Wilf Cyr, Northwest Bay Canada Ojibwe elder is speaking Ojibwe, his first language, in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Magee-Macoons (Robert Strong), enrolled Bois Forte elder is speaking Ojibwe, his first language, in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. Mr. Strong addresses the importance of the Ojibwe language and its survival for the younger generation. He tells a story in Ojibwe.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Gi Mi Wun (Raining Boyd), army veteran, truck driver retiring in 1978, singer and member of the drum society and Mille Lacs Ojibwe elder is speaking Ojibwe, his first language, in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. Mr. Boyd states: As an Indian being helped from the spirits, there is an the understanding of what is being talked about by the Indian.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Makoons (Ole Nickaboine) Educator of Ojibwe Language and Culture grades 4 through 12 at Nay Ah Shing School on the Mille Lacs reservation, Mille Lacs Ojibwe elders speaking Ojibwe,his first language, in interviews for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. He speaks about teaching children and teaching them the Ojibwe language.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Makoons (Oliver Benjamin) and Zhaawanigiizhigookwe (Millie Benjamin), educator of Ojibwe Language and Culture grades 4 through 12 at Nay Ah Shing School on the Mille Lacs reservation, are speaking Ojibwe, their first language, in interviews for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. Mrs. Benjamin tells a story in Ojibwe about Wenaboozhoo; Nanabozho and why it is important for children to speak the language and to continue it. Mr. Benjamin speaks about his background and teaching the children.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Enrolled Leech Lake elder Anangookwe (Marlene Stately) is speaking Ojibwe, her first language (transcribed by Nancy Jones), in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. She has worked at the Arrowhead Community College, teaching Ojibwe language and at Niigane Immersion Schoo, and Bug O Nay Ge Shing School. She states, "Our children come first, so that they can listen to the way we speak."
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Margaret "Sweet Pea" Big George, storyteller, accomplished jingle dress dancer, Big Island First Nations, Ojibwe elder is speaking Ojibwe, her first language, in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. Ms. Big George states: When we were let to, we always spoke the language.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Amik O'Gaabaw (Larry Smallwood), director of language and culture for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and enrolled Mille Lacs elder is speaking Ojibwe, his first language, in an interview (transcribed by Daniel Jones) for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. Mr. Smallwood is often asked to tell stories in Ojibwe. He begins with, ""We have teachings that tell us about the different seasons.""
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Keller Papp, Red Cliff Ojibwe is speaking Ojibwe in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. Keller Paap studies linguistics. He states: First of all, I make a tobacco offering to the spirits every day. It has only been five years since I started learning to speak Anishinaabemowin.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Amikogaabowiikwe (Julie Shingobe), college graduate, chemical dependency counselor, member of the Grand Medicine Society/Midewiwin, and enrolled Mille Lacs elder is speaking Ojibwe, her first language, in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. Ms. Shingobe speaks of her birth and what she was taught. She remembered: "We were terrified of the nuns, we did not want to be there."
