Whiting, Indiana: Generational Memory, 1991-1993
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
https://cdrp.mediaschool.indiana.edu
Creator
Indiana University Center for the
Study of History and Memory
TitleWhiting, Indiana: Generational Memory, 1991-1993
Project No.
ohrc102
Interviews
88 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 collection of interviews primarily delves into the Republican
view of Indiana politics from the nineteen twenties to the early nineteen
sixties. Major emphasis is placed on both state and national elections and
conventions from 1940-1948. The project contains discussions of political
campaigns (including finances), the patronage system, and legislation battles.
The interviews also reflect on William Jenner by describing his character,
beliefs, and influence on Republican politics in Indiana.
Scope and Content Note
This collection contains eighty-eight interviews conducted over three years. All interviews consist of audio tapes and some
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
Anonymous
July 21,
1991
Call Number
91-037
Physical Description
37 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 97 minutes; no
index
Interviewer
Orr, Elisabeth
Access Status
Restricted; tapes closed
Scope and Content Note
In this interview, the interviewee relates stories of prejudice,
discrimination, and racism aimed at Mexicans, African-Americans, and other
minorities in Whiting, Indiana. Also described are the interviewee's family
values, the traditional political party affiliation of the interviewee's family
and ethnic group, and the nepotism rampant in the hiring practices of many
Whiting employers. In addition, generational differences regarding divorce and
the interviewee's opinion of the Vietnam War and the welfare system are
discussed.
-
Keywords
-
-
Subjects
- discrimination
- divorce
- education
- family values
- minority groups
- nepotism
- political party affiliation
- racism
- Vietnam War
- welfare
- work ethic
Interviewee
Anonymous
August 14,
1991
Call Number
91-047
Physical Description
28 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 60 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open (interviewee must remain anonymous); Tapes Closed
Scope and Content Note
In this interview, the interviewee discusses his family
history, his life in Whiting, Indiana, and the deterioration of America and its
values that has occurred over the years. He speaks of Slovak immigration and
the Slovak community in Whiting, as well as the downside of Standard Oil:
unethical work and business practices. In addition, he speaks of the increasing
diversity of the area and the artifacts of popular culture he has accumulated
from the early twentieth century.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Standard Oil Company
- Westville Hospital
-
-
Subjects
- emigration
- ethnic diversity
- family values
- local artifacts
- Mexican-Americans
- nepotism
- popular culture
- sex
- Slovak community
- unethical labor practices
Interviewee
Belshaw, William
February 24,
1992
Call Number
91-147
Physical Description
24 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 60 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
William Belshaw, an Indiana native, attended DePauw University
and later, Northwestern University School of Law. After spending some time in
Illinois, he settled down in Whiting, Indiana, where he worked as an attorney,
and eventually, a labor arbitrator. Mr. Belshaw discusses his family history,
his work experiences, and his thoughts about how America has changed since
World War II.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- DePauw University
- National Academy of Arbitrators
- Northwestern University School of Law
- Standard Oil Company
- United States Navy
-
-
Occupation Names
- attorney
- labor arbitrator
-
-
Place Names
- Lowell, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- ethnic diversity
- labor arbitration
- law practice
- Rector's Scholarship
- religion
- World War II
Interviewee
Boyle, Austin
November 1,
1991
Call Number
91-145
Physical Description
26 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 80 minutes; index
Interviewer
Klemm, Verda
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Austin Boyle spent his childhood and the majority of his adult
life in Whiting, Indiana. He discusses what Whiting was like during his
childhood, his college experiences, and his jobs as a reporter and as a public
relations officer for a bank. Mr. Boyle also tells of his experiences in the
United States Air Force during World War II. Finally, he shares his thoughts on
politics, religion, and family values.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
-
Chicago Daily
News
- Inland Steel
-
The New Orleans
Item
-
New Orleans
Times-Picayune
- Notre Dame University
- Standard Oil Company
- United States Air Force
-
-
Family Names
- Frierson
- Gore
-
-
Occupation Names
- attendance officer
- intelligence officer
- newspaper reporter
-
-
Personal Names
- Alferez, Enrique
- Hemingway, Ernest
- Truman, Harry S.
-
-
Place Names
- Chicago, Illinois
- Mexico
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- St. Petersburg, Florida
- Texas
-
-
Subjects
- D-Day
- family values
- Great Depression
- local politics
- Mardi Gras
- petroleum coke
- Prohibition
- religion
- unions
- Vietnam War
- World War II
Interviewee
Brown, George
November 28,
1990
Call Number
91-010
Physical Description
31 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 73 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
George Brown spent the majority of his life in Whiting, Indiana.
He discusses the state of the city during several time periods, including World
War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. After operating a gas station,
Mr. Brown went to work for Standard Oil. He speaks of this company's impact on
the town and about his work experiences there.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AMOCO
- Fraternal Order of Masons
- Indiana University
- Lambda Chi Alpha
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
-
Occupation Names
- factory worker
- gas station owner
-
-
Personal Names
- Carmichael, Hoagy
- Nichols, Ed
-
-
Place Names
- Gary, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- air quality
- courtship
- films
- Germans
- Great Depression
- marriage
- Prohibition
- saloons
- streetcars
- tower stills
- unions
- United States Civil War
- vacations
- World War I
- World War II
Interviewee
Brummett, Charles
April 9,
1992
Call Number
91-164
Physical Description
35 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 94 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Charles Brummett moved to Whiting, Indiana from Tennessee in
1960 to find work. He talks about his experiences during World War II and how
it changed him. Mr. Brummett also discusses the South and desegregation,
including his own perspectives and personal biases. Finally, Brummett talks
about how the United States has changed over the years, concluding that the
separation of church and state, legalized abortion, and increased drug use have
ruined the family values he fought for on the beaches of Normandy.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- United States Army
-
-
Occupation Names
- factory worker
-
-
-
Subjects
- African-Americans
- desegregation
- family values
- farming
- local politics
- school prayer
- unions
- World War II
Interviewee
Cheatham, John; Cheatham, Opal
July 28,
1991
Call Number
91-041
Physical Description
46 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 96 minutes; index
Interviewer
Orr, Lisa
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
John and Opal Cheatham discuss their migration to Whiting,
Indiana from the South, their family, the importance of religion in their
lives, and their experiences during World War II. In addition, the Cheathams
comment on their family values, local employment and the local economy, and
local politics.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Lever Brothers
- Rand McNally
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Occupation Names
- cosmotologist
- dispatcher
- foreman
-
-
Subjects
- African-Americans
- child discipline
- family values
- labor strikes
- local economy
- local politics
- religion
- unions
- World War II
Interviewee
Coppi, Jan
June 4,
1991
Call Number
91-138
Physical Description
30 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 72 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Jan Coppi recalls his childhood, education, and family in
Whiting, Indiana. He speaks of local employment and his particular employers,
in addition to his local participation in such recreational activities as
baseball and hunting.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Clark High School
- Hoosier Theater
- Inland Steel
- Lever Brothers
-
-
Occupation Names
- dental technician
- exterminator
- factory worker
- fire fighter
-
-
Place Names
- Wolf Lake, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- baseball
- education
- hunting
- local business
- local schools
- mining
- television
Interviewee
Corpus, Maggie
May 14,
1991
Call Number
91-029
Physical Description
36 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 75 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Maggie Corpus moved with her family to Whiting, Indiana in 1974.
She primarily discusses her parents, her childhood, her brothers and sisters,
and her own family. She also talks about her work and social experiences in
Whiting, particularly focusing on the prejudice she faced as a Mexican
American.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Inland Steel
-
-
-
Occupation Names
- secretary
-
-
Place Names
- East Chicago, Illinois
-
-
Subjects
- discrimination
- education
- family values
- hillbillies
- housework
- local politics
- materialism
- Mexican-Americans
Interviewee
Curosh, Delores; Curosh, William; DeLuca, Bertha;
DeLuca, Michael
March 2,
1992
Call Number
91-151
Physical Description
87 pages; 3 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 150 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
William and Delores Curosh and Michael and Bertha DeLuca all
spent major portions of their adult lives in Whiting, Indiana. Although they
primarily discuss their lives in this town, they also talk about their
childhoods and families, their lives in Arizona after they left Indiana, and
how the country has changed. With regard to their years in Whiting, the
Curoshes and DeLucas discuss what it was like raising their families in the
community, their employment in Whiting, attitudes toward immigrants there, and
religious and political issues within the town.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- American Trust and Savings Bank
- Standard Oil Company
- St. John's Catholic Church
-
-
Occupation Names
- electrician
- store owner
-
-
Personal Names
- Truman, Harry S.
-
-
Place Names
- Arizona
- Czechoslovakia
- Germany
- Philippines
-
-
Subjects
- Catholicism
- credit cards
- emigration
- family finances
- Fourth of July
- Great Depression
- Greek-Americans
- Mexican-Americans
- local airport
- local crime
- local politics
- pollution
- religion
- still cleaning
- World War II
Interviewee
Dabertin, David
October 11,
1991
Call Number
91-141
Physical Description
39 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 80 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
David Dabertin, an environmental attorney, grew up in Whiting,
Indiana, and continued to live in the area during his adult life. Mr. Dabertin
discusses the environmental contamination and pollution in Whiting and how and
when this occurred. He also speaks of the companies involved in this
contamination and their practices regarding their employees. Finally, Mr.
