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Economic History of Indiana in the Twentieth Century, 1976-1980

A Guide to the Collection of Oral History Interviews at Indiana University Bloomington

Finding aid prepared by the staff of the Center for the Study of History and Memory with a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities Division of Preservation and Access, 2000-2002

Overview of the Collection

Repository
Indiana University Center for Documentary Research and Practice
Indiana University
Franklin Hall 0030B
601 E. Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405
Phone: 812/855-2856
Fax: 812/855-0002
E-mail: ohrc@indiana.edu
http://mediaschool.indiana.edu/cdrp/oral-history/

Creator
Indiana University Center for the Study of History and Memory

Title
Economic History of Indiana in the Twentieth Century, 1976-1980

Project No.
ohrc041

Interviews
164 interviews. Audiotapes, transcripts, and collateral materials.

Physical Location
Interviews are housed in Franklin Hall, Room 0030B. Copies of interview transcripts are also held by the IU Libraries University Archives. Contact archives@indiana.edu for more information. For other locations housing the interviews from this project, please contact the Center for Documentary Research and Practice office.

Language
Materials are in English

Abstract
This project contains information about local, state, national, and international economic enterprises, focusing mainly on businesses and industries located in and/or originating in the state of Indiana. Some of the industries discussed are the Indiana limestone industry, the local oil industry, coal mining, agriculture, railroads, the automobile industry, banking, insurance, steel production, and supermarkets. The local economic impact of industry and business on a community, unionization, and the workforces of each industry are also discussed.

Scope and Content Note

This collection contains 164 interviews over the course of 4 years. Interviews range from about 30 minutes to 3 hours. All of the interviews consist of audio reels and most have typed transcripts.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information
Oral history interviews conducted by the Indiana University Center for the Study of History and Memory from 1968 to the present, with particular focus on the history of twentieth-century America and the Midwest.
Usage Restrictions
The archive of the Center for Documentary Research and Practice at Indiana University is open to the use of researchers. Copies of transcript pages are available only when such copies are permitted by the deed of gift. Scholars must honor any restrictions the interviewee placed on the use of the interview. Since some of our earlier (pre-computer) transcripts do not exist in final form, any editing marks in a transcript (deletions, additions, corrections) are to be quoted as marked. Audio files may not be copied for patrons unless the deed of gift permits it, and a transcript is unavailable for that interview. The same rules of use that apply to a transcript apply to the audio interview. Interviews may not be reproduced in full for any public use, but excerpted quotes may be used as long as researchers fully cite the data in their research, including accession number, interview date, interviewee's and interviewer's name, and page(s).
Preferred Citation
[interviewee first name last name] interview, by [interviewer first name last name], [interview date(s)], [call number], [project name], Center for Documentary Research and Practice, Indiana University, Bloomington, [page number(s) or tape number and side if no transcript; if digital audio and no transcript, cite time when quote occurs].

Interview List


Interviewee
Adams, Basil June 24, 1980 

Call Number
80-044

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 90 minutes

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Basil Adams discusses the involvement of unions in the auto industry. Basil Adams was born on March 27, 1905. He was a laborer at Warner Gear from 1922 to 1960. He worked as an inspector and gear cutter. He was also active in the United Auto Workers (UAW), Local #287.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • United Auto Workers
    • United Auto Workers, Local 287
    • Warner Gear
    • Occupation Names
    • gear cutter
    • Subjects
    • automobile industry

Interviewee
Alcorn, Corry July 13, 1977 

Call Number
77-018

Physical Description

39 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 50 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry H.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Corry Alcorn was born in Posey County, Indiana. His interview covers farming and livestock production in Monroe County. He has worked with the cooperative extension service for forty years. There is a major discussion on the commercialization of farming. In addition he explains how Purdue University came to be involved in agricultural research.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Corn Growers Association
    • Crop Improvement Association
    • Farmers Union
    • Federal Farm Credit Administration
    • Federal Farm Land Bank
    • Indiana Farm Bureau
    • National Farmers Organization
    • Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association
    • Purdue University
    • Personal Names
    • Christie, George I.
    • Subjects
    • agriculture
    • farmers grange
    • livestock production

Interviewee
Altman, Arnold D. February 20, 1980 

Call Number
80-011

Physical Description

27 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 1 hour 20 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Arnold D. Altman, born on December 10, 1917 in South Bend, Indiana, provides information on the Avanti Motor Corporation and the auto industry. He provides detailed information on how the Avanti car was manufactured and sold. He draws a comparison to the Avanti process of manufacturing against how General Motors manufactures cars.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Avanti Motor Corporation
    • General Motors Corporation
    • St. Joseph's Bank
    • Studebaker Corporation
    • Family Names
    • Newman
    • Rosenthal
    • Occupation Names
    • company president
    • Personal Names
    • Loewy, Raymond
    • Place Names
    • South Bend, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • automobile industry
    • automobile sales

Interviewee
Andrew, Stanley October 16, 1980 

Call Number
80-067

Physical Description

67 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 45 minutes; index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Stanley Andrew, born on November 19, 1913, provides information on raising tobacco as a cash crop. Andrew discusses the changes over the years in how tobacco is farmed. He also speaks of the effects of weather and use of equipment and fertilizers on tobacco.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • American Farm Bureau
    • Occupation Names
    • tobacco farmer
    • Place Names
    • Jefferson County, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • Federal Crop Allocation Act
    • tobacco farming

Interviewee
Baker, Mack A. September 18, 1979 

Call Number
79-054

Physical Description

30 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 45 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mack A. Baker, born on June 5, 1913, explains the importance of French Lick Springs, a resort in Orange County, Indiana, to that community. Hotel labor and individual jobs is thoroughly discussed, as well as an individual's ability to perform more than one task.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Sheraton Hotel
    • Occupation Names
    • hotel superintendent
    • Place Names
    • French Lick, Indiana
    • Orange County, Indiana
    • Springs Valley, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • resort industry

Interviewee
Ball, Edmund June 23, 1980 

Call Number
80-043

Physical Description

44 pages; 2 reels, 1 7/8 ips, 2 hours 20 minutes; no index; original photograph of interviewee, biography of interviewee, newspaper article on Ball Corporation

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

This interview discusses the early development of the Ball Corporation and its diversification in later years. Edmund Ball covers the modernization of the company and its association with Ball Hospital and Ball State University.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Ball Corporation
    • Ball Hospital
    • Ball State University
    • Kent Plastics, Incorporated
    • Owens-Illinois, Incorporated
    • Occupation Names
    • chief executive officer
    • Place Names
    • Evansville, Indiana

Interviewee
Barnett, John V. May 24, 1977 

Call Number
77-015

Physical Description

31 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 10 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry H.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

At the time of the interview, John V. Barnett was the president of the Indiana State Chamber of Commerce. The interview covers the activities of the Chamber of Commerce and the business community of Indianapolis, Indiana.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indiana State Chamber of Commerce
    • Occupation Names
    • chamber of commerce president
    • Place Names
    • Indianapolis, Indiana

Interviewee
Barnett, John V. February 9, 1979 

Call Number
79-011

Physical Description

27 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 45 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

This interview covers glass blowing. John Barnett also briefly discusses labor issues and explains the J.D. Adams case as it relates to gross income tax. Barnett also relates the positives about living in Indiana.

  • Keywords
    • Place Names
    • Lapel, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • glass blowing
    • glass manufacture
    • labor issues
    • natural gas
    • property tax

Interviewee
Barrett, Fred M. April 11, 1977 

Call Number
77-010

Physical Description

42 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 40 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry H.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Fred Barrett is a fourth generation limestone worker. He discusses the limestone business in Indiana. He talks about the development of Matthews Brothers, Inc. and the use of skilled labor. He also covers topics such as labor unions and employee benefits.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Independent Limestone Company
    • Indiana Limestone Institute
    • Matthews Brothers, Incorporated
    • Reed Quarries, Incorporated
    • Occupation Names
    • company president
    • Subjects
    • employee benefits
    • limestone industry
    • stonecutting
    • unions

Interviewee
Batchelor, Joseph A. May 11, 1977 

Call Number
77-013

Physical Description

35 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips; 1 hour 35 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry

Scope and Content Note

Joseph Batchelor, a professor of economics at Indiana University, was born on August 2, 1909 in Randolph County. He provides an in-depth discussion on why Indiana is ranked high in industry, the important manufacturing industries, and a general overview of what the state exports.

Access Status

Open

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Chrysler Corporation
    • General Motors Corporation
    • Indiana University
    • Lanear Company
    • Purdue University
    • Family Names
    • Robinson
    • Occupation Names
    • economics professor
    • Place Names
    • Batesville, Indiana
    • Illinois
    • Kentland, Indiana
    • Michigan
    • Newton County, Indiana
    • Ohio
    • Randolph County, Indiana
    • Personal Names
    • Graves, Justin
    • Lanear, J.F.D.
    • Latta, William
    • McCulloch, Hugh
    • Patterson, David
    • Visher, Stephen Sargent
    • Wells, Herman B
    • Subjects
    • agriculture history
    • automobile industry
    • industrial history

Interviewee
Beach, Bill October 13, 1977 

Call Number
77-029

Physical Description

48 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 55 minutes; no index, Purdue Cooperative Extension Service Directory 1977, photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry

Access Status

Restricted: Approval required before publishing

Scope and Content Note

Bill Beach was born on August 2, 1921. He discusses the activities of Purdue University's Cooperative Extension Program, the influences of the program in rural and urban cities, the role the agent plays in the extension program, and policy development that occurred due to the influence of the program. He goes into detail regarding the first community development program along with providing detailed information regarding projects the extension program is involved with.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indiana Farm Bureau
    • Indiana University
    • National Farmers Organization
    • Purdue University
    • Vincennes Packing Company
    • Vincennes University
    • W.K. Kellogg Foundation
    • Wright Aeronautical Corporation
    • Occupation Names
    • county extension agent
    • Personal Names
    • Adams, Mack
    • Good, Morris
    • Peterson, J. Dwight
    • Utley, George
    • Place Names
    • Daviess County, Indiana
    • Grandview, Indiana
    • Knox County, Indiana
    • Parke County, Indiana
    • Perry County, Indiana
    • Sullivan County, Indiana
    • Vincennes, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • community development
    • cooperative extension office
    • farming

Interviewee
Beaty, Ernest September 19, 1979 

Call Number
79-058

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 30 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Ernest Beaty was born on December 9, 1903 in Orange County, Indiana. His interview is an overview of the historical aspects of the West Baden Springs Hotel.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • West Baden Springs Hotel

Interviewee
Bigham, Darrell E. April 23, 1979 

Call Number
79-033

Physical Description

21 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 50 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Darrell E. Bigham was born on August 12, 1942 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In this interview, he discusses the economic climate in Evansville, Indiana, the diversity of industry in the area, the growth and decline of industry, and its effects on the population of the city. He also provides a brief discussion on the African-American population of the city.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Chrysler Corporation
    • International Harvester Company
    • Mead Johnson and Company
    • Servel Corporation
    • Sunbeam Corporation
    • Whirlpool Corporation
    • Occupation Names
    • history professor
    • Place Names
    • Evansville, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • African-American community
    • local economy
    • local industry

Interviewee
Blomgren, Holten E. February 18, 1980 

Call Number
80-010

Physical Description

31 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps., 1 hour 20 minutes; no index; biography of Holten Blomgren, photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Holten E. Blomgren is a retired colonel who served over thirty years in the military. This interview provides a description of the trade association connected to the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industry. Discussed heavily is the federal government's involvement in the industries and concerns of the organization regarding codes and standards as well as taxes.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Federal Trade Commission
    • Indiana Department of Housing
    • Indiana Manufactured Housing Association
    • Occupation Names
    • lobbyist
    • Subjects
    • federal regulations
    • mobile home manufacture
    • National Conference of States for Building Codes
    • recreational vehicle manufacture
    • trade associations

Interviewee
Bobzien, H.J. April 15, 1980 

Call Number
80-023

Physical Description

36 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 20 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

H.J. Bobzien was born on January 10, 1935 in Louisville, Kentucky and joined the American Commercial Barge Line Company in 1958. This interview covers the time period he worked for the company and outlines the manufacturing of barges, changes in the industry, and general information regarding the river transportation industry.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • American Commercial Barge Line
    • Commercial Transport Corporation
    • Dravo Corporation
    • Federal Barge Line
    • Inland Steel Company
    • Jeffboat Limited Liability Company
    • Ohio River Company
    • Potts Industries
    • Texas Gas Transmission
    • Union Meckling Barge Line
    • Occupation Names
    • company president
    • Personal Names
    • Blaske, Floyd
    • Place Names
    • Illinois River
    • Louisville, Kentucky
    • Mississippi River
    • Subjects
    • barge manufacture
    • river transportation

Interviewee
Boxman, Henry F. August 28, 1980 

Call Number
80-056

Physical Description

24 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 55 minutes; no index; photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R. T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Henry F. Boxman, born June 26, 1903 and died August 29, 1991. discusses economic development in Bloomington, Indiana. He talks about his experiences as the owner of the Boxman Restaurant, and as president of the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. He also talks about the effects of the Great Depression on the Bloomington economy, and the importance of the Showers Brothers Furniture Company in the town’s growth.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Bloomington Chamber of Commerce
    • Boxman Restaurant
    • Showers Brothers Furniture Company
    • Occupation Names
    • chamber of commerce president
    • restaurant owner
    • Place Names
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • community development
    • Great Depression

Interviewee
Brittain, John March 2, 1979 

Call Number
79-017

Physical Description

26 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent Jr.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1919, John Brittain talks about the Westinghouse Corporation moving from East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Bloomington, Indiana. Other topis discussed include employees recruitment, the relationship of the company to Indiana University, and product development. Included in this discussion are management and marketing strategies.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indiana University
    • Westinghouse Corporation
    • Place Names
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    • Greensboro, North Carolina
    • Occupation Names
    • engineer
    • Subjects
    • employee recruitment
    • factory management
    • marketing strategies
    • product development

Interviewee
Broecker, Cletus A. July 23, 1979;  August 6, 1979 

Call Number
79-045

Physical Description

80 pages; 2 reels, 4.7 cps, 3 hours; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Broecker was born on February 7, 1907. He begins this interview with information on his education and work experience. He discusses early road construction technology in Indiana. He talks about wages, the variety of materials used in road construction, and the effects of improved road conditions.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • AMAX Coal Company
    • Ayrshire Collieries Corporation
    • Cumberland Quarries
    • Erie Stone Company
    • France Stone Company
    • Indiana Bureau of Materials and Tests
    • Indiana Motor Truck Association
    • Irving Material, Incorporated
    • Knox County Sand Company
    • Mitchell Crushed Stone
    • Newton County Stone Company
    • O and I Stone
    • Portland Cement Association
    • Purdue Road School
    • Refiners Transport Company
    • Sandusky Crushed Stone Company
    • Occupation Names
    • company president
    • Personal Names
    • Berry, Harry
    • Kalb, N.E.
    • McGregor, Ian
    • Peters, Lovitt
    • Peterson, J. Dwight
    • Rogers, Ralph
    • Ward, Dana
    • Place Names
    • Arthur, Illinois
    • Denver, Colorado
    • Greencastle, Indiana
    • Illinois
    • Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Mitchell, Indiana
    • Ohio
    • Robinson, Illinois
    • Sandusky, Ohio
    • Vincennes, Indiana
    • Whiting, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • coal beneficiation
    • coal mining
    • land reclamation
    • quarry work
    • road construction
    • unions

Interviewee
Brookshire, Robert S. August 19, 1980 

Call Number
80-051

Physical Description

23 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 45 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Robert Brookshire was born on March 12, 1916. He discusses the hiring practices of RCA in 1940, hourly wage earners, and job availability. He also discusses changes in the workforce, technology, and the influence of unions. He gives reasons for the company's move from Memphis, Tennessee to Indianapolis, Indiana.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • RCA
    • Showers Brothers Furniture Company
    • Occupation Names
    • department manager
    • Personal Names
    • Cooke, John
    • Place Names
    • Bedford, Indiana
    • Bloomfield, Indiana
    • Camden, New Jersey
    • Chicago, Illinois
    • Cincinnati, Ohio
    • Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Memphis, Tennessee
    • Monticello, Indiana
    • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    • St. Louis, Missouri
    • Subjects
    • hourly workers
    • RCA hiring practices
    • unions

Interviewee
Butz, Earl L. January 9, 1978 

Call Number
78-001

Physical Description

22 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 55 minutes; index

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born 1909, Dr. Earl Butz discusses the changes in agriculture and agricultural education. He is former United States Secretary of Agriculture and talks of the political influences of agriculture industry. He speaks extensively of his career and legislation regarding agriculture.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • American Farm Bureau
    • National Democratic Advisory Committee
    • National Farmers Organization
    • National Farmers Union
    • Purdue University
    • Occupation Names
    • agriculture secretary
    • Personal Names
    • Dehant, Tony
    • Doup, George
    • Hardin, Cliff
    • Paarlberg, Don
    • Wallace, Henry A.
    • Wickard, Claude
    • Young, E.C.
    • Subjects
    • agricultural education
    • farm production
    • farming industry