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Mille Lacs Ojibwe elder Naawigiizis (Jim Clark) is speaking Ojibwe, his first language, in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. He worked for Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis from 1953, in purchasing and into a warehouse firm distributing to hospitals. Mr. Clark states about the Spirit: I wonder if he will listen to us when we are speaking a different language, when we use the white man's language.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Jim Bedeau, Leech Lake Ojibwe elder who lives in Onigum, is speaking Ojibwe, his first language, in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. He tells a story in Ojibwe about vision and how to live a life from a baby forward. He speaks about teaching the children.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
George Dick, Red Lake Ojibwe elder is speaking Ojibwe, his first language, in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. Mr. Dick states: Don't ever make fun of anybody - don't - and don't ever forget anybody.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Bawdwaywidun (Eddie Benton-Benai) was active in the American Indian Movement (AIM), is a member of the Midewiwin Lodge, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe elder, speaking Ojibwe, his first language, in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Bawdwaywidun (Eddie Benton-Benai) was active in the American Indian Movement (AIM), is a member of the Midewiwin Lodge, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe elder, speaking Ojibwe, his first language, in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Bawdwaywidun (Eddie Benton-Benai) was active in the American Indian Movement (AIM), is a member of the Midewiwin Lodge, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe elder, speaking Ojibwe, his first language, in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. He speaks about his birth, name, and family but also history and culture.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Delores "Dee" Bainbridge educator at Northland College and Bad River Tribal School, Bad River Ojibwe elder, is speaking Ojibwe, her first language, in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. She explains the complexities of Ojibwe with examples and recites the Lord's Prayer in Ojibwe.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Dan Jones, Rainy River Ojibwe and Ojibwe language instructor at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, is speaking Ojibwe, his first language, in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. He speaks about people's confusion over terms like Ojiwe, Chippewa and Anishinaabe.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Dan Jones, Rainy River Ojibwe and Ojibwe language instructor at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, is speaking Ojibwe, his first language, in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. Mr. Jones is an educator. He states: I really encourage my students, I say, "You know, you can decide for yourself what you want to do and what you want to learn."
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Waagosh (Anton Treuer), Bemidji State University Professor of Languages and Ethnic Studies, Indian Studies, and Director of American Indian Resource Center, an enrolled member of the Leech Lake Ojibwe, is speaking Ojibwe in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. Dr. Treuer stated: "Approximately ten years ago I did not know how to speak Indian. But now when I lay down to sleep in the evening I dream in Indian."
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Waagosh (Anton Treuer), Bemidji State University Professor of Languages and Ethnic Studies, Indian Studies, and Director of American Indian Resource Center, an enrolled member of the Leech Lake Ojibwe, is speaking Ojibwe in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. Dr. Treuer stated: "Approximately ten years ago I did not know how to speak Indian. But now when I lay down to sleep in the evening I dream in Indian."
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
Albert Churchill, ceremonial drum keeper, spiritual leader and Midewiwin member, Mille Lacs Ojibwe elder is speaking Ojibwe, his first language, in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. He states: I like our language; I like to sit and talk, and I like to sit and listen.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on May 3, 1982, Winston Borden described his family background. Born in 1943, Borden grew up Center Township near Brainerd, Minnesota. Borden's grandparents migrated to Center Township, north of Brainerd, Minnesota, in the 1880s. Borden had two brothers and one sister. He discussed his reasons to attend St. Cloud State University, as well as the encouragement from his teachers and family that led him to be the first member of his family to attend college. Borden graduated from Brainerd High School in 1961, and attended St. Cloud State University on a speech scholarship that fall. While at St. Cloud State, Borden was heavily involved in the "Young Democrats" as well as student government. He chronicled in great detail about the effectiveness of some of his professors, like Dr. Jim Davis, who made subjects come alive and opened him up to new experiences. He also talked about the influence o
Will Swanson (1947-) grew up in Minnesota and studied ceramics, art and design at the University of Minnesota. After working at Fairview Hospital for fifteen years, Swanson married Janel Jacobson and began making pottery full-time at their home studio in Sunrise Township, Minnesota. He also helped co-found the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. Janel Jacobson (1950-) grew up in various parts of Minnesota and studied ceramics at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa before establishing her own studio in the St. Croix Valley. After graduating, she studied studio pottery techniques with renowned Bauhaus artist Marguerite Wildenhain, but soon adopted her own style of carving small sculptures in clay. In 1995, Janel stopped carving in stoneware and porcelain and began using wood. In this interview, Swanson and Jacobson discuss their respective childhoods; ceramics education; connections to the local and national pottery communities; and thoughts on the past, present and future of the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. This interview was conducted by local oral historian and PhD Candidate from the University of Minnesota Anduin Wilhide. ""A Measure of the Earth: An Oral History of the Potters of the St. Croix River Valley"" explores the anomalous community of potters in Eastern Minnesota who host an annual cooperative tour for participating ceramic artists from around the world. This annual three-day event attracts art enthusiasts from across the country. Together the project's ten oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within the local pottery community, tell the story of how, from the 1950s to today, Minnesota�s St. Croix River Valley has developed into a major center for pottery, and a destination for thousands nationally.