Dabertin talks about his family, his childhood in Whiting, and how much the
town has changed.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AMOCO
- Calumet College
- Federated Metals
- Indiana University School of Public and Environmental
Affairs
- Society of the Precious Blood
- Standard Oil Company
- St. John's Catholic Church
- United Citizens Association
-
-
Occupation Names
- environmental attorney
-
-
Place Names
- Grand Calumet River, Indiana
- Lake Michigan
-
-
Subjects
- Catholicism
- conservation
- drinking water
- drugs
- George Lake landfill
- lead poisoning
- local politics
- pollution
- state environmental controls
- water filtration
Interviewee
Dado, Joseph; Dado, Betty
July 20,
1991
Call Number
91-036
Physical Description
57 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 90 minutes; index
Interviewer
Orr, Elisabeth
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Joe Dado grew up in Whiting, Indiana; his wife Betty Dado moved
there as a teenager. They remained in Whiting and raised their family there.
Mr. and Mrs. Dado primarily speak of their childhoods, their children and
grandchildren, and the values and beliefs that are important to them. They
briefly discuss how Whiting and its populace have changed over the years and
they compare Whiting to Gary, Indiana.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Whiting Community Center
-
-
Occupation Names
- clerk
- factory supervisor
- mechanic
-
-
Place Names
- Gary, Indiana
- Hammond, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- 1991 Persian Gulf War
- divorce
- family values
- Great Depression
- local employment
- local politics
- parochial schools
- religion
- unions
- welfare
- work ethic
- World War II
Interviewee
Dewey, Marge
July 30,
1991
Call Number
91-044
Physical Description
19 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 36 minutes; index
Interviewer
Klemm, Verda
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
In this brief interview, Marge Dewey discusses her life and
memories of Whiting, Indiana, including the impact of World War II and the
Vietnam War on her life and on Whiting. She speaks of the importance of
religion to her life, and comments on local business and the relations among
different ethnic groups in Whiting.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
-
Whiting News
- Women's Army Corps
-
-
Personal Names
- Chrustowski, Stanley
- Williamson, Eddie
-
-
Subjects
- community life
- ethnic diversity
- local business
- religion
- unions
- Vietnam War
- World War II
Interviewee
Dominiak, Mark; Dominiak, Roberta
April 8,
1992
Call Number
91-162
Physical Description
39 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 90 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Mark and Roberta Dominiak, long time residents of Whiting,
Indiana, describe their memories and perceptions of their childhoods, families,
education in local schools, the local economy, and their family values. Roberta
Dominiak, a Mexican American, recalls some of the discrimination and harassment
she and her family have experienced in Whiting. In addition, the Dominiaks
describe community life, the problems posed by the possible introduction of a
local airport, and the increasing demographic diversification of the area.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Immaculate Conception Catholic School
-
-
Place Names
- East Chicago, Illinois
- Laredo, Texas
-
-
Subjects
- advertising
- community life
- ethnic diversity
- family values
- local airport
- local economy
- local schools
- Mexican-Americans
Interviewee
Dryjanski, Joann; Dryjanski, Raymond
May 14,
1991
Call Number
91-031
Physical Description
39 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 87 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Joann Dryjanski, born on March 28, 1932, and her husband,
Raymond Dryjanski, born on April 3, 1918, discuss their lives in Whiting,
Indiana, their employment histories, the increased crime rate in recent years,
and the increase in local unemployment. Mrs. Dryjanski recalls her first
marriage and the foreign mission work she did in Japan at that time. Mr.
Dryjanski speaks a little of his service during World War II and his memories
of the Great Depression. In addition, the couple speaks of the ethnic diversity
and different neighborhoods of Whiting.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Civilian Conservation Corps
-
-
Place Names
- Hammond, Indiana
- Japan
- Robertsdale, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- ethnic diversity
- family values
- foreign mission work
- Great Depression
- local crime
- local employment
- steel mills
- World War II
Interviewee
Dudzik, Helen
February 10,
1991
91-019
33 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 72 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Scope and Content Note
Helen Dudzik, born on November 17, 1916, is a lifelong resident
of Whiting, Indiana who recalls her childhood, family, personal employment
history, and education in this interview. She speaks of the ethnic de facto
segregation that characterized Whiting in her youth, and of other memories,
including those of dime stores, home births, the Standard Oil fire of 1955,
Roman Catholicism, the prominence of church youth organizations, and World War
II. She also discusses local employment, crime, pollution, and changes over the
years.
Open
-
-
Corporation Names
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Place Names
- Hammond, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- Catholicism
- church youth activities
- community changes
- dime stores
- ethnic diversity
- home births
- local crime
- local employment
- local politics
- Polish immigrants
- pollution
- steel mills
- World War II
Interviewee
Dvorscak, Agnes; Dvorscak, John
March 12, 1991;
May 14, 1991
Call Number
91-021
Physical Description
48 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 90 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
John Dvorscak, born in 1905, and his wife Agnes Dvorscak, born
in 1912, discuss their lives in and memories of Whiting, Indiana, including
local employment at Standard Oil Company, church-centered community life, the
Great Depression, and the increasing materialism of recent years. Mr. Dvorscak
describes the cleaning of tower stills at Standard Oil, his activities with
industrial baseball teams in the nineteen twenties, job safety, wages, and the
cost of living. In addition, the Dvorscaks discuss pollution, local politics,
the increase in the area's population of Mexican-Americans, candle workers, and
the popular pastimes of attending vaudeville productions and going to the
movies. Mr. Dvorscak also speaks of his family's emigration from
Austria-Hungary, in which they walked to Bremen, Germany and took a ship to
Ellis Island.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Personal Names
- Willkie, Wendell L.
-
-
Place Names
- Ellis Island, New York
-
-
Subjects
- community changes
- community life
- cost of living
- emigration
- films
- Great Depression
- industrial baseball teams
- job safety
- local employment
- local politics
- materialism
- Mexican-Americans
- pollution
- still cleaning
- vaudeville
- wages
- women workers
Interviewee
Etter, Donald
April 8,
1992
Call Number
91-161
Physical Description
21 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 60 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Donald Etter, born on February 24, 1952, discusses his views on
political, religious, and marital commitment, as well as his difficulty
completing projects and processes that are of little interest to him. He speaks
of religion in general, of the Baptist, Pentecostal, and Catholic faiths, and
of his recreational drug and alcohol use in the context of religious
restrictions against such activities. In addition, Mr. Etter discusses his
ex-wife, his marriage and divorce, and his relationship with his parents.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Fraternal Order of Masons
- Whiting Baptist Church
-
-
Subjects
- alcohol
- Catholicism
- drug testing
- marijuana
- marriage
- Pentecostal faith
- recreational drug use
- Southern Baptist Church
- women's movement
Interviewee
Etter, Donald
May 15,
1991
Call Number
91-032
Physical Description
32 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 87 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Donald Etter, born on February 24, 1952, recalls his childhood
and life in Whiting, Indiana as the son of Southerners who migrated to the
area. He speaks of the benefits of employment at AMOCO, of the ethnic
segregation and discrimination that characterized Whiting (decreasingly over
the decades since the nineteen seventies), and the religious practices
associated with the Southern Baptist Church. In addition, Mr. Etter discusses
local politics, the increasing emphasis on environmental pollution, the
strength and importance of labor unions, and drug use and experimentation.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AMOCO
- Culver Military Academy
-
-
Personal Names
- More, Albert
-
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- discrimination
- drugs
- ethnic diversity
- political party affiliation
- pollution
- religious practices
- Southern Baptist Church
- unions
Interviewee
Etter, James; Etter, Sara
June 25,
1992
Call Number
91-171
Physical Description
46 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 115 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
James Etter, born in 1927, and his wife Sara Etter, born on
August 29, 1930, discuss their respective families and childhoods, especially
during the Great Depression, their marriage, and moving north to Whiting,
Indiana to find work after Mr. Etter's service in World War II. They discuss
setting up their home in Whiting, and the local industry, ethnic diversity and
discrimination, air pollution, community life and social ties, and the local
economy there. In addition, the Etters discuss being labeled as Southern
"hillbillies" in Whiting, and their deep commitment to the Whiting Baptist
Church.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Hartford Baptist Church
- Standard Forge
- Standard Oil Company
- Whiting Baptist Church
- Works Progress Administration
-
-
Place Names
- Kentucky
- La Havre, France
-
-
Subjects
- community life
- discrimination
- ethnic diversity
- Great Depression
- local economy
- local industry
- pollution
- rural life
- unions
- World War II
Interviewee
Flores, José; Flores, Estela
May 14,
1991
Call Number
91-027
Physical Description
43 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 85 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
José Flores, born on May 1, 1925, and his wife, Estela Flores,
born on October 6, 1928, recall their childhoods and families in Mexico and
Texas, respectively, their emigration to the United States, and the life they
made for themselves in Whiting, Indiana. The discuss the discrimination they
experienced as Mexican-Americans, the increase in the Mexican population of
Whiting over the years, the work ethic and family values they transmitted and
emphasized to their children, and Mr. Flores' membership in the steel workers'
union.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Inland Steel
- United Steelworkers of America
-
-
Personal Names
- Peña, Raymond
-
-
-
Subjects
- child discipline
- discrimination
- emigration
- family values
- Mexican-Americans
- women's movement
- work ethic
Interviewee
Frankowski, Clementine
August 14,
1991
Call Number
91-046
Physical Description
33 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 79 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Clementine Frankowski, born in 1906, discusses her parents'
emigration from Poland, her siblings' diseases and deaths before the advent of
antibiotics and modern medicine, and her career as a physician in Whiting,
Indiana. Dr. Frankowski speaks of her years in medical school at Loyola
University, her medical practice in Whiting, and the sexism she experienced at
hospitals such as St. Catherine's. In addition, she comments on how her
Catholicism impacted her medical practice, especially in the area of birth
control.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- St. Catherine's Hospital
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Occupation Names
- physician
-
-
Subjects
- birth control
- cancer
- Catholicism
- diseases
- medical practice
- medical school
- national politics
- poverty
- racial diversity
- sexism
Interviewee
Gehrke, Betty
September 28,
1990
Call Number
91-004
Physical Description
27 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 73 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Born in 1911, Betty Gehrke discusses her parents, and her
memories of World War I and World War II, including V-E Day and V-J Day. She
recalls the 1955 Standard Oil fire and the immediate reactions of the Whiting
community to the disaster. In addition, she speaks of the impact television had
on daily life and comments on life during the Great Depression. Mrs. Gehrke
also discusses pollution, racial diversity, and local politics in Whiting.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Plymouth Congregational Church
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Occupation Names
- homemaker
- librarian
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- community life
- gender roles
- Great Depression
- hoboes
- local politics
- pollution
- racial diversity
- racism
- television
- V-E Day
- V-J Day
- World War I
- World War II
Interviewee
Gehrke, Clarence; Gehrke, Betty
October 11,
1991
Call Number
91-142
Physical Description
51 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 86 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Clarence Gehrke, born in 1909, and his wife, Betty Gehrke,
discuss their families and childhoods, and the life they made together in
Whiting, Indiana. Much of the interview is dedicated to a description of the
collection of the Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society, the curator of which
is Mrs. Gehrke. The Gehrkes discuss World War I, the Great Depression, and
World War II in Whiting, as well as Standard Oil, the area's foremost employer
and business. In addition, they comment on various local businesses, the
industrial modernization that occurred in the nineteen fifties, and the 1955
fire at Standard Oil.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Standard Oil Company
- Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society
-
-
Personal Names
- Mostil, Johnny
- Mullins, M.L.