Interviewee
Churchill, Harold E. February 28, 1990-February 29, 1990 

Call Number
80-013

Physical Description

71 pages; 2 reels, 4.7 cps, 3 hours 50 minutes, index; Churchill's obituary

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born July 4, 1903, Harold Churchill discusses his interest in engineering and the manufacturing and testing of tires. The interview includes the relationship between management and hourly employees, the merger with Pierce Arrow, and the decline of the company.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems Limited Liability Company
    • Chrysler Corporation
    • Cummins, Incorporated
    • Curtiss-Wright Corporation
    • Firestone Tire and Rubber Company
    • Ford Motor Company
    • General Motors Corporation
    • Pierce Arrow Motor Car Company
    • U.S. Small Business Administration
    • Family Names
    • Birdsall
    • Dodge
    • O'Brien
    • Oliver
    • Onan
    • Occupation Names
    • engineer
    • Personal Names
    • Bean, A.G.
    • Chrysler, Walter
    • Erksine, Albert
    • Hoffman, Paul G.
    • Hurley, Roy
    • Loewy, Raymond
    • Nance, James J.
    • Reed, Dillion
    • Roos, Barney
    • Skelton, Zeeder
    • Vance, Harold
    • Place Names
    • Canada
    • Detroit, Michigan
    • Jackson, Michigan
    • Los Angeles, California
    • Onan, Indiana
    • South Bend, Indiana
    • Utica, New York
    • Subjects
    • automobile industry
    • labor-management relations
    • tire manufacture

Interviewee
Clark, Woodrow November 12, 1979 

Call Number
79-063

Physical Description

78 pages; 2 reels, 4.7 cps, 2 hours 50 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Woodrow Clark was born on July 5, 1912. He discusses his career with U.S. Steel, the cost of making steel, accounting practices, and the variety of pay plans. He provides information on the types of mills there are and how technology has changed in the mills. He gives his opinion on the loss of profits and explains EPA regulations as they relate to steel mills.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Fairless Works
    • United Steel Workers
    • U.S. Steel Corporation
    • Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company
    • Occupation Names
    • steel mill superintendent
    • Personal Names
    • Gott, E. H.
    • Sunquist, Ray
    • Place Names
    • Gary, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • African-American workers
    • steel industry
    • women workers

Interviewee
Cloutier, Joseph February 5, 1980 

Call Number
80-008

Physical Description

83 pages; 2 reels, 4.7 cps, 3 hours 30 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Joseph Cloutier was born March 26, 1908 and begins his interview with a discussion with his career at Hulman and Company, the relationship that developed with Tony Hulman, and the many roles he had at the company. In this interview he discusses the manufacturing of baking powder, beer making, employee recruitment, and the filing of taxes.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company
    • American Can Company
    • Campbell Soup Company
    • Chrysler Corporation
    • Cook's Brewery
    • Hulman and Company
    • Indianapolis Motor Speedway
    • Jake's Manufacturing Company
    • Richmond Gas Corporation
    • Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
    • Rumford Chemical Works
    • Sears, Roebuck and Company
    • Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company
    • Terre Haute Brewing Company
    • Terre Haute Gas Company
    • United States Auto Club
    • Family Names
    • Hulman
    • Place Names
    • Columbus, Ohio
    • Dayton, Ohio
    • East Providence, Rhode Island
    • Evansville, Indiana
    • Illinois
    • Mattoon, Illinois
    • North Little Rock, Arkansas
    • Rochester, New York
    • Occupation Names
    • accountant
    • Personal Names
    • Beatty, Ralph
    • Cooper, Thomas
    • Rendaico, Michael
    • Shaw, Wilbur
    • Strong, Joseph
    • Subjects
    • accounting practices
    • baking powder manufacture
    • employee recruitment
    • Great Depression

Interviewee
Compton, Walter A. October 14, 1980 

Call Number
80-064

Physical Description

38 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 30 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Hartzer, Ronald B.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Dr. Walter Compton discusses the history of Miles Laboratory, the relationship that developed between his family and Dr. Franklin Miles, and his own interest in the medical field. He provides background information on how medicines were dispensed and the development of pharmacies. He also talks about the effects of World War II and the development of new medicines.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Eli Lilly and Company
    • Pfizer, Incorporated
    • Princeton University
    • University of Pennsylvania
    • Occupation Names
    • medical researcher
    • physician
    • Personal Names
    • Beardsley, Charles
    • Hagard, Howard
    • Miles, Franklin
    • Moore, Merrill
    • Rafferty, Michael
    • Treneer, Maurice
    • Place Names
    • Chicago, Illinois
    • Michigan
    • Subjects
    • pharmaceutical research
    • World War II

Interviewee
Cook, Gayle March 5, 1979 

Call Number
79-020

Physical Description

46 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 50 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux Jr., Vincent

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Gayle Cook was born in 1934 and is the cofounder of Cook Incorporated. She provides detailed information on how she and her husband founded their business and how they developed an instrument to open up veins. Expansion and diversification is thoroughly discussed.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • American Supply Company
    • Cook Financial Corporation
    • Cook, Incorporated
    • Hoffman Electronics Company
    • Monroe Guaranty Insurance Company
    • Nelson Instrument Company
    • Northern Financial Guarantee Company
    • Sabin Enterprises
    • Family Names
    • Cook
    • Occupation Names
    • chief executive officer
    • Personal Names
    • Fucilla, Van
    • Kanne, Miles
    • Osborne, Thomas
    • Place Names
    • Bermuda
    • Chicago, Illinois
    • Denmark
    • Subjects
    • international expansion
    • medical supply manufacture

Interviewee
Coons, Chloral W. "Coke" September 5, 1979 

Call Number
79-052

Physical Description

38 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 2 hours 20 minutes; index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born June 27, 1912 Choral W. "Coke" Coons discusses his childhood, career at Arvin, and the history of Arvin. He also discusses the employment of minorities and women, early employee benefits, and unions. He provides some detail as to how Arvin dealt with borrowing money and other financial situations.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Arvin Heater Company
    • Cummins, Incorporated
    • Ford Motor Company
    • Indianapolis Air Pump Company
    • Indianapolis Pump and Tube Company
    • May Company
    • Noblitt-Sparks Industries
    • Personal Names
    • Arvin, Richard
    • Fey, Bill
    • Fisher, Carl
    • Noblitt, Q.G.
    • Sparks, Frank
    • Place Names
    • Lancaster, Ohio
    • LaPorte, Indiana
    • Washington, DC
    • Subjects
    • company finances
    • employee benefits
    • minority employment
    • unions
    • women workers

Interviewee
Corson, Thomas October 29, 1980 

Call Number
80-071

Physical Description

Not transcribed: 2 tapes; 1 7/8 ips; 2 hours; no index; 3 newspaper articles; 7 promotional pamphlets; 1979 annual report; June 30, 1980 2nd quarter report

Interviewer
Hartzer, Ronald B.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Thomas Corson was born October 15, 1927. Coachman Industries was founded in 1964 by Corson and his brothers. The interview covers the history of Coachman and reasons why the Corson brothers chose to venture into the recreational vehicle industry. Also discussed is the declining sales of the nineteen eighties and how that impacted the city of Elkhart, Indiana.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Coachman Industries, Incorporated
    • Occupation Names
    • company president
    • Place Names
    • Elkhart, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • recreational vehicle industry

Interviewee
Cortwright, William H. June 25, 1980 

Call Number
80-045

Physical Description

63 pages; 2 reels, 1 7/8 ips, 2 hours 20 minutes; index; 1963 speech; photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R.T

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1911, Mr. Cortwright had an extensive career at Warner Gear. He discusses hiring practices and the demographics of employees. He also covers the manufacturing of hydraulic systems and automatic transmissions. He goes into great detail regarding production in the nineteen forties and nineteen fifties

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Borg-Warner Incorporated
    • Ford Motor Company
    • Occupation Names
    • company vice president
    • Personal Names
    • Brown, Richard
    • Place Names
    • Albury, Australia
    • Australia
    • Brazil
    • Des Plaines, Illinois
    • Japan
    • Letchworth, England
    • Muncie, Indiana
    • South Africa
    • Subjects
    • automatic transmissions
    • hydraulic systems
    • international business
    • Marvel Schebler carborator
    • postwar developments

Interviewee
Cox, Wilson Naylor July 24, 1980 

Call Number
80-048

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour

Interviewer
Riggs, Eleanor

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born March 12, 1909, Mr. Cox recounts the story of the first strike in the nation against Columbian Enameling and Stamping Company, Inc., which led to a sympathy strike in Terre Haute, Indiana. Martial law was declared. The company eventually won its case in the U.S. Supreme Court.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Columbian Enameling and Stamping Company, Incorporated
    • Place Names
    • Terre Haute, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • labor strikes
    • sympathy strikes
    • unions

Interviewee
Cusumano, Michael J. November 12, 1979 

Call Number
79-062

Physical Description

47 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 2 hours; index

Interviewer
King, R.T

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Michael Cusumano was born November 12, 1917. He begins his interview with an overview of Gary, Indiana neighborhoods and his college education. He talks about the racial mixture of the city and how his job at the steel mill. He also discusses labor unions, their influence in obtaining employee benefits, and how salaried employees were effected by unions. He provides a description of his workday and how steel is produced.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • U.S. Steel Corporation
    • Occupation Names
    • factory supervisor
    • Subjects
    • African-American workers
    • automobile industry
    • employee benefits
    • factory productivity
    • labor force
    • metallurgy
    • metalworker strikes
    • steel production technology
    • unions
    • women workers

Interviewee
Daschke, John Wright June 12, 1980 

Call Number
80-041

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips

Interviewer
King, R.T

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born November 25, 1948, John Daschke has been involved in many activities. His interview is reflective of internal politics of the Paddlewheel Alliance. He discusses the structure and development of occupations at the Marble Hill nuclear site.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Paddlewheel Allience
    • Occupation Names
    • political scientist
    • Place Names
    • Marble Hill, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • internal politics

Interviewee
DeForest, Jack April 8, 1981 

Call Number
81-006

Physical Description

41 pages; 2 cassettes, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 30 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Hartzer, Ronald

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born July 11, 1913, Jack DeForest began working for Servel in 1933. In this interview he talks about wages, the profession of welding, and early refrigeration manufacturing. He also discusses the advances in technology and the effects on Evansville, Indiana when Servel closed.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Arkansas-Louisiana Gas Company
    • Republic Aviation
    • Servel Corporation
    • Tecumseh Products Company
    • Whirlpool Corporation
    • Occupation Names
    • welder
    • Personal Names
    • Payne, James
    • Ruthenburg, Louis
    • Sentnor, James
    • Place Names
    • Evansville, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • acetylene welding
    • cost-plus contracts
    • defense contracts
    • labor-management relations
    • refrigerator manufacture
    • unions

Interviewee
Deller, Roscoe May 23, 1980 

Call Number
80-034

Physical Description

67 pages; 2 reels, 1 7/8 ips, 2 hours 40 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Deller was born July 1, 1909. He discusses the period when farmers began using tractors in place of horses. He talks about the ways farm families were able to sustain the family and how the families were self contained. He discusses the general change in farm communities as people began to sell their land to residential developers.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Pet Milk Company
    • Swenson Evaporator Company
    • Occupation Names
    • farmer
    • Place Names
    • Steuben County, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • cash crops
    • county fairs
    • custom farm work
    • farm credit
    • farming
    • farming modernization
    • Great Depression

Interviewee
Diekman, Robert November 16, 1979 

Call Number
79-069

Physical Description

65 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 2 hours; index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1922, Mr. Diekman begins his interview with a discussion of his work and the progression of his career. He focuses on environmental problems related to oil manufacturing and explains the difference between Standard Oil of Indiana and AMOCO Oil Company. He also talks about foreign oil manufacturing, labor, marketing strategies, and labor in Whiting, Indiana.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • AMOCO Oil Company
    • Standard Oil Company
    • Occupation Names
    • engineer
    • Personal Names
    • Swearingen, John
    • Place Names
    • Whiting, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • oil manufacturing technology
    • oil refining
    • labor-management relations

Interviewee
Diesslin, H.G. December 1, 1977 

Call Number
77-043

Physical Description

50 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 2 hours, no index; pamphlet- Indiana Agriculture 1980-1985

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Diesslin was born in 1921 and begins his interview with a brief background of his youth and college experience. He discusses the influences of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Earl Butz on the state of Indiana. He explains the various legislative acts that helped to create the cooperative extension program. He discusses the changes within the program, the recruiting of agents, and the philosophy of the program.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Farm Foundation
    • 4-H Club
    • Personal Names
    • Butz, Earl V.
    • Subjects
    • 1862 Homestead Act
    • 1862 Morrell Act
    • 1887 Hatch Act
    • 1914 Smith Lever Act
    • cooperative extension office
    • Great Depression
    • land grant institutions

Interviewee
Dortch, Carl February 9, 1979 

Call Number
79-010

Physical Description

84 pages; 2 reels, 1 7/8 ips, 3 hours 20 minutes; index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born September 14, 1914, Mr. Dortch begins his interview with how he became involved in the Chamber of Commerce. He discusses the role of the Chamber of Commerce as well as community reaction to the Chamber of Commerce. He covers a wide range of subjects related to industries and city development.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Allison Engine Company, Incorporated
    • Elanco Animal Health
    • General Motors Corporation
    • Indiana Farm Bureau
    • Kroger Company
    • Lucas Harrell Corporation
    • Naval Avionics Center
    • United Auto Workers
    • Occupation Names
    • chamber of commerce executive director
    • Personal Names
    • Book, William F.
    • Clark, Alex
    • Feeny, Al
    • Strickland, James
    • Place Names
    • Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • business politics
    • early industries
    • energy sources
    • Indianapolis city development
    • industrial zoning
    • postwar economy
    • sewer system
    • track elevation
    • unions
    • urbanization

Interviewee
Doty, Betty September 5, 1980 

Call Number
80-058

Physical Description

20 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 40 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born April 6, 1929, Betty Doty was employed at RCA for eleven and a half years. Her interview covers the employment of women in factory work. She discusses the type of work that was performed, the general treatment of women, and the benefits of working at RCA.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • RCA
    • Sarkes Tarzian, Incorporated
    • Occupation Names
    • factory worker
    • Place Names
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • employee benefits
    • women workers

Interviewee
Doty, Robert September 5, 1980 

Call Number
80-057

Physical Description

46 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 25 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Doty was born July 12, 1920. He talks of the difficulty of finding stable employment. He discusses how he came to work at RCA and his involvement in labor organizations and labor disputes. He describes the conditions at RCA as well as the employee benefits package. He talks about women and African-Americans and the positions that they held.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indiana Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1424
    • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
    • National Labor Relations Board
    • RCA
    • Teamsters Union
    • Place Names
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • African-American workers
    • electrical workers strikes
    • foreign competition
    • labor-management relations
    • unions
    • wages
    • women workers

Interviewee
Doup, George July 29, 1977 

Call Number
77-019

Physical Description

66 pages; 2 reels, 1 7/8 ips, 2 hours 20 minutes; index

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Doup was born in 1911 and spent most of his life as a farmer. Along with farm work he served on many farmer associations. He talks about the technological changes in farming, such as the transition from horses to tractors. He talks about his roles in various farm associations, and more specifically why the Farm Bureau was established.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Farmers Alliance
    • Indiana Farm Bureau
    • National Grange Association
    • Purdue University
    • Personal Names
    • Anderson, Clinton
    • Benson, Ezra Taft
    • Brandon, Larry
    • Brannan, Charley
    • Butz, Earl V.
    • Freeman, Orville
    • Wickard, Claude
    • Subjects
    • agricultural technology
    • agriculture industry
    • farm associations
    • farming
    • technological changes

Interviewee
Eckles, Robert B. December 1, 1977 

Call Number
77-042

Physical Description

28 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 60 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry H.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Professor Robert B. Eckles, from the history department at Purdue University, discusses his current project, examining the way Purdue University has influenced the Indiana agriculture industry over the years. He outlines the technology and research Purdue developed that has benefited Indiana farmers. He discusses the importance of the 4-H Club in training and educating young people in agriculture. He also discusses the development of the discipline of agricultural science, and how agriculture departments in universities have helped advance farming techniques in the United States.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • 4-H Club
    • Purdue University
    • Occupation Names
    • history professor
    • Personal Names
    • Potter, Andre
    • Subjects
    • agricultural education
    • agricultural technology
    • agriculture curriculum
    • agriculture history

Interviewee
Edington, Merle October 20, 1978 

Call Number
78-042

Physical Description

60 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 120 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Merle Edington, born December 28, 1916, speaks of Indiana business, especially the limestone industry. His father worked in the limestone industry, and as the Bedford Chamber of Commerce president, Mr. Edington has also worked closely with businesses in the limestone industry. Mr. Edington outlines his educations background and work history, mostly as a salesperson for several businesses. Mr. Edington also describes the purpose of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce, its operational procedures, and some of the projects it has initiated towards city development. Mr. Edington analyses the effects of the Great Depression on the limestone industry in southern Indiana. He describes his efforts to promote tourism in Bedford, Indiana and speaks of the Bedford Limestone Museum, which was still in the development stage at the time of the interview (it was ultimately abandoned). Mr. Edington also outlines how the Bedford Chamber of Commerce cooperates with out of town businesses to generate revenue for Bedford based businesses.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Bedford Chamber of Commerce
    • Bedford Limestone Museum
    • Consolidated Stone Company
    • Indiana University
    • Indianapolis Chemical Company
    • Kroger Company
    • United States Marine Corps
    • Occupation Names
    • chamber of commerce president
    • salesperson
    • Personal Names
    • Elliott, David
    • Place Names
    • Bedford, Indiana
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • Bedford city development
    • Great Depression
    • industrial development
    • limestone industry
    • limestone mills
    • limestone quarries
    • tourism industry
    • World War II

Interviewee
Elliott, E. Donald April 8, 1981 

Call Number
81-005

Physical Description

34 pages; 2 cassettes, 1 7/8 ips, 85 minutes; no index; photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
Hartzer, Ronald F.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