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on May 29, 1982, William Whitaker described his family history and educational background. He was born on September 26, 1910, in Rockville, Minnesota. His father worked for the granite industry in Wisconsin, St. Paul, and then Rockville. Whitaker graduated from St. Cloud Technical (Tech) High School in 1927. He knew he wanted to be a teacher, with a long-term goal of becoming a college professor, so he immediately began taking classes at St. Cloud State. Before he graduated, he took a year off to teach in Wabun, Minnesota, before returning to the university to finish his education. Whitaker talked about his time off from his undergraduate work to tour with a Chautauqua group, and later to teach in Wabun, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes. Whitaker described his time at St. Cloud State. He claimed that the majority of students at the time he attended were from small towns and farming families. He mentioned George Selke's great oratorical ability and the success it had at bringing many young people from the Iron Range to the university. Whitaker said he had to work to put himself through school, even holding three jobs at one time. He also discussed his impression of the relationship between the city of St. Cloud and the college. Whitaker also remembers some of the professors he worked with, including St. Cloud State president George Selke and Evelyn Pribble. Whitaker talked more about his work and education experiences after graduating from St. Cloud State in 1932. He discussed that the Depression made it very difficult to find work, and was the reason why he went to Brooklyn for a few years before finding a teaching job back in Minnesota. Whitaker also discussed his time in the Navy, which led him to serve in both World War II and the Korean War. Whitaker described some of his travels, including time spent in Singapore, as well some of the duties he had as an officer in the Navy.
In an oral history conducted by David H. Overy on April 9, 1991, William H. "Bill" Nunn discussed his experiences as a personnel administrator in the Army stationed in India during World War II. Born and raised in Texas, Nunn enlisted in the Army Reserve Corps and was called to active duty in 1943. In this interview, Nunn described his experiences as a military administrator in India and his interactions with the Indian population during his tour. He discussed often using his free time to travel to different cities and looked to explore India's culture. Lastly, Nunn discussed segregation in the Army, and how it had begun to integrate by the end of World War II. After his service in World War II, Nunn returned to college and received his master's degree in Political Science in 1948. He taught high school in Galveston, Texas, before accepting a position at St. Cloud State College in 1954. Nunn was born on January 15, 1922 and passed away on April 17, 2016.
In an oral history conducted by Robert Nelson on May 5, 1989, William Nunn described his educational background, with some focus on his family background, too. Nunn was born in 1922 in Paris, Texas. Nunn graduated from Bonham High School in 1940, then attended Northern Texas State University in Denton, Texas. He said his father was a very successful attorney in Texas, which initially inspired him to pursue law in college. However, he chronicled how his experiences in the Army during World War II led him to change his path to instead pursue teaching. Nunn talked about how he decided to pursue his master's degree in Political Science, which led him to gain experience teaching in different lab schools around the country. Nunn started at St. Cloud State in 1954. His job was to supervise student teachers. He described the state that the program was in when he arrived and how several other professors who were involved with it, including Bill Cotton and John Talbot. Nunn claimed he had success in opening districts in Milaca, Paynesville, and other areas to student teachers from St. Cloud. Nunn described his experience in the History department, as well as his time as head of the legislative committee and as Faculty Association president from 1965 to 1967. Nunn believed that the increased departmentalization at the college, which accompanied its rapid growth, has hurt the institution in many ways. Nunn expressed his view of how St. Cloud State changed since 1954 when Nunn arrived. He discussed some major events that impacted the school, such as the unrest that occurred during the Vietnam War. He claimed that St. Cloud State always had an image problem that it was not a good school and its label as a party school was misleading. Nunn claimed that St. Cloud State never really been able to get a good feel of the community, that the two never really got to know each other. Finally, Nunn described his efforts at establishing the tri-college East Asian Studies Program and his several trips to Japan.
