudlicky was conducted by Sara Cook and Amy Kesselman at Hudlicky’s home in Vancouver, Washington, on April 10, 1981. In this interview, Hudlicky discusses her early life in Portland, Oregon. She talks about her experiences working in the shipyards, particularly her work as a crane operator. She also discusses her life after the war. She describes a typical day in the shipyards, talks about her child care arrangement, and discusses the dangers of the job. She speaks about the treatment she received from her male coworkers and talks about how women’s status in society changed after the war. Incomplete transcript available (29 pages).

Transcript. This oral history interview with Joan F. Hudlicky was conducted by Sara Cook and Amy Kesselman at Hudlicky’s home in Vancouver, Washington, on April 10, 1981. In this interview, Hudlicky discusses her early life in Portland, Oregon. She talks about her experiences working in the shipyards, particularly her work as a crane operator. She also discusses her life after the war. She describes a typical day in the shipyards, talks about her child care arrangement, and discusses the dangers of the job. She speaks about the treatment she received from her male coworkers and talks about how women’s status in society changed after the war.

Transcript.This oral history interview with Edna L. Hopkins was conducted by Amy Kesselman on May 28, 1981. In this interview, Hopkins discusses her early life in Kentucky and Tennessee, including raising a family and working at an aircraft plant. She then talks about coming to Oregon in 1943 and shares her experiences as a welder in the Kaiser shipyards in Vancouver, Washington. She describes her training, her job duties, and the dangers of the job. She discusses her union membership, as well as balancing work and home life. She speaks about her life after the war, including working at the Jantzen Knitting Mills. She shares her opinion on the women’s movement and feminism, shares her observations of the treatment Black people received in Portland, and talks about her children, their families and their careers.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Betty Niederhaus and Marie Schreiber was conducted by Barbara Whittlesey at Niederhaus’s home in Portland, Oregon, on May 17, 1981. In this interview, they discuss their family background and early life in Portland. They then talk about their experiences as women marine machinists for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. They describe their job duties, talk about the dangers of the job, and speak about people they worked with. They also discuss the experience of being laid off immediately after the war ended. They talk about their lives after the war and Niederhaus speaks about working for Jantzen Knitting Mills. They discuss the lower wages they earn as women, and share their thoughts on the women’s movement and feminism.

Transcript. 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.

Tape 2, Side 1. This oral history interview with Betty Niederhaus and Marie Schreiber was conducted by Barbara Whittlesey at Niederhaus’s home in Portland, Oregon, on May 17, 1981. In this interview, they discuss their family background and early life in Portland. They then talk about their experiences as women marine machinists for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. They describe their job duties, talk about the dangers of the job, and speak about people they worked with. They also discuss the experience of being laid off immediately after the war ended. They talk about their lives after the war and Niederhaus speaks about working for Jantzen Knitting Mills. They discuss the lower wages they earn as women, and share their thoughts on the women’s movement and feminism.

Tape 1, Side 2. This oral history interview with Betty Niederhaus and Marie Schreiber was conducted by Barbara Whittlesey at Niederhaus’s home in Portland, Oregon, on May 17, 1981. In this interview, they discuss their family background and early life in Portland. They then talk about their experiences as women marine machinists for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. They describe their job duties, talk about the dangers of the job, and speak about people they worked with. They also discuss the experience of being laid off immediately after the war ended. They talk about their lives after the war and Niederhaus speaks about working for Jantzen Knitting Mills. They discuss the lower wages they earn as women, and share their thoughts on the women’s movement and feminism.

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Betty Niederhaus and Marie Schreiber was conducted by Barbara Whittlesey at Niederhaus’s home in Portland, Oregon, on May 17, 1981. In this interview, they discuss their family background and early life in Portland. They then talk about their experiences as women marine machinists for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. They describe their job duties, talk about the dangers of the job, and speak about people they worked with. They also discuss the experience of being laid off immediately after the war ended. They talk about their lives after the war and Niederhaus speaks about working for Jantzen Knitting Mills. They discuss the lower wages they earn as women, and share their thoughts on the women’s movement and feminism.