E. Donald Elliott discusses his role as vice president for Mead Johnson and Company. He outlines the governmental regulations that control the pharmaceuticals industry. He discusses current products of the company and the products the company is currently researching. He talks about his management style and the procedures he has implemented in the factory to make manufacturing operate more smoothly. He talks about the Mead Johnson Institute and the Mead Johnson Foundation, which provides classes for the community and healthcare professionals, and provides funds for community projects, which he feels helps create goodwill in the community for Mead Johnson and Company. Finally, he describes the advantages and disadvantages of being a family-owned and family controlled business.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Chrysler Corporation
    • Mead Johnson and Company
    • Mead Johnson Foundation
    • Mead Johnson Institute
    • Servel Corporation
    • Family Names
    • Johnson
    • Occupation Names
    • company vice president
    • Personal Names
    • Johnson, Lambert, Jr.
    • Johnson, Lambert, Sr.
    • Reuthenburg, Louis
    • Place Names
    • Evansville, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • family business
    • labor-management relations
    • pharmaceutical industry
    • pharmaceutical research
    • product development

Interviewee
Fabian, Daniel J. November 14, 1979; November 28, 1979 

Call Number
79-066

Physical Description

65 pages; 2 reels; 4.7 cps; 3 hours 20 minutes, no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Daniel Fabian, born March 17, 1915, discusses family, work, and community life in East Chicago, Indiana. He discusses how he came to work at Inland Steel, hiring practices, technology changes, and the labor force. He goes on to discuss the problems that arose when women began working at the mills.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Bethlehem Steel Corporation
    • Indiana Harbor Works
    • National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts
    • U.S. Steel Corporation
    • Family Names
    • Blocks
    • Occupation Names
    • factory superintendent
    • Place Names
    • East Chicago, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • African-American workers
    • automobile industry
    • cost-plus contracts
    • labor management
    • market changes
    • metalworker strikes
    • mini-mills
    • railroads
    • structural steel
    • technological changes
    • women workers
    • work quality
    • World War I
    • World War II

Interviewee
Fink, Austin March 1, 1979 

Call Number
79-016

Physical Description

30 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips; 1 hour 10 minutes, no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Jr., Vincent

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1919, Mr. Fink discusses Westinghouse, located in Bloomington, Indiana on Curry Pike. He also talks about the organization of the company and the local economy. He goes on to discuss the customers of Westinghouse and the economic impact the company had on the city.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Power Systems Company
    • Westinghouse Corporation
    • Occupation Names
    • quality assurance manager
    • Place Names
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • electrical worker strikes
    • unions
    • workforce

Interviewee
Freeman, Verne C. December 2, 1977 

Call Number
77-046

Physical Description

47 pages; 1 reel; 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 50 minutes; photograph of interviewee; no index; speech "Our Agricultural Heritage"

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry H.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born December 25, 1900, Mr. Freeman talks about early life on the farm and his educational background. He discusses the development and structure of agricultural studies along with the agricultural curriculum at Purdue University. He discusses the changes within agricultural studies at Purdue and county fairs.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Land Grant College Association
    • National Grange Association
    • Purdue University
    • W.K. Kellogg Foundation
    • Personal Names
    • Butz, Earl V.
    • Place Names
    • Corvallis, Oregon
    • Subjects
    • agricultural education
    • agricultural legislation
    • agriculture
    • family life
    • farm equipment
    • Farmers Institute Program

Interviewee
Gahm, Dwight January 28, 1980 

Call Number
80-007

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Dwight Gahm, born on March 11, 1919, was the president of Kitchen Kompact, Inc. The company is known as the largest kitchen cabinet factory in the world. He discusses assembly line production, and compares traditional woodworking with the products of the assembly line.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Kitchen Kompact, Incorporated
    • Occupation Names
    • company president
    • Subjects
    • assembly line production
    • cabinet manufacture
    • traditional woodworking

Interviewee
Gaiser, Gary January 17, 1979 

Call Number
79-003

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour

Interviewer
Giroux, Jr., Vincent

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Gary Gaiser discusses various aspects of the limestone industry.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indiana Limestone Company
    • Subjects
    • limestone industry

Interviewee
Gardner, Rod February 6, 1981 

Call Number
81-001

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 2 cassettes, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 15 minutes

Interviewer
Hartzer, Ronald B.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Rod Gardner, born July 26, 1927, discusses the history of Carpenter Body Works, a bus manufacturing company. He outlines his career with the company. He also discusses the products produced, the changes in how buses are built, and unions.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Carpenter Body Works, Incorporated
    • Family Names
    • Podrill
    • Occupation Names
    • factory manager
    • Place Names
    • Mitchell, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • labor strikes
    • marketing
    • school bus manufacture
    • unions

Interviewee
Godsey, Frank H.; Godsey, Lucille August 27, 1980 

Call Number
80-055

Physical Description

35 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 15 minutes; index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Frank and Lucille Godsey are interviewed regarding the Showers Brother Furniture Company. Frank worked in the plant, and Lucille was a secretary. This interview covers the the Great Depression and how the Showers Brothers Furniture Company survived through it, as well as describing the items Showers Brothers manufactured.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Sears, Roebuck and Company
    • Showers Brothers Furniture Company
    • Montgomery Ward
    • Family Names
    • Showers
    • Place Names
    • Bloomfield, Indiana
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Burlington, Iowa
    • Occupation Names
    • factory manager
    • secretary
    • Personal Names
    • Burnett, Guy
    • Estil, Roy
    • Subjects
    • depreciation
    • family business
    • furniture industry
    • glass basketball backboards
    • Great Depression
    • working conditions
    • World War II

Interviewee
Goldthwaite, John L. March 9, 1979 

Call Number
79-021

Physical Description

55 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 135 minutes; index; photograph of interveiwee

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

John L. Goldthwaite discusses glass manufacturing. He was employed at the MacBeth-Evans Glass Company in Marion, Indiana for many years. He discusses the products they produced, and the different methods of making them. He discusses the techniques for producing color-tinted and clear glass. He describes the hand-blowing process and the changes in technology that lead to paste molds, despite the conservative nature of the glass industry. He also outlines the decline in business at the MacBeth-Evans Glass Company that led to its closing in the early 1930s.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • American Window Glass Company
    • MacBeth-Evans Glass Company
    • Family Names
    • Ball
    • Place Names
    • Louisiana
    • Marion, Indiana
    • Ottawa, Illinois
    • West Virginia
    • Occupation Names
    • assistant chief engineer
    • Personal Names
    • Owens, Michael
    • Subjects
    • hand-blown glass
    • glass blowing
    • glass manufacture

Interviewee
Goldthwaite, John L. March 9, 1979;  March 13, 1979;  March 20, 1979;  March 27, 1979;  April 5, 1979 

Call Number
79-022

Physical Description

210 pages; 6 reels, 1 7/8 ips, 9 hours; no index; photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

John Goldthwaite provides an in-depth background on Allison Engine Company, Incorporated and describes the variety of engines that the company produced from 1927 to 1960. He talks a great deal about the expansion of the company and the involvement of the Allison family in the business. Other topics discussed include community relations, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and noise pollution.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • AC Sparkplug Company
    • Aero Products Company
    • Allison Engine Company, Incorporated
    • Austin Company of Cleveland
    • Barbasol Company
    • Bausch & Lomb
    • Chevrolet
    • Chicago Museum of Science and Industry
    • Continental Engine Company
    • Curtiss-Wright Corporation
    • Delco Remy International, Incorporated
    • Delta Electric Company
    • Electric Boat Company
    • Electromotive Corporation
    • Excello Company
    • Frigidaire
    • General Electric Company
    • General Motors Corporation
    • Indianapolis Motor Speedway
    • Johns Manville Corporation
    • Kelsey-Hayes Company
    • Letourneau, Incorporated
    • MacBeth-Evans Glass Company
    • Marmon Motor Car Company
    • National Forge and Ordinance
    • National Motor Car Company
    • North American Aviation
    • Osram Sylvania, Incorporated
    • Packard Motor Car Company
    • Reconstruction Finance Corporation
    • Seversky Airplane Company
    • Simonds Saw Company
    • Thompson Products
    • United Auto Workers
    • United States Navy
    • Westinghouse Corporation
    • Winton Engine
    • Wright Aeronautical Corporation
    • Zeppelin Corporation
    • Family Names
    • Allison
    • Rosenwald
    • Occupation Names
    • engineer
    • Personal Names
    • Aitken, Johnny
    • Allison, James
    • Bean, Morris
    • Berlin, Don
    • Chennault, Claire
    • Fisher, Carl
    • Gilman, Norman H.
    • Goldwaite, George
    • Kettering, Charles F.
    • Kroeger, Fred
    • Kruner, O.T.
    • Newill, Ed
    • Rickenbacker, Eddie
    • Rose, Gaurie
    • Seversky, Alexander
    • Whitmore, John
    • Wilson, C.E.
    • Place Names
    • Dayton, Ohio
    • Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • 1936 New York World's Fair
    • African-American workers
    • Allison Liberty engine
    • assembly line production
    • cost-plus contracts
    • electricity production
    • engine manufacturing
    • environmental pollution
    • factory expansion
    • government regulations
    • Great Depression
    • internal competition
    • international sales
    • Jim Crow laws
    • job shop production
    • job training
    • light bulbs
    • machinist
    • model shops
    • occupational safety
    • postwar production
    • profit margin
    • racial discrimination
    • savings bonds
    • skilled labor
    • subcontracting
    • technological changes
    • unions
    • unskilled labor
    • women workers

Interviewee
Gray, Carl April 12, 1979 

Call Number
79-029

Physical Description

60 pages; 2 reels; 1 7/7 ips, 2 hours 25 minutes, no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Gray, born on September 3, 1895, discusses his experiences in the coal mining industry in the United States and abroad. He describes the coal mining industry in Indiana, discussing the methods used to mine, the regulations that governed the companies, and the uses for the coal. He compares the coal mining industry in Indiana and the United States with mining industries internationally, in Great Britain, Wales and Australia.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • AMAX Coal Company
    • Enos Coal Company
    • Old Ben Mine
    • Patoka Coal Company
    • S.W. Little Coal Company
    • Saxton Coal Corporation
    • Sir John Jackson United
    • Twentieth Century Coal Company
    • Winslow Coal Corporation
    • Family Names
    • Engle
    • Ferguson
    • Little
    • McCleavey
    • Shirewoods
    • Occupation Names
    • attorney
    • Personal Names
    • Goodrich, James Putnam
    • Lewis, John L.
    • Marmon, Jeff
    • Schricker, Henry F.
    • Place Names
    • Ayrshire, Indiana
    • Beaver Dam, Kentucky
    • Blackburn, Indiana
    • Hartford, Kentucky
    • Pike County, Indiana
    • Whitley County, Kentucky
    • Zanesville, Ohio
    • Subjects
    • apprenticeship
    • coal industry
    • coal mining strikes
    • coal prices
    • domestic mines
    • environmental legislation
    • industry regulations
    • land reclamation
    • New Deal
    • shaft mining
    • strip mining
    • unions
    • wage negotiations

Interviewee
Greenaymer, John K. May 22, 1980 

Call Number
80-032

Physical Description

22 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 20 minutes; not indexed; photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born July 26, 1945, Mr. Greenaymer talks of his early life and how his father got into farming. He also talks about his first jobs and what he did to supplement his farming income. He discusses the responsibilities and jobs that were done on the farm. He talks about reasons for staying in farming as well as the problems in farming.

  • Keywords
    • Place Names
    • Angola, Indiana
    • Ashley, Indiana
    • Metz, Indiana
    • Occupation Names
    • farmer
    • teacher
    • Subjects
    • corn farming
    • farming
    • small scale farming

Interviewee
Grigsby, Holbert H. "Jake" September 18, 1979 

Call Number
79-055

Physical Description

31 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 15 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Holbert Grigsby, born July 30, 1902, begins by discussing his early life, his parents and their occupations. He outlines the areas of French Lick, Indiana, and West Baden Springs, Indiana, emphasizing the importance of the resort hotel and gambling industries.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • American Circus Corporation
    • French Lick Springs Hotel
    • Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus
    • West Baden Springs Hotel
    • Occupation Names
    • hotel worker
    • Personal Names
    • Ballard, Edward
    • Jardin, William
    • Lane, Perry
    • Palmer, Edward
    • Schwyer, Emil
    • Taggart, Thomas
    • Thacker, Elmer
    • Place Names
    • French Lick, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • celebrities
    • gambling industry
    • Great Depression
    • Pluto Water
    • resort hotels
    • Sprudel Water

Interviewee
Grolimund, Joseph Sr. October 15, 1980 

Call Number
80-065

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 2 cassettes, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 30 minutes

Interviewer
Hartzer, Ronald

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Grolimund discusses the band instrument industry in Elkhart, Indiana. The acquisition of early instrument plants is discussed, however the interview doesn't detail the actual manufacturing of instruments.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • C.G. Conn Incorporated
    • Selmer Corporation
    • Personal Names
    • Bundy, George
    • Greenleaf, C.D.
    • Place Names
    • Elkhart, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • musical instrument industry

Interviewee
Gromer, Fred September 18, 1979 

79-056

27 pages; 1 reel; 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour, no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A.

Scope and Content Note

Fred Gromer, born May 26, 1892 in Orange County, Indiana talks about his childhood and career in the railroad industry. He discusses the technical details of the routes trains travelled, their engines, and connections. He speaks of the Great Depression and the proliferation of hoboes riding the trains. He also discusses the effects of the trucking industry on the operations of railroads.

Open

  • Corporation Names
  • French Lick Springs Hotel
  • Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus
  • Monon Railroad
  • West Baden Springs Hotel
  • Occupation Names
  • ticket agent
  • Place Names
  • French Lick, Indiana
  • Subjects
  • freight transportation
  • Great Depression
  • hoboes
  • railroad workers
  • railroads
  • ticket prices
  • trucking industry
  • unions

Interviewee
Haley, Harold November 6, 1978 

Call Number
78-045

Physical Description

30 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour, no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in Bedford, Indiana in 1927, Harold Haley talks about growing up around the stone quarries. His career in the limestone industry began at the age of 14 or 15. He provides details of what a limestone sawyer does and the work that was done in limestone during World War II. He talks about the projects that he was involved in and the change in the limestone industry.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • McMillan Mill
    • Occupation Names
    • stonecutter
    • Place Names
    • Bedford, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • apprenticeship
    • labor-management relations
    • limestone industry
    • occupational safety
    • saws
    • stonecutting
    • technology
    • trade schools
    • wages
    • wartime production
    • working conditions
    • World War II

Interviewee
Hansen, Donald August 21, 1980 

Call Number
80-052

Physical Description

16 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 45 minutes, no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Donald Hansen, born May 2, 1909, discusses the economic impact of the manufacturing industry on Bloomington. Indiana, focusing on the Showers Brothers Furniture Company and RCA. He speaks of his life and educational background that led to his employment in the banking industry. He discusses the public works the companies and other aspects of the relationship Showers Brother and RCA had with the city of Bloomington.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Bloomington Advancement Association
    • Citizens Loan and Trust Company
    • First National Bank of Chicago
    • Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division
    • Nurre Caxton
    • RCA
    • Showers Brothers Furniture Company
    • Westinghouse Corporation
    • Occupation Names
    • banker
    • Personal Names
    • Wells, Herman B
    • Subjects
    • family business
    • Southern competition
    • wages
    • women workers

Interviewee
Hardy, Charles F. May 27, 1981 

Call Number
81-008

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 2 cassettes; 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 15 minutes

Interviewer
Hartzer, Ronald B.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Hardy discusses the Delco-Remy plant in Anderson, Indiana. Major topics are war-time production, labor-management relationship, employment level, and political campaign contributions. Also discussed are the benefits and disadvantages of having the plant located in Anderson, Indiana.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Delco Remy International, Incorporated
    • Place Names
    • Anderson, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • automobile industry
    • cost-plus contracts
    • customers
    • labor-management relations
    • unions
    • wartime production

Interviewee
Harrington, John H. February 28, 1980 

Call Number
80-014

Physical Description

48 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 1 hour 40 minutes, no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born February 24, 1906, Mr. Harrington talks about his early employment and working conditions. He talks about the need for unions and the time that Studebaker went into receivership. There is a brief mention of the Great Depression and how the company helped families out at this time. Other topics focused on are mergers and unions.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Curtiss-Wright Corporation
    • Packard Motor Car Company
    • Studebaker Corporation
    • Personal Names
    • Churchill, Harold E.
    • Hoffman, Paul G.
    • Loewy, Raymond
    • Nance, James J.
    • Subjects
    • African-American workers
    • communism
    • defense contracts
    • employee attitudes
    • Great Depression
    • minority employment
    • paternalism
    • piecework
    • receivership
    • unions
    • working conditions
    • World War II

Interviewee
Hartswick, Joseph H. March 14, 1978 

Call Number
79-024

Physical Description

44 pages; 1 reel 1 7/8, 1 hour 45 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Hartswick talks about his childhood and educational background. After graduating from Penn State he worked for the railroad, and later for Westinghouse. He provides information on the history of Westinghouse, and when and why the company moved to Bloomington, Indiana. He also gives information on the products Westinghouse manufactured. He also speaks of industrial development in general in Bloomington, Indiana

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Allis-Chalmers Company
    • Association of Westinghouse Salaried Employees
    • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
    • Osram Sylvania, Incorporated
    • RCA
    • Sarkes Tarzian, Incorporated
    • United Electrical Workers
    • Westinghouse Corporation
    • Occupation Names
    • design engineer
    • Place Names
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    • Subjects
    • business incentives
    • employee activity programs
    • engineering
    • factory expansion
    • industrial development
    • industrial relations
    • labor climate
    • layoffs
    • manufacturing design change
    • rehires
    • unionization

Interviewee
Hawkins, Lloyd January 30, 1979 

Call Number
79-007

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 45 minutes

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A., Jr.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Lloyd Hawkins, born in 1919, discusses his experiences with the Otis Elevator Company in Bloomington, Indiana.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Otis Elevator Company
    • Personal Names
    • Bloomington, Indiana