In this oral history inerview, William Hansen discusses his childhood, church attendance, confirmation, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, and an incident in which he pours a plate of lutefisk down a woman's back. He also recounts houses he lived in and singing in the choir. Note: parts of this interview are not clearly audible.
In an oral interview conducted by David Overy on October 1990, William "Bill" Faber discussed his twenty years of military service in the National Guard, Navy, Air Force, and Army from 1937 to 1962. Faber was born on January 15, 1921, in Anoka, Minnesota, where he was raised. Faber enlisted in the National Guard in January 1937 as a member of the 125th Field Artillery, then joined the Navy in 1940, and later the Air Force as a sergeant first class. He would then transfer to the Army as second lieutenant. Faber"s military career spans multiple wars, he describes his role in the Battle of Midway in June 1942 during World War II and later his time as a member of the Korean Military Advisory Group after the Korean War. Throughout his various military roles Faber detailed daily life, food, foreign civilian interactions, and fond memories of his time in the service. In 1962, Faber retired from the Army as a major. He returned to Anoka and worked from the Telect Company as a quality control director. On January 18, 2008, Faber died in Little Falls, Minnesota.
In an oral history conducted by David Overy on December 17, 1990, William "Bill" Chirhart discussed his experiences as an infantryman in Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II. In 1939, Chirhart joined the Minnesota National Guard and called into active duty by the United States Army in 1941. In this interview, Chirhart discussed his training in anti-aircraft defense, searchlight, and automatic tracking. Once deployed to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, he spent time on and near the islands of the Philippines, New Guinea, Bougainville, and Cebu. Chirhart's division often spent time on ships, doing patrols while on sea duty. He detailed difficulties of living in a tropical climate, the water restrictions, food shortages, body rashes, and interactions with scorpions and beetles. In 1949, he married his wife, Alice Pierkskalla, the couple had four children. Shortly after returning from World War II, Chirhart was deployed as a reconnaissance platoon sergeant during the Korean Conflict. Chirhart concluded that his military experience as a positive one, it gave him discipline that made him the man he needed to be, and allowed him an easy transition into police work in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Chirhart died on September 11, 2008 at the age of 85.
William Cheeseman was born in Little Falls, Minnesota, on April 22, 1918. He enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in 1938 and was called to active duty in 1941. Mr. Cheeseman was part of a transportation company that was attached to the 34th Infantry Division when it was deployed to Ireland for training. Sent to North Africa in 1943, he participated in the North African campaign including the retreat at Kasserine Pass. Cheeseman was given a field promotion and was the supply officer with the headquarters battalion when it moved to Italy in mid-1943. There he experienced frequent artillery bombardments and served on the court martial board. Cheeseman made several comments about the various nationalities he came into contact with including international allies, German and Italian opposition, and civilian population in Ireland, Italy, and Africa. He also made observations about the quality and efforts of the Nisei Regiment and the African American 92nd division. As a junior member of the court martial board, Mr. Cheeseman speculated about the motivations of the many offenders that were tried, the severity and effectiveness of their punishment, and shared some notable cases. He observed the action at Monte Cassino before being shipped home in 1944. He remained with the National Guard and eventually rose to the rank of general. Mr. Cheeseman married and raised a family in St. Paul before retiring to Little Falls. He died in Little Falls, Minnesota, on February 4, 2014.
Schroeder Area Historical Society, Schroeder, Minnesota
Date Created:
2010-12-10
Description:
The oral history of Willard Nelson recalls his childhood memories of school in Lutsen, Minnesota, including Poplar River School, Lutsen, Minnesota. Nelson describes a .22 shotgun accident and recalls his first job as a salesman. He drove his Model T in St. Paul, Minnesota. This interview was conducted by Ginny Storlie and videographer Judy Gregg of Schroeder Area Historical Society, Schroeder, Minnesota.
