Physical Format: Oral histories / Contributor: St. Cloud State University

1. Interview with Dean Aarvig, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Willmar, Minnesota

Creator:: Aarvig, Dean, 1920-1998
Date Created:: 1989-07-19
Description:: This was an interview conducted on July 19, 1989 by David Overy. Dean H. Aarvig was born on October 15, 1920 in Wilmar, Minnesota. He graduated from high school in 1937 and was drafted into the Army in 1942. After completing basic training, Aarvig went to Officer Candidate School (OCS) and joined the 9th Armored Division in France as a platoon leader that conducted intelligence & reconnaissance missions. During his service, Aarvig participated in the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Remagen. After the wars end, Aarvig returned to Minnesota, where he and his wife ran a newspaper in Grand Meadow, as well as farmed. In November of 1950, Aarvig was recalled into the service and served with the 25th Infantry Division as a Company Commander in Korea. He talked about his thoughts on those in Vietnam burning their draft cards and going to Canada. Aarvig was married and had two children. He passed away on July 2, 1998.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

2. Interview with Edward V. Anderson, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Winona, Minnesota

Creator:: Andersen, Edward V.
Date Created:: 1991-10-07
Description:: In an oral history conducted by John Carter on October 7, 1991, Edward V. Anderson discussed his experiences both in training and combat as a B-24 pilot in the European Theater during World War II. Born and raised in Illinois, Anderson enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1942. In this interview, Anderson described his training experiences to become a B-24 pilot and flying several missions to bomb German oil storage tanks. Lastly, Anderson details what the final days of the war were like and briefly describes his life post-war, which included his wife, Lucy and their five children: David, Howard, Carol, Joyce and Timothy. Anderson was born on April 14, 1923, and passed away on March 13, 2011.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

3. Interview with Donald E. Anderson, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Milaca, Minnesota

Creator:: Anderson, Donald E., 1922-1999
Date Created:: 1990-02-11
Description:: This was an interview conducted on February 11, 1990 by Richard Olsen. Donald E. Anderson was born on April 5, 1922 in Milaca, Minnesota. He joined the National Guard in 1939 at the age of 16. Anderson entered World War II assigned to the 34th Division Field Artillery and spent most of his service in North Africa and Italy. Anderson discussed his frustration with ninety-day wonders. Anderson also experienced taking German prisoners, as well as interacted with civilians in Italy. He was also present when the body of Mussolini was hanging from a building. After being discharged from service in 1945, Anderson opened a restaurant as well as worked as a postal worker. Anderson passed away on August 29, 1999 at the age of 77.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

4. Interview with Charles Arnold, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Arnold, Charles
Date Created:: 1990-12-25
Description:: In an oral history conducted by Daniel Lewis on May 18, 1991, Charles Arnold discussed his experience as a baker and typist in the United States Air Force during World War II. Raised in Preston, Minnesota, he was drafted into the Army in 1941, but enlisted in the Air Force and became a baker. In this interview, Arnold described day to day life living and working in the Matagorda Island Air Force Base in Texas. In 1945, Arnold was transferred to Fresno, California to attend typist school. In addition, he discussed his thoughts and feelings about his time in the Air Force and the several military bases he served on. In 1944, Arnold married his wife, Audrey, and had six children. Lastly, Arnold discussed life after the Air Force, becoming a farmer and raising his children. He died on December 9, 2009.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

5. Interview with Vernon Bigalke, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Little Falls, Minnesota

Creator:: Bigalke, Vernon
Date Created:: 1990-12-08
Description:: 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.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

6. Interview with Stanley Biniek, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Foley, Minnesota

Creator:: Biniek, Stanley, 1912-2008
Date Created:: 1992-01-019
Description:: This was an interview conducted on January 19, 1992 by Karen Wenz. Stanley Biniek was born in Raczyce, Poland on November 3, 1912. Biniek and his family were separated in 1939 into concentration camps by the German Army. Biniek recalled witnessing prisoners being sent to killing chambers and the side effects of those on the camps water supply. Biniek spent over three years in Buchenwald before escaping with two other prisoners. After 72 days of travel, Biniek made it safely to Luxembourg, where he married his wife Victoria Adaszak in 1948. Biniek and his wife moved to Minnesota in 1952, and he worked for Woodcraft Industries and St. Regis Paper Mill. He had two daughters and one son. Biniek passed away on June 7, 2008 in Foley, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