Interviewee
Hayes, Alfred H. November 16, 1979 

Call Number
79-068

Physical Description

29 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 60 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1906, Alfred H. Hayes worked at Standard Oil's Whiting, Indiana, refinery for much of his career, initially as a chemical engineer in the research department. He discusses the various means of processing gasoline and the war production that went into effect at the refinery during World War II. He comments on the profitability improvement program put into effect at Standard Oil, resulting in the elimination of the candleworks and many jobs over time. Mr. Hayes also speaks extensively of the 1955 Standard Oil explosion and fire, and the increased safety measures that were enacted in the wake of the fire.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • AMOCO
    • Central States Petroleum Union
    • CIO
    • Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers Union
    • Standard Oil Company
    • Whiting Candleworks
    • Occupation Names
    • chemical engineer
    • Personal Names
    • Swearingen, John
    • Place Names
    • Whiting, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • 1955 Standard Oil fire
    • catalytic cracking process
    • gasoline processing
    • isooctane production
    • platinum reforming process
    • profitability improvement program
    • public relations
    • refinery research
    • toulene production
    • unions
    • wartime production
    • World War II

Interviewee
Haynes, William B. September 22, 1977 

Call Number
77-025

Physical Description

36 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 15 minutes, indexed

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Haynes, born on January 31, 1926, discusses his career as an African-American architect. He discusses his initial difficulties in finding employment because of racial discimination. He was finally employed at Indiana University where he eventually became Assistant University Architect. He discusses the structure and procedures at the University Architect's office and describes some of the projects he worked on. He then went to work as the head architect to the CIT Financial Corporation, where he was required to travel. After a few years he settled back in Bloomington, Indiana and started his own architectural firm. He discusses some of the projects they worked on, like the Stone Belt Center and the animal shelter. He also touches upon methods of attracting clients and the costs of building materials and other contractors.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • CIT Financial Corporation
    • Dunn Memorial Hospital
    • Moon Freight Lines
    • Ralph Rogers Company
    • South-Central Mental Health Foundation
    • Stone Belt Center
    • Occupation Names
    • architect
    • Personal Names
    • Tabor, Bill
    • Place Names
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • client satisfaction
    • commercial construction
    • conservation
    • Indiana architecture
    • labor cost
    • material costs
    • profit margin
    • racial discrimination
    • residential construction
    • stone belt

Interviewee
Henderson, Robert E. January 17, 1980 

Call Number
80-006

Physical Description

46 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 80 minutes; no index; interviewee's resume

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born on February 28, 1925, Robert E. Henderson discusses his work and beliefs in the research and development of alternative fuels and sources of energy in Indiana. Extensively trained in physics, he discusses the practicality of various sources of energy, including solar and nuclear energy, and the technological developments that have emerged relating to the application of such alternatives. Mr. Henderson also speaks of his work with the Indianapolis Center For Advanced Research, or ICFAR, and the reasons why solar energy has not been widely accepted and utilized in Indiana.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Allison Engine Company, Incorporated
    • Atomic Energy Commission
    • General Motors Corporation
    • Indiana University
    • Indianapolis Center For Advanced Research
    • Medi-Scan
    • Showalter Residuary Trust
    • U.S. Department of Energy
    • Occupation Names
    • physicist
    • Personal Names
    • Daniels, Farington
    • Kyes, Roger
    • Place Names
    • Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • alternative energy sources
    • annual cycle energy system
    • applied technology
    • conservation
    • Experimental Reflector Orbital Shot
    • government funding
    • medical technology
    • natural gas
    • research funding
    • solar energy
    • Sterling Engine Project
    • technological changes
    • ultrasound

Interviewee
Henry, Frank E. November 13, 1979 

Call Number
79-065

Physical Description

32 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 110 minutes; index; xeroxed photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Frank E. Henry, born on September 28, 1884, discusses his family and his status as an original employee of U.S. Steel. He speaks of his employment history, emphasizing his years living and working in the community of Gary, Indiana. Mr. Henry speaks of technological innovations in the creation and processing of steel, as well as the impact of labor unions, World War I, and World War II on employment in the Gary Works of U.S. Steel Corporation.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Gary Sheet and Tin Mill
    • U.S. Steel Corporation
    • U.S. Steel Corporation Gary Works
    • Vandergrift Mill
    • Personal Names
    • Gary, Elbert H.
    • Place Names
    • Gary, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • Great Depression
    • open annealing furnace
    • racial diversity
    • unions
    • World War I
    • World War II

Interviewee
Hilst, A.R. January 10, 1978 

Call Number
78-004

Physical Description

47 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 110 minutes; no index; interviewee's resume, Purdue University School of Agriculture pamphlet, World War II Purdue University School of Agriculture program requirements

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry H.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born on June 1, 1924, A.R. Hilst discusses his family and youth in rural Illinois, and focuses on his career as an agronomy and agriculture professor at the Purdue University School of Agriculture. He speaks of his experiences during World War II, the public's growing concern with the possible negative effects of the practical application of chemicals, including herbicides, and the increase in research on pollution and environmental conservation. He emphasizes the growth and high quality of the program and curriculum offered at Purdue's School of Agriculture, as well as the slowly increasing diversity of students enrolled there.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Council on Agricultural Science and Technology
    • Purdue University
    • Purdue University School of Agriculture
    • Texas A&M University
    • Occupation Names
    • agronomy professor
    • Place Names
    • Pekin, Illinois
    • Subjects
    • African-American students
    • agriculture curriculum
    • agronomy
    • associate degrees
    • atomic bomb
    • curriculum flexibility
    • federal funding
    • food production study
    • herbicides
    • industry cooperative program
    • Indiana University regional campuses
    • land grant institutions
    • pollution research
    • student enrollment
    • Two-Four-D
    • women students
    • World War II

Interviewee
Holmes, Clayton September 27, 1978 

Call Number
78-030

Physical Description

40 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 110 minutes; index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A., Jr.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Clayton Holmes, born on June 8, 1924, discusses his career in the Indiana limestone industry, culminating in his position as general manager of Independent Limestone Company. He speaks of the impact of the Great Depression and World War II on the limestone industry, the cost efficiency of limestone as opposed to other building materials, and of his pride in the Washington, DC Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, which was built almost entirely of Indiana limestone. In addition, Mr. Holmes comments on the different grades of limestone, the relationship between management and labor at the quarries, and the departmental organization of the company.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul
    • Indiana Limestone Company
    • Indiana Limestone Promotional Trust Fund
    • Independent Limestone Company
    • Family Names
    • Norton
    • Personal Names
    • Norton, Frederick
    • Norton, Spencer
    • Ray, Jessey
    • Place Names
    • Bedford, Indiana
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Lawrence County, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • company structure
    • employee turnover
    • Great Depression
    • ledge foremen
    • limestone cost
    • limestone grades
    • limestone industry
    • limestone quarries
    • limestone transportation
    • limestone worker strikes
    • unions
    • World War II

Interviewee
Huffman, Harry V. March 2, 1979 

Call Number
79-019

Physical Description

32 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 90 minutes; no index; Citizens Gas & Coke Utility annual report and collateral information, copy of the Indiana Code of 1971

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Harry V. Huffman discusses the evolution and uniqueness of the Citizens Gas & Coke Utility in Indianapolis, Indiana. A public charitable trust, this company provided gas to Indianapolis residents at cost. Mr. Huffman also comments on the Indiana corporation legal codes that resulted in the utility company, as well as on the vagaries of coke manufacture and gas distribution, especially during the energy crisis of the nineteen seventies.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Citizens Gas and Coke Utility
    • Consumers Gas Trust Company
    • Personal Names
    • Clifford, Austin
    • Place Names
    • Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • coal quality
    • coke manufacture
    • energy crisis
    • gas costs
    • gas distribution
    • Indiana corporate law
    • public charitable trusts

Interviewee
Hughes, Frances E. July 16, 1979 

Call Number
79-043

Physical Description

40 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 1 hour 15 minutes; no index; photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born May 20, 1907, Frances Hughes discusses her forty-one years in the newspaper business. She talks about the local newspapers of Terre Haute, Indiana, how they were politically backed, and the merging of newspapers.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Coca-Cola Bottling Company
    • Hulman Foundation
    • Indiana State University
    • Owens-Illinois, Incorporated
    • Pfizer, Incorporated
    • Root Glass Factory
    • Rose Polytechnic Institute
    • Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
    • Saturday Spectator
    • Terre Haute Post
    • Scripps Howard Foundation
    • Terre Haute Tribune
    • Family Names
    • Hulman
    • Keifer
    • Root
    • Occupation Names
    • journalist
    • Personal Names
    • Blumbuerg, Ben
    • Cloutier, Joseph R.
    • Fischer, Alice
    • Hulman, Anton J., Jr. "Tony"
    • Kussner, Amalia
    • Melville, Rose
    • Meyers, Ernestine
    • Nation, Fred
    • Rose, Chauncey
    • St. Denis, Janet Ruth
    • Shaw, Ted
    • Suratt, Velesca
    • Place Names
    • Terre Haute, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • 1935 general strike
    • ethnic population
    • newspaper business
    • pay equity
    • prostitution
    • race relations
    • World War II

Interviewee
Hupp, George C. February 29, 1980 

Call Number
80-015

Physical Description

78 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 120 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1912, George C. Hupp details his years as an employee of the Studebaker Corporation in South Bend, Indiana, and as an active member and leader of the local union, United Auto Workers Local #5. After commenting on his youth, parents, and education, Mr. Hupp describes how he paid bills during the Great Depression, the steady increase of wages over time, and the slow improvement of working conditions. In addition, he talks extensively of union matters, including membership fluctuations, union strong-arming and violence, and grievance procedures. He describes the communist infiltration of the nineteen forties and nineteen fifties, as well as the entrance of female and African-American workers.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • AFL
    • Curtiss-Wright Corporation
    • Studebaker Corporation
    • Studebaker-Packard Corporation
    • United Auto Workers
    • United Auto Workers, Local 5
    • Occupation Names
    • auto worker
    • Personal Names
    • Fowler, Burt
    • Gundeck, Walter
    • Hoffman, Paul G.
    • Mulrine, Fred
    • Reuther, Walter Phillip
    • Woods, Forrest
    • Place Names
    • South Bend, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • African-American workers
    • assembly line production
    • auto worker strikes
    • communists
    • controlled piecework
    • cost-plus contracts
    • diversity
    • employee attitudes
    • Great Depression
    • grievance procedure
    • pension plans
    • racial discrimination
    • seniority
    • union membership
    • union violence
    • unions
    • wages
    • women workers
    • work ethic
    • working conditions
    • World War II

Interviewee
Hutchison, Harold C. October 21, 1977 

Call Number
77-031

Physical Description

17 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 40 minutes, no index

Interviewer
Hunter, Wilma King

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Hutchison, born January 5, 1925, outlines his family history and educational background. He talks about methods of mining and the reasons for strip mining versus underground mining. He provides information on the number of people working in coal mining, mining's supporting industries, and the impact of coal mining on the environment.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • AMAX Coal Company
    • Coal Operators Association
    • Consolidated Coal Company
    • Greene-Sullivan State Forest
    • Old Ben Coal Corporation
    • Peabody Coal Company
    • Sierra Club
    • Place Names
    • Clay County, Indiana
    • Daviess County, Indiana
    • Fountain County, Indiana
    • Gibson County, Indiana
    • Greene County, Indiana
    • Knox County, Indiana
    • Parke County, Indiana
    • Perry County, Indiana
    • Pike County, Indiana
    • Povey, Indiana
    • Spencer, Indiana
    • Sullivan County, Indiana
    • Vigo County, Indiana
    • Warren County, Indiana
    • Warrick County, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • coal mining
    • coal reserves
    • environmental concerns
    • land reclamation
    • mining equipment
    • occupational safety
    • strip mining
    • supporting industries

Interviewee
Ira, William November 13, 1978 

Call Number
78-047

Physical Description

19 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Ira, born May 5, 1929, provides a general background apprenticeship in the limestone industry. He discusses what a limestone cutter does and the changes that had taken place in the nineteen forties and nineteen fifties He gives his opinion as to what changes should be made for the continuation of the industry and briefly discusses the involvement of unions.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Engle Stone Company
    • Indiana Limestone Company
    • Journeymen Stonecutters Union
    • Occupation Names
    • stonecutter
    • Place Names
    • Bedford, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • craftwork
    • Great Depression
    • journeymen
    • limestone industry
    • mill work
    • unions
    • skilled labor
    • stonecarving
    • stonecutting

Interviewee
Jacko, Robert B. January 10, 1978 

Call Number
78-005

Physical Description

40 pages; 1 reel; 1 7/8 ips; 1 hour 35 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Jacko discusses environmental engineering and how environmental control effects economics and the quality of life. He also discusses the economics of keeping air and water clean.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Breed Power Station
    • Federal Power Commission
    • Hoosier Energy
    • Indiana and Michigan Electric Company
    • Indiana Electric Association
    • Indianapolis Power and Light Company
    • National Science Foundation
    • NIPSCO
    • Public Service Edwardsport Plant
    • Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company
    • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    • Occupation Names
    • environmental engineering professor
    • Personal Names
    • Orr, Robert D.
    • Place Names
    • Bicknell, Indiana
    • Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Michigan City, Indiana
    • Newburgh, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • air quality
    • cancer research
    • energy demands
    • environmental regulations
    • environmental testing
    • nuclear power plants
    • pollution studies

Interviewee
Jourdan, Jack August 14, 1979 

Call Number
79-050

Physical Description

35 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 95 minutes; index; 20 articles by interviewee, Certificate of Recognition for Sit-Down Strike, memoir of interviewee, 2 handwritten copies of Desiderata

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1912, Jack Jourdan discusses his youth, family, employment history, and the dangers of coal mining, as evidenced by the deaths of his father and two uncles in that profession. Mr. Jourdan focuses on his personal recollections of the sit-down strike at the Guide Lamp division of the General Motors Corporation in 1937. He speaks of the surrounding violence between union and anti-union workers. He also comments on working conditions, the point system, and wages at Guide Lamp.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • General Motors Corporation
    • General Motors Guide Lamp Division
    • United Auto Workers
    • Occupation Names
    • auto worker
    • Personal Names
    • Heaton, Earl
    • Reuther, Sophie Good
    • Reuther, Victor
    • Wallace, Ben
    • Place Names
    • Anderson, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • 1937 sit-down strike
    • African-American workers
    • baseball
    • coal mining
    • company baseball teams
    • point system
    • racial discrimination
    • union violence
    • wages
    • working conditions

Interviewee
Keckich, John A. November 20, 1979 

Call Number
79-071

Physical Description

42 pages; 2 reels, 4.7 cps, 140 minutes; index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

John A. Keckich, born on January 29, 1910, describes his Yugoslav immigrant parents, his youth in Whiting, Indiana, and his participation in an industrial football league, which led to an employment offer at Inland Steel. He discusses the community of Whiting, including its ethnic diversity and segregation, discrimination against minorities, and the intensely close and generally positive relationship between local industry and the community. Mr. Keckich comments on labor relations, technological improvements over the years, and the impact of these innovations on steel production throughout the world.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Inland Steel Company
    • Standard Oil Company
    • United Steel Workers
    • Place Names
    • Whiting, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • computerization
    • cost-plus contracts
    • discrimination
    • education
    • employee attitudes
    • Equal Employment Opportunity
    • ethnic diversity
    • ethnic segregation
    • Fourth of July
    • galvanized steel
    • Great Depression
    • grievance procedure
    • industrial football league
    • labor-management relations
    • steel production
    • technological changes
    • unions
    • women workers
    • World War II

Interviewee
Kirkman, Ralph January 18, 1979 

Call Number
79-006

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 90 minutes

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A., Jr.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1907, Ralph Kirkman discusses the limestone industry in Indiana, as well as his experiences working in the limestone quarries.

  • Keywords
    • Subjects
    • limestone industry
    • limestone quarries

Interviewee
Kohls, Richard L. January 9, 1978 

Call Number
78-002

Physical Description

38 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 90 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry H.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1921, Richard L. Kohls, the Dean of Agriculture at Purdue University, discusses agriculture in Indiana and the agriculture curriculum at Purdue University. He speaks of the teaching vs. research debate, and the equal value he places on each. Mr. Kohls comments on the increased diversity in student enrollment in the School of Agriculture, as well as the impact on the program of state politics and relations with the federal government.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Farmers Union
    • Indiana State Agricultural Experiment Station
    • Purdue University
    • Purdue University School of Agriculture
    • U.S. Department of Agriculture
    • Occupation Names
    • school of agriculture dean
    • Personal Names
    • Butz, Earl V.
    • Subjects
    • African-Americans
    • agriculture
    • agriculture curriculum
    • Farm Science Days
    • federal government
    • land grant institutions
    • state politics
    • student enrollment
    • teaching vs. research debate

Interviewee
LaGrange, Wayne January 15, 1980 

Call Number
80-005

Physical Description

41 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 85 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Wayne LaGrange, born on November 23, 1932, discusses his employment history, including time spent as a barber, a welder, and a steel fitter. Mr. LaGrange focuses on his years at Jeffboat, Incorporated, the building of barges, and the effects of economic fluctuations on business. He also speaks of his experiences with labor unions, including the fact that there were never cost of living clauses in his company's contracts due to the need to remain competitive while bidding for jobs.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • American Commercial Barge Line
    • Jeffboat, Incorporated
    • Teamsters Union
    • Texas Gas Transmission
    • Occupation Names
    • steel fitter
    • welder
    • Personal Names
    • Ney, Wes
    • Subjects
    • 1984 Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act
    • barge manufacture
    • economic fluctuations
    • Mississippi Queen
    • steelworker strikes
    • unions
    • worker's compensation

Interviewee
Land, George W. February 10, 1978 

Call Number
78-008

Physical Description

67 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 130 minutes; no index; photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry H.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

George W. Land, born in November of 1914, discusses his youth in Illinois and his employment as the director of market research at AMAX Coal Company. He speaks extensively about the coal industry, including mining, refining, usage, quality, and the reclamation of mined land. Mr. Land also comments on the wisdom and likely impact of various environmental legislation regarding the coal industry. He clarifies the differences in method, equipment, cost, and availability between surface and underground mining.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • AMAX Coal Company
    • Southern Illinois University Carbondale
    • Place Names
    • market research director
    • Subjects
    • coal gasification
    • coal industry
    • coal liquefaction
    • coal mining
    • coal quality
    • coal scrubbing
    • education
    • environmental legislation
    • labor strikes
    • land reclamation
    • market research
    • oil industry
    • pollution
    • Soil Analysis Profile Program
    • unions

Interviewee
Landrey, Ralph May 16, 1979 

Call Number
79-039

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 120 minutes

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born on May 20, 1903, Ralph Landrey, a retired engineer, discusses the coal and oil industries in Indiana. He also speaks of conflict between unions and management in these industries.

