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Oral history interview with Nadyne Yoneko Dozono

This oral history interview with Nadyne Yoneko Dozono was conducted by Clark Hansen at Dozono's home in Portland, Oregon, from January 23 to February 5, 1998. The interview was recorded as part of the Japanese American Oral History Project, which was conducted by the Oregon Historical Society to preserve the stories of Japanese Americans in Oregon. The interview was conducted in seven sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on January 23, 1998, Dozono discusses her family background, including her parents' experiences immigrating to the United States in the early 20th century. She talks about Japanese culture, including flower arranging, marriage and wedding practices, and Japanese social structure. She speaks about her early life in Portland, Oregon, including the Portland Japantown, the neighborhoods and houses she lived in, and her home and family life. She also talks about the Japanese food that her mother cooked and sold. She closes the session by discussing her social life and her education.

In the second interview session, conducted on January 26, 1998, Dozono continues discussing her early life in Portland, Oregon, including her social life, her education, and her siblings. She talks about her poor health in her youth, celebrating both Japanese and American holidays, and picking berries in the summers. She then speaks about being sent to Japan at age 16 for a Japanese education. She talks about her journey to Japan by ship in 1931, the family members she met and lived with in Japan, and learning the Japanese language and customs. She closes the session by discussing her experiences adjusting to life in Japan and describing the house she lived in.

In the third interview session, conducted on January 29, 1998, Dozono continues discussing the family members she met and lived with in Japan, and her experiences adjusting to life there. She describes the house she lived in, her daily life, and learning Japanese customs. She talks about sewing traditional Japanese clothing, performing the Japanese tea ceremony, and the nuances of the Japanese language. She also describes the town she lived in, Seki Machi in Gifu prefecture, as well as Tokyo. She talks about Japanese festivals, plays, and holidays. She speaks at length about her arranged marriage to Asazo Dozono in 1934. She talks about Asazo Dozono's career and about raising children, including her first child's death at age 1 during an epidemic. She closes the session by describing life in Japan during World War II and explains that she was not well-informed about world events at the time.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on January 30, 1998, Dozono continues describing life in Japan during World War II. She also revisits the topic of her first child's death during an epidemic. She talks about rationing and shortages, as well as being uninformed about U.S. government's incarceration of Japanese-Americans in concentration camps. She describes the information the Japanese government gave the citizenry about the war's progress, the reaction of the people to Japan's surrender, and the bombing of Okayama City, as well as the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. She talks about the aftermath of the war, including her husband losing his job due to his loyalty to the Japanese government, the American occupation, and revealing herself as an American citizen. She discusses her work as an interpreter for the American military; talks about the difficulty of explaining democracy to Japanese citizens; and shares stories about cultural misunderstandings between American troops and the Japanese population. She also talks about the changes that the U.S. made to Japan. She then discusses her work with the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission as an interpreter in Hiroshima; describes the effects of radiation sickness that she witnessed; and shares her opinion that the bombings were unnecessary. She closes the session by sharing a story about acting as an interpreter for Jean MacArthur, the spouse of U.S. General Douglas MacArthur.

In the fifth interview session, conducted on February 2, 1998, Dozono discusses returning to Oregon with her daughter in 1953, then bringing her husband and sons later, and reconnecting with her siblings. She talks about readjusting to life in the U.S., working for the Japanese Ancestral Society, and her shock at realizing that racism was still a problem in the U.S. She also talks about her family's experiences during and after their incarceration by the U.S. government during World War II. She closes the session by discussing how her husband and children adjusted to life in the U.S.; her continued work as an interpreter; and her involvement in various community organizations particularly the Japanese Ancestral Society and the Veleda Nisei Women's Club.

In the sixth interview session, conducted on February 4, 1998, Dozono discusses the Japanese-American community in the Pacific Northwest, the community's reaction to incarceration by the U.S. government, and the movement for reparations. She talks more about her involvement in community organizations, particularly the Japanese Ancestral Society and the Veleda Nisei Women's Club. She also talks about gender roles in Japanese culture and how they have changed over the 20th century. She discusses her work speaking in schools about Japanese culture and the U.S. government's incarceration of Japanese Americans. She talks about Japanese-American organizations, including the Oregon Nikkei Endowment, as well as the Japanese-American community. She also discusses several trips she took back to Japan. She closes the session by talking about her children, their families, and their careers.