7. Interview with Herbert Blad, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Hector, Minnesota

Creator:: Blad, Herbert, 1920-1997
Date Created:: 1990-04-07
Description:: This was an interview conducted on April 7, 1990 by David Overy. Herbert Blad was born on January 12, 1920. He joined the Army on March 22, 1942 and served as a 60mm mortarman in the 32nd Infantry, 7th Division. Blad primarily spent World War II in the Pacific theater, where he participated in the Aleutians, Kwajalein, Leyte, and Okinawa campaigns. One of the most shocking things Blad witnessed was the treatment of native civilians by the Japanese military which included mass slaughter and use of civilians for bayonet practice. Blad described an incident when a kamikaze pilot struck the ship he was on, sending one man overboard. World War II concluded with Blad stationed on Okinawa, but he was sent to Pusan, Korea to police the area until the Japanese troops left. He was discharged on November 15, 1945. Blad concluded the interview with his thoughts on those draft-dodging Vietnam, and how he felt they did not appreciate America by their actions. Blad passed away on December 27, 1997.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

8. Interview with Dick Carroll, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Burnsville, Minnesota

Creator:: Carroll, Dick
Date Created:: 1990-04-18
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David Lewis on April 18, 1991, Richard L. Carroll discussed his experiences in training, combat and as a prisoner of war as a heavy bomber pilot in the European Theater during World War II. Born and raised in Rosemount, Minnesota, Carroll enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942 and was called to active duty in 1943. In this interview, Carroll described his training to become a bomber pilot and his combat missions, including his fifteenth when he had to bail-out of his airplane only to be shot and captured by Hungarian civilians. Carroll described his experiences as a prisoner of war with a bullet lodged in the muscle of his heart, including his medical complications and multiple prisoner transfers. Lastly, Carroll describes his liberation and being used in prisoner negotiations between the Soviet Union and the United States as well as a brief mention of getting married, being placed on disability, and retiring from military service, all while the bullet remained lodged in his heart. Carroll was born on October 19, 1920, in Rosemount, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

9. Interview with William Cheeseman, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Little Falls, Minnesota

Creator:: Cheeseman, William
Date Created:: 1990-12-08
Description:: 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.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

10. Interview with William Chirhart, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Chirhart, William
Date Created:: 1990-12-17
Description:: 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.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

11. Interview with Donald O. Davis, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Bloomington, Minnesota

Creator:: Davis, Donald O.
Date Created:: 1990-05-07
Description:: This was an interview conducted on May 7, 1990 by John Carter. Donald Davis enlisted in 1942 to serve as a cadet with the Army Air Corps as a pilot. Davis participated in the College Training Detachment (CTD) in Utah. The majority of his time was spent stateside, flying trainers and fighter aircraft. This program exposed Davis to flight testing, and went to Tulare, California for pilot training in a Boeing Stearman bi-wing airplane. While in training, Davis earned the rank of flight officer and wore a blue bar. Three days prior to the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Davis arrived in Spain to assist in pilot training to fight against Japanese forces. Davis was discharged in October 1945 after two and a half years of service. Davis attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a journalism degree. He worked various jobs within the water conditioning business until retirement. He married later in life. He concluded the interview by stating his favorite plane to fly was the AT-6.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

12. Interview with Donald Dean, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Willmar, Minnesota

Creator:: Dean, Donald
Date Created:: 1989-07-07
Description:: This interview was conducted on July 7, 1989 by David Overy. Donald Dean enlisted into service on July 5, 1942 and joined the 133rd Ordinance Maintenance Battalion as a vehicle repairman. He was present at the Battle of the Bulge as well as the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp, and described the scene of the former prisoners and their actions towards their former German captors. Dean had gotten married prior to being shipped overseas and had two sons. Dean concludes the interview by sharing a personal story about his son refusing to fight in Vietnam if drafted.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