-
-
Place Names
- Whiting, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
-
Danger Keep Out
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- Great Depression
- industrial modernization
- local artifacts
- local business
- local politics
- pollution
- World War I
- World War II
Interviewee
Gima, Marguerite
November 9,
1990
Call Number
91-007
Physical Description
46 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 110 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Marguerite Gima, born in 1915, discusses her parents' emigration
to America, her family, the ethnic division in Whiting, Indiana, and the
changes that have taken place in Whiting over the years. She discusses her
family's values, the changing importance attributed to the attainment of
American citizenship, and the impact of the Great Depression, World War II, and
the Vietnam War on her family and on Whiting. In addition, she recalls Whiting
community life and the centrality of the Fourth of July Parade in Whiting in
years past.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- American Legion
- American Maize
- Greek Catholic Union of the USA
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Personal Names
- Kopcha, Joseph
-
-
Place Names
- East Chicago, Illinois
- Hammond, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- American citizenship
- Arabs
- community life
- emigration
- employee benefits
- ethnic diversity
- family values
- Fourth of July
- Great Depression
- Greek Orthodox church
- local business
- pollution
- tourism
- Vietnam War
- women's movement
- World War II
Interviewee
Grenchik, Philip J.
August 19,
1992
Call Number
91-168
Physical Description
26 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 78 minutes; index
Interviewer
Orr, Lisa
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Philip J. Grenchik, born in 1938, speaks of his family and life
in Whiting, Indiana, giving special emphasis to the history of banking and his
career in banking there. He discusses the difficulty in purchasing housing in
Whiting because of the stable number of houses and the extremely limited
possibility of expansion. In addition, Mr. Grenchik comments on the hidden
wealth of Whiting's citizens, largely blue collar workers with strong work
ethics who often bought Standard Oil stock and lived frugally. He also
discusses the demographic diversity of the Whiting community.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- American Trust and Savings Bank
- AMOCO
- Whiting Community Center
-
-
-
Place Names
- Gary, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- banking
- ethnic diversity
- real estate
- work ethic
Interviewee
Gresko, Joseph
May 14,
1991
Call Number
91-023
Physical Description
38 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 74 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Joseph Gresko, born on February 14, 1921, recalls his family and
childhood in Whiting, Indiana, and tells of his work experiences at Standard
Oil Company and of his experiences during World War II. He comments on the
centrality of religion to Whiting community life, where every parish had a
baseball team in the nineteen twenties and nineteen thirties. In addition, Mr.
Gresko remembers Prohibition and the bootlegging that occurred. He also
discusses the layoffs caused by machinery modernization and technological
innovation at Standard Oil, the pensions Standard Oil provided, and his own
involvement in local politics.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- American Legion
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Personal Names
- Bessignano, Nick
- Kocan, Helen
- Schrage, Waller
-
-
Subjects
- bootlegging
- ethnic diversity
- hoboes
- industrial modernization
- local politics
- Pearl Harbor
- pensions
- petroleum coke
- pollution
- Prohibition
- unions
- World War II
Interviewee
Gresko, Sophie
March 12, 1991;
October 11, 1991
Call Number
91-022
Physical Description
55 pages; 3 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 106 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Sophie Gresko, born in 1902 in Czechoslovakia, recalls her
journey to the United States in 1911, her childhood, family, and her adult life
in Whiting, Indiana, and her employment history as a young widow with two
children to support. She describes the creation of a Slovak bank in Whiting,
community life in the town, and the norm among Slovak women of using midwives
rather than doctors in giving birth in the first few decades of the twentieth
century.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association
- Liberty Savings and Loan Association
- Whiting Community Center
-
-
Personal Names
- Ciesar, John
- Kocan, Helen
- Kozacik, Michael
-
-
Place Names
- Czechoslovakia
-
-
Subjects
- community life
- education
- emigration
- midwifery
- Slovak Dom
Interviewee
Haynes, Charlotte
December 6,
1990
Call Number
91-011
Physical Description
29 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 80 minutes; index
Interviewer
Klemm, Verda
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Charlotte Haynes, born on August 16, 1940, discusses her family
and upbringing in rural Kentucky, the move to Whiting, Indiana, and her career
as a librarian. She speaks of her education, the Civil Rights Movement, her
memories of the atomic bombs being dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, and of
the Vietnam War. She comments on the negative impact her father's alcoholism
has on her family and the importance of the Southern Baptist Church to her
youth. In addition, she briefly discusses the best and worst United States
presidents, in her opinion, and her hobbies of gardening and camping.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Whiting Library
-
-
Occupation Names
- librarian
-
-
Personal Names
- Johnson, Lyndon Baines
- Truman, Harry S.
- Reagan, Ronald Wilson
- Roosevelt, Eleanor
-
-
Subjects
- camping
- child discipline
- Civil Rights Movement
- education
- gardening
- Southern Baptist Church
- Vietnam War
- World War II
Interviewee
Herakovich, Elizabeth
May 30,
1991
Call Number
91-135
Physical Description
19 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 47 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Elizabeth Herakovich, born on August 3, 1929, joined by her
husband, Robert Herakovich, discusses how and when she and her husband met, her
experiences during World War II, including having five brothers in the service,
and her children. She recalls attending the 1964 New York World's Fair and
traveling with her husband and children, and she shares her opinions on the
Vietnam War, pollution, and local crime. In addition, Mrs. Herakovich comments
on her education and employment history.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Standard Oil Company
- State Bank of Whiting
-
-
Place Names
- New York, New York
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- 1964 New York World's Fair
- local crime
- pollution
- Vietnam War
- World War II
Interviewee
Herakovich, Robert
May 30,
1991
Call Number
91-048
Physical Description
34 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 64 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Robert Herakovich, born on December 20, 1919, recalls his family
and childhood in Whiting, Indiana, and describes the physical changes that the
environment and real estate of Whiting have undergone. He discusses his work in
and the importance of the steel mills, Standard Oil Company, and AMOCO to
Whiting. In addition, Mr. Herakovich speaks of his service in World War II, and
his memories of the 1955 Standard Oil fire.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AMOCO
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Family Names
- Gary, Indiana
- India
- Whiting, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- family values
- steel mills
- unions
- World War II
Interviewee
Hiduke, Carolyn; Hiduke, Andrew
March 3,
1992
Call Number
91-154
Physical Description
60 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 106 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Carolyn and Andrew Hiduke speak of their respective youths and
families in Whiting, Indiana, the family values with which they were reared and
which they later adopted, and employment in Whiting. The Hidukes discuss the
grocery store they owned, Mr. Hiduke's career as a probation officer in the
juvenile courts, and their move to Arizona for retirement. In addition, they
comment on their opinion that society is breaking down and that American
culture has become increasingly materialistic.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- St. John's Elementary School
- Union Tank Car Company
-
-
Occupation Names
- probation officer
-
-
Personal Names
- Cunningham, Wayne
- Truman, Harry S.