Schroeder Area Historical Society, Schroeder, Minnesota
Date Created:
2011-10-07
Description:
The oral history of Wes Morris describes life in the woods as a child in Schroeder, Minnesota. Morris describes unusual childhood punishment, the sulfur treatment for scabies and the teachings of Uncle Tord and Aunt Vivian Johnson. He recalls homesteader family survival with gardening, canning, trapping and hunting. Morris tells bear, moose and fisher stories, and describes how he heard the call ""see the world, join the Navy"" and served 20 years in the Navy. This interview was conducted by Barbara Livdahl and videographer Judy Gregg of Schroeder Area Historical Society, Schroeder, Minnesota.
In an oral history, Wayne Curtis tells about the livlihoods of his family and himself, and a story about the peculiar owner of a hotel where his family was forced to live for a period of time.
Warren R. Peterson [1909-1991] discusses his family's businesses in Lake City, Minnesota including Peterson Grocery, Peterson-Sheehan Funeral Home, and the Lake City Opera House. He also discusses entertainment in Lake City, Prohibition, Zero King Coat Factory, B. W. Harris, and Munsingwear.
In this interview, Warren MacKenzie (1924-) discusses his childhood and early experience with art; being drafted in 1943; his early ceramic education and studies at the Chicago Art Institute; his first wife, the late Alix MacKenzie, who was also a ceramist; studying in England under renowned potter Bernard Leach; Korean and Japanese influences; setting up his studio near Stillwater, Minnesota; teaching at the University of Minnesota; meeting his second wife, the late fiber artist Nancy MacKenzie; and his involvement with the Minnesota Craft Council and the St. Croix Pottery Tour. This interview was conducted by local oral historian and PhD Candidate from the University of Minnesota Anduin Wilhide. ""A Measure of the Earth: An Oral History of the Potters of the St. Croix River Valley"" explores the anomalous community of potters in Eastern Minnesota who host an annual cooperative tour for participating ceramic artists from around the world. This annual three-day event attracts art enthusiasts from across the country. Together the project's ten oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within the local pottery community, tell the story of how, from the 1950s to today, Minnesota�s St. Croix River Valley has developed into a major center for pottery, and a destination for thousands nationally.
In an oral history conducted by David Overy on July 1, 1991, Walter J. Gerzin discussed his experiences as a bomber pilot and flight instructor during World War II. Gerzin was born on September 4, 1916, and raised Chisholm, Minnesota. In 1939, he graduated from St. Cloud State Teacher's College and enlisted into the flying cadet program of the United States Air Force. After his training, Gerzin flew anti-submarine patrols off the East Coast, until he was assigned to Project X. He described the bombing missions in North Africa, the Middle East, and India. Gerzin was a member of the 513th Bomb Squadron, which was detailed by Captain Rowan T. Thomas in "Born in Battle: Round the World Adventures of the 513th Bombardment Squadron." In 1943, Gerzin became a squadron commander and trained squadrons in Walla Walla, Washington and Avon Park, Florida. Gerzin flew twenty-five bombing missions, earning himself an Air Medal and a Silver Star along the way. Lastly, he discussed the positive outcomes of his military service. It allowed him to travel and live all around the world and gain self-discipline and respect for others. He served in the United States Air Force for twenty-one years before leaving to become a teacher. On September 30, 2013, Gerzin died at the age of 97.