13. Interview with Bob Duoos, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Duoos, Bob
Date Created:: 1993-09-06
Description:: In an oral interview conducted by Mike McDonald on September 6, 1993, Robert "Bob" Duoos discussed his training and service during World War II as a member of the 80th Infantry Division in Europe. Duoos was born on January 15, 1923 and was raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. Duoos was drafted in to the U.S. Army in December of 1942. In this interview, Duoos described his experiences in the European Theater, including his interactions with the foreign civilians and the time he spent in England, France, Germany, Luxemburg, and Czechoslovakia. In this interview, Duoos discussed his participation in the liberation of the Buchenwald concentration camp near Weimar, Germany. He described the horrors of "The Beast of Buchenwald" from his own experiences and recounts the stories he heard from survivors of the camp. Duoos voiced his opinions on the leadership of General Patton and General Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Pacific Theater of World War II.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

14. Interview with Clair Dziuk, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Dziuk, Clair
Date Created:: 1992-09-04
Description:: In an oral interview conducted by David Overy on September 4, 1992, Clair A. Dziuk discussed his experiences in the construction of the Alcan Highway, from 1941 to 1943. Dziuk was born April 5, 1907 in Benton County, Minnesota, where he was raised. In this interview Dziuk describes the day to day life of building the Alcan Highway, from working with Canadians and the Army, camp life, and the wildlife of Canada.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

15. Interview with Carl Erickson, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Brainerd, Minnesota

Creator:: Erickson, Carl
Date Created:: 1990-11-17
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David Overy on November 17, 1990, Carl E. Erickson discussed his experiences as a lawyer before being called to duty as a training officer and Civil Affairs officer in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Born and raised in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Erickson had joined the National Guard ROTC while studying law at the University of Minnesota. In this interview, Erickson described his experiences that led him to being assigned as part of General Douglass MacArthur's staff, and how he contributed to the rebuilding of the Pacific communities destroyed by the war. Lastly, Erickson detailed being reassigned from going into service in Korea to continue being a lawyer in Tokyo while the Army engineers rebuilt the area. Erickson was born on June 22, 1911 and is believed to have passed away on January 13, 1992.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

16. Interview with William Faber, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Faber, William
Date Created:: 1990-10-20
Description:: 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.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

17. Interview with Bohn E. Fawkes, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University

Creator:: Fawkes, Bohn E., 1919-2007
Date Created:: 1988 - 1993
Description:: This was an interview conducted in the late 1980s to early 1990s by John Carter. Bohn E. Fawkes was born on September 2, 1919 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was part of the ROTC program when World War II began, and was called to active duty initially in antiaircraft battery, but he took up the opportunity to attend flight school and be a pilot. Fawkes was a B-17 pilot with the 8th Air Force and participated in bombing raids on a manufacturing facility at Schweinfurt, Stuttgart, and Hamburg in Germany. He flew 25 missions before returning to the United States. Fawkes was stationed at Rapid City Airbase in South Dakota as a B-17 flight instructor, and eventually transferred to a B-29 training instructor in Fairmount, Nebraska. Fawkes left the military in 1962 to become a stock broker. He passed away on February 17, 2007 and is buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

18. Interview with Marvin Fellman, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Anoka, Minnesota

Creator:: Fellman, Marvin
Date Created:: 1990-11-21
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David Overy on November 21, 1990, Marvin R. Fellman described his experiences as an infantryman in the United States Army during World War II. Fellman was born in Red Lake, Minnesota, on November 15, 1919, and raised in Pipestone County, Minnesota. After graduating from Pipestone High School in 1937, Fellman went to Macalester College for a year and a half when he was drafted in the United States Army. He was assigned into the 82nd Airborne in the European Theater. Fellman described his combat experience in Normandy, the invasion of Holland, and the Battle of the Bulge. He discussed his participation in liberation of the Wobbelin concentration camp and his perceptions of the German people. After the war, he and his infantrymen marched in the New York City victory parade in 1946. In 1949, Fellman joined the Minnesota Army National Guard, where he would serve as a battery commander of the 47th Division during the Korean Conflict. Lastly, Fellman discussed his thoughts and feelings toward the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. He received many awards and decorations for his military service including the Purple Heart, Army Occupation Medal (German), European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, and the Minnesota Medal of Merit. Fellman married his wife, Marjorie, and had five daughters. Fellman died in September 2012.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