-
-
Place Names
- Arizona
- Hessville, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- 1929 stock market crash
- child discipline
- community life
- juvenile court
- materialism
- Vietnam War
- World War II
Interviewee
Hlebasko, Mary; Hlebasko, George
November 8,
1990
Call Number
91-005
Physical Description
58 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 99 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
George Hlebasko, born in 1907, and his wife, Mary Hlebasko, born
in 1910, each recall their family's history of emigration to America from
Czechoslovakia, their childhoods in Whiting, Indiana, and their education at
Catholic schools. The speak of local businesses, the importance and role of
Standard Oil in their lives, local politics, and community life in Whiting. In
addition, the Hlebaskos discuss the many houses they have built over the years
and the change in associated costs, as well as the disintegration of modern
society represented by increased divorce rates and the lack of child
discipline.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Congress of Industrial Organizations
- Kolar's Saloon
- St. John's Elementary School
- St. Mary's Byzantine Church
- Standard Oil Comapny
-
-
Family Names
- Hlebasko
- Suranich
-
-
Subjects
- child discipline
- class segregation
- community life
- Czechoslovakian immigrants
- divorce
- Fourth of July
- Great Depression
- local crime
- local politics
- pollution
- still cleaning
Interviewee
Hodges, Wade; Hodges, Jimmie
May 15,
1991
Call Number
91-033
Physical Description
39 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 69 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Wade Hodges, born on December 13, 1949, and his wife, Jimmie
Hodges, born on October 12, 1950, each recall their childhoods and families in
Arkansas, their move to Whiting, Indiana, and they discuss their children,
Jason and Travis, who are present for part of the interview. The Hodges relate
their respective employment histories, and Mr. Hodges emphasizes the benefits
of working at AMOCO and being a member of the labor union there. In addition,
the Hodges speak of their family values and views on and experiences with child
discipline.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AMOCO
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
-
Subjects
- child discipline
- family values
- unions
Interviewee
Homco, Edward C.
November 9,
1990
Call Number
91-008
Physical Description
27 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 60 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Father Edward C. Homco, born in 1919, discusses his family,
childhood, and the tight-knit Slovak community in Whiting, Indiana. He speaks
of the recent trends of materialism and individualism as contributing to the
breakdown of society. In addition, Father Homco comments on the Catholic
priesthood, experiences in different parishes and with fellow priests, and on
his memories of Prohibition and Whiting's Fourth of July parade.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AMOCO
- Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
- Society of the Precious Blood
- St. John's Catholic Church
-
-
Occupation Names
- Catholic priest
-
-
Place Names
- Czechoslovakia
- Whiting, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- Americanization
- community life
- Fourth of July
- materialism
- Prohibition
- Slovak Dom
Interviewee
Hovanec, Florence
August 18,
1992
Call Number
91-167
Physical Description
32 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 72 minutes; index
Interviewer
Orr, Lisa
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Florence Hovanec, born on September 18, 1918, recalls her
parents and childhood in Whiting, Indiana, the life she made there raising her
own family, and community life in general. She discusses her memories of the
Great Depression, the changes in family values that she has observed over the
years, and the increasing diversity of Whiting's population. In addition, Mrs.
Hovanec speaks of the importance of Catholicism and her church in her life.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- St. John the Baptist Church
-
-
Subjects
- Catholicism
- community life
- ethnic diversity
- family values
- Great Depression
- immigration quotas
Interviewee
Jancosek, George
January 28,
1991
Call Number
91-017
Physical Description
24 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 85 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
George Jancosek, a dentist and orthodontist born on September 5,
1932, recalls his family and childhood in Whiting, Indiana, growing up with no
central heating or hot water, and the work ethic and emphasis on education he
gained from his Czechoslovakian parents. He speaks of local politics, the
importance of Catholicism, the strong cultural ties in the community, and the
setting up of his dental practice in Whiting. In addition, Mr. Jancosek cites
America's moral degradation and increased materialism as some of the major
changes that have occurred over the years.
-
Access Status
-
-
Corporation Names
- Standard Oil Company
- United States Army
-
-
-
Occupation Names
- dentist
- orthodontist
-
-
Personal Names
- Roosevelt, Franklin Delano
-
-
Place Names
- Austria-Hungary
- Gary, Indiana
- Korea
-
-
Subjects
- Catholicism
- dental practice
- education
- local politics
- morals
- pollution
- Slovak immigrants
- steel mills
- Vietnam War
- World War II
Interviewee
Jancosek, JoAnn
January 29,
1991
Call Number
91-016
Physical Description
22 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 57 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
JoAnn Jancosek, born on February 23, 1940, recalls her youth and
family in Whiting, Indiana, where her father was a police officer and she had
to take over many of the household duties because her ailing mother was unable
to perform them. One of her earliest memories is of the Standard Oil fire in
1955. She describes local politics, her participation in Polish folk dancing
and her vague memories of World War II. In addition, she speaks of her college
education and life in Robertsdale, Indiana.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AMOCO
- St. Adalbert's Catholic Church
- University of Detroit Mercy
-
-
Place Names
- Robertsdale, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- garbage burning
- local politics
- Polish folk dancing
- pollution
- World War II
Interviewee
Jancosek, John
February 9,
1991
Call Number
91-014
Physical Description
40 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 111 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
John Jancosek, born on December 24, 1919, recalls his childhood
and family in Whiting, Indiana, experiences in the United States Navy, and his
wife and marriage. He remembers the Great Depression and how it brought family
values and a very strong work ethic to the forefront, both within his family
and in the community of Whiting. Mr. Jancosek discusses the discrimination
Slavs were often subjected to, his memories of the 1955 Standard Oil fire, the
negative aspects of labor unions, and the pollution that has characterized
Whiting and its environs. In addition, he speaks of his United States Navy
service prior to and during World War II, and also during the Korean War.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Standard Oil Company
- United States Navy
-
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- community life
- discrimination
- education
- ethnic diversity
- Great Depression
- home remedies
- pollution
- unions
- work ethic
- World War II
Interviewee
Judson, James
November 13,
1991
Call Number
91-146
Physical Description
23 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 43 minutes; index
Interviewer
Klemm, Verda
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
James Judson, born on April 21, 1916, recalls his family and
life in Whiting, Indiana, including his experiences traveling and performing
with Father Lach's band in the United States and in Europe. He discusses his
views on women working outside of the home and relates his memories of being in
the United States Coast Guard during World War II. In addition, Mr. Judson
speaks of working in New Jersey and his work as a chemist.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Standard Oil Company
- United States Coast Guard
-
-
-
-
Subjects
- national economy
- women workers
- World War II
Interviewee
Jurbala, Anne M.
August 19,
1992
Call Number
91-169
Physical Description
25 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 54 minutes; index
Interviewer
Orr, Lisa
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Anne M. Jurbala, born in 1924, recalls her family and youth in
Whiting, Indiana, how she met her husband and their life together, and the
tight-knit Slovak community of which she was a part. She remembers the effects
of World War II on her life, and, prior to that, the financial struggles she
and her family experienced during the Great Depression. A devout Catholic, Mrs.
Jurbala speaks of the importance of prayer and the centrality of religion to
her life.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AMOCO
- Dance Land
-
-
Place Names
- Czechoslovakia
- Gary, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- Catholicism
- community life
- Great Depression
- national politics
- pollution
- women workers
- World War II
Interviewee
Kaminsky, Ann Marie
May 14,
1991
Call Number
91-026
Physical Description
38 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 98 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Transcript Open; Tapes Closed
Scope and Content Note
Ann Marie Kaminsky, born on November 17, 1914, recalls her
family, childhood, marriage, and life in Whiting, Indiana in this interview.
She discusses community life, the work ethic of her parents and of her own
generation, and she shares her memories of the 1955 Standard Oil fire.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- work ethic
Interviewee
Kasper, Jim; Kasper, Beth
July 27,
1991
Call Number
91-040
Physical Description
56 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 96 minutes; index
Interviewer
Orr, Lisa
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Jim and Beth Kasper, born on June 19, 1964 and December 21,
1963, respectively, discuss each of their parents, families, and childhoods in
Whiting, Indiana. They speak of the development of their relationship, the
values they share, and the role of Catholicism in their lives. In addition,
they comment on the moral disintegration of the country, the national economy,
and on national politics.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Republican Party
-
-
Subjects
- Catholicism
- college education
- family values
- national economy
- national politics
- personal finances
- real estate
Interviewee
Kirk, Leonard; Kirk, Lucille
July 20,
1991
Call Number
91-035
Physical Description
33 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 80 minutes; index; poem by
interviewee
Interviewer
Orr, Lisa
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Leonard Kirk, born on September 6, 1924, and his wife, Lucille
Kirk, born on August 13, 1926, each recall their childhoods and families, and
they discuss their relationship and the life they made for themselves in
Whiting, Indiana. The Kirks speak of community life and retirement in Whiting,
their memories of the Great Depression and World War II, their values, and of
the shift in values toward materialism that characterizes modern America.