  • Keywords
    • Occupation Names
    • engineer
    • Subjects
    • coal industry
    • oil industry
    • strip mining
    • unions

Interviewee
Leffler, John D. August 22, 1980 

Call Number
80-053

Physical Description

29 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 60 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born on July 7, 1917, John D. Leffler discusses his years employed as an RCA merchandise traffic manager. He comments on the shipping and distribution of products, as well as the size and capacity of various warehouses with regard to inventory. Mr. Leffler also speaks of the impact the introduction of computers has had on RCA shipping and distribution.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Griffith Motor Express
    • RCA
    • Occupation Names
    • RCA traffic manager
    • Personal Names
    • Riley, Gordon
    • Place Names
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • computerization
    • grab trucks
    • inventory size
    • warehouses
    • product shipping
    • trucking deregulation

Interviewee
Limestone in the Stonebelt Conference September 8, 1978 - September 9, 1978 

Call Number
78-024

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 4 reels, 1 7/8 ips, 6 hours 30 minutes; conference schedule of events, participant questionnaire, 3 associated pamphlets, 1 slide of a Bloomington, Indiana limestone quarry

Interviewer
Cooper, Susan; Goodwin, Joseph P.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

This recording of the Limestone in the Stonebelt Conference outlines the history of the limestone industry in the areas of Bloomington and Bedford, Indiana. The local economic impact of the limestone industry, as well as its uses and the various occupations it provided to the surrounding communities, are discussed.

  • Keywords
    • Place Names
    • Bedford, Indiana
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • limestone industry
    • local economy

Interviewee
Liska, B.J. January 10, 1978 

Call Number
78-003

Physical Description

45 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 105 minutes; no index; 1976 annual report of Indiana State Agricultural Experiment Station, 1976 annual report on the service and regulatory activities of Purdue University, list of the Indiana State Agricultural Experiment Station's research accomplishments

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry H.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

B.J. Liska, born on May 31, 1931, discusses his education and background in food microbiology and agronomy, which eventually led to his employment as a professor at Purdue University and the position of director of the Agricultural Experiment Station. He speaks of federal and state funding of agricultural research and of the past and possible beneficial results of such research, including increased crop yields. Dr. Liska discusses international projects and research, such as Purdue University's strong ties with Brazil, especially in the area of corn production research.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Agency for International Development
    • Civil Service Retirement System
    • Indiana Farm Bureau
    • Indiana State Agricultural Experiment Station
    • Purdue University
    • United States Army
    • U.S. Department of Agriculture
    • Occupation Names
    • food science professor
    • Place Names
    • Hillsborough, Wisconsin
    • Subjects
    • 1887 Hatch Act
    • agricultural education
    • agriculture research
    • agronomy
    • crop production
    • federal funding
    • Green Revolution
    • hog industry
    • inflation
    • local politics
    • research grants
    • Title XII

Interviewee
Loescher, Samuel April 20, 1979 

Call Number
79-032

Physical Description

28 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 60 minutes; index

Interviewer
Stevens, Mary L.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1923, Samuel Loescher discusses the development of InPIRG, the Indiana Public Interest Research Group, and its directors, funding, and the opposition it faced within the state. Also covered is InPIRG's relationship with Indiana University administration and Mr. Loescher's idea of the research group's role or purpose. He comments on the funding received from the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Foundation, which was cancelled in 1974 due to a failing American economy.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • American Association of University Professors
    • Bloomington Faculty Council
    • Indiana Bell Telephone Company
    • Indiana Public Interest Research Group
    • Indiana University
    • Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Foundation
    • Personal Names
    • Carter, Byrum
    • Miller, Gary
    • Franz, Frank
    • Nader, Ralph
    • Place Names
    • Nebo Ridge, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • anti-trust organizations
    • consumer advocacy groups
    • research funding
    • student public interest research groups

Interviewee
Lythgoe, Richard F. May 3, 1979 

Call Number
79-037

Physical Description

40 pages; 2 reels, 4.7 cps, 160 minutes; index; xeroxed photograph of interviewee, article by interviewee, Vanderburgh Circuit Court documents

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Richard F. Lythgoe, born on April 5, 1916, discusses organized labor in Indiana from the nineteen thirties through 1979. A union representative for much of his career, Mr. Lythgoe speaks extensively of unions, union leadership, labor relations, related federal legislation, minority membership in unions, and the fear of communism in unions. He cites his father's work as a glassblower as his initial introduction to unionization. He comments on strikes and lockouts, and the increasing ineffectiveness and inefficiency of union arbitration and grievance procedures under new labor laws.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • AFL-CIO
    • Chrysler Corporation
    • Council of Industrial Relations
    • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
    • International Harvester Company
    • Servel Corporation
    • Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company
    • UAW National War Labor Board
    • United Auto Workers
    • Occupation Names
    • labor union representative
    • Personal Names
    • Branigan, Roger D.
    • Reuther, Walter Phillip
    • Sentner, William
    • Place Names
    • Evansville, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • 1935 National Labor Relations Act
    • 1959 Landrum-Griffin Act
    • communism
    • cost-plus contracts
  • electricity production
  • glass blowers
  • grievance procedure
  • Great Depression
  • Indiana Right to Work Law
  • labor leadership
  • labor strikes
  • lockouts
  • minority employment
  • Taft-Hartley amendments
  • union membership
  • unions

Interviewee
Marshall, Robert J. September 10, 1979 

Call Number
79-053

Physical Description

66 pages; 2 reels, 1 7/8 ips, 3 hours; no index; photograph of interviewee, partial list of Columbus and county gifts

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Robert J. Marshall, born on August 3, 1912, discusses the major industries Columbus, Indiana and their impact on the town. He speaks of local employers during the Great Depression, community improvement programs introduced by local businesses and businessmen, the importance of agriculture to the Indiana economy, and the small African-American community of Columbus. He comments on the increasing difficulty in retaining youth as citizens of a small community, and he speaks of the increasing diversification of the Indiana economy since World War II.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Arvin Industries
    • Atterbury Air Force Base
    • Columbus First Christian Church
    • Columbus High School
    • Columbus Human Rights Commission
    • COSCO
    • Cummins, Incorporated
    • Mooney Tannery
    • Reeves Pulley Company
    • The Republic
    • Works Progress Administration
    • Family Names
    • Irwin
    • Personal Names
    • Miller, J. Irwin
    • Noblitt, Q.G.
    • Place Names
    • Bartholomew County, Indiana
    • Columbus, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • African-American community
    • agriculture
    • canning industry
    • Catholic community
    • community development
    • discrimination
    • Great Depression
    • local architecture
    • local industry
    • local politics
    • New Deal
    • racism
    • school construction
    • seasonal layoffs
    • segregation
    • unions
    • World War II

Interviewee
McCormick, John B. June 21, 1979 

Call Number
79-042

Physical Description

37 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 2 hours, no index; photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R.T

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mr. McCormick, born December 27, 1914, discusses is life long career as a farmer. He discusses the different kinds of farming he has practiced over the years, from raising poultry and hogs to growing corn crops. He discusses the business transactions involved in running a small farm. He describes the records he has kept regarding prices he has recieved for goods, weather patterns and their effects on crop yeilds, and loans and other finacial matters.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indiana Farm Bureau
    • U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
    • Occupation Names
    • farmer
    • Place Names
    • Carroll County, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • 1938 Agricultural Adjustment Act
    • agricultural technology
    • corn farming
    • crop rotation
    • diseases
    • farm equipment
    • farming
    • hog production
    • marketing
    • vertical integration

Interviewee
McDonald, William H. December 20, 1976 

Call Number
76-071

Physical Description

40 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 95 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry H.

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1929, William H. McDonald discusses his work as the architectural services director of the Indiana Limestone Institute, emphasizing the institute's mission promoting limestone usage and sales. He speaks of the fluctuations in the Indiana limestone industry throughout the twentieth century, the accompanying rise and decline of limestone production, associated architectural standards. Mr. McDonald comments on labor-management relations within the industry, the cost of using limestone in construction as opposed to concrete, brick, or glass, and the different building requirements of domestic and commercial architecture.

Access Status

Open

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indiana Limestone Institute
    • Indiana Limestone Promotional Trust Fund
    • Occupation Names
    • architectural services director
    • Place Names
    • Washington, DC
    • Subjects
    • architectural restoration
    • architectural standards
    • architecture
    • glass buildings
    • limestone industry
    • limestone quality
    • limestone transportation
    • limestone worker strikes
    • Oolitic limestone
    • solar energy
    • strip ashlar
    • thermal insulators
    • unemployment

Interviewee
McDonald, William H. November 6, 1978 

Call Number
78-044

Physical Description

47 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 120 minutes; no index; article regarding limestone industry

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A., Jr.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

William H. McDonald, born in November of 1929, discusses his employment history, especially his work in the limestone industry in Texas and Indiana. He speaks extensively of the purposes and accomplishments of the Indiana Limestone Institute, in concert with the Indiana Limestone Promotional Trust Fund. He speaks of his ideas about the future of the institute. Mr. McDonald also comments on the methods and benefits of using limestone in buildings. He discusses the need to educate architects about the use of limestone, and the ups and downs of the limestone industry in Indiana.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indiana Limestone Institute
    • Indiana Limestone Promotional Trust Fund
    • Indiana University Department of Fine Arts
    • Victor Oolitic Stone Company
    • Occupation Names
    • architectural services director
    • Subjects
    • architecture
    • bearing wall buildings
    • curtain wall buildings
    • education
    • limestone cost
    • limestone industry
    • limestone sales
    • limestone market
    • public relations

Interviewee
McMillen, Dale W., Jr. October 23, 1980 

Call Number
80-070

Physical Description

28 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 80 minutes; index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Dale W. McMillen, Jr., born on January 6, 1914, discusses the Central Soya Corporation, founded by his father, of which he is a former chairman of the board. He speaks of the company's history, its transition from being Central Sugar Company to Central Soya, and the soybean industry in Indiana. He also comments on the impact of World War II on the business. Mr. McMillen discusses the growth and development of Central Soya, its expansion across the United States and into foreign markets, the federal regulations that govern business, and issues related to the transportation of soy beans.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Central Soya Corporation
    • Central Sugar Company
    • Place Names
    • Chicago, Illinois
    • Fort Wayne, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • animal feed industry
    • family business
    • federal regulations
    • product shipping
    • public company
    • soy consumption
    • soybean exports
    • soybean industry
    • soybean production
    • World War II

Interviewee
Mee, John F. April 19, 1979 

Call Number
79-030

Physical Description

48 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 55 minutes; index; photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R.T

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

John F. Mee, born on July 10, 1908, begins with a discussion on his early childhood and education, leading to his current position as a business professor. He provides background and reasons for the influx of industry into Indiana. He also discusses industrial changes and the role of federal funding in educating and training skilled labor.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Chrysler Corporation
    • Delco Remy International, Incorporated
    • Diamond Chain
    • Engineering Science and Management Training Program
    • Ford Motor Company
    • General Motors Corporation
    • Indiana University
    • Irwin Union Bank and Trust
    • Lilly Foundation
    • Mallory Sonalert Products, Incorporated
    • Family Names
    • Clowes
    • Hillenbrad
    • Johnson
    • Lilly
    • Occupation Names
    • business professor
    • Personal Names
    • Barnett, John
    • Bryan, William Lowe
    • Cummins, Clessie
    • Elliott, Don
    • Ford, Henry
    • Irwin, Will
    • Jackson, Clarence
    • Miller, J. Irwin
    • Nelson, Alice
    • Weimar, Arthur M.
    • Wells, Herman B
    • Place Names
    • Anderson, Indiana
    • Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Kokomo, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • industrial technology
    • mechanical engineering
    • state economic base

Interviewee
Miles, Robert D. January 10, 1978 

Call Number
78-006

Physical Description

35 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 85 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A., Jr.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Robert D. Miles, an engineering professor who was born in December of 1924, discusses his participation in the Ohio River Basin Project for the purpose of energy conversion. He speaks of the possibilities of and need for more research in the areas of nuclear power and solar energy, especially in the years of the energy crisis. In addition, he speaks of the selection of power plant locations and the resulting public outcry.

  • Keywords
    • Occupation Names
    • engineering professor
    • Subjects
    • conservation
    • electricity production
    • energy conversion
    • energy crisis
    • fossil fuel
    • nuclear power
    • Ohio River Basin Project
    • public relations
    • solar energy

Interviewee
Miller, Eli D. February 20, 1980 

Call Number
80-012

Physical Description

35 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 100 minutes; no index; biographical sketch of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born on July 27, 1917, Eli D. Miller, as an executive of the South Bend Chamber of Commerce, discusses the economic profile of South Bend, Indiana, from 1946 through 1980. He speaks of local industrial failures and their impact on the community, the collapse of the Studebaker Corporation, and the role of the Chamber of Commerce in South Bend. In addition, he speaks of the economic diversification that took place across the United States after World War II, the upsurge of the convention and hotel industry in the Midwest, and local labor-management relations.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Mishawaka Labor Management Commission
    • South Bend Chamber of Commerce
    • Studebaker Corporation
    • Personal Names
    • Hoffman, Paul G.
    • Place Names
    • Mishawaka, Indiana
    • South Bend, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • automobile industry
    • community development
    • cost-plus contracts
    • ethnic diversity
    • hotel industry
    • labor-management relations
    • local economy
    • local transportation
    • technological changes
    • unions
    • urban renewal

Interviewee
Myers, Robert September 25, 1978 

Call Number
78-029

Physical Description

57 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 2 hours, no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Robert Myers, born on July 2, 1928, begins by explaining the process of quarrying. He talks about labor unions and the need for unions in the limestone industry. He also discusses the responsibilities of union representatives and the successes and failures of unions.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • AFL
    • Dimensional Stoneworkers, Local 909
    • Laborers International Union
    • Victor Oolitic Stone Company
    • Occupation Names
    • union agent
    • Personal Names
    • Axom, Frank
    • Subjects
    • fringe benefits
    • Great Depression
    • limestone industry
    • non-union companies
    • part-time jobs
    • quarry work
    • supplemental income
    • unions
    • wages
    • working conditions

Interviewee
Newill, Edward B. February 16, 1979 

Call Number
79-014

Physical Description

66 pages; 2 reels, 1 7/8 ips, 160 minutes; no index; photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born on February 6, 1895, Edward B. Newill discusses the history of the Allison Engine Division of General Motors from its origin as a family owned garage, giving particular emphasis to the high production years surrounding World War II. He speaks of the manufacture of various important aircraft engines and the federal government regulations pertaining to their production. In addition, Mr. Newill speaks of labor-management relations, the expansion and diversification of the division, and its impact on the economy of Indiana.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Allison Engine Company, Incorporated
    • Chevrolet
    • General Motors Corporation
    • Lockheed Corporation
    • United Auto Workers
    • United States Air Force
    • Personal Names
    • Bohm, Curry
    • Subjects
    • aircraft engine production
    • aircraft manufacture
    • airplanes
    • Allison jet engine
    • auto worker strikes
    • federal regulations
    • job shop production
    • piston engines
    • turbojet engines
    • turboprop engines
    • unions
    • V-1710 engine
    • World War II

Interviewee
Olsen, Arthur J. February 21, 1979 

Call Number
79-015

Physical Description

49 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 120 minutes; no index; Otis Elevator Company statistics

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A., Jr.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Arthur J. Olsen, born on August 30, 1919, discusses the history of the Otis Elevator Company, at which he has been employed since 1937. He comments on the company's decision to build a plant in Bloomington, Indiana, on the factory planning process, and the impact of the plant on local employment and the local economy. In addition, he speaks about elevator and escalator manufacture, including the Otis employee safety program, and the effects of technological advances on production.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Otis Elevator Company
    • Occupation Names
    • plant engineering manager
    • Place Names
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Yonkers, New York
    • Subjects
    • elevator manufacture
    • escalator manufacture
    • factory planning
    • job training
    • layoffs
    • local economy
    • local employment
    • occupational safety
    • production sites
    • technological changes
    • unions

Interviewee
Orcutt, Daniel C. November 11, 1980 

Call Number
80-073

Physical Description

28 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 80 minutes; index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Daniel C. Orcutt, born on April 7, 1936, discusses his employment with the Indianapolis International Airport and his part in the airport's expansion. He comments on the land acquisition necessary for expansion and the local impact of the energy crisis, Environmental Protection Agency standards for noise pollution, and airline deregulation.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indianapolis Airport Authority
    • Indianapolis International Airport
    • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    • Subjects
    • airline deregulation
    • airport expansion
    • energy crisis
    • international air service
    • land acquisition
    • noise pollution