19. Interview with Marcel Froneyberger, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Froneyberger, Marcel
Date Created:: 1991-06-05
Description:: In an oral interview conducted by David Overy on October 30, 1991, Marcel Froneyberger discussed his experiences in United States Army in World War II and the Korean War. Froneyberger was born April 14, 1919, and was raised in Dupo, Illinois. In this interview, Froneyberger described his participation in rebuilding railroads and infrastructure in North Africa and Europe during World War II. He recounted his time on the frontlines on the Pusan Perimeter during the Battle of Bloody Ridge during the Korean War. In addition, he described how his military service affected his everyday life with family and employment, both good and bad. Froneyberger died December 19, 1996, and was buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

20. Interview with Jim Gabriel, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Gabriel, James S.
Date Created:: 1992-08-05
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David Overy on August 5, 1992, James S. Gabriel discussed his experience as an executive officer in the 143rd Battalion of the United States Army during World War II. Raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, He enlisted in the National Guard in 1938 and joined the United States Army in 1941 when the United States entered World War II. In this interview, Gabriel described his experiences in the Battle of the Bulge and the demilitarization efforts of Germany by the Allied Forces. In addition, he discussed his impression of the various foreign civilians that he encountered while serving in Europe. After World War II, Gabriel discharged from the Army, but served on active duty for the U.S. during the Korean War. Lastly, Gabriel recounted his life as a result of his military experience, both good and bad. He had married his wife, Beulah, and had three children. In 1973, Gabriel married his second wife, Joan, and had three stepchildren. Gabriel retired at the rank of Brigadier General (BVT) and was a supervisor at Western Electric for thirty years. He died on December 17, 2001.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

21. Interview with Clifton Gawtry, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Gawtry, Clifton
Date Created:: 1992-09-27
Description:: In an oral history conducted by Kris Wiggs on September 27, 1992, Clifton L. Gawtry discussed his experience as a flight instructor for the United States Navy during World War II. Gawtry was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on September 29, 1923. In 1941, after graduating high school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he enlisted in the United States Navy in the V-5 program. After various flight schools for eighteen months, Gawtry became a flight instructor in Jacksonville and Pensacola, Florida. Gawtry recounted his experiences and comments on various aspects of flight and flight instruction. In 1944, he married his wife, Alice, and had four children. From 1949 to 1963, Gawtry served in a reserve squadron until he retired. He died on April 2, 2000 at the age of 76.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

22. Interview with E.V. Gene Sundberg, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Gene, E.V.
Date Created:: 1992-10-15
Description:: E.V. "Gene" Sundberg was born on February 2, 1925. A native of Brainerd, he enlisted immediately after high school in the Army Air Corps and trained to become a gunner but eventually became a B-17 pilot stationed in England. Despite flying 23 missions mostly over northern Germany, his crew suffered no wounds and his plane was never severely damaged. However, Sundberg told many stories of planes that were lost, comrades who did not return from missions, and of several near-misses for his crew. Sundberg described the many difficulties involved with a successful mission including flak fire, fighter escorts, the ever changing weather, the dangers involved in flying in tight formation, and flying with dangerous cargo. Sundberg also described base life, including food, dress, discipline, comradery, and specifically how quickly crews from other planes not returning from missions. After the German surrender in May 1945, he flew for the Army Airways Communication System where he was able to celebrate the Japanese surrender in London. He died on July 19, 2001, in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

23. Interview with Milon George, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota

Creator:: George, Milon, 1918-2012
Date Created:: 1989-07-25
Description:: This was an interview conducted on July 25, 1989 by David Overy. Milon George was born on March 17, 1918 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School and was drafted into the Army Air Corps in 1942. George trained at Randolph Field, Texas, before moving onto Fresno, California. After training, George and his crew spent a little time in North Africa before ending up in Spinazzola, Italy. George was a pilot of a B-24 bomber and was part of 51 combat missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after a mission over Austria in 1944. After the war, Milon worked as a parts manager for Otto Brothers Dodge dealership as well as a rural mail carrier out of Sauk Rapids. George married Margaret Sova, and they had two children, Milon and Janet. George concluded the interview with a summary of his post-combat life as well as his thoughts on Vietnam. George passed away on April 2, 2012.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