In the seventh and final interview session, conducted on February 5, 1998, Dozono continues discussing her children, their families, and their careers, while looking at photographs. She then talks about some of her American friends, including Maurine Neuberger; describes her involvement in various community organizations, particularly Ikoi no Kai; and closes the interview by discussing her hopes for the future.

Dozono, Nadyne Yoneko, 1915-2013

Oral history interview with Werner Raz

This oral history interview with Werner Raz was conducted by Christine Ermenc on April 20, 1976, as part of the Portland Neighborhood History Project. The project was conducted by Portland Parks and Recreation in the late 1970s, and consisted of interviews with people who moved to or lived in the Portland metropolitan area from the early to mid-1900s. A transcript of the interview is available.

In this interview, Raz discusses his family background in Switzerland and his early life on a dairy farm in Hillsdale, Oregon. He talks about daily chores on the farm, about his education, and about traveling by car and train in the early 20th century. He shares his memories of the 1933 Tillamook Burn and of the Depression. He closes the interview by discussing how the Hillsdale and Multnomah neighborhoods of Portland have changed during his lifetime.

Raz, Werner, 1908-1984

Oral history interview with Dorothea M. Lensch

This oral history interview with Dorothea M. Lensch was conducted by Mischa Creditor and Carol Spellman in two sessions on October 20, 1977, and March 10, 1978, as part of the Portland Neighborhood History Project. The project was conducted by Portland Parks and Recreation in the late 1970s, and consisted of interviews with people who moved to or lived in the Portland metropolitan area from the early to mid-1900s. Charmaine Allen was also present for part of the first session.

In the first interview session, conducted by Mischa Creditor on October 20, 1977, Lensch discusses her early life in Portland and her education at Mills College in Oakland, California; at the University of Oregon in Eugene; and at Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. She speaks about her work as director of recreation for the Portland Parks Bureau from 1936 to 1972. She shares her reasons for returning to Portland after living and teaching on the East Coast for a decade, talks about lobbying for the bureau's plans to expand community recreational programs, and discusses her work setting up community centers in war housing projects during World War II. She talks about developing and funding youth sports programs, including programs for children with disabilities; speaks at length about the people she worked with in the Parks Bureau, particularly Paul Keyser; and discusses working with Portland city government and other city departments. She describes the circuses that the bureau once produced. She speaks about organizing and funding the bureau's youth camp programs, particularly the camp for children with disabilities.

In the second interview session, conducted by Carol Spellman on March 10, 1978, Lensch speaks further about working with Paul Keyser, describes his parks philosophy, and talks about his work planning Peninsula Park, Washington Park and the Rhododendron Garden. She discusses fundraising to purchase land for park projects, and revisits the topic of her work setting up community centers in war housing projects during World War II. She talks about cultivating leaders through the Parks Bureau public programs, about bringing electricity to the parks, and about the campaign for a parks levy on the Portland city ballot at the time of the interview. She speaks further about the development of programs for children with disabilities. She shares her experiences as a woman in municipal government; looks at documents and photographs and talks about them; and discusses the development of Parks Bureau programs and youth centers for teenagers. She closes the interview by talking about race relations in Portland during the 1950s and 1960s, and their effect on public park programs in Portland.

Lensch, Dorothea M. (Dorothea Marie), 1907-2000

Oral history interview with Margaret B. Krausse

This oral history interview with Margaret B. Krausse was conducted by Gail H. Evans on July 19, 1978, as part of the Portland Neighborhood History Project. The project was conducted by Portland Parks and Recreation in the late 1970s, and consisted of interviews with people who moved to or lived in the Portland metropolitan area from the early to mid-1900s.

In this interview, Krausse discusses her family background, particularly her great-grandfather Amos N. King, an emigrant to Oregon, whose land claim included the area that later became the King's Hill Historic District of Portland. She speaks about her early life in the King's Hill area in the Goose Hollow neighborhood, and later in the Nob Hill neighborhood of Portland. She describes the houses she and her relatives lived in, talks about the history of the neighborhoods, and discusses people who lived in the area. She also talks about her recreational activities, and about riding the streetcar in the early 20th century.