Tape 1, Side 2. This oral history interview with Mabel E. Studebaker was conducted by Amy Kesselman at Studebaker's home in Vancouver, Washington, on April 15, 1981. In this interview, Studebaker discusses her early life on a farm in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, and about raising a family during the Depression. She describes how she came to work as a pipefitter at the Kaiser shipyards in Vancouver during World War II and shares her experiences as a woman worker. She discusses her job duties, talks about balancing raising a family with work in the shipyards, and describes a typical day on the job. She speaks about working in canneries and baking wedding cakes after the end of the war.

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Berenice E. Thompson was conducted by Sara Cook and Amy Kesselman in Gladstone, Oregon, in April 1980. In this interview, Thompson discusses her experiences as a welder for Commercial Iron Works in Portland, Oregon. She talks about drug use in the shipyards; about the treatment she received from her male coworkers, including her husband; and about the dangers of the job. She discusses her child care arrangement, describes the protective clothing she wore, and shares anecdotes about her time in the shipyards. She talks about her life after the war, and speaks about her hobbies of painting and bread baking. Incomplete transcript available (10 pages).

Tape 1, Side 2. This oral history interview with Berenice E. Thompson was conducted by Sara Cook and Amy Kesselman in Gladstone, Oregon, in April 1980. In this interview, Thompson discusses her experiences as a welder for Commercial Iron Works in Portland, Oregon. She talks about drug use in the shipyards; about the treatment she received from her male coworkers, including her husband; and about the dangers of the job. She discusses her child care arrangement, describes the protective clothing she wore, and shares anecdotes about her time in the shipyards. She talks about her life after the war, and speaks about her hobbies of painting and bread baking. Incomplete transcript available (10 pages).

Tape 1, Side 2. This oral history interview with Billie H. Strmiska was conducted by Karen Wickre at Strmiska’s home in Wheeler, Oregon, on June 14, 1981. Strmiska’s husband, Edward Strmiska, was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview. In this interview, Strmiska discusses her early life in Penelope, Texas, then talks about her experiences during the Depression in Oregon, Texas, and in Washington. She discusses her experiences as a welder for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation and for Commercial Iron Works in Portland, Oregon. She describes her training, talks about the protective clothing she wore, and discusses the dangers of the job. She speaks at length about participating in a welding contest in 1943 and about the trip she took as a result of achieving second place. She talks about her life after the war, running a berry farm with her husband. Complete transcript available (60 pages).

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Mabel E. Studebaker was conducted by Amy Kesselman at Studebaker's home in Vancouver, Washington, on April 15, 1981. In this interview, Studebaker discusses her early life on a farm in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, and about raising a family during the Depression. She describes how she came to work as a pipefitter at the Kaiser shipyards in Vancouver during World War II and shares her experiences as a woman worker. She discusses her job duties, talks about balancing raising a family with work in the shipyards, and describes a typical day on the job. She speaks about working in canneries and baking wedding cakes after the end of the war.

Tape 2, Side 1. This oral history interview with Billie H. Strmiska was conducted by Karen Wickre at Strmiska’s home in Wheeler, Oregon, on June 14, 1981. Strmiska’s husband, Edward Strmiska, was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview. In this interview, Strmiska discusses her early life in Penelope, Texas, then talks about her experiences during the Depression in Oregon, Texas, and in Washington. She discusses her experiences as a welder for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation and for Commercial Iron Works in Portland, Oregon. She describes her training, talks about the protective clothing she wore, and discusses the dangers of the job. She speaks at length about participating in a welding contest in 1943 and about the trip she took as a result of achieving second place. She talks about her life after the war, running a berry farm with her husband. Complete transcript available (60 pages).

Tape 1, Side 2. This oral history interview with Patricia L. Rowlands was conducted by Karen Wickre at Rowlands’ home in Gresham, Oregon, on May 20, 1981. In this interview, Rowlands discusses her family background and early life in Portland, including attending high school with Connie McCready, her experience during the Depression, and her first marriage. She describes how she came to work on a clean-up crew at the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation in Portland, and shares her experiences as a woman worker in the shipyards. She talks about people she worked with, describes her job duties, and discusses the dangers of the job. She shares her experience with the Kaiser child care centers. She speaks about later working as an electrician trainee at the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. She describes her typical day as a shipyard worker, then talks about her life after the end of the war, including the end of her first marriage and working at Jantzen Mills. She speaks about her children, their families, and their careers. She shares her thoughts about the women’s liberation movement.