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on November 14, 1978, Walter MacGregor discussed how his family came to Minnesota from Scotland and Ireland. He was born on October 8, 1890, in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He described his elementary and high school education, both of which took place in St. Cloud. MacGregor stated his decision to attend St. Cloud Normal School was easy, since it was very close and allowed him to live at home while pursuing his studies. Arriving in 1911, MacGregor chronicled his time at the St. Cloud State, mentioning his practice teaching in Sauk Rapids, where he taught manual training. He discussed how he obtained a job in Spokane, Washington, and the health problems that forced him to leave that job behind. MacGregor also explained how he was drawn to architecture, and why he decided to pursue that as a career. MacGregor recalled some of the teachers he remembers from St. Cloud State, including Clara Stiles, Elsa Dopp, and George Lynch. He told an interesting anecdote about how George Lynch convinced him to play basketball and then kicked him out. MacGregor also discussed the backgrounds of the students who attended the university when he did. He claimed that many of them came from farming families, and many of them did not come from families with large amounts of money. MacGregor touched on his reasons for joining the Army during World War I, where he spent the duration in Sussex, England, but did not see combat.
Virginia Holst (1914-2013) discusses her education in Lake City, Minnesota, the Depression, the visit of Franklin Delano Roosevelt to Lake City, winter sleighs, coal stoves, her mother's dressmaking business, her husband's work during World War II with Gillet & Eaton, women's activities including the Lake City Woman's Club. She discusses the loss of local landmarks like the Doughty House and the Lyon Hotel, and remembers Dr. Wilson's house and office. She also discusses local entertainment options, Chautauquas, and a piano concert that one of her relatives gave for an audience of Native Americans in the 1800s.
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on March 25, 1982, Vernon Leitch described his college education (receiving degrees at Moorhead State University, Bowling Green State University, and the University of Northern Colorado) and early involvement in working with the Inter-Faculty Organization (IFO). He stated that he was a member of teaching unions while he taught high school in Barrett and Hibbing, Minnesota, but was not active. He discussed why he became involved with the IFO, explaining the reason for pursuing a connection with the Minnesota Education Association (MEA) and how people's opinions of that connection changed. Leitch described the work he did for the IFO-MEA, claiming that it took a great deal of time, work, and effort. In addition, Leitch expressed his thoughts on what made the campaign a success. Leitch chronicled his involvement with the IFO-MEA after the successful campaign. He served as president for a few years for the union and described the goals he tried to accomplish while in that position. He claimed that being the first president was difficult. Leitch felt that since every decision that was made could set a precedent, resulting in a very cautious and somewhat conservative approach. He also discussed the MEA and their involvement in collective bargaining at SCSU after the election. Leitch discussed what he believes to be the successes of the IFO-MEA, along with some concerns he has for the future. He felt that after the victory, there was much less complaining about difference in salaries. However, he stated that the IFO-MEA has not been as involved in campus policy-making as he would have liked. Leitch was optimistic about the future of collective bargaining, as long as faculty stay involved, and not leaving the responsibility to a handful of individuals.
In an oral history, Vernon Davis, a local historian, discusses various topics such as people he has known, artifacts he'd found at the site of an old Northwest Trade Post, and logging camps.
Vernon A. Bigalke was born in Little Falls, Minnesota, on February 18, 1917. Before the war, he served in the Minnesota National Guard and then was drafted into the Army in 1941. For the first years of the war, Bigalke was part of an anti-aircraft artillery unit that guarded American shores. He was reassigned to the 259th Infantry in Mississippi and sent to Le Harve, France in December 1944 as part of the 65th Infantry Division. While at the Seigfried Line he was captured by the Germans in January 1945 and held as a prisoner until the end of the war. He described his treatment by the Germans, his survival mechanisms, and his experiences as a POW until liberation, which included a brief stop at Dachau concentration camp. After the war, Mr. Bigalke became a farmer and raised a family. He died in Little Falls, Minnesota, on November 22, 2007.