Krausse, Margaret B. (Margaret Bronaugh), 1896-1987

Oral history interview with Amy R. Gill

This oral history interview with Amy R. Gill was conducted by Gail H. Evans at Gill's home in Portland, Oregon, in two sessions, on December 7 and December 14, 1978, as part of the Portland Neighborhood History Project. The project was conducted by Portland Parks and Recreation in the late 1970s, and consisted of interviews with people who moved to or lived in the Portland metropolitan area from the early to mid-1900s.

In the first interview session, Gill discusses her early life in the King's Hill and Portland Heights neighborhoods of Portland. She describes her childhood recreational activities, talks about people who lived in the neighborhood, and discusses daily life in the early 20th century. She shares her school experiences at Portland Academy and at St. Helen's Hall. She describes landmarks, houses, and businesses in the neighborhoods.

In the second interview session, Gill continues to discuss her early life in the King's Hill and Portland Heights neighborhoods. She continues to describe houses, businesses, and landmarks in the neighborhoods, and to talk about the people who lived in the area. She also talks about her family's British and Welsh background and shares her memories of the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition. She discusses her family's involvement with the Episcopal Church and with the British Benevolent Society. She closes the interview by looking at a historical map of Portland and identifying the locations of the places she talked about.

Gill, Amy R. (Amy Robinson), 1898-1995

Oral history interview with Emil E. Feltz

This oral history interview with Emil Feltz was conducted by Jim Poplack at Feltz's home in Portland, Oregon, on May 13, 1976, as part of the Portland Neighborhood History Project. The project was conducted by Portland Parks and Recreation in the late 1970s, and consisted of interviews with people who moved to or lived in the Portland metropolitan area from the early to mid-1900s. A transcript of the interview is available.

In this interview, Emil Feltz discusses his family background and early life in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Portland. He also speaks about the role of Father Gregory of Sacred Heart Church in helping families to settle in the neighborhood. He describes his childhood recreational activities, including ice skating on the Willamette River and going to pool halls. He also discusses his early education. He describes the neighborhood and talks about how it has changed over his lifetime. He closes the interview by sharing his hopes for the future of Brooklyn.

Feltz, Emil E. (Emil Eugene), 1900-1982

Oral history interview with Tatsuro Yada

This oral history interview with Tatsuro Yada was conducted by Taka Mizote on March 8, 1992. The interview was recorded as part of the Japanese American Oral History Project, which was conducted by the Oregon Historical Society to preserve the stories of Japanese Americans in Oregon.

In this interview, Yada discusses his family background and early life on a farm in Salem, Oregon. He talks about the Japanese community in Salem, his education, and attending Japanese school. He speaks about returning home to take over the family farm after graduating from Willamette University. He discusses his involvement in the Civil Defense Corps before the United States joined World War II; talks about his reaction to the attack on Pearl Harbor; and describes the Japanese-owned businesses in the Salem area. He talks about his incarceration at Tule Lake Relocation Center during World War II. He describes living conditions in the camp, his role as a teacher, and the military service of his siblings. He talks about getting out of the camp less than a year later to work at a hotel in Nebraska, while his parents were incarcerated at the Minidoka War Relocation Center in Idaho. He then talks about returning to the family farm after the government ended incarceration of Japanese Americans in 1945. He discusses his marriage to Masako Onishi, his Christian faith, and the Japanese American community in post-war Salem. He talks about his children, their families, and their careers. He discusses his retirement activities, including farming, as well as his hopes for the future. He closes the interview by discussing serving on the Salem-Keizer School Board.

Yada, Tatsuro, 1916-2003

Oral history interview with George Iwasaki

This oral history interview with George Iwasaki was conducted by Etsu Osaki at the Oregon Buddhist Church in Portland, Oregon, from August 19 to September 16, 1992. The interview was recorded as part of the Japanese American Oral History Project, which was conducted by the Oregon Historical Society to preserve the stories of Japanese Americans in Oregon. The interview was conducted in two sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on August 19, 1992, Iwasaki discusses his family background and early life on a farm in Hillsboro, Oregon. He talks about the Japanese-American community in Oregon and about his education. He then discusses working on the family farm during the Depression, his marriage to Tomiko Natsuhara, and the lead-up to the U.S. government's incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, including making arrangements for the family farmland. He talks about his family's experiences while they were detained at the Portland Assembly Center and about accepting the option to work as fieldworkers in Nyssa, Oregon, including living conditions in the agricultural camp run by the Farm Security Administration. He then discusses returning to Hillsboro after the family's release in 1945.