24. Interview with Walter Gerzin, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Gerzin, Walter
Date Created:: 1991-07-01
Description:: 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.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

25. Interview with James Graham, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Graham, James
Date Created:: 1990-06-06; 1990-06-18
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David Overy on June 6, 1991, James C. Graham, Sr., discussed his experiences as a bombardier in the United States Air Force during World War II. When World War II broke out, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1942, then transferred into the Army Air Corps and became a bombardier. He described his responsibilities as a bombardier - identifying ground targets, studying maps, briefings, and dealing with weather issues. On Graham's 16th mission, his plane was shot down and was taken as a prisoner of war to Stalag Luft 1 Camp in Germany, where he would spend the rest of the war. He discussed the harsh realities of being a prisoner of war, the starvation, sickness, cold weather, all while never giving up hope. Towards the end of the war, the Germans fled the prison camp because the Russian Army was advancing. As a result, the prisoners were left to fend for themselves until help arrived. After returning home, Graham maintained that his military experience was a positive one. The military provided him with discipline, physical training, and allowed him to be surrounded by like-minded people. This interview concludes with Graham's thoughts and feelings toward the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. Graham married his wife, Jeanne Sauer, in 1947. The couple had four children, Michael, James Jr., Mary, and Elizabeth. Graham was employed as a brakeman and conductor for Burlington Northern Railroad for forty-three years, he retired in 1983. James C. Graham, Sr., died on May 7, 1994, at the age of 73.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

26. Interview with Joseph S. Grams, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Grams, Joseph S., 1924-2009
Date Created:: 1990-10-03
Description:: This was an interview conducted on October 3, 1990 by David Overy and Karen Wenz. Joseph S. Grams was born on March 15, 1924 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. After graduating from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1942, Grams was drafted into the Army. After being drafted, Grams trained with the Glider Infantry and flew 52 glider missions. Grams trained in North Carolina at Camp McCall. He was part of the 82nd Airborne Division and was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. Grams went back into action as the Allied forces moved in and captured Berlin at the end of the war. Grams remained in Berlin to aid in the restoration and occupation before returning to the United States. After the service, he worked for the Great Northern Railroad and as a police officer for the City of St. Cloud. Grams retired in 1985 as a captain. Grams married his wife Alma Thielman on November 3, 1948 and had five children together: Timothy, Stephen, Susan, Vivian, and Paul. Grams concluded the interview with a discussion on Vietnam War comparisons to World War II and a discussion of post-war life. Grams passed away on December 12, 2009.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

27. Interview with Donald Grant, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Grant, Donald
Date Created:: 1990-12-28
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David Overy on December 28, 1990, Donald C. Grant discussed his experience as an artillery officer in the United States Army's 151st Field Artillery during World War II. Donald C. Grant was born on February 16, 1913, and was raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 1928, at age 15, Grant lied about his age and joined the National Guard of the United States. In 1937, Grant made second lieutenant in the United States Army and went on active duty during World War II. While stationed in North Africa, Grant received a Silver Star for role in the Battle of Hill 609. Grant discussed his experiences in Italy at the Battle of Monte Cassino and the Battle of Anzio and the harsh realities of being an artilleryman. In 1941, Grant married his wife Norma, and had three children. Lastly, Grant described his thoughts and feelings about military service impacting civilian life. He also served active duty stateside during the Korean War. In 1967, then Governor Harold LeVander chose Major General Grant to head the Army National Guard�s 47th �Viking� Infantry Division from 1963 to 1971. Throughout his military career and after, Grant was employed by the Western Electric Co. He worked his way up from floor sweeper to retiring at warehouse supervisor. Grant died in June 1998.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