-
Keywords
-
-
Subjects
- community life
- family values
- farming
- Great Depression
- retirement
- unions
- World War II
Interviewee
Klemm, Barry
December 18,
1992
Call Number
91-173
Physical Description
71 pages; 3 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 171 minutes; index; 4
photographs of interviewee
Interviewer
Wolford, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Barry Klemm, born in April of 1947, recalls his youth in
Whiting, Indiana, and extensively discusses each of his parents and his
grandparents, and his relationship with each of them. He also thoroughly
describes his employment history and career, which began in the steel mills and
expanded to construction, real estate, and finally, the professional business
world. Mr. Klemm retains especially strong memories of the assassination of
President Kennedy and the Standard Oil fire of 1955. In addition, he speaks of
his values, especially of the value his father placed on self-sufficiency and
of his contact with, participation in, and opinions of labor unions.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Condes' Restaurant
- Inland Steel
- Whiting Community Center
- Youngstown Sheet and Tube
-
-
-
Occupation Names
- real estate agent
-
-
Personal Names
- McTague, Jerome "Mick"
- Plewniak, Ron
-
-
Place Names
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Lafayette, Indiana
- Paducah, Kentucky
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- Cold War
- community life
- family values
- John F. Kennedy assassination
- pollution
- unions
- women workers
Interviewee
Koch, Albert R.
February 19,
1991
Call Number
91-020
Physical Description
39 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 100 minutes; index; photo of
interviewee, articles by interviewee
Interviewer
Klemm, Verda
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Albert R. Koch, born on January 21, 1941, shares his memories of
his youth, parents, and family in Whiting, Indiana, expressing his love for the
area and for his parents and the values they taught him. Mr. Koch speaks of his
education at Whiting High School, his work at Inland Steel, and his college
education at Indiana State University. He describes community life in Whiting,
the impact of Catholicism on his life, and he discusses his philosophy of
life.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Indiana State University
- Inland Steel
- Standard Oil Company
- Thorton Fractional North
- Whiting High School
-
-
Personal Names
- Neville, Mark
- Truman, Harry S.
- Yanas, Andy
-
-
Place Names
- author
- industrial technology teacher
- librarian
-
-
Subjects
- Catholicism
- community life
- education
- family values
- radio
- Vietnam War
- work ethic
- World War II
Interviewee
Kompier, Alexander
April 6,
1991
Call Number
91-140
Physical Description
51 pages; 1 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 120 minutes; index
Interviewer
Del Negro, Giovanna
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Alexander Kompier, born in November of 1916, recalls his family
and youth in Whiting, Indiana, sharing his memories of Prohibition and the
Great Depression. He speaks of his service in World War II and how his time
spent in an infantry unit in Sicily, Algiers, and England, among other places,
stimulated a lifelong love of world travel. After his discharge, he returned
and completed his undergraduate and master's degrees with the help of the GI
Bill. In addition, Mr. Kompier discusses community life in Whiting, the
building of a new marina there, its ethnic diversity, and the high quality of
its schools.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- George Rogers Clark High School
- Indiana University
- Northwestern University
- Salvation Army
- Standard Oil Company
- Whiting Community Center
- Whiting High School
-
-
Occupation Names
- high school teacher
-
-
Personal Names
- Homman, Florence
-
-
Place Names
- Algiers
- Bloomington, Indiana
- Sicily
- Soviet Union
-
-
Subjects
- education
- ethnic diversity
- Great Depression
- Prohibition
- Whiting marina
- world travel
- World War II
Interviewee
Kosalko, Gayle
July 23,
1991
Call Number
91-039
Physical Description
27 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 63 minutes; index
Interviewer
Klemm, Verda
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Gayle Kosalko, born on March 30, 1949, discusses her family
history and home life growing up in Whiting, Indiana, as well as her own
husband and children and their life in Whiting. She speaks of her college
education, her political affiliation and Republican beliefs, teaching, and her
memories of the Vietnam War and John F. Kennedy assassination. In addition, she
describes her involvement in local community youth musical theater
productions.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Park College
- Pennsylvania Avenue Players
-
-
Subjects
- community theater
- education
- family values
- John F. Kennedy assassination
- national politics
- teaching
- Vietnam War
- women workers
- World War II
Interviewee
Kovach, John
July 23,
1991
Call Number
91-038
Physical Description
25 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 52 minutes; index
Interviewer
Orr, Lisa
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
John Kovach describes the many differences between the lives of
his parents, Czechoslovakian immigrants, in Whiting, Indiana, and his own life
in Whiting. He discusses his employment at Standard Oil Company, pollution and
local politics, his memories of the Great Depression, and briefly highlights
his experiences serving in the infantry during World War II. In addition, he
shares his opinion on the best and worst United States presidents.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Dance Land
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Subjects
- community life
- ethnic diversity
- Great Depression
- local politics
- pollution
- steel mills
- unions
- women workers
- World War II
Interviewee
Kraly, Rosemary M.
January 22,
1992
Call Number
91-156
Physical Description
28 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 72 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Born on May 28, 1926, Rosemary M. Kraly discusses her memories
of the private bootlegging that occurred in Whiting, Indiana, during
Prohibition, and she speaks of how she met and married her husband. A longtime
homemaker, she comments on local employment, her education at Clark High
School, and the expectation that she would work immediately after high school
until she was married. In addition, Mrs. Kraly recalls the 1955 Standard Oil
fire.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Clark High School
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Occupation Names
- homemaker
-
-
Place Names
- Streator, Illinois
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- gambling
- pollution
- Prohibition
- Whiting MacNamara basketball team
Interviewee
Kus, Leo J.; Michalak, Frank
March 8,
1991
Call Number
91-024
Physical Description
45 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 131 minutes; index
Interviewer
Craver, Amy
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Leo J. Kus, born on June 7, 1919, and Frank Michalak, born on
December 8, 1917, recall their childhoods and coming of age in Whiting,
Indiana. They speak of their experiences during the Great Depression and World
War II, their employment at Standard Oil Company, and their experiences with
labor unions. They discuss Whiting's community life and the changes it has
undergone over the years. Mr. Kus cites the main problem of America as the
replacement of faith in God by unfounded faith in man.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Dance Land
- Democratic Party
- Standard Oil Company
- Whiting Community Center
-
-
Occupation Names
- construction pipe fitter
-
-
Personal Names
- Miller, R.B.
- Roosevelt, Franklin Delano
-
-
-
Subjects
- Catholicism
- community life
- ethnic diversity
- family values
- Great Depression
- local industry
- local politics
- religion
- unions
- women workers
- work ethic
- World War II
Interviewee
Kus, Leo J.
October 11,
1991
Call Number
91-143
Physical Description
23 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 60 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Leo J. Kus, born on June 7, 1919, describes the importance of
Standard Oil Company to the town of Whiting, Indiana, his years of employment
there, the benefits, the union, and the work ethic associated with his years
there. He discusses his family, the effects of the Great Depression on local
employment, and the high value he placed on education for his own children.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Occupation Names
- construction pipe fitter
-
-
Personal Names
- Swearingen, John
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- employee benefits
- family values
- Great Depression
- labor strikes
- layoffs
- unions
- work ethic
Interviewee
Labda, Mildred
November 8,
1990
Call Number
91-006
Physical Description
46 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 75 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Mildred Labda, born in 1903, recalls her childhood, her
emigration to America from Czechoslovakia, and her youth and life in Whiting,
Indiana. She extensively discusses her family, husband, and children, including
their employment and participation in World War II. Mrs. Labda speaks of
community life, the Slovak Lutheran Church, and national politics in this
interview, as well as emphasizing the importance of religion and a strong work
ethic in her life.
-
Keywords
-
-
Personal Names
- Haluska, George
- Labda, Gerald
- Labda, Godfrey
- Labda, Lodie
- McKinley, Martha Labda
-
-
Place Names
- Czechoslovakia
-
-
Subjects
- emigration
- Great Depression
- national politics
- religion
- Slovak Dom
- Slovak Lutheran Church
- work ethic
Interviewee
Labus, Paul
May 4,
1993
Call Number
91-175
Physical Description
22 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 54 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Paul Labus, born on October 24, 1955, describes his youth and
family growing up in Whiting and Hammond, Indiana. He discusses his career as a
painter, his limited employment history, the strong work ethic of his father,
and the impact of the Vietnam War on his generation. In addition, Mr. Labus
remembers the enjoyment he experienced during Whiting's annual Fourth of July
parade and carnival.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Humes and Berg
-
-
-
Place Names
- Hammond, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- Fourth of July
- pollution
- racism
- Vietnam War
- work ethic
Interviewee
Labus, Stanley
April 6,
1991
Call Number
91-139
Physical Description
47 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 76 minutes; index
Interviewer
Del Negro, Giovanna
Access Status
Restricted (transcript open; tapes closed)
Scope and Content Note
Stanley Labus, born on November 6, 1926, discusses his Polish
parents and their emigration to America early in the twentieth century and
recalls his family and childhood in Whiting, Indiana. He speaks of his service
in the United States Navy during World War II. In addition, he comments on the
values transmitted to him by his parents, the role of Catholicism in his life,
his employment at AMOCO, and the activities of the Ku Klux Klan in Whiting in
the past.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AMOCO
- Keyes Fibre Corporation
- Ku Klux Klan
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Personal Names
- Clark, George Rogers
- McKenna, Joseph
- Roosevelt, Franklin Delano
-
-
Place Names
- East Moline, Illinois
- Poland
-
-
Subjects
- 1933 National Industrial Recovery Act
- Catholicism
- community life
- education
- emigration
- family values
- Great Depression
- local employment
- local politics
- steel mills
- unions
- Vietnam War
- World War II
Interviewee
Marcisz, John J.