Interviewee
Paarlberg, Don December 2, 1977;   March 1, 1978;  March 2, 1978 

Call Number
77-045

Physical Description

152 pages; 4 reels, 1 7/8 ips, 6 hours; no index; photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry H.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Don Paarlberg, born on June 20, 1911, discusses his youth and education during the Great Depression, which contributed to his knowledge of and career in agricultural economy in both academic and federal government settings. He speaks of his experiences in and perceptions of the Eisenhower, Nixon, and Ford administrations, gleaned from years working in Washington, DC, with the United States Department of Agriculture and for the secretary of agriculture. In addition, he describes federal agricultural policy, its impact on the domestic and international economy, his impressions of and relations with various politicians, and his years as a professor at Purdue University.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Cornell University
    • Food For Peace
    • Purdue University
    • Republican Party
    • U.S. Department of Agriculture
    • U.S. Department of State
    • Occupation Names
    • agricultural economist
    • Personal Names
    • Benson, Ezra Taft
    • Butz, Earl V.
    • Castro, Fidel
    • Dulles, John Foster
    • Eisenhower, Dwight D.
    • Ford, Gerald R.
    • Goldwater, Barry
    • Hardin, Cliff
    • Kissinger, Henry
    • Nixon, Richard Milhous
    • Place Names
    • Brazil
    • Soviet Union
    • Subjects
    • 1970 Agriculture Act
    • 1973 Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act
    • agriculture curriculum
    • agriculture legislation
    • Cold War
    • communism
    • cotton industry
    • Eisenhower administration
    • food stamps
    • Great Depression
    • illegal immigrants
    • Nixon administration
    • Prescription Athletic Turf
    • price supports
    • Public Law 480
    • Rural Development Program
    • satellites
    • soilbank program
    • sugar industry
    • tobacco industry
    • Vietnam War
    • Watergate

Interviewee
Paarlberg, Horace March 1, 1978 

Call Number
78-014

Physical Description

55 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 2 hours; no index

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry H.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born August 1, 1923, Mr. Paarlberg discusses his early farm life, education, and how he got a job as a farm manager. He provides information on what a farm manager does, as well as the economics of tenant farming. He provides a picture of how farmers interacted with the agricultural departments at Purdue University as well as discussing agricultural science.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Doane Agricultural Service
    • Duff Farm Management Services
    • Farm Craft
    • Halderman Farm Management Service
    • Purdue University
    • Occupation Names
    • farm manager
    • Personal Names
    • Andrews, Fred
    • Butz, Earl V.
    • Liston, Bernie
    • Subjects
    • absentee farm management
    • agricultural research
    • Purdue University farms
    • tenant farming

Interviewee
Palmer, Granville H. March 21, 1979 

Call Number
79-027

Physical Description

29 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 70 minutes; no index; interview footnotes

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born on July 7, 1911, Granville H. Palmer describes the freshwater pearl industry centered on the Wabash River near Vincennes, Indiana, from 1905 to 1979. He compares the act of freshwater pearling and the accompanying lifestyle to those that characterized the American gold rush in the middle of the nineteenth century. In addition, he speaks of the economic impact the industry has had on the Wabash Valley as recently as 1965 and 1966.

  • Keywords
    • Place Names
    • Vincennes, Indiana
    • Wabash River, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • freshwater pearl industry
    • Great Depression
    • mussel shells
    • water pollution

Interviewee
Pardue, John Oscar August 26, 1980 

Call Number
80-054

Physical Description

17 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 45 minutes; index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

John Oscar Pardue, born on February 4, 1900, discusses his years of employment at the Showers Brothers Furniture Company veneer mill. He comments on unions and strikes at the company, employment during the Great Depression, and his work with veneers. He profiles employees of the company. In addition, Mr. Pardue speaks of possible reasons for the successes and eventual failure of the furniture company.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • CIO
    • Showers Brothers Furniture Company
    • Subjects
    • African-American workers
    • communists
    • Great Depression
    • hot press
    • labor strikes
    • unions
    • veneer mill
    • women workers

Interviewee
Park, Walter S. August 13, 1979 

Call Number
79-048

Physical Description

35 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 100 minutes; index; newspaper article regarding interviewee and the United Auto Workers.

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Walter S. Park, born on September 5, 1903, discusses his employment history, his years playing professional baseball, and playing in the industrial baseball league in and around Indianapolis, Indiana. He speaks of his years working for Guide Lamp, the special treatment he received as a company baseball player, working conditions, and his eventual membership in the United Auto Workers. In addition, Mr. Park describes his role in the 1937 sit-down strike at Guide Lamp and the resultant changes in relations between labor and management at that company.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • General Motors Guide Lamp Division
    • United Auto Workers
    • Family Names
    • Reuther
    • Personal Names
    • Chamberlain, Ben
    • Etchison, Riley "Big"
    • Lilly, Eli
    • Reuther, Victor
    • Reuther, Walter Phillip
    • Subjects
    • 1937 sit-down strike
    • baseball
    • industrial baseball league
    • labor-management relations
    • unions
    • wages
    • working conditions

Interviewee
Parke, Warren W. April 24, 1979 

Call Number
79-034

Physical Description

46 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 110 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Warren W. Parke, born on August 16, 1924, discusses his career in the coal industry in Pike County, Indiana, from 1934 to 1979. He comments on the process of strip mining, the necessary equipment, federally mandated land reclamation, operation costs, and fluctuations in demand over the years. In addition, Mr. Parke describes union activity, strikes, relations between labor and management, and occasional outbreaks of union violence in the coal industry.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Landrey Mining Company
    • Occupation Names
    • coal miner
    • Personal Names
    • Landrey, Ralph
    • Place Names
    • Pike County, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • coal industry
    • coal mining
    • coal mining strikes
    • occupational safety
    • operation costs
    • labor-management relations
    • land reclamation
    • pollution
    • strip mining
    • union violence
    • unions
    • World War II

Interviewee
Patton, John B. January 26, 1977 

Call Number
77-003

Physical Description

30 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 70 minutes; index

Interviewer
Barrows, Robert G.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1915, John B. Patton discusses his years of employment with the Indiana State Geological Survey, one of the main purposes of which, he emphasizes, is the dissemination of information to the public regarding Indiana's industrial mineral resources. Mr. Patton speaks of the coal and limestone industries in Indiana and the impact that protective state environmental legislation has had on these and other prominent local industries.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indiana Department of Conservation
    • Indiana Department of Natural Resources
    • Indiana State Geological Survey
    • Indiana University
    • Occupation Names
    • economic geologist
    • Personal Names
    • Deiss, Charles Frederick
    • Subjects
    • coal industry
    • construction
    • environmental geology
    • environmental legislation
    • limestone industry
    • mineral resources

Interviewee
Peterson, J. Dwight April 4, 1979 

Call Number
79-028

Physical Description

59 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 120 minutes; no index; photograph of interviewee, financial statement of City Securities Corporation, history of Merchants National Bank of Muncie, 1978 AMAX annual report, 1978 Lilly annual report, 1978 American States Insurance annual report

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

J. Dwight Peterson, born on May 25, 1897, discusses his career as an investment banker with Indiana's City Securities Corporation from 1920 through 1979. He speaks of the importance of financing business and industry in Indiana with internal funds, rather than relying on outside capital such as federal aid, which could subject the state to counterproductive non-local control. Mr. Peterson also comments on the sale of stocks and bonds, the City Securities Corporation during the Great Depression and World War II, and the sale of war and government bonds. In addition, he describes the different sources of capital, both in and outside Indiana, and the changing character of finance.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • AMAX Coal Company
    • Ayrshire Collieries Corporation
    • City Securities Corporation
    • Indiana Telephone Corporation
    • Indiana University
    • Occupation Names
    • investment banker
    • Personal Names
    • Miller, Dick
    • Place Names
    • New York, New York
    • Subjects
    • 1929 stock market crash
    • federal aid
    • government bonds
    • Great Depression
    • Indiana business
    • Indiana municipal bonds
    • investment banking
    • nuclear power
    • real estate investment
    • stocks
    • war bonds
    • World War I
    • World War II

Interviewee
Petro, Edwin October 6, 1980 

Call Number
80-060

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 110 minutes

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Edwin Petro, born on March 24, 1925, discusses the Indianapolis International Airport, also known as the Weir-Cook Airport, from 1947 through 1970. He speaks of the funding of and revenue from the airport, as well as the building and technological changes evident in the airport.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indianapolis International Airport
    • Occupation Names
    • aviation consultant
    • Place Names
    • Indianapolis, Indiana

Interviewee
Pfendler, David C. December 1, 1977 

Call Number
77-044

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 2 reels, 1 7/8 ips

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry H.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

David C. Pfendler traces the development of the Purdue University School of Agriculture, of which he was the dean. He speaks of the revolutionary changes in the field of agriculture in the twentieth century.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indiana Farm Bureau
    • Purdue University School of Agriculture
    • Occupation Names
    • school of agriculture dean
    • Subjects
    • agriculture

Interviewee
Phelps, Richard G. November 27, 1979 

Call Number
79-073

Physical Description

29 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 90 minutes; index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Richard G. Phelps, born on June 24, 1916, discusses his employment with and the history of Inland Steel Indiana Harbor Works, from the nineteen thirties through 1979. He speaks of his efforts to improve working conditions, employee safety, and to address environmental concerns raised by the Environmental Protection Agency. Mr. Phelps comments on the methods used in the production of steel, the importance of coke batteries, unions, strikes in the steel industry, and the possible correlation between the occurrence of cancer and work in steel mills. He also assesses the consequences of federal safety and environmental regulations.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indiana Harbor Works
    • Inland Steel Company
    • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    • Occupation Names
    • engineer
    • Personal Names
    • Randall, Clarence B.
    • Subjects
    • 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act
    • cancer
    • coke manufacture
    • metalworker strikes
    • occupational safety
    • open hearth furnaces
    • operation costs
    • pollution
    • scrap metal
    • steel industry
    • steel production
    • technological chages
    • unions
    • working conditions

Interviewee
Pickett, William B. May 24, 1979 

Call Number
79-041

Physical Description

36 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 90 minutes; no index; curriculum vitae of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

William B. Pickett, born on March 12, 1940, discusses the economy of Terre Haute, Indiana, from the nineteen twenties through 1979. He comments on the economic diversification of the area, the problem of the lack of a land use plan, and his perspective on the economic future of the area. He speaks of fluctuations in population and of the changing character and apparent revitalization of Terre Haute in the nineteen seventies. In addition, Mr. Pickett discusses the ethnic and racial diversity of the area and its impact on community life.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce
    • Vigo County Historical Society
    • Personal Names
    • Hulman, Tony
    • Place Names
    • Terre Haute, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • African-American community
    • coal industry
    • education
    • ethnic diversity
    • local economy
    • local industry

Interviewee
Platt, Harold D., Sr. October 14, 1980 

Call Number
80-063

Physical Description

29 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 80 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Hartzer, Ronald B.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Harold D. Platt, Sr., born on September 26, 1902, discusses his business, the Platt Trailer Company, the mobile home industry, its growth, and the unionization of the industry. He describes the boom of the travel trailer industry in the nineteen sixties, attributing its cause to the huge increase in vacation travel. In addition, Mr. Platt speaks of the impact of World War II on the industry and of his thoughts on the future of the industry.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Platt Trailer Company
    • Personal Names
    • McNutt, Paul V.
    • Schult, Wilbur
    • Place Names
    • Elkhart, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • mobile home manufacture
    • recreational vehicles
    • trailer production
    • unions
    • wartime production
    • World War II

Interviewee
Powers, Philip January 9, 1978 

Call Number
78-007

Physical Description

Partially transcribed; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 95 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A., Jr.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1912, Philip Powers describes his education and career in nuclear physics and nuclear engineering. A professor at Purdue University and head of the Energy Engineering Center there, he describes energy needs and alternate energy sources, including coal and nuclear power.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Purdue University Energy Engineering Center
    • Occupation Names
    • nuclear engineering professor
    • Subjects
    • alternative energy sources
    • nuclear power

Interviewee
Ravindran, A. March 1, 1978 

Call Number
78-010

Physical Description

28 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 65 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A., Jr.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1944, Professor A. Ravindran discusses his career in industrial engineering research, with specialties in mathematical modeling and energy optimization. He discusses his research on alternate energy sources, including solar energy and coal blending, as well as the sulfur content of coal in Indiana. In addition, Dr. Ravindran speaks of his optimism regarding new sources of energy, despite the energy and fuel shortages of the late nineteen seventies.

  • Keywords
    • Occupation Names
    • industrial engineering professor
    • Subjects
    • alternative energy sources
    • coal blending
    • coal industry
    • energy efficiency
    • energy research
    • energy shortages
    • mathematical modeling
    • solar energy

Interviewee
Reardon, James R. December 13, 1979 

Call Number
79-074

Physical Description

35 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 100 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

James R. Reardon, born August 14, 1928, discusses the activities and regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and Administration in Indiana from 1974 through 1979. He speaks of the impact of the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Act, the necessary qualifications of compliance inspectors, and the enforcement and priorities of the Act. In addition, he comments on the increased costs for businesses who abide by OSHA regulations and their frequent relocations to foreign countries because of high domestic production costs.

  • Keywords
    • Subjects
    • 1974 Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Act
    • asbestos
    • company inspections
    • compliance inspector qualifications
    • equipment costs
    • occupational safety
    • Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations
    • steel gloves
    • unions

Interviewee
Reeves, James October 24, 1979 

Call Number
79-60

Physical Description

43 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 1 hour 45 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Reeves discusses the development and founding of Reeves Pulley Company on November 26, 1888. His interview covers manufacturing, sales, and advertising of the product. He also provides information on the organization and structure of the company.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Alliance Electric
    • Lewellyn Manufacturing Company
    • Link Belt Construction Equipment Company
    • Marmon Motor Car Company
    • Reeves Pulley Company
    • U.S. Electric
    • Family Names
    • Reeves
    • Occupation Names
    • factory manager
    • Personal Names
    • Larkin, Caldwell
    • MacNeil, Daniel T.
    • Place Names
    • Columbus, Indiana
    • Greenwood, Indiana
    • Jeffersonville, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • advertising
    • company growth
    • customers
    • exporting
    • family business
    • international business
    • sales
    • Sears and Roebuck catalog
    • technological changes
    • workforce
    • working conditions

Interviewee
Rehnstrom, Vernley R. March 12, 1980 

Call Number
80-022

Physical Description

26 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 1 hour 45 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Rehnstrom provides an analysis of the PSI Marble Hill Project. He discusses the economics of nuclear energy versus coal energy. He talks of the political influence that was a part of the decision to create Marble Hill and the problems of disposing nuclear waste.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Northern Indiana Public Service Company
    • PSI Marble Hill Nuclear Power Plant
    • Wabash Valley Power Co-Op
    • Occupation Names
    • vice president of finance
    • Subjects
    • energy demands
    • nuclear power plants
    • nuclear waste disposal
    • power plant construction

Interviewee
Reuther, Victor September 26, 1980 

Call Number
80-059

Physical Description

30 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 100 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R. T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1912, Mr. Reuther discusses the participation of Sophie Reuther in the events following the Anderson, Indiana sit-down strike of 1937. He also provides insight on union activities, leadership of the strike and what led up to it. Finally, he talks about his involvement with other plants.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Delco Remy International, Incorporated
    • General Motors Guide Lamp Division
    • Occupation Names
    • union official
    • Personal Names
    • Berkebile, George
    • Jourdan, Jack
    • Place Names
    • Anderson, Indiana
    • Connersville, Indiana
    • Flint, Michigan
    • New Castle, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • 1937 sit-down strike
    • cost-plus contracts
    • women workers
    • World War II

Interviewee
Richmond, H. David October 15, 1980 

Call Number
80-066

Physical Description

23 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 75 minutes; no index; photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born on June 21, 1929, H. David Richmond, the director of economic development of the Columbus, Indiana, Chamber of Commerce, describes his employment history, the local economy and community in Columbus, and his forecast of the economic future of the Mideest. He speaks of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce's economic development program and of the advertising and incentives they have used to draw businesses to locate in the Columbus area. In addition, he comments on the effects of the economic recession of the late nineteen seventies and early nineteen eighties on Columbus, Indiana.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Columbus Chamber of Commerce
    • Cummins, Incorporated
    • Place Names
    • Columbus, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • advertising
    • business incentives
    • community morale
    • economic development program
    • economic recession
    • local economy
    • women workers

Interviewee
Robb, James May 18, 1979;  May 30, 1979 

Call Number
79-040

Physical Description

79 pages, 2 reels, 4.7 cps, 4 hours; index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born on April 30, 1897 in Galston, Scotland, James Robb discusses beginning work in an Indiana coal mine at the age of 12 and the progression of his career into union management, culminating in the position of director of District 30, United Steelworkers. He speaks of the dangers and daily life associated with coal mining in Terre Haute, Indiana, labor organization, strikes, and the violence that often accompanied them. In addition, he comments on the effects of the Great Depression on Terre Haute, disputes and relations between steel workers and management, and his personal experiences with such people as Eugene V. Debs, John F. Kennedy, and Jimmy Hoffa.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • AFL
    • Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel, and Tin Workers of North America
    • CIO
    • United Mine Workers of America
    • United Steel Workers
    • Personal Names
    • Debs, Eugene V.
    • Hoffa, James R.
    • Jones, Mary Harris "Mother"
    • Kennedy, John Fitzgerald
    • Klassen, Ted
    • Lewis, John L.
    • Place Names
    • Terre Haute, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • child labor
    • coal mining
    • coal mining strikes
    • company towns
    • Great Depression
    • occupational safety
    • oil lamps
    • shot firers
    • union membership
    • union violence
    • unions
    • wages
    • working conditions