Tape 2, Side 2. This oral history interview with Patricia L. Rowlands was conducted by Karen Wickre at Rowlands’ home in Gresham, Oregon, on May 20, 1981. In this interview, Rowlands discusses her family background and early life in Portland, including attending high school with Connie McCready, her experience during the Depression, and her first marriage. She describes how she came to work on a clean-up crew at the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation in Portland, and shares her experiences as a woman worker in the shipyards. She talks about people she worked with, describes her job duties, and discusses the dangers of the job. She shares her experience with the Kaiser child care centers. She speaks about later working as an electrician trainee at the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. She describes her typical day as a shipyard worker, then talks about her life after the end of the war, including the end of her first marriage and working at Jantzen Mills. She speaks about her children, their families, and their careers. She shares her thoughts about the women’s liberation movement.

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Billie H. Strmiska was conducted by Karen Wickre at Strmiska’s home in Wheeler, Oregon, on June 14, 1981. Strmiska’s husband, Edward Strmiska, was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview. In this interview, Strmiska discusses her early life in Penelope, Texas, then talks about her experiences during the Depression in Oregon, Texas, and in Washington. She discusses her experiences as a welder for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation and for Commercial Iron Works in Portland, Oregon. She describes her training, talks about the protective clothing she wore, and discusses the dangers of the job. She speaks at length about participating in a welding contest in 1943 and about the trip she took as a result of achieving second place. She talks about her life after the war, running a berry farm with her husband. Complete transcript available (60 pages).

Transcript. This oral history interview with Billie H. Strmiska was conducted by Karen Wickre at Strmiska’s home in Wheeler, Oregon, on June 14, 1981. Strmiska’s husband, Edward Strmiska, was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview. In this interview, Strmiska discusses her early life in Penelope, Texas, then talks about her experiences during the Depression in Oregon, Texas, and in Washington. She discusses her experiences as a welder for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation and for Commercial Iron Works in Portland, Oregon. She describes her training, talks about the protective clothing she wore, and discusses the dangers of the job. She speaks at length about participating in a welding contest in 1943 and about the trip she took as a result of achieving second place. She talks about her life after the war, running a berry farm with her husband. Complete transcript available (60 pages).

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Patricia L. Rowlands was conducted by Karen Wickre at Rowlands’ home in Gresham, Oregon, on May 20, 1981. In this interview, Rowlands discusses her family background and early life in Portland, including attending high school with Connie McCready, her experience during the Depression, and her first marriage. She describes how she came to work on a clean-up crew at the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation in Portland, and shares her experiences as a woman worker in the shipyards. She talks about people she worked with, describes her job duties, and discusses the dangers of the job. She shares her experience with the Kaiser child care centers. She speaks about later working as an electrician trainee at the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. She describes her typical day as a shipyard worker, then talks about her life after the end of the war, including the end of her first marriage and working at Jantzen Mills. She speaks about her children, their families, and their careers. She shares her thoughts about the women’s liberation movement.

Tape 2, Side 1. This oral history interview with Patricia L. Rowlands was conducted by Karen Wickre at Rowlands’ home in Gresham, Oregon, on May 20, 1981. In this interview, Rowlands discusses her family background and early life in Portland, including attending high school with Connie McCready, her experience during the Depression, and her first marriage. She describes how she came to work on a clean-up crew at the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation in Portland, and shares her experiences as a woman worker in the shipyards. She talks about people she worked with, describes her job duties, and discusses the dangers of the job. She shares her experience with the Kaiser child care centers. She speaks about later working as an electrician trainee at the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. She describes her typical day as a shipyard worker, then talks about her life after the end of the war, including the end of her first marriage and working at Jantzen Mills. She speaks about her children, their families, and their careers. She shares her thoughts about the women’s liberation movement.