In the second and final interview session, conducted on September 16, 1992, Iwasaki continues discussing the family's return to Hillsboro after their release in 1945, and describes how the family recovered their farmland and restarted their business. He talks about the evolution of the family farming business, now known as Iwasaki Bros., to focus on bedding plants. He also speaks about his involvement in Japanese American community organizations, including the Oregon Buddhist Church. He closes the interview by talking about his children, their families, and their careers.

Iwasaki, George, 1912-2009

Oral history interview with John Y. Murakami

This oral history interview with John Y. Murakami was conducted by George Katagiri from July 13-20, 1992, at Murakami's home in Portland, Oregon. The interview was recorded as part of the Japanese American Oral History Project, which was conducted by the Oregon Historical Society to preserve the stories of Japanese Americans in Oregon. This interview was conducted in three sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on July 13, 1992, Murakami discusses his family background and early life on a farm in Sherwood, Oregon, and in Portland, Oregon. He talks about the grocery store that his father, Shuichi Sam Murakami, owned; his experience during the Depression; and his education. He discusses jobs he worked after dropping out of high school and talks about playing in the Nisei Baseball League.

In the second interview session, conducted on July 14, 1992, Murakami continues discussing his experiences in the Nisei Baseball League, as well as his interest in other sports. He also talks about his social life as a teenager. He speaks about a few instances of prejudice that he experienced. He discusses his experience in the U.S. Army, serving in the European Theater during World War II. He also talks about the U.S. government's incarceration of his family at the Minidoka War Relocation Center, and about his marriage to Sumi Matsushita. He then discusses his life in Portland after his discharge from the Army in 1945, including working in construction and teaching building construction at Benson Polytechnic High School.

In the third and final interview session, conducted on July 20, 1992, Murakami talks about his children, their education, their families, and their careers. He then talks about his retirement activities, particularly his involvement in Japanese American community organizations. He also revisits the topic of his Army experience during World War II. He shares his opinion about the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which granted redress to Japanese Americans whom the government incarcerated during the war. He closes the interview by reflecting upon his life and accomplishments.

Murakami, John Y. (John Yoneo), 1919-2005

Oral history interview with Charlie M. Yaw

This oral history interview with Charlie M. Yaw was conducted by Curtis Johnson on November 19, 1980, at Yaw's Restaurant in Portland, Oregon. The interview was conducted as part of the Drive-in Restaurants of Portland Oral History Project, a series of interviews that Johnson conducted about the history of Portland drive-ins, with a particular emphasis on Tik-Tok and Yaw's Top Notch.

In this interview, Yaw discusses her experience during high school in Portland in the 1960s, including her social life, dating, and school dress codes. She speaks at length about frequenting Yaw's Top Notch drive-in restaurant during high school, including underage drinking, the restaurant employees, and the menu. She closes the interview by talking about working as a carhop at Yaw's.

Yaw, Charlie M. (Charlie Marie), 1948-

Oral history interview with Steven P. Yaw

This oral history interview with Steven P. Yaw was conducted by Curtis Johnson on November 12, 1980, at Yaw's Restaurant in Portland, Oregon. The interview was conducted as part of the Drive-in Restaurants of Portland Oral History Project, a series of interviews that Johnson conducted about the history of Portland drive-ins, with a particular emphasis on Tik-Tok and Yaw's Top Notch.

In this interview, Yaw discusses the family business, Yaw's Top Notch drive-in restaurant in Portland. He talks about working at the restaurant beginning at age 11. He discusses running Yaw's Top Notch on his own and the changes he made to the business, including discontinuing car service. He talks about maintaining the building and equipment, using computers to manage payroll and finances, and how the restaurant business has changed since his grandfather, W.P. Yaw, first opened Yaw's in the 1920s. He discusses Yaw's use of off-duty police officers to control traffic. He talks about managing the restaurant employees and his relationship with the business community in the Hollywood neighborhood of Portland. He then responds to criticisms of how he ran Yaw's. He closes the interview by talking about the menu at Yaw's and the restaurant's clientele.