March 3,
1992
Call Number
91-152
Physical Description
65 pages; 3 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 129 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
John J. Marcisz, born on December 4, 1913, discusses his
parents' emigration from Poland, his childhood in Whiting, Indiana, and the
emphasis on discipline and Catholic values that characterized his youth. He
speaks of his father's years at Standard Oil, and the health problems,
including black lung, that his father experienced as a result of the poor
working conditions that defined his job as a still cleaner. Mr. Marcisz
describes the ethnic diversity of Whiting and hypothesizes that few
African-Americans lived in the area until recently because of the community's
racism. He also recalls playing the sousaphone and trombone in Father Lach's
traveling band when he was in high school.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Personal Names
- Marcisz, Joseph
- Marcisz, Mary
-
-
Place Names
- Arizona
- Dreamland Villa, Arizona
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- African-Americans
- Catholicism
- child discipline
- discrimination
- ethnic diversity
- family values
- Great Depression
- local politics
- pensions
- racism
- still cleaning
- unions
- working conditions
Interviewee
Massoels, Richard
December 14,
1992
Call Number
91-176
Physical Description
17 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 35 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Richard Massoels discusses his family and their Slovak ancestry,
and emphasizes the importance of family, which he believes to be deteriorating
in modern America due to such phenomena as the increased divorce rate. In
addition, he recalls his education in Whiting, Indiana, the values he grew up
with, and he describes his life in Whiting.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AMOCO
- Midway Airlines
- St. John the Baptist Elementary School
-
-
Subjects
- child discipline
- family values
Interviewee
Mattingly, Betty L.
November 15,
1990
Call Number
91-009
Physical Description
23 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 109 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Betty L. Mattingly discusses her parents, growing up with ten
brothers and sisters in a two bedroom house, and the discipline that
characterized her youth. She describes her employment history and goes on to
speak about her role in the United Citizens Association, created in response to
the threat of Calumet College draining George Lake, sand mining it, and turning
it into a land-fill.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AMOCO
- Calumet College
- United Citizens Association
-
-
Personal Names
- Christian, Ray
-
-
Place Names
- George Lake, Indiana
- Robertsdale, Indiana
- Wolf Lake, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- child discipline
- ecological activism
- ethnic diversity
- family values
- George Lake drainage
- pollution
- prostitution
Interviewee
Mattingly, Betty L.
April 8,
1992
Call Number
91-160
Physical Description
27 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 60 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Born in 1933, Betty L. Mattingly describes the hard lives of her
parents, how they met, and the value they placed on education. In addition, she
discusses her extended family, including her mother's relationship with her
many brothers and sisters, and their lives, careers, and current
whereabouts.
-
Keywords
-
-
-
Personal Names
- Christian, Elsie Mary
-
-
Interviewee
McNinch, Estela
February 25,
1992
Call Number
91-148
Physical Description
35 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 67 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Estela McNinch, born in July of 1964, discusses her parents'
move from Texas and Mexico to Whiting, Indiana, the discipline she recalls from
her childhood and adolescence, and her memories of her youth in Whiting, in
general. She speaks of her high school class and the direction of the lives of
some of her classmates. In addition, Mrs. McNinch, a Mexican American herself,
comments on the role and experiences of Mexican-Americans in Whiting, and of
diversity and discrimination in the town.
-
Keywords
-
-
Subjects
- discrimination
- divorce
- ethnic diversity
- family values
- hillbillies
- Mexican-Americans
Interviewee
Miller, Victoria
February 5,
1991
Call Number
91-013
Physical Description
33 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 98 minutes; index; photograph
of interviewee
Interviewer
Klemm, Verda
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Victoria Miller, born in December of 1919, discusses her Slovak
and Hungarian background, her youth in Whiting, Indiana, which was
characterized by her suffering of acute eczema, and the trials of life with an
alcoholic and often abusive father. She speaks of her life, marriage, and
children in this ethnically diverse community. In addition, she describes her
interest and participation in handwriting analysis, community theater, and
healthy eating.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AMOCO
- Marion Theater Guild
- The Patchworks
-
-
Personal Names
- Kennedy, John Fitzgerald
- Kennedy, Ted
-
-
Place Names
- Whiting, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- alcoholism
- community theater
- domestic abuse
- eczema
- ethnic diversity
- family values
- handwriting analysis
- healthy eating
- marriage
Interviewee
Mores, Mary R.
April 30,
1992
Call Number
91-165
Physical Description
37 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 95 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Born in 1924, Mary R. Mores discusses her Czechoslovakian
ancestry, her parents, grandparents, and siblings, and her youth and life in
Whiting, Indiana. She speaks of the conditions and details of her mother's
migration from Czechoslovakia to the United States at the age of 15. Ms. Mores
describes community and family life in Whiting, emphasizing the centrality of
Roman Catholicism. In addition, she shares her beliefs regarding several
supposed appearances of the Virgin Mary, the negative social impact of
television, and environmental pollution in Whiting.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- St. John's Catholic Church
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
-
Personal Names
- Bush, George, Sr.
- Grenchik, Steven
- Mores, Matthew
- Sagan, Rose
- Truman, Harry S.
- Ustanik, Agnes
-
-
Place Names
- Czechoslovakia
- Ellis Island, New York
- Fatima, Portugal
- Lourdes, France
-
-
Subjects
- Catholicism
- community life
- family life
- family values
- Great Depression
- immigration experiences
- pollution
- television
Interviewee
Novosel, Joseph, Jr.
October 15,
1990
Call Number
91-003
Physical Description
33 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 73 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Joseph Novosel, Jr., born on November 17, 1960, discusses his
Yugoslavian family background, his parents and family, and his youth and adult
life in Whiting, Indiana. He speaks of the air and water pollution that
occurred in Whiting as a result of heavy industry there, as well as his
participation in the United Citizens Association to prevent further
environmental pollution. He discusses and describes his education, career,
community life, political beliefs, and the local economy.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Midwest Limousine Corporation
- United Citizens Association
-
-
Occupation Names
- construction worker
- engineer
-
-
Personal Names
- Reagan, Ronald Wilson
-
-
Place Names
- Gary, Indiana
- Hammond, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- Dance Land fire
- ethnic diversity
- family values
- local economy
- pollution
- racism
- World War II
Interviewee
Novosel, Joseph, Sr.
October 15,
1990
Call Number
91-002
Physical Description
38 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 120 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Joseph Novosel, Sr., born on March 15, 1924, speaks of his
parents, who emigrated from Croatia/Yugoslavia, and his youth in Whiting,
Indiana. He discusses his participation in Boy Scouts, hunting, and fishing as
a boy, as well as his memories of Prohibition, bootlegging, and a suicidal
boarder who lived with his family for a time. In addition , he speaks of his
attempts to enter military service in World War II, his career as an
electrician, labor unions, and the area's economy and politics.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Occupation Names
- electrician
-
-
Personal Names
- Klodischitz, Steven
-
-
Place Names
- Croatia
- George Lake, Indiana
- Wolf Lake, Indiana
- Yugoslavia
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- community life
- ethnic diversity
- family values
- fishing
- hunting
- Jewish businesses
- local economy
- local politics
- morals
- Prohibition
- religious divisions
- unions
- World War II
Interviewee
Obermiller, William
January 17,
1991
Call Number
91-012
Physical Description
17 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 47 minutes; index; photo of
interviewee, 9 articles about interviewee, Whiting Historical Society
newsletter
Interviewer
Klemm, Verda
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
William Obermiller, born on June 22, 1923, recalls his childhood
and life with his parents in Whiting, Indiana. A attorney and judge with
experience in naval intelligence in World War II and the Korean War, Mr.
Obermiller discusses his Catholic upbringing, the values he retains from his
parents and his religion, and his application of those values through civic
activities and voluntarism. In addition, he speaks of his wife and daughters
and the impact television has had on the culture and speed of communication in
the United States. Mr. Obermiller also remembers such events as the Pearl
Harbor attack and the big Standard Oil fire in 1955.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Carmelite Home for Girls
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Occupation Names
- attorney
- judge
- naval intelligence officer
-
-
Personal Names
- Obermiller, Anne
-
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- Catholicism
- family values
- television
- World War II
Interviewee
Odlivak, Albert
July 29,
1991
Call Number
91-043
Physical Description
18 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 48 minutes; index
Interviewer
Klemm, Verda
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Albert Odlivak, born on February 19, 1930, discusses the
happiness of his childhood and adult life in Whiting, Indiana, the disciplined
upbringing and family values he received from his parents, and the importance
of the Greek Catholic church in his life. He emphasizes the value of the work
ethic of his parents' generation and the importance of education, recalling his
own years in Whiting's public elementary and high schools. In addition, Mr.
Odlivak speaks of his memories of World War II and the Vietnam War, the
changing aspect of local employment, and the rebirth of his love of drawing and
painting.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Occupation Names
- city water department superintedent
-
-
Subjects
- education
- family values
- local employment
- painting
- Vietnam War
- work ethic
- World War II
Interviewee
Palko, Ann; Badnarik, Elaine
April 30,
1992
Call Number
91-166
Physical Description
64 pages; 3 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 130 minutes; index; brief
history of Whiting, Indiana
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Ann Palko, born in 1913, and Elaine Badnarik, born in 1934, each
discuss the story of their antecedents' emigration to the United States from
Slovakia, then part of Austria-Hungary. They speak of their youths in
Hegewisch, Illinois, the process of Americanization as evidenced by family
photographs, family values, and the importance of Catholicism in community
life. Ms. Badnarik reveals her interest in genealogical research by relating
many stories of her family and ancestors, both in Slovakia and America. Ms.