Interviewee
Roberts, Rex E. August 13, 1979 

Call Number
79-047

Physical Description

26 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 120 minutes; index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Rex E. Roberts, born on July 21, 1913, discusses his employment and working conditions at the Guide Lamp division of General Motors, as well as his activities with regard to organized labor with the United Auto Workers union. He speaks of his participation in the 1937 sit-down strike and its aftermath. In addition, Mr. Roberts comments on union violence and his memories of organized labor leader, Victor Reuther.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Congress of Industrial Organizations
    • Delco-RemyDelco Remy International, Incorporated
    • Flying Squadron
    • General Motors Guide Lamp Division
    • United Auto Workers
    • Personal Names
    • Hall, Ed
    • Reuther, Sophie Good
    • Reuther, Victor
    • Subjects
    • 1937 sit-down strike
    • auto worker strikes
    • union violence
    • unions
    • working conditions

Interviewee
Rodgers, David L. October 25, 1978 

Call Number
78-043

Physical Description

92 pages; 2 reels, 1 7/8 ips, 3 hours; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A., Jr.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born on January 5, 1943, David L. Rodgers discusses his family, education, and the progression of his career in stone carving and sculpture. He speaks of his personal life and growth, as well as the obstacles, challenges, and triumphs in his career as a limestone sculptor. In addition, Mr. Rodgers comments on the symbolism of some of his pieces, the low prices and high costs of stone carving, and his vision of the future of stone sculpture.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indiana University School of Fine Arts
    • Indiana University Studio Art Department
    • Personal Names
    • Bailey, William
    • Elsen, Albert
    • Markman, Ronald
    • Saladee, Jim
    • Occupation Names
    • limestone sculptor
    • Subjects
    • education
    • high school art education
    • limestone sculpture
    • local resources
    • Native American art
    • sculpture prices
    • sculpture symbolism
    • stonecarving

Interviewee
Roll, Mary Frances August 18, 1980 

Call Number
80-050

Physical Description

34 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 70 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mary Frances Roll, born on June 28, 1912, discusses the hiring practices and the composition of the workforce at RCA in Bloomington, Indiana. She describes her career, beginning in the Great Depression, and speaks of how the Great Depression affected the Bloomington community. In addition, Ms. Roll comments on the large percentage of female workers at RCA, the wages they received, RCA's government contracts and production during World War II, and becoming the center of the world's color television production.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indiana University
    • RCA
    • Personal Names
    • Wells, Herman B
    • Place Names
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • color television manufacture
    • Great Depression
    • local employment
    • RCA hiring practices
    • wages
    • wartime production
    • women workers

Interviewee
Roll, Mary Frances February 10, 1977 

Call Number
77-004

Physical Description

26 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 60 minutes; index

Interviewer
Barrows, Robert G.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mary Frances Roll, born on June 28, 1912, discusses her education and employment with RCA in Bloomington, Indiana. She speaks of RCA's early operation and production, the changing quality of the available labor force, the local impact of the Great Depression, and her association with the FBI during World War II. In addition, Ms. Roll comments on Bloomington's industrial growth and the relationship between Indiana University and the surrounding community.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • FBI
    • RCA
    • Personal Names
    • Hawkins, Andrew
    • Subjects
    • education
    • Great Depression
    • labor force
    • local industry
    • RCA hiring practices
    • town and gown relations
    • wartime production
    • World War II

Interviewee
Rolland, Ian M. October 23, 1980 

Call Number
80-069

Physical Description

17 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 60 minutes; no index; biographical sketch of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born on June 3, 1933, Ian M. Rolland was the president, director, and chief executive officer of the Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. He discusses the emphasis placed on management planning in a constantly changing business environment, the greater efficiency and productivity achieved by the Lincoln National Corporation, and company growth from 1956 through 1980. In addition, Mr. Rolland speaks of the number of females in the insurance business, specifically those in management positions.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Lincoln National Corporation
    • Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
    • Place Names
    • Fort Wayne, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • air transportation
    • assembly line production
    • company growth
    • computer technology
    • management planning
    • women workers

Interviewee
Rood, Henry F. October 22, 1980 

Call Number
80-068

Physical Description

72 pages; 3 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 3 hours; no index; photograph of interviewee, interviewee's curriculum vitae

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A., Jr.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born on September 14, 1906, Henry F. Rood describes his career in the insurance business, culminating in the positions of director, president, and chief executive officer of the Lincoln National Corporation. He discusses the insurance business, including reinsurance, group insurance, life insurance, and health insurance, and details how the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company weathered the Great Depression through the use of innovative bookkeeping practices. Mr. Rood also discusses the impact of economic and interest rate fluctuations on the insurance business.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Gulf Life Insurance Company
    • Lincoln National Corporation
    • Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
    • Reliance Life Insurance Company
    • Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company
    • Personal Names
    • Hall, Arthur
    • Mayer, John
    • Mead, Franklin B.
    • Whiteman, Frank
    • Place Names
    • Cuba
    • Fort Wayne, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • company growth
    • company management
    • financial diversification
    • Great Depression
    • group insurance
    • inflation
    • insurance business
    • interest rates
    • international expansion
    • life insurance
    • Lincoln National Corporation hiring practices
    • political connections
    • real estate business
    • reinsurance business
    • women workers
    • World War II

Interviewee
Rose, Mary E. August 14, 1979 

Call Number
79-049

Physical Description

29 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 75 minutes; index

Interviewer
King, R. T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born July 12, 1915, Ms. Rose talks about her educational background and he work for the Guide Lamp Division of General Motors Corporation. She discusses the jobs held by women in the plant and the jobs they were not allowed to do. She describes the part women played in the sit-down strike of 1937.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • AFL-CIO
    • General Motors Corporation
    • General Motors Guide Lamp Division
    • Mom and Pop's Cafe
    • United Auto Workers
    • Family Names
    • Stanton
    • Personal Names
    • Reuther, Walter Phillip
    • Roberts, Rex
    • Place Names
    • Anderson, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • 1937 sit-down strike
    • equal pay
    • unions
    • women workers

Interviewee
Rosenak, Irwin November 13, 1979 

Call Number
79-064

Physical Description

31 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 120 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R. T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in Chicago, November 21, 1911, Mr. Rosenak discusses the process of making steel and the expansion of Inland Steel Company from an engineer's perspective, and programs to control air pollution. He also discusses the availability of labor, the of recruitment of women, and the problems involved with women working in the plant.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Army Corps of Engineers
    • Inland Steel Company
    • Occupation Names
    • engineer
    • Place Names
    • East Chicago, Indiana
    • Gary, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • corporate recruitment of women
    • labor management
    • market area
    • plant expansion
    • technological changes
    • work quality

Interviewee
Rowell, J. Kirk, Jr. January 14, 1980 

Call Number
80-003

Physical Description

27 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 80 minutes; index

Interviewer
King, R. T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born on December 12, 1913, J. Kirk Rowell, Jr. describes his career as a mechanical engineer, and later director of purchasing at Jeffboat, Incorporated. He speaks of the company's growth, the methods of barge and boat construction, and the use of assembly line production. He also comments on the company's conversion to wartime production, mainly the building of LSTs, during World War II, and the labor shortage that occurred at this time.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • American Commercial Barge Line
    • Howard Boat Yard
    • Jeffboat, Incorporated
    • Occupation Names
    • mechanical engineer
    • purchasing agent
    • Personal Names
    • Calhoun, Patrick
    • Place Names
    • Jeffersonville, Indiana
    • Louisville, Kentucky
    • Subjects
    • assembly line production
    • barge manufacture
    • company growth
    • labor force
    • wartime production
    • World War II

Interviewee
Rude, Dennis September 11, 1978 

Call Number
78-023

Physical Description

47 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 110 minutes; no index, pamphlet

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A., Jr.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Dennis Rude, born in 1943, discusses his role in building the Washington, DC National Cathedral. He provides an overview of the project and the creation of the Cathedral Stone Works Company. He also details the main components of the limestone trade: stonemason, stonecutter, and stonecarver. He offers information about his apprenticeship in Maryland and his current job as superintendent of the company. Mr. Rude also recalls some high and low points during construction and the importance of his union in assisting workers. He ends by speculating on the future of the limestone industry.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul
    • Cathedral Stone Works Company
    • George A. Fuller Company
    • Independent Limestone Company
    • Laborers International Union
    • Place Names
    • Maryland
    • Washington, DC
    • Washington, Indiana
    • Occupation Names
    • stonecutter
    • superintendent
    • Subjects
    • Episcopalian Church
    • limestone industry
    • Oolitic limestone
    • stonecarving
    • unions

Interviewee
Schmeltekop, Neil B. March 15, 1979 

Call Number
79-025

Physical Description

71 pages; 2 reels, 1 7/8 ips, 150 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A., Jr.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1915, Neil B. Schmeltekop describes his varied employment history, especially the years spent in the employ of Monon Railroad as a railroad station agent. He comments on the living and employment conditions in Indianapolis, Indiana, during the Great Depression. He speaks of his ownership of and work at the Shepherd Machine and Tool Company during World War II, and the war production of parts for the atomic bomb at that time. Mr. Schmeltekop also describes the impact of the Monon Railroad on the Indiana economy, its quality and later termination of passenger service, and his opinion regarding the future of railroads in the United States.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • City of Bloomington Utilities
    • Dads Club
    • Keys Restaurant
    • Monon Railroad
    • Shepherd Machine and Tool Company
    • Occupation Names
    • railroad station agent
    • Place Names
    • Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • African-American community
    • atomic bomb production
    • cost-plus contracts
    • die casting
    • Great Depression
    • railroad industry
    • railroad tracks
    • railroad travel
    • segregation
    • train wrecks
    • wartime production
    • World War II
    • youth sports programs

Interviewee
Schneider, Jack March 6, 1980 

Call Number
80-016

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 120 minutes

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Jack Schneider, born 1931, talks about the wood products industry.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Jasper Corporation
    • Kimball International, Incorporated
    • Kimball Piano and Organ Company
    • Subjects
    • wood products industry

Interviewee
Schneider, Ralph April 23, 1980 

Call Number
80-024

Physical Description

34 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 75 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Ralph Schneider, born 1917, retired and superintendent at the Indiana Chair Company in Jasper, Indiana. He discusses the woodworking industry from his early years during the Great Depression through his retirement in the nineteen seventies. He gives a brief description of the manufacturing process, including the mill room and piecework are first given attention. He recalls the changes in worker dedication to the job, recession effects, the energy crisis, and the duties of being plant superintendent, such as purchasing and worker assignment.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indiana Chair Company
    • Jasper Seating Company
    • Occupation Names
    • superintendent
    • Place Names
    • Jasper, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • energy crisis
    • ethnic diversity
    • Great Depression
    • manufacturing efficiency
    • piecework
    • recession effects
    • unions
    • woodworking industry
    • worker attitudes

Interviewee
Schultz, Marilyn F. April 19, 1979 

Call Number
79-031

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 35 minutes

Interviewer
Stevens, Mary L.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Marilyn Schultz, born 1944, speaks about consumerism and consumer rights legislation in Indiana. She discusses her attempts to start a consumer advocacy group in Indiana.

  • Keywords
    • Subjects
    • consumer advocacy groups
    • consumer rights

Interviewee
Sebree, Milton Shubert June 7, 1980 

Call Number
80-040

Physical Description

74 pages; 3 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 180 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R. T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Milton Sebree, born 1890, was active in organized labor and the socialist movement in Terre Haute, Indiana during the early twentieth century. He describes his employment in a wide variety of industries and some of the attempts to unionize them. He also discusses housing, poverty, transportation, and politics in Terre Haute through the Great Depression. Prominent socialists such as Eugene V. Debs, and crooked politicians such as Mayor Don Roberts, are also remembered.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Evansville and Terre Haute Railroad
    • Glass Bottle Blowers of America
    • North Baltimore Glass Company
    • Terre Haute Glass Company
    • Wabash Cutlery Company
    • Personal Names
    • Debs, Eugene V.
    • Evans, Jay
    • Robert, Don
    • Root, Chapman G.
    • Place Names
    • Danville, Illinois
    • Terre Haute, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • 1935 general strike
    • blacklisting
    • ethnic segregation
    • family history
    • gambling industry
    • glass factory
    • grafting
    • Great Depression
    • Ku Klux Klan
    • politics
    • poverty
    • railroad dangers
    • socialism
    • transportation
    • unions
    • World War I

Interviewee
Sells, Dallas Wood, Jr. March 2, 1979 

Call Number
79-018

Physical Description

58 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 120 minutes; index; xeroxed photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Dallas Wood Sells, Jr., born on October 3, 1919, discusses his experiences as an employee of the Delco-Remy Division of General Motors from 1937 through 1949, and his experiences as an active leader of organized labor in Indiana from 1937 through 1979. He speaks extensively of the struggle between organized labor and its opposition in the nineteen fifties and nineteen sixties. He also discusses war production and government contracts during World War II, women in the labor force, wage and price controls, and how discrimination is addressed by unions.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • AFL-CIO
    • Delco Remy International, Incorporated
    • General Motors Corporation
    • Teamsters Union
    • UAW National War Labor Board
    • United Auto Workers
    • Personal Names
    • Bowen, Otis R.
    • Hoffa, James R.
    • Meany, George
    • Reuther, Walter Phillip
    • Subjects
    • 1957 Right To Work Law
    • African-American workers
    • auto worker strikes
    • communism
    • cost-plus contracts
    • federal funding
    • free press
    • Indiana politics
    • price controls
    • racial discrimination
    • taxes
    • union membership
    • unions
    • wages
    • wartime production
    • women workers
    • World War II

Interviewee
Shelton, Elizabeth J. February 3, 1979 

Call Number
79-009

Physical Description

45 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 90 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Stevens, Mary L.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Elizabeth Shelton, born in 1931, discusses her thirty-year career with RCA (Radio Corporation of America) in Bloomington, Indiana. She provides insight into the changes she has witnessed since 1949, including differences in the attitudes of the workers, questionable job security, and the effects of automation. She addresses the role of the woman worker at RCA making it clear that women made up the majority of the line workers, but were not represented in the administration. She discusses the effects of foreign competition on RCA and the company's production moving to Mexico. She also contemplates the future of the Bloomington plant.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
    • RCA
    • Occupation Names
    • laborer
    • Place Names
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • downsizing
    • electrical worker strikes
    • Korean War
    • soldering
    • unions
    • women workers
    • worker attitudes

Interviewee
Shields, Seth William March 12, 1980 

Call Number
80-021

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 60 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Seth William Shields, vice president of electrical systems at PSI and director of the Marble Hill Nuclear Power Plant project, discusses the development of the plant. He discusses the decision to base the design of the plant on existing ones rather than design a completely new one. He outlines the quality control issues the plant’s designers are concerned about. He also discusses the fact that there are not yet plans in place to dispose of nuclear wastes generated by the plant or for the eventual decommission of the plant after its operating life.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • PSI Marble Hill Nuclear Power Plant
    • Occupation Names
    • company vice president
    • project director
    • Place Names
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • nuclear power
    • nuclear power plants
    • nuclear waste disposal

Interviewee
Smith, Henry P. April 23, 1980 

Call Number
80-025

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 60 minutes

Interviewer
King, R. T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Henry Smith, born 1892, describes the coal industry and his position as president in the coal companies his family owned.

  • Keywords
    • Occupation Names
    • company president
    • Subjects
    • coal industry

Interviewee
Somers, F. David June 26, 1980 

Call Number
80-046

Physical Description

46 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 80 minutes; no index; photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

David F. Somers, born on December 11, 1913, discusses his longtime employment with Marsh Supermarkets, from 1949 through 1980, mainly in the position of vice president of operations. He speaks of the corporation's growth and expansion from a small family business to a large statewide chain, under the guidance of its founder, Ermal Marsh. He speaks of the marketing and financing of Marsh Supermarkets and its subsidiaries, and he describes how store locations and sizes were determined.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Kroger Company
    • Marsh Supermarkets, Incorporated
    • Tote and Save
    • Village Pantry
    • Family Names
    • Marsh
    • Personal Names
    • Marsh, Ermal
    • Place Names
    • Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • company growth
    • frozen foods
    • price zoning system
    • store locations
    • store size
    • trading stamps
    • unions

Interviewee
Sommer, Fred W. October 11, 1980 

Call Number
80-062

Physical Description

28 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 70 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R. T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Fred Sommer, born in Germany in 1902, discusses his experience as a board member of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. He speaks of the airport's initial development and growth, concentrating on the numerous events that have influenced its existence, including Charles Lindbergh's visit in the 1920s and financial support from the government. He mentions the airport's decision to reject military intervention during World War II and details efforts to elicit business from international air carriers.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Hoyt Machine Company
    • Indianapolis Airport Authority
    • Indianapolis International Airport
    • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
    • Personal Names
    • Lindbergh, Charles A.
    • Orcutt, Daniel C.
    • Petro, Edward
    • Turner, Roscoe
    • Place Names
    • Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • aviation
    • federal aid
    • Germans
    • Indianapolis Airport Authority Act
    • industrial zoning
    • satellite airports
    • World War II

Interviewee
Squarcy, Charles M. November 26, 1979 

Call Number
79-072

Physical Description

27 pages; 2 reels, 4.7 cps, 140 minutes; no index; photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Charles M. Squarcy, born on March 12, 1913, discusses his years working for Inland Steel Company. He speaks of methods and the quantity of steel production from the nineteen thirties through 1979, including changes in technology, working conditions, world steel market, and equipment safety. He also comments on the 1959 strike at Inland and the relations between Inland Steel Company and the surrounding community.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Inland Steel Company
    • Personal Names
    • Johnson, Hjalmar
    • Subjects
    • blast furnaces
    • equipment safety
    • lead alloy
    • open hearth furnaces
    • steel beneficiation
    • steel production
    • steelworker strikes
    • technological changes
    • working conditions
    • world market
    • World War II

Interviewee
Stanfield, Loren E. "Toby" September 19, 1979 

Call Number
79-057

Physical Description

55 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 120 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A., Jr.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Loren E. "Toby" Stanfield, born on October 30, 1911, discusses the resort and gambling industries in French Lick, Indiana, and West Baden, Indiana. He speaks of the most prominent hotels, the hot springs, and the impact of these businesses on local employment and prosperity. In addition, Mr. Stanfield comments on his career in show business as a traveling comedian in vaudeville and burlesque shows.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • French Lick Springs Hotel
    • Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus
    • Porter Stock Company
    • West Baden Springs Hotel
    • Family Names
    • Ballard
    • Personal Names
    • Ballard, Edward
    • Sinclair, Lee
    • Taggart, Thomas
    • Place Names
    • French Lick, Indiana
    • West Baden, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • African-American community
    • burlesque
    • gambling industry
    • Great Depression
    • minstrel shows
    • Pluto Water
    • Prohibition
    • racism
    • railroad travel
    • resort industry
    • show business
    • vaudeville
    • World War I

Interviewee
Stanonis, Frank L. April 30, 1979 - May 1, 1979 

Call Number
79-036

Physical Description

51 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 120 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Frank L. Stanonis, born in 1931, discusses the petroleum industry in southwestern Indiana from the nineteen thirties through 1979. He speaks of the benefits of using the seismograph to locate oil wells, the quality of the oil found in Indiana, and domestic and international oil production and prices. Mr. Stanonis comments on oil companies leasing farms to drill for oil, several methods of drilling and pumping oil from the ground, and the environmental regulations that began to emerge in the nineteen sixties.