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 17, 1982, Tom and Jeanne Wadhams each gave a brief family history. Jeanne (Verby) Wadhams was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. After she graduated from Johnson High School in St. Paul, she worked for a couple years before joining the military. She left the service in 1946 attended St. Cloud State to become a physical education teacher. Tom attended Riverview Elementary and then graduated from Tech High School in St. Cloud. He attended St. Cloud State from 1940-1941 before serving in World War II. Tom discussed going to the Campus Lab School at Riverview, and named several of his teachers. After World War II, he returned to St. Cloud State. Jeanne discussed putting off college until after she served in the military, thus making her an older than average student when she began at St. Cloud. The two married as sophomores. They described their time at St. Cloud State. Tom was very involved with athletics, detailing St. Cloud State athletics in the late 1940s, particularly football and basketball. They also discuss some of their favorite teachers, including Marie Case, Helen Hill, and Clair Dagget. Tom and Jeanne talked about their experience being married and living on campus in a house Jeanne's parents owned and also rented out to students. Jeanne described the ""espirit de corps"" among students and faculty when they first attended, but as the college grew, that familiarity faded. Jeanne was a member of the Athenaeum Literary Society, but quit because of the attitude of many of the members. They also belonged to the Married Couples Club. Tom and Jeanne talked about the relationship between the university and the city of St. Cloud, which they perceived as two separate entities that did not interact frequently. Both graduated in 1949. Tom and Jeanne discussed their life after leaving St. Cloud State. They described their year teaching in Little Fork, as well as how well they believed St. Cloud prepared them for their careers. Jeanne believed that the student teaching experience did not meet her expectations, while Tom felt his training in Business and his time coaching prepared him very well for his 32-year-career at Honeywell. They also discussed being veterans at St. Cloud State, and what it was like for veterans attending college.
Thure Nyberg was born in 1907 in Sweden. He settled in Minneapolis in 1929 after spending a year in Montana with his brother. He enrolled in goldsmith training on Lake Street, Minneapolis, and he joined the Jewelry Workers Union. He worked for Nelson & Nelson Jewelry until his retirement.
Interview with former Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge Thomas J. Kalitowski on his life and his legal and judicial career. He was appointed to the Minnesota Court of Appeals in 1987, retired in 2014, and is serving as a senior judge. The interview covers his family background, college and law school, working for the Minnesota Attorney General's Office, the Department of Agriculture, and the Pollution Control Agency, and being on the Court of Appeals.
In an oral history, Thelma Johnson relates that, as a child, church services were conducted in Norwegian, going to a country school, rationing during World War II, and activities in her church.
In an oral history, Tarz and Virginia Larson realate the history of their families and their involvement and the activities of their church. Tarz's real name is John, but he got his nickname as a child. The Tarzan craze was going on at the time. John tried to emulate the character by climbing trees and pounding his chest, and the kids in the neighborhood called him "Tarz". The nickname stuck.
In an oral history conducted by David H. Overy on March 13, 1991, Stuart A. Lindman discussed his experiences both in training and combat as a field-medic in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Born and raised in Minnesota, Lindman enlisted in the Army Reserve Corps in 1943. In this interview, Lindman was assigned to the Pacific Theater where he served on Leyte Island in the Philippines and Okinawa, Japan. He discussed his basic training and the antics some of the soldiers prior to being shipped out to the Philippines. Lindman's primary responsibility was as a litter-bearer who would carry soldiers, sometimes for miles, away from the frontlines to aid stations. On numerous occasions, Lindman discussed his survival of his time in Japan as being credited to luck, narrowly avoiding deadly situations by chance. Lastly, Lindman detailed being hit by a Japanese airplane attack and sent home from the wounds suffered. He concluded with a brief mention of how he and his fellow soldiers coped with combat and some effects he had of post-traumatic stress disorder. After being discharged from the service due to wounds suffered in combat, Lindman returned to earn his college degree in broadcasting and psychology from the University of Minnesota. Lindman then received a job working for what is now television channel KARE 11, retiring in 1987. Lindman was born on August 11, 1922, and passed away on January 12, 2010.