Yaw, Steven P. (Steven Page), 1946-2017

Oral history interview with Eugene M. Waddle

This oral history interview with Eugene M. Waddle was conducted by Curtis Johnson on November 21, 1980, at Waddle's home in Portland, Oregon. The interview was conducted as part of the Drive-in Restaurants of Portland Oral History Project, a series of interviews that Johnson conducted about the history of Portland drive-ins, with a particular emphasis on Tik-Tok and Yaw's Top Notch.

In this interview, Waddle discusses his early life in the Los Angeles, California, area, including his early forays into running restaurants and his early careers in accounting, life insurance, and radio broadcasting. He then talks about relocating to Portland, Oregon, and describes running a coffee shop beginning in 1939. He discusses opening Waddle's Restaurant in 1945, including the design of the building, hiring carhops, and the challenges of operating a drive-in. He discusses the future of the restaurant business; shares advice for succeeding in the business; and talks about other drive-in restaurant operators in Portland. He describes his clientele, the reasons why the popularity of drive-ins declined, and the menu at Waddle's. He revisits the topic of opening Waddle's Restaurant in 1945, particularly getting the building financed and constructed. He closes the interview by talking about the rewards of running a restaurant and about his marriage to Natha DeVon Jones.

Waddle, Eugene M. (Eugene Marvin), 1907-1994

Oral history interview with Robert Svilar

This oral history interview with Robert Svilar was conducted by Curtis Johnson from September 10-11, 1980, at Carmen's Restaurant in Portland, Oregon. The interview was conducted as part of the Drive-in Restaurants of Portland Oral History Project, a series of interviews that Johnson conducted about the history of Portland drive-ins, with a particular emphasis on Tik-Tok and Yaw's Top Notch. The interview was conducted in two sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on September 10, 1980, Svilar briefly discusses his family background and early life in Portland and talks about working for the Portland Police Bureau. He speaks about directing traffic at Yaw's Top Notch drive-in restaurant while off-duty; speaks about handing out Tootsie Roll candies to restaurant customers; and talks about police-community relations in the Hollywood neighborhood of Portland. He talks about the popularity of drive-in restaurants in the 1950s and 1960s, and how the atmosphere changed in the 1970s.

In the second interview session, conducted on September 11, 1980, Svilar continues discussing directing traffic at Yaw's while off-duty. He revisits the topics of police-community relations in the Hollywood neighborhood of Portland and the popularity of drive-in restaurants in the 1950s and 1960s, and how the atmosphere changed in the 1970s. He describes the layout of Yaw's Top Notch, shares a few anecdotes about his time working there, and talks about his reasons for leaving Yaw's. He talks about his service in the Navy, his early career with the Portland Police Bureau, and the menu at Yaw's. He closes the interview by discussing the reasons drive-in restaurants declined in popularity.

Svilar, Robert, 1925-2007

Oral history interview with Joseph H. Rudd

This oral history interview with Joseph H. Rudd was conducted by Curtis Johnson on November 20, 1980, in Vancouver, Washington. The interview was conducted as part of the Drive-in Restaurants of Portland Oral History Project, a series of interviews that Johnson conducted about the history of Portland drive-ins, with a particular emphasis on Tik-Tok and Yaw's Top Notch.

In this interview, Rudd discusses his early life, including his experience designing camps while in the National Guard during World War II. He talks about his early career as an architect with the Wolf & Zimmer architecture firm. He speaks at length about his design work for the building for Yaw's Top Notch drive-in restaurant at Northeast 42nd Avenue and Sandy Boulevard in Portland, including the kitchen design and equipment, working with W.P. Yaw, and returning to work on a remodel of the building a decade later. He discusses operating his own architecture firm, Rudd & Associates, and talks about other buildings he designed and about working with clients. He then revisits the topics of his early architecture career and his work for Yaw's Top Notch. He closes the interview by discussing the challenges and rewards of a career in architecture.

Rudd, Joseph H. (Joseph Hyrum), 1922-2003

Oral history interview with Leslie E. Poole

This oral history interview with Leslie E. Poole was conducted by Curtis Johnson on October 31, 1980, at Poole's home in Portland, Oregon. The interview was conducted as part of the Drive-in Restaurants of Portland Oral History Project, a series of interviews that Johnson conducted about the history of Portland drive-ins, with a particular emphasis on Tik-Tok and Yaw's Top Notch.