  • Keywords
    • Subjects
    • doodlebuggers
    • environmental regulations
    • land leasing
    • oil industry
    • oil prices
    • oil refining
    • oil wells
    • petroleum quality
    • seismograph
    • World War II

Interviewee
Stansfield, James Philip September 20, 1977 

Call Number
77-023

Physical Description

29 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 70 minutes; no index; table of contents

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry H.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1926, James Philip Stansfield discusses agriculture in Indiana, particularly in Greene County. He speaks of the benefits of various agricultural advances, including improved fertilizers and the process of artificial insemination for cattle, and reveals how many conservative farmers were slow to recognize and adopt such improvements. In addition, Mr. Stansfield differentiates between corporate and family farming.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indiana Farm Bureau
    • National Farmers Organization
    • Purdue University Extension Service
    • Place Names
    • Greene County, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • agriculture
    • artificial insemination
    • corporate farms
    • fertilizers
    • technological changes
    • zoning regulations

Interviewee
Starr, Charles November 13, 1978 

Call Number
78-046

Physical Description

42 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 90 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A., Jr.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1919, Charles Starr discusses his career as a planerman in the Bedford, Indiana, limestone industry for over thirty years. He briefly comments on his service in the United States Army Air Force during World War II, the limestone industry's conversion to war production, changes in wages over time, and the lack of financial compensation for experience on the job. In addition, Mr. Starr speaks of the positive and more informal labor-management relations at smaller limestone companies.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indian Hill Stone Company
    • Occupation Names
    • limestone planerman
    • Place Names
    • Bedford, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • Great Depression
    • labor-management relations
    • limestone industry
    • stone mills
    • stonecarving
    • unions
    • wages
    • wartime production

Interviewee
Starr, Dudley F. May 6, 1981 

Call Number
81-007

Physical Description

31 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 75 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Hartzer, Ronald B.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Dudley F. Starr, born on June 21, 1915, discusses his career in advertising at the Wayne Transportation Division in Richmond, Indiana, focusing on the development, marketing, and success of the Lifeguard school bus in the nineteen seventies. He discusses the company's history and growth, its expansion into the commercial bus and van industry, and its move into an international market. Mr. Starr speaks about the safety of school buses, the need to meet the specifications mandated by federal and state standards, and how the company's products often go beyond these minimum safety regulations.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indian Head, Incorporated
    • Wayne Transportation Division
    • Occupation Names
    • advertising
    • Subjects
    • commercial bus production
    • company growth
    • company morale
    • federal regulations
    • school bus manufacture
    • school bus safety

Interviewee
Steinhagen, Eva M. February 12, 1979 

Call Number
79-012

Physical Description

39 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 75 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Stevens, Mary L.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Eva M. Steinhagen, born in Monroe County, Indiana on January 3, 1917 and died in Florida on February 19, 2002, discusses her time working for RCA in Bloomington, Indiana in this interview. She talks about the early days at the factory and wartime production and security procedures. She speaks of switching the factory over to make radios and then televisions after the war. She talks about being promoted to foreman, and subsequently being demoted in the 1960s by management who brought in male college education foremen, and the subsequent loss in efficiency the factory experienced. The factory hired new management who fired the foremen, and she regained her position as foreman, and remained at RCA until she retired. Ms. Steinhagen talks about the influence of labor unions over factory life, working conditions, wages, and benefits. She also talks about RCA’s corporate relocation of some manufacturing to foreign locations, where the factory experiences less absenteeism and saves costs in labor.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • RCA
    • Occupation Names
    • factory manager
    • factory worker
    • Place Names
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • absenteeism
    • assembly line production
    • corporate relocation
    • factory management
    • limestone industry
    • television production
    • unions
    • war bonds
    • wartime production
    • women workers
    • World War II

Interviewee
Stephenson, Mildrid R. March 16, 1979 

Call Number
79-026

Physical Description

44 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 90 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Stevens, Mary L.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mildred Stephenson, born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1901, begins her interview with her move to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1922. She later married and moved to Bloomington, Indiana. She speaks about her various jobs, including a position as a bookkeeper before her marriage and her role in assisting with her husband's freight business and later, his hardware store. She moves on to discuss her position as a bank trust officer for First National Bank before her retirement in 1966. Throughout her interview, she reflects on changes in Bloomington.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Bloomington-Bedford-Indianapolis Motor Freight
    • First National Bank
    • Graham Hotel
    • Teamsters Union
    • Occupation Names
    • bank trust officer
    • bookkeeper
    • office manager
    • Place Names
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • banking
    • farm life
    • freight business
    • hardware stores
    • registered cattle business
    • unions

Interviewee
Stepich, Joseph G. November 15, 1979 

Call Number
79-067

Physical Description

57 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 120 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Joseph G. Stepich, born on March 14, 1942, discusses hiring and employment practices, minority employees, and the character of the workforce at the AMOCO refinery in Whiting, Indiana. He comments on the huge reduction in the labor force at AMOCO in the early nineteen sixties and on the general streamlining that occurred, aimed at increasing efficiency. In addition, Mr. Stepich speaks of the age gap in the refinery's workforce, particularly in management positions.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • AMOCO Oil Company
    • Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers Union
    • Research and Engineers Professional Employees Association
    • Occupation Names
    • employee relations manager
    • Personal Names
    • Swearingen, John
    • Place Names
    • Whiting, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • AMOCO hiring practices
    • corporate streamlining
    • engineers
    • Equal Employment Opportunity
    • ethnic diversity
    • layoffs
    • minority employment
    • unions
    • women workers

Interviewee
Strickland, James D. May 30, 1980 

Call Number
80-038

Physical Description

17 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 80 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Hartzer, Ronald B.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

James Strickland, born in 1909, discusses his role as state director of the Indiana Office of Price Administration during World War II. He provides a short history of the development of the office. He reflects on the reaction to gasoline rationing, price controls, and the black market in Indiana.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indiana Office of Price Administration
    • Occupation Names
    • state rationing administrator
    • Personal Names
    • Stoops, Todd
    • Subjects
    • black market
    • counterfeiting
    • gasoline rationing
    • price controls
    • rations
    • unions
    • World War II

Interviewee
Sussman, Harry K. January 15, 1980 

Call Number
80-004

Physical Description

25 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 105 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R. T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Harry Sussman, born 1909, discusses the shipbuilding industry beginning from the nineteen twenties through his retirement in 1977. He describes production for Navy contracts during World War II, the effects of technology on production, and the steel strikes of the fifties and sixties. Sussman also discusses the organization of labor, and the general decline of worker ambition associated with unions.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • American Commercial Barge Line
    • Howard Company
    • Jeffboat Works
    • Occupation Names
    • engineer
    • mold loftsman
    • Place Names
    • Jeffersonville, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • shipbuilding
    • steelworker strikes
    • technology
    • unions
    • wartime production
    • welding

Interviewee
Tsao, George March 1, 1978 

Call Number
78-012

Physical Description

29 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 60 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

George Tsao, born, 1931, is a professor of chemical engineering at Purdue University. He discusses his research into the use of gasohol, more specifically cellulose material, for use in automobiles. His department has also been given several grants to study the feasibility of turning cellulose into fuel on a large-scale basis. He describes the results to date.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Energy Research and Development Administration
    • National Science Foundation
    • Purdue University
    • Occupation Names
    • chemical engineering professor
    • Subjects
    • alcohol
    • cellulose
    • corporate funding
    • Fuel from Biomass Program
    • gasohol
    • liquid fuel
    • renewable resources
    • scale-up study

Interviewee
Tyler, Horace L. March 2, 1978 

Call Number
78-015

Physical Description

59 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 140 minutes; articles on agriculture

Interviewer
Anderson, Terry

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born September 14, 1923, Mr. Tyler gives a brief description of his childhood. He discusses the role of agriculture county agents. He speaks about the publications produced by the Agricultural Information Department. He discusses the benefits of information in publications and the costs involved.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Agricultural Information Department
    • Illinois Agricultural Association
    • Indiana Farm Bureau
    • Missouri Farmers Organization
    • Personal Names
    • Baker, John
    • Jenkins, Wayne
    • Lankford, Ray
    • Sample, Glenn
    • Subjects
    • agricultural publications

Interviewee
Tyner, Wallace E. March 2, 1978 

Call Number
78-013

Physical Description

46 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 110 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Wallace Tyner, born 1945, is an economics professor at Purdue University. He speaks about the energy crisis in terms of being a security problem rather than a crisis. He asserts that United States dependence on imported or dwindling energy sources infringes on national security. He also discusses energy conservation, and criticizes many points in President Carter's 1977 energy message, preferring a simple tax on oil rather than on petroleum products.

  • Keywords
    • Occupation Names
    • economics professor
    • Subjects
    • alternative energy sources
    • energy conservation
    • energy crisis
    • energy policy
    • resource economics

Interviewee
Van Meter, Eugene May 22, 1980 

Call Number
80-033

Physical Description

34 pages; 2 reels, 1 7/8 ips, 140 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Eugene Van Meter, born on March 14, 1912, discusses the problem of erosion, its effects on agriculture, and some measures that may be taken in the interest of soil conservation in Steuben County, Indiana. He comments on different farming techniques and advances that effect the soil and the productivity of the land. Mr. Van Meter speaks of the management of the local deer population and the interest that local farmers take in wildlife.

  • Keywords
    • Place Names
    • Angola, Indiana
    • Steuben County, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • agriculture
    • crop rotation
    • deer management
    • fall plowing
    • generational differences
    • land drainage
    • livestock production
    • soil erosion
    • soil conservation
    • technological changes

Interviewee
Warden, Wayne Jr. July 29, 1980 

Call Number
80-049

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 60 minutes

Interviewer
Du Montelle, Jo

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Wayne Warden, born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1916, discusses his involvement in the Seward Company between 1947 and 1980. Seward and Company was founded in 1821, in Bloomington, Indiana. Although it began as a industrial machinery manufacturer, during the twentieth century it began a new business of industrial supplies distribution center. In the nineteen fifties it finally closed it's machine shop and switched completely to industrial supplies distribution.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Seward and Company
    • Place Names
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • industrial supplies distribution

Interviewee
Washburn, James G. April 5, 1980 

Call Number
80-031

Physical Description

11 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 25 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Schafer, Brendan J.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

James Washburn, born in Gary, Indiana in 1949, discusses his experience with the family owned company, Washburn Realty. He addresses rising mortgage interest rates and some of the company's responses to this situation. Mr. Washburn also reflects on the future of housing in Indiana, acknowledging that economic and societal factors are forcing individuals to reconsider the possibility of owning a single-family home on a private lot.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Washburn Realty
    • Place Names
    • Merrillville, Indiana
    • Occupation Names
    • company president
    • Subjects
    • federal government
    • housing trends
    • mortgage interest rates
    • professional associations
    • real estate business
    • zoning regulations

Interviewee
Wells, Walter O., Sr. October 30, 1980 

Call Number
80-072

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 40 minutes

Interviewer
Hartzer, Ronald B.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Walter Wells speaks about the mobile home industry.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Schult Homes
    • Subjects
    • mobile home manufacture

Interviewee
Whaley, Fred V. March 11, 1979 

Call Number
79-023

Physical Description

46 pages; 1 tapes, 1 7/8 ips; no index

Interviewer
Stevens, Mary L.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Fred Whaley, born 1901, talks about his employment in Bloomington, Indiana before the Great Depression and in the seventies when he moved back. His many jobs include working as a teamster hauling lumber, farming, cab driving, making furniture, and housekeeping for Indiana University. He discusses his duties at each job.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Illinois Central Railroad
    • Indiana University
    • Showers Brothers Furniture Company
    • Occupation Names
    • teamster
    • Place Names
    • Bloomington, Indiana
    • Detroit, Michigan
    • Elwren, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • 1918 Influenza Epidemic
    • cab driving
    • farming
    • furniture industry
    • housekeeping
    • lumber hauling

Interviewee
Winkler, Elmer L. August 28, 1979 

Call Number
79-051

Physical Description

57 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 120 minutes; no index; photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
King, R. T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Elmer Winkler, born in Wichita, Kansas in 1930, discusses his experience with the Rock Island Refining Corporation, of which he was president at the time of this interview. He speaks of a variety of issues relating to the production of fuel oil and details the development of the company and the effect it had on the community. He mentions the company's relationship with its union OCAW, and steps taken to abide by EPA regulations. Finally, he provides an overview of the technological innovations he has witnessed in the company and considers options for alternative energy sources.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers Union
    • Rock Island Refining Corporation
    • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    • Occupation Names
    • company president
    • Place Names
    • Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • 1973 oil embargo
    • alternative energy sources
    • company acquisitions
    • environmental regulations
    • fuel oil
    • gas price wars
    • gasoline
    • oil refining
    • pollution
    • World War II

Interviewee
Wolfe, Eugene H. February 1, 1979 

Call Number
79-008

Physical Description

25 pages; 1 reel, 1 7/8 ips, 60 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A., Jr.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Eugene H. Wolfe, born on October 29, 1922, discusses his career in the railroad industry, focusing on his employment with Monon Railroad in southern Indiana. He speaks of the Monon Railroad's role as a connector railroad, carrying tonnage from other railroads outside of the state, and he shares his opinion that the future of railroads in America lies in increased freight hauling. Mr. Wolfe also comments on the change from steam to diesel train engines in the post-World War II era.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Louisville and Nashville Railroad
    • Monon Railroad
    • Place Names
    • Campbellsburg, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • Great Depression
    • railroad industry
    • steam engines

Interviewee
Wright, Arthur March 1, 1978 

Call Number
78-011

Physical Description

70 pages; 2 reels, 1 7/8 ips, 170 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Giroux, Vincent A., Jr.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Born in 1938, Arthur Wright discusses energy economics, focusing mainly on petroleum, oil, and natural gas, consumption, imports, and price controls. He speaks of the United States' current lack of economic and energy efficiency with regard to the use of natural resources and the so-called energy crisis of the late nineteen seventies. Professor Wright also comments on alternative energy sources, such as solar and nuclear power, and emphasizes the need for the United States and the world to create a comprehensive, economically efficient energy policy.

  • Keywords
    • Place Names
    • Soviet Union
    • Subjects
    • 1973 Oil Embargo
    • Alaskan oil
    • economic efficiency
    • education
    • energy crisis
    • energy efficiency
    • energy policy
    • nuclear power
    • oil import quotas
    • oil prices
    • petroleum production
    • price controls
    • solar energy
    • steel industry
    • whale oil

Interviewee
Yeager, Charles July 17, 1979 

Call Number
79-044

Physical Description

36 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 120 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R. T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Charles Yeager, born in 1918 and raised on a farm, discusses his successful career as a farmer in Carroll County. He elaborates on acquiring farm land and details the significant rise in the price of land and equipment. He speaks extensively about technological advances in agriculture and the various changes he has seen throughout his life. Mr. Yeager talks about his business and explains his primary interests in farming: hog and poultry production and feed manufacturing. Finally, he speaks about the success of Carroll County as a farming community and expresses some complaints about regulations from organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Indiana Farm Bureau
    • Occupational Safety and Health Administration
    • Yeager and Sullivan, Incorporated
    • Occupation Names
    • farmer
    • Place Names
    • Carroll County, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • agriculture
    • factory farming
    • farm costs
    • farm life
    • hog production
    • poultry business
    • technology
    • World War II

Interviewee
Youngs, Bernard May 8, 1979 

Call Number
79-038

Physical Description

34 pages; 1 reel, 4.7 cps, 120 minutes; no index

Interviewer
King, R.T.

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Bernard Youngs, born on June 19, 1928, traces his family's history in the Indiana coal industry, beginning in 1934. He discusses changes in mining technology, the effects of World War II on the industry, the quality or grade of Indiana coal, and what the process of coal beneficiation entails. Mr. Youngs also describes the federal government taking over many coal mines during and just after World War II.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • AMAX Coal Company
    • Ayrshire Collieries Corporation
    • Tennessee Valley Authority
    • Family Names
    • Youngs
    • Personal Names
    • Lewis, John L.
    • Sherwood, R. Hartley
    • Place Names
    • England
    • Petersburg, Indiana
    • Subjects
    • air pollution
    • coal beneficiation
    • coal industry
    • coal quality
    • draglines
    • land reclamation
    • mining equipment
    • strip mining
    • technological changes
    • World War II

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