Palko speaks of her work at Standard Oil, while Ms. Badnarik discusses being
employed at Republic Steel. Both women emphasize generational differences in
the Whiting community, including a lack of religious and traditional values in
youth.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Daughters of Isabella
- Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
- Republic Steel
- St. John's Catholic Church
- St. Theresa Ladies' Parish Club
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
-
Personal Names
- Gima, Mary Cerep
- Gima, Michael
- Kennedy, John Fitzgerald
- Rajcany, Benedict
- Palko, Andro
-
-
Place Names
- Austria-Hungary
- Hegewisch, Illinois
- Orava, Czechoslovakia
-
-
Subjects
- Americanization
- Catholicism
- cultural traditions
- discrimination
- family values
- Fourth of July
- Great Depression
- immigrants
- local controversy
- Rosary clubs
- Whiting centennial
- World War II
Interviewee
Plemons, Frank; Plemons, Joyce; Collins, Carol
May 15,
1991
Call Number
91-030
Physical Description
51 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 78 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Frank Plemons, born on April 12, 1929, his wife, Joyce Plemons,
born on October 29, 1938, and Carol Collins, born on April 14, 1948, discuss
their background, families, and youth in Tennessee and their move to Whiting,
Indiana to find jobs. They speak of the discrimination they experienced as
Southerners in a primarily eastern European ethnic area. In addition, they
stressed generational differences in family values, family size, and the degree
of materialism, as well as discussing the best and largest employers in
Whiting.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Inland Steel
- Lever Brothers
- U.S. Steel
-
-
Personal Names
- Plemons, Gary
-
-
Place Names
- Lenoir City, Tennessee
-
-
Subjects
- cost of living
- discrimination
- electricity
- ethnic diversity
- family size
- family values
- materialism
- regional differences
- technological changes
- unions
- work ethic
- working conditions
Interviewee
Pukac, Michael; Pukac, Julia
March 2,
1992
Call Number
91-153
Physical Description
66 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 103 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Michael Pukac, born on November 15, 1922, and his wife Julia,
born on February 26, 1922, recall their respective childhoods and adult lives
in Whiting, Indiana. They discuss their employment histories, citing the
importance of such major employers as AMOCO/Standard Oil and Lever Brothers,
and the changes brought about by labor unions. The couple speaks of
generational religious differences. The Pukacs also describe the benefits of
living in their Arizona retirement community, as opposed to Whiting. In
addition, they comment on minority job quotas at AMOCO, the 1955 Standard Oil
fire, and the problems faced by the local community in Whiting.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AMOCO
- Congress of Industrial Organizations
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Occupation Names
- travel agent
-
-
Place Names
- Czechoslovakia
- Robertsdale, Indiana
- Sun City, Arizona
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- Americanization
- Catholicism
- community life
- Great Depression
- minority groups
- political party affiliation
- pollution
- religious philosophy
- retirement
- unions
- Whiting city disrepair
- World War II
Interviewee
Saliga, George J.
August 14,
1991
Call Number
91-045
Physical Description
21 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 53 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
George J. Saliga discusses his family history, Czechoslovakian
heritage, and early life in Whiting, Indiana in this interview. He speaks of
his work at Standard Oil Company and of his service in Italy and northern
Africa in World War II. In addition, Mr. Saliga speaks of his time in Father
Lach's band, playing at Carnegie Hall, and touring Europe with the band in the
late nineteen thirties.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Dance Land
- Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Personal Names
- Losinski, Adam
-
-
Subjects
- ethnic diversity
- Father Lach's band
- mortar shells
- unions
- World War II
Interviewee
Sandrick, James
January 23,
1991
Call Number
91-018
Physical Description
30 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 68 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
James Sandrick, born on May 3, 1943, describes his youth in
Robertsdale, Indiana, the local neighborhood, local employers, and the values
he learned from his parents. He discusses one of his most important memories,
Whiting's centennial celebration, and also speaks of Whiting's renowned annual
Fourth of July parade. Mr. Sandrick talks about class distinctions in Whiting
society and neighborhoods, as well as local air and water pollution, and the
quality of local schools.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Standard Oil Company
- Star Theater
-
-
Occupation Names
- insurance agent
-
-
Place Names
- Chicago, Illinois
- Gary, Indiana
- Hammond, Indiana
- Robertsdale, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- family values
- Fourth of July
- local real estate
- local schools
- political party affiliation
- pollution
- social classes
- steel mills
- Vietnam War
- Whiting centennial
Interviewee
Scully, Anne V. "Peg"
January 24,
1991
Call Number
91-015
Physical Description
43 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 96 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Anne V. "Peg" Scully, born on July 12, 1905, describes her
family, her childhood and adult life in Whiting, Indiana, and her employment
history. She discusses her father's tavern, its demise during Prohibition, her
days as a flapper, and Al Capone's gang activities in Whiting. In addition, she
recalls the old movie theaters in Whiting and some home remedies used during
her childhood.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- St. John's Catholic Church
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Place Names
- Hammond, Indiana
- Stiglitz Park, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- Americanization
- Capone gang
- education
- flappers
- home remedies
- movie theaters
- Prohibition
Semancik, Lillian
November 2,
1992
91-170
14 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 50 minutes; index
Interviewer
Orr, Lisa
Scope and Content Note
Lillian Semancik discusses her Slovakian heritage, her Slovakian
immigrant parents, and her childhood and adult life in Whiting, Indiana. She
compares the cost of living in her youth to that of the present day, and
describes the closeness of the Slovak community in Whiting. In addition, she
speaks of the death of her father from pneumonia, before the advent of
antibiotics, when she was still a child.
Open
-
Subjects
- cost of living
- Slovak community
Interviewee
Slack, Christopher; Slack, Esther
April 7,
1992
Call Number
91-163
Physical Description
61 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 94 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Christopher Slack, and his wife, Esther Slack, who was born in
1964, describe their lives and respective families in Whiting, Indiana. Mrs.
Slack describes growing up as a Mexican American in Whiting, while Mr. Slack
describes his own Slovak family history and his traditional perception of
gender roles. Also discussed are the primary employers in Whiting, family
values, and generational differences with regard to activities of youth. They
comment on the changing demographics of the Whiting community, as well as the
increase in local crime.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Place Names
- East Chicago, Illinois
-
-
Subjects
- alcohol
- Catholicism
- community life
- education
- ethnic diversity
- family values
- Fourth of July
- gender roles
- local airport
- local crime
- local politics
- marijuana
- Mexican-Americans
Interviewee
Sotak, David
February 25,
1992
Call Number
91-149
Physical Description
29 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 66 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
David Sotak discusses his childhood and adult life in Whiting,
Indiana, describing it as a "closed community" where all long-time residents
know each other. He speaks of the values he learned from his parents and the
changes in employment conditions and job security in Whiting. In addition, he
comments on his memories of the nineteen sixties and the hippie movement in
Whiting.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Clark High School
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Subjects
- family values
- job security
- local employment
- materialism
- nineteen sixties
- work ethic
Interviewee
Sotak, Joseph J.
November 6,
1991
Call Number
91-144
Physical Description
46 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 108 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Born on February 9, 1914, Joseph J. Sotak discusses his years as
a worker at Standard Oil and as a leader of the labor union. A professional
basketball player in his youth and a member of the Coast Guard during World War
II, Mr. Sotak speaks of the changes in unionization at Standard Oil Company
over the years and of the repercussions of the fire in 1955 at Standard Oil. In
addition, he shares his opinion of the newer generation of workers, including
Mexican-Americans.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AFL-CIO
- AMOCO
- Oil Chemical and Atomic Workers Union
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Personal Names
- Endres, Art
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- divorce
- labor strikes
- Mexican-Americans
- prejudice
- professional basketball
- racial diversity
- riveting
- still cleaning
- unions
- welding
- World War II
Interviewee
Stawitcke, Beatrice H.
February 13,
1992
Call Number
91-158
Physical Description
29 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 70 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Born on February 26, 1913, Beatrice H. Stawitcke relates details
about her ancestry, her parents and childhood in Whiting, Indiana, and her
employment history as a pianist, beginning in the years of the Great
Depression. She recalls the community's immediate reactions to the 1955 fire at
Standard Oil Company, and the repercussions of that explosion. In addition,
Mrs. Stawitcke describes the increase in immorality she perceives to have taken
place, beginning in the post-World War II era.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AFL
- Dance Land
- Whiting Flower Shop
-
-
-
Personal Names
- Ahlgren, Oscar
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- Andrews Sisters
- community life
- ethnic diversity
- Fourth of July
-
Major Bowles Amateur
Hour
- musicians' union
- religious beliefs
- World War I
- World War II
Interviewee
Tokarz, Dorothy; Tokarz, Edward
March 2,
1992
Call Number
91-150
Physical Description
59 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 113 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Edward Tokarz, born on August 15, 1916, and his wife, Dorothy
Tokarz, born on February 2, 1922, recall their respective childhoods, parents,
Eastern European ethnic backgrounds, and adult lives in Whiting, Indiana. Mr.