28. Interview with Stewart Gross, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Gross, Stewart, 1921-2013
Date Created:: 1989-12-07
Description:: This was an interview conducted on December 7, 1989 by Nancy Baker. Stewart Gross was born in New England, North Dakota, on November 9, 1921. He moved to Minnesota when he was less than one-year old. He graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1939 and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp, trained as a radio operator, in aerial gunnery, and basic navigation. Gross served in both the Pacific and European Theatres as a navigator/bombardier, first with the 20th Fighter Pursuit Group and 14th Fighter Group (China) in 1942-1943. While in China, Gross was shot down twice, once by anti-aircraft and the second time by Japanese fighters. Gross left China in November 1943, having flown 85-90 missions. Later in 1944 he served with the 321st Bomber Group (Italy, Corsica) and the 10th Bomb Division. Near the end of the war, he was transferred to the 15th Air Force. After the war, Gross re-enlisted and was stationed first in Garden City, Kansas, then later in Alaska with the 7th Weather Group. Gross left the military in May 1948. Gross passed away on December 25, 2013.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

29. Interview with Clara Schrom Gruber, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Gruber, Clara Schrom, 1921-2002
Date Created:: 1989-12-07
Description:: This interview was conducted on December 7, 1989 by Nancy Baker. Clara Schrom Gruber was born in Albany, Minnesota, on July 3, 1921. After graduating high school in 1939, she enrolled in St. Cloud Hospital nurses training at Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley, Kansas, finishing in 1942. In June 1943, Gruber entered the United States Army Nurse Corps as a first lieutenant. Gruber helped establish two general hospitals, one outside of London, the other near Glasgow, Scotland, where wounded soldiers were evacuated directly from the war zone. In addition to her nursing responsibilities Gruber described the German and Italian prisoners of war who were housed next to the hospital in Glasgow. Upon discharge from the Army in December 1945, Gruber returned to St. Cloud and worked as a private nurse at the St. Cloud Hospital. In 1946, she married Roland Gruber, a paratrooper during World War II, and they raised five children. She worked as a registered nurse at the St. Cloud VA Hospital from 1967 until she retired in 1981. In this interview Gruber also discussed her nurses training at the St. Cloud Hospital and being encouraged to enlist by one of the doctors, the benefits of having served, and life after returning to St. Cloud. Gruber passed away on July 5, 2002.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

30. Interview with James A. Grunerud, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Grunerud, James A., 1917-2010
Date Created:: 1990-05-09 - 1990-06-06
Description:: This was an interview conducted on May 9 and June 6, 1990 by David Overy. James Grunerud was born on December 11, 1917 in Waseca, Minnesota. Shortly after his birth, his parents moved back to Saskatchewan, Canada, where he grew up on a farm. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Dragoons (First Armored Regiment) in 1940, shortly after the Battle of Dunkirk. Grunerud arrived in England during the height of the Battle of Britain and he described the aftermath of the Germans bombing an elementary school and a movie theatre filled with children. Gross was involved in military action in Sicily, Italy, France (D-Day), Germany, Belgium, and Holland. From September 1943 to May 1944, he saw action in Italy, including at Monte Cassino. He was wounded in action three times. Grunerud told of a visit to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp shortly after it was liberated. After the war was over and while waiting to be evacuated, Grunerud had the opportunity to travel in Europe.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

31. Interview with Edward T. Haats, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Willmar, Minnesota

Creator:: Haats, Edward T., 1914-1999
Date Created:: 1990-01-20
Description:: This interview was conducted on January 20, 1990 by David Overy. Edward T. Haats was born on February 21, 1914, in Raymond, Minnesota. He entered the military as part of the Army's 105th Infantry Division in 1942. He served in the Medical Corp Detachment. Haats saw action in Saipan and was wounded in battle on July 8, 1944. Haats told of several events he observed where Japanese military and civilians committing suicide rather than surrender. Haats was wounded on July 8, 1944, the day he said that Saipan was secured. Haats was discharged from the military on April 5, 1945, and returned to Minnesota. Haats and his wife, Muriel P. Sell, owned and operated several businesses in Echo and Winthrop, Minnesota. Haats died on January 14, 1999.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