In this interview, Poole discusses his early life in Oregon and his experience in the U.S. Navy during World War I. He talks about his early career as a structural engineer for various construction companies in the Pacific Northwest. He discusses why he liked engineering and talks about working with different construction materials, including concrete and steel. He speaks about working with Fred Meyer Inc., and describes the techniques he used in designing buildings for the company. He then speaks at length about his design for Bart's Drive-in in Portland. He talks about his design process and closes the interview by sharing his experience getting his engineering license.

Poole, Leslie E. (Leslie Erving), 1899-1987

Oral history interview with Sherman G. Marriott

This oral history interview with Sherman G. Marriott was conducted by Curtis Johnson on November 17, 1980, in Portland, Oregon. The interview was conducted as part of the Drive-in Restaurants of Portland Oral History Project, a series of interviews that Johnson conducted about the history of Portland drive-ins, with a particular emphasis on Tik Tok and Yaw's Top Notch.

In this interview, Marriott discusses how he got into the root-beer stand business in California in the 1920s, and his decision to open the Tik Tok Drive In restaurant in Portland, Oregon. He talks about operating the Tik Tok, the effect World War II had on the business, and the restaurant's operating costs. He discusses the Tik Tok menu, the design of the building, and the popularity of the restaurant. He talks about the restaurant employees, including their uniforms and compensation. He closes the interview by discussing the difficulties inherent in running a restaurant, and by talking about the kitchen equipment and about his business partner, Horace Williams.

Marriott, Sherman G. (Sherman Geertson), 1899-1996

Oral history interview with Wanda L. Krueger

This oral history interview with Wanda Lee Krueger was conducted by Curtis Johnson on November 13, 1980, at Krueger's home in Portland, Oregon. The interview was conducted as part of the Drive-in Restaurants of Portland Oral History Project, a series of interviews that Johnson conducted about the history of Portland drive-ins, with a particular emphasis on Tik-Tok and Yaw's Top Notch.

In this interview, Krueger discusses working as a car-hop at drive-in restaurants around Oregon. She names the many drive-ins she worked at and talks about why she preferred working as a carhop. She describes her work as a carhop at Yaw's Top Notch in Portland, Oregon, from 1966 until 1978. She speaks at length about interacting with customers, her co-workers, and the hazards she faced on the job. She discusses the popularity of Yaw's Top Notch, their menu, and the decline of drive-ins. She talks about problems with customers, about tipping, and about the uniforms at Yaw's. She closes the interview by revisiting the topics of interacting with customers and coworkers, the many drive-ins she worked at around Oregon, and the reasons she preferred working as a carhop.

Harvey, Wanda L. (Wanda Lee), 1933-2014

Oral history interview with Donald P. Krueger

This oral history interview with Donald P. Krueger was conducted by Curtis Johnson on November 13, 1980, at Krueger's home in Portland, Oregon. The interview was conducted as part of the Drive-in Restaurants of Portland Oral History Project, a series of interviews that Johnson conducted about the history of Portland drive-ins, with a particular emphasis on Tik-Tok and Yaw's Top Notch.

In this interview, Krueger discusses going to drive-in restaurants and car clubs in Portland, Oregon, while in high school in the mid-1950s. He talks about his involvement in street racing, describes the drive-ins he frequented, and discusses how the drive-in culture changed over the years. He talks about dating, music, and food at the drive-ins, focusing on Yaw's Top Notch, Tik Tok, and Jim Dandy; describes cruising on Broadway Street and Sandy Boulevard; and talks about the cars he owned. He closes the interview by sharing a few anecdotes about his drive-in days, talking about his activities with the car club, and by discussing the decline of Portland's drive-ins.

Krueger, Donald P. (Donald Paul), 1937-2008

Oral history interview with Bill J. Jwayad

This oral history interview with Bill J. Jwayad was conducted by Curtis Johnson on November 8, 1980, at Jwayad's home in Vancouver, Washington. The interview was conducted as part of the Drive-in Restaurants of Portland Oral History Project, a series of interviews that Johnson conducted about the history of Portland drive-ins, with a particular emphasis on Tik-Tok and Yaw's Top Notch.