Tape 1, Side 2. This oral history interview with Nona F. Pool was conducted by Amy Kesselman on May 25, 1981. In this interview, Pool discusses her early life in Nebraska and in Denver, Colorado, and describes her experiences during the Depression. She speaks about her experience as a welder for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. She talks about living in Vanport and about her child care arrangements. She describes her training, her job duties, and the dangers of the job. She discusses balancing work and family life. She speaks at length about jobs she held after the war, including returning to welding for Freightliner. She shares her opinion on the women’s movement and feminism. Incomplete transcript available (6 pages).

Tape 2, Side 1. This oral history interview with Nona F. Pool was conducted by Amy Kesselman on May 25, 1981. In this interview, Pool discusses her early life in Nebraska and in Denver, Colorado, and describes her experiences during the Depression. She speaks about her experience as a welder for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. She talks about living in Vanport and about her child care arrangements. She describes her training, her job duties, and the dangers of the job. She discusses balancing work and family life. She speaks at length about jobs she held after the war, including returning to welding for Freightliner. She shares her opinion on the women’s movement and feminism. Incomplete transcript available (6 pages).

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Nona F. Pool was conducted by Amy Kesselman on May 25, 1981. In this interview, Pool discusses her early life in Nebraska and in Denver, Colorado, and describes her experiences during the Depression. She speaks about her experience as a welder for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation. She talks about living in Vanport and about her child care arrangements. She describes her training, her job duties, and the dangers of the job. She discusses balancing work and family life. She speaks at length about jobs she held after the war, including returning to welding for Freightliner. She shares her opinion on the women’s movement and feminism. Incomplete transcript available (6 pages).

Tape 1, Side 2. This oral history interview with Ida E. Matz was conducted by Sandra Cook at Matz's home in Portland, Oregon, on June 18, 1981. In this interview, Matz discusses her early life as the child of a forest ranger in Oregon and Washington, including her education and family summers camping in state forests. She talks about her education and career as a nurse at Emanuel Hospital in Portland. She also shares her experience during the Depression. She describes how she came to work as a nurse at Commercial Iron Works during World War II. She talks about some of the injuries she saw in patients at the shipyards and about workplace safety there. She compares her shipyard nursing work to her other nursing jobs and shares her reasons for leaving the field of industrial nursing after 1968. She shares her thoughts about the women’s liberation movement.

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Ida E. Matz was conducted by Sandra Cook at Matz's home in Portland, Oregon, on June 18, 1981. In this interview, Matz discusses her early life as the child of a forest ranger in Oregon and Washington, including her education and family summers camping in state forests. She talks about her education and career as a nurse at Emanuel Hospital in Portland. She also shares her experience during the Depression. She describes how she came to work as a nurse at Commercial Iron Works during World War II. She talks about some of the injuries she saw in patients at the shipyards and about workplace safety there. She compares her shipyard nursing work to her other nursing jobs and shares her reasons for leaving the field of industrial nursing after 1968. She shares her thoughts about the women’s liberation movement.

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Marie Merchant was conducted by Amy Kesselman at Merchant's home in Portland, Oregon, on July 20, 1981. In this interview, Merchant discusses her early life in Lexington, Kentucky, including her marriage history and raising a family during the Depression. She describes how she came to work as a scaler and painter’s helper at Willamette Iron and Steel in Portland, Oregon, during World War II. She talks about the job duties of a scaler, about her child care arrangements, and about the work she did after the end of the war. She shares her reasons for remaining in Portland and talks about her involvement in her church.

Tape 2, Side 1. This oral history interview with Beatrice G. Marshall was conducted by Madeline Moore and Christine Poole on June 11, 1981. In this interview, Marshall discusses her involvement in the National Youth Administration during World War II, then talks about her experiences as a Black woman worker in the Portland shipyards. She describes her machinist training in Indiana; speaks about being denied work for which she was qualified due to racial discrimination; and talks about working as a painter’s helper and a sweeper, which were the only jobs open to Black women. She talks about her life after the war, including the jobs she held. Complete transcript available (35 pages).