Tokarz speaks of his years as an employee of Standard Oil Company, describing
his memories and the repercussions of the explosion and fire at Standard Oil in
1955. The couple recalls how they met, and comment on the importance of prayer
in their daily lives, the pollution in and around Whiting, and generational
differences in worker motivation, crime rates, drug abuse, and divorce.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AMOCO
- Congress of Industrial Organizations
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Place Names
- George Lake, Indiana
- Sun City, Arizona
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- credit cards
- divorce
- George Lake landfill
- layoffs
- local crime
- pollution
- prayer
- still cleaning
- substance abuse
- television
- Vietnam War
- World War II
Interviewee
Uñate, Romualdo; Uñate, Elva
January 20,
1993
Call Number
91-174
Physical Description
73 pages; 3 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 150 minutes; index
Interviewer
Wolford, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Romualdo Uñate, born on October 28, 1929, and his wife Elva
Uñate, born on December 28, 1933, discuss their respective childhoods and
youths in Mexico, their parents, siblings, and upbringing there, and their move
to Whiting, Indiana, soon after their marriage in 1953. They speak of cultural
and generational differences with regard to gender roles and work ethic. In
addition, the Uñates emphasize the importance of Catholicism in their lives and
the fact that education was a high priority for their children. Mr. Uñate also
comments on his years working for Inland Steel, labor union activity there, and
the problem of local unemployment.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Inland Steel
-
-
Place Names
- East Chicago, Illinois
- Zaragoza, Coahuila, Mexico
-
-
Subjects
- Catholic school tuition
- Catholicism
- education
- gender roles
- local employment
- Mexican-Americans
- unions
Interviewee
Villalon, Hector
December 19,
1992
Call Number
91-172
Physical Description
101 pages; 4 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 195 minutes; index; 4
photographs of interviewee, interview notes, interviewee's genealogy
Interviewer
Wolford, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Born on January 13, 1945, Hector Villalon relates details about
his Texas childhood, his parents, his early entrance into the United States
Army, and his status as a champion boxer while stationed in Germany. He also
summarizes his job history, from newspaper delivery routes as a child, to a
high level security position working for Dr. Wernher Von Braun, to his years
and promotions at AMOCO. He comments on the importance of Roman Catholicism in
his life and of the emphasis he placed on education for his children. In
addition, Mr. Villalon discusses the ethnic diversity of Whiting, Indiana,
urban growth, in general, and the generational differences that have resulted
in a decrease in the degree of parental supervision of their children and an
increase in drug abuse.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AMOCO
- Bishop Knoll Institute
- Ballet Folklorico
- United States Army
-
-
Personal Names
- Block, Harlon H.
- Pavlo, Andy
- Perot, Ross
- Sullivan, Gene
- Von Braun, Wernher
-
-
Place Names
- Brownsville, Texas
- Cicero, Illinois
- Mexico
-
-
Subjects
- Catholicism
- ethnic diversity
- family values
- Iwo Jima battle
- John F. Kennedy assassination
- Mexican-Americans
- photography
- substance abuse
- unions
- urban changes
- work ethic
Interviewee
Weller, Dennis
May 14,
1991
Call Number
91-028
Physical Description
39 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 79 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Dennis Weller, born on May 25, 1951, describes his childhood and
adult life in Whiting, Indiana, citing major generational differences in the
areas of community spirit, local demographics, and standards of property
upkeep. He discusses his employment history, beginning at Youngstown Sheet and
Tube, and culminating as Whiting chief of police. In addition, Mr. Weller
comments on the job security associated with various employers, his memories of
meeting his wife, and on the importance of local politics.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Youngstown Sheet and Tube
-
-
Occupation Names
- police officer
-
-
Subjects
- community pride
- family values
- job security
- local politics
- pheasant hunting
- political party affiliation
- religion
- unions
Interviewee
Westerfield, Anna
April 7,
1992
Call Number
91-159
Physical Description
43 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 74 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Anna Westerfield, born on June 7, 1965, joined by her mother,
discuss the differences apparent in their lives between southern rural and
northern urban cultures. Christian values, the Baptist faith, and prayer are
emphasized as important in the lives of both women, though their description of
southern culture included several examples of racism. In addition, Ms.
Westerfield spoke of her employment history and her appreciation of a more
urban life-style.
-
Keywords
-
-
-
Subjects
- Baptist faith
- family values
- gender roles
- high school education
- interracial marriages
- prayer
- racism
- women workers
Interviewee
Westerfield, Herschel; Westerfield, Beverly
July 26,
1991
Call Number
91-042
Physical Description
44 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 90 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Herschel Westerfield, born on November 19, 1933, and his wife
Beverly Westerfield, born on July 24, 1935, recall their respective childhoods,
memories, and traditions rooted in rural Kentucky. They share their memories of
the Great Depression and World War II, as well as life before electricity and
indoor plumbing. In addition, they speak of the family and Christian values
they have as the foundation of their life and family.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Whiting Southern Baptist Church
-
-
-
Subjects
- alcohol
- electricity
- family values
- Great Depression
- indoor plumbing
- Kentucky oil fields
- local crime
- urban changes
- World War II
Interviewee
Whiting, Jack D.; Whiting, Joyce E.
March 5,
1992
Call Number
91-155
Physical Description
61 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 92 minutes; index
Interviewer
Bodnar, John
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Jack D. Whiting, and his wife, Joyce E. Whiting, discuss their
respective parents, ancestries, and childhoods in Whiting, Indiana. Mr. Whiting
speaks of his year in the service during World War II and his years working for
Standard Oil Company. Mrs. Whiting recalls being written about by
Life magazine for her cheerleading innovations
and the letters she received from American servicemen abroad during World War
II because of the magazine coverage. The couple also discusses pollution and
local politics in Whiting, as well as the layoffs that followed the 1955 fire
at Standard Oil.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- John J. Wargo Agency
-
Life
- NIPSCO
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Personal Names
- Elliott, Ray
- Wargo, John J.
- Whiting, William
-
-
Place Names
- Sun City, Arizona
- Whiting, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- cheerleading
- Fourth of July
- layoffs
- local politics
- Pearl Harbor
- pollution
- rhythmnastics
- vaudeville
- Vietnam War
- World War II
Interviewee
Wickhorst, Doris
July 19,
1991
Call Number
91-136
Physical Description
35 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 77 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Doris Wickhorst, born on August 20, 1918, describes her
childhood and adult life in Whiting, Indiana, her German ancestry, and her
employment history. She recalls her experiences and memories of the Great
Depression and World War II, including war rations. In addition, she speaks of
the 1955 Standard Oil fire.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Standard Oil Company
-
-
Place Names
- Gary, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- 1955 Standard Oil fire
- coal heating
- Great Depression
- Vietnam War
- war rations
- World War II
Interviewee
Williamson, Edward
July 23,
1991
Call Number
91-137
Physical Description
23 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 58 minutes; index
Interviewer
Dabertin, David
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Edward Williamson, born on July 28, 1962, discusses his
childhood, the effects of his parents' divorce, and his life in Whiting,
Indiana. He speaks of his employment history, beginning as a paper boy and
ending as circulation manager for the Whiting News Company. In addition, he
emphasizes the importance of education and comments on the changes in local
employment over the years.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- AMOCO
- Hoosier Theater
- Immaculate Conception Catholic School
- Video Data Services of Northwest Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- divorce
- local employment
- local wealth
- pollution
- Vietnam War
Interviewee
Williamson, Lorraine
May 16,
1991
Call Number
91-034
Physical Description
53 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 105 minutes; index
Interviewer
Berry, Chad
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Lorraine Williamson, born on January 24, 1927, joined by her
mother, Sophie Gresko, discusses her memories of her childhood in Whiting,
Indiana, including her participation in the opening parade of the Chicago
World's Fair in 1933. She recalls the Great Depression, and the Korean and
Vietnam Wars, during which she was in the diplomatic foreign service in East
Asia. In addition, she and her mother discuss their Czechoslovakian heritage
and culture, as well as the importance of education.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Inland Steel
-
-
Personal Names
- Kocan, Helen
-
-
Place Names
- Czechoslovakia
- Florida
- Korea
-
-
Subjects
- 1933 Chicago World's Fair
- apple strudel
- education
- ethnic diversity
- family values
- Great Depression
- Korean War
- Vietnam War
- worker's compensation
Interviewee
Wunder, Rudolf H., Sr.
October 22,
1990
Call Number
91-001
Physical Description
23 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 97 minutes; index
Interviewer
Klemm, Verda
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Rudolf H. Wunder, Sr., born on June 27, 1910, discusses his
emigration from Germany, his father's service in the German army during World
War I, and his brother's service in the United States Army during World War II.
He speaks of celebrities he waited on while working at the Windemere Hotel in
the nineteen twenties, including Babe Ruth, and he recalls Prohibition and the
Great Depression. In addition, he comments on his successful career as a
hairdresser, cosmetologist, and businessman in Whiting, Indiana.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Windemere Hotel
-
-
Occupation Names
- hairdresser
-
-
Personal Names
- Ruth, George Herman, Jr. "Babe"
- Stagg, Alonzo
-
-
Place Names
- Chicago, Illinois
- Germany
-
-
Subjects
- 1919 Treaty of Versailles
- celebrities
- family values
- inflation
- unions
- World War I
- World War II