Tape 2, Side 1. This oral history interview with Clement M. Risberg was conducted by Linda Watkins at Risberg’s home in Sherwood, Oregon, from August 26 to October 13, 1993. The interview was conducted in three sessions. In the first session, Risberg’s cousin, Erik Åkerberg, was also present and frequently contributed to the interview. In the first interview session, conducted on August 26, 1993, Åkerberg discusses the Risberg family background and his early life in Sweden in the early 20th century. Risberg talks about the reasons his parents immigrated to the United States. In the second interview session, conducted on October 12, 1993, Risberg discusses his father’s journey from Sweden to Portland, Oregon, in the early 20th century. He talks about his parents’ marriage, and his early life in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland, including his recreational activities, his family life and vacations, and his education. He also briefly talks about his service in the Oregon National Guard. He describes the various jobs he held after dropping out of high school, about cars and motorcycles he owned, and about his marriage to and divorce from Lucille Foster. He talks about working at Vandekamp’s Bakery at the time it was bought out by Fred Meyer, Inc., and describes how that led to his starting a trucking business, Risberg Truck Service. He discusses working with Fred Meyer, Inc., and speaks about trucking logistics and innovations he instituted to streamline the shipment of goods. He talks about his marriage to Virginia Emma Karther, as well as how World War II affected his business.
Risberg, Clement M. (Clement Magnus), 1911-1996