32. Interview with Joseph Hoppe, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Avon, Minnesota

Creator:: Hoppe, Joseph
Date Created:: 1990-06-20
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David Overy on June 20, 1990, Joseph B. Hoppe discussed his experiences as a mechanic for the United States Air Force in World War II. He was born on February 2, 1920, and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hoppe graduated from the Dunwoody Institute in April 1941 and taught machine work there until he was drafted into World War II in December 1941. Hoppe was assigned into the 57th Air Service Squadron, part of the 332nd Air Service Group. Hoppe described how he provided repair and maintenance for fighter aircraft in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and France. He recounted the repair on various types of airplanes, from welding to machine work. Hoppe described the impact his military experience had on his life. It provided not only an education, but an experience that cannot be bought. After the war, Hoppe owned and operated the Avon Machine Shop for four years, was employed as a tool and die maker for DeZurik Corporation and then Rimco Manufacturing of Rice. He married Veronica Blenker in 1950; she passed away in 1970. In 1973, Joseph married Colette Wedl; she passed away in 1989. In 1991, he married Mathilda �Babe� Maile; she passed away in 2009. Hoppe died on December 22, 2012.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

33. Interview with Richard Johnson, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Johnson, Richard
Date Created:: 1991-03-06
Description:: Richard Johnson was born on August 9, 1924. He was a B-17 pilot stationed in England and later became a prisoner of war after being shot down in the fall of 1944 on his eighth bombing mission. He was a B-17 pilot stationed in England. Johnson thoroughly detailed his training including through basic training to various levels of flight training. He was sent to three different schools to eventually become a copilot of a B-17 bomber. Stationed in England, Johnson was shot down during a mission in the fall of 1944. Johnson described the mission, how he survived and was captured. He was held at Stalag Luft III until January 1945 when he and the rest of the camp marched westward. They were held in Stalag Luft 7A until April 1945 when American forces liberated their camp. Johnson described the basics of camp life including food and sleeping arrangements as well as the interactions with Germans. He was in France when Germany surrendered and was sent home with other POWs. He died on May 11, 2009 in Dassel, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

34. Interview with Chester Judd, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Judd, Chester
Date Created:: 1992-11-12
Description:: Chester Judd was born on Apr 2, 1916 and served as a first lieutenant in the Air Force during World War II. . He was stationed in England from September 1944 to late 1945 and was a B-17 copilot on 35 missions. Judd described camp life, including food and lodging, and explains how the planes were organized for actual missions. He described several combat experiences and how pilots and crew dealt with the strain, particularly flying his final mission. He returned to the United States and flew C-47 cargo planes to transport wounded veterans to hospitals across the country. After the war he became a farmer. He died on November 15, 1995.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

35. Interview with Don Jurgs, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Jurgs, Don
Date Created:: 1991-04-18
Description:: Donald Jurgs was born on September 16, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois. Jurgs was drafted into the Army on March 1, 1942 and served with the 3rd Infantry Division. He was captured by the Germans in 1944 at the Battle of Cisterna in Italy. He was held as a prisoner of war in a various camps throughout Italy and Germany for fifteen months until being liberated. He spent time in large scale prisoner camps as well as working for almost a year in a 50 man work crew in a lumbering camp. Jurgs described aspects of camp life including food, clothing, and survival skills. He also describes the many acts of resistance the prisoners engaged in, the spirit and code among the POWs, interactions with guards and civilians, and the treatment prisoners of different nationalities received. After the war, Jurgs married, attended college to become a teacher, and was a father of three. Jurgs was active in the organization American Ex-Prisoners of War (AXPOW) and worked with the National Prisoner of War museum in Andersonville, Georgia. He died on March 11, 2001, and is buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

36. Interview with Lloyd Klosowsky, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Klosowsky, Lloyd
Date Created:: 1991-07-10
Description:: Born on June 25, 1919, Lloyd Klosowsky was married and a father when he was drafted into the Army shortly after the start of the war. He described his infantry training in Texas and his travel across the Atlantic Ocean on the ship Queen Elizabeth. He saw extensive action throughout the European theater as a sergeant in the 90th Infantry Division. He was involved in the North African campaign where he frequently experienced artillery barrages as well as guarded POWs. He participated in the D-Day landings although this portion of the interview is missing and only his last comments about the invasion are available. He was part of the liberation of France and the Battle of the Bulge and shared many stories about his combat experiences in both. He managed to escape serious injury even though he was wounded during D-Day and nearly lost his feet at the Battle of the Bulge. Klosowsky, with the rest of the 90th Division, helped pursue a German Panzer Corps into Czechoslovakia until the Germans surrendered. The 90th then prepared to invade Japan until receiving word that the war ended. Mr. Klosowsky returned to Duluth after his discharge from the service in December 1945. He died in Stillwater, Minnesota, on November 27, 1996.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