In this interview, Jwayad discusses going to drive-in restaurants while in high school in Portland, Oregon in the 1950s, and his involvement in street racing. He talks about car clubs in North Portland, places where street races were held, and racial conflicts amongst racers. He describes the various drive-ins that he frequented; talks about his involvement with the Hot Rod Club; and discusses run-ins with law enforcement. He closes the interview by talking about why he enjoyed cruising and street racing, why he stopped participating, and his career as a mechanic.

Jwayad, Bill J. (William Joseph), 1939-2014

Oral history interview with Elston L. Ireland

This oral history interview with Elston L. Ireland was conducted by Curtis Johnson on November 21, 1980, at Ireland's home in Portland, Oregon. The interview was conducted as part of the Drive-in Restaurants of Portland Oral History Project, a series of interviews that Johnson conducted about the history of Portland drive-ins, with a particular emphasis on Tik-Tok and Yaw's Top Notch.

In this interview, Ireland discusses how he got involved in the restaurant business during his early life in Pasadena, California. He talks about opening and running restaurants serving toasted sandwiches, particularly Ireland's Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, and about competing with drive-in restaurants, particularly Yaw's Top Notch. He speaks about the popularity of hamburgers; discusses government regulation of restaurants; and talks about unionization. He closes the interview by discussing the effect of World War II on the restaurant business; using infrared light to cook sandwiches; and the cost of running a restaurant.

Ireland, Elston L. (Elston Longmoor), 1900-1986

Oral history interview with Ron E. Henderson

This oral history interview with Ron E. Henderson was conducted by Curtis Johnson on October 27, 1980, at Crossing Restaurant in Vancouver, Washington. The interview was conducted as part of the Drive-in Restaurants of Portland Oral History Project, a series of interviews that Johnson conducted about the history of Portland drive-ins, with a particular emphasis on Tik-Tok and Yaw's Top Notch.

In this interview, Henderson discusses his experiences during high school in Portland, Oregon, in the 1960s, including going to drive-in restaurants and his participation in street racing. He describes the food, atmosphere, and clientele of the drive-in restaurants, including Yaw's Top Notch and the Tik-Tok. He talks about cruising on Broadway Street, places where street races were held, and dating. He discusses racial tensions among street racers, cars he owned, and reasons why he stopped frequenting drive-ins. He speaks about the decline of drive-in restaurants, his involvement with the Hot Rod Club, and his career as a mechanic and later with Coors Brewing Company. He closes the interview by talking about pranks he and his friends pulled at drive-ins and again describes some of the drive-ins in Portland.

Henderson, Ron E. (Ronald Edward), 1947-2009

Oral history interview with Barbara Fealy

This oral history interview with Barbara Fealy was conducted by Marian W. Kolisch at Fealy's home in Portland, Oregon, on May 2, 1987. The interview was conducted as part of a series by Oregon photographer Marian W. Kolisch to accompany portraits of Oregon artists, businesspeople, and politicians.

In this interview, Fealy discusses her family background and early life in Utah, including her father's nursery business and her early interest in landscape architecture. She talks about studying landscape architecture at the University of Illinois and her early career in Utah and Denver, Colorado. She also briefly discusses her marriage to Martin Hoag, Hoag's death, and her marriage to William Fealy. She shares her philosophy and process of landscape design; talks about how the field in the United States differs from the field in England and Japan; and discusses managing her own practice. She speaks about her experience working on Salishan Lodge in Gleneden Beach, Oregon; discusses her involvement with the American Society of Landscape Architects; and talks about her experience as a woman in landscape architecture. She closes the interview by speaking about working with clients, her grandchildren, and landscape design drawing.

Fealy, Barbara, 1903-2000

Oral history interview with Berenice E. Thompson

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).

Thompson, Berenice E. (Berenice Evelyn), 1903-1997

Oral history interview with Billie H. Strmiska

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, in 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).

Strmiska, Bille H. (Hermina Henrietta), 1908-1993

Oral history interview with Nona F. Pool

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).

Pool-Goodrich, Nona F. (Nona Fay), 1917-

Oral history interview with Betty Niederhaus and Marie N. Schreiber

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 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.

Niederhaus, Betty, 1925-2005

Oral history interview with Beatrice G. Marshall

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).

Marshall, Beatrice G. (Beatrice Green), 1921-

Oral history interview with Joan F. Hudlicky

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).

Hudlicky, Joan F. (Joan Frances), 1921-1990

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