37. Interview with Forrest Klockeman, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Kockeman, Forrest
Date Created:: 1990-12-24
Description:: Born on April 4, 1916 in Plainview, MN, Forrest L. Klockeman was a hydraulic engineer and mechanic during World War 2. He served with the Army Air Corps in Cairo, Egypt and, from there, made several trips into Turkey before returning home. In Africa, he was largely responsible for checking aircraft as they were transferred to the African theater from other locations. In Cairo, he worked at Heliopolis Airport servicing C-46 cargo planes. Settling in Fountain, Minnesota, with his wife, he operated Klockeman Brothers Garage and raised four sons. He died on January 26, 1994.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

38. Interview with Matt Kremer, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Kremer, Matt
Date Created:: 1992-10-23
Description:: Matt Kremer was the ball turret gunner on a B-17 plane during World War II. He was drafted into the army and trained in several camps around the United States. Throughout the interview Kremer described camp life including morale, food, discipline, and personal pastimes. Kremer participated in five bombing missions before being part of the second Schweinfurt Raid in 1943 over Germany, which cost the 8th Air Force over 60 planes and 600 casualties. Wounded by enemy fire, Mr. Kremer bailed out of his plane after it was shot down. Doctors amputated his leg and Kremer spent the next year in a German prison hospital recovering from his wounds. Kremer described his interactions with other prisoners and his doctors throughout the interview. He returned to the United States as part of a repatriation of wounded prisoners and sailed on a neutral Swedish vessel. Kremer described his efforts to readjust to civilian life after the war and the impact his wounds had upon his post-war life.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

39. Interview with Roy F. Kuhlman, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Winthrop, Minnesota

Creator:: Kuhlman, Roy F.
Date Created:: 1991-08-21
Description:: In an oral history conducted by Daniel T. Lewis on August 21, 1991, Roy F. Kuhlman discussed his experiences as a bomber pilot and flight instructor during World War II. Kuhlman was born on February 5, 1922, in Madelia, Minnesota. In 1940, he graduated from Truman High School and attended the University of Minnesota until his enlistment in the Army Air Corp in 1942. After Kuhlman completed his basic and advanced training in Texas, he graduated as a pilot and was commissioned at second Lieutenant. He flew twenty combat missions in a B-24, until he was shot down near Gospic, Yugoslavia. Kuhlman was a prisoner of war in Germany from October 16, 1944 to April 29, 1945. Kuhlman described his experiences at Stalag Luft III, Stalag XIII-D, and Stalag VII-A. He recounted the harsh conditions of the camps and the reliance on the Red Cross parcels to supply food and living with sixteen men to a room or tent, and sleeping on wood shavings or straw. Throughout the interview, Kuhlman remained optimistic and acknowledged that this time allowed him leisure time to learn the game of chess and become closer to his religion. Kuhlman received five Bronze Stars and the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Clusters. Lastly, he discussed life after the military, and adjusting to civilian life and his marriage to his wife, Mollie. He returned to farming and was an active member of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winthrop, Minnesota. On September 19, 2013, Kuhlman died at the age of 93.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

40. Interview with Stuart Lindman, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Paul, Minnesota

Creator:: Lindman, Stuart
Date Created:: 1991-03-13
Description:: 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.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

41. Interview with Claude Menzhuber, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Joseph, Minnesota

Creator:: Menzhuber, Claude
Date Created:: 1991-06-03
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David H. Overy on June 3, 1991, Claude Menzhuber discussed his experiences both in combat and post-war as a combat engineer and supply sergeant in the European Theater during World War II. Born and raised in Minnesota, Menzhuber was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942. In this interview, Menzhuber described his training experiences as a combat engineer, both in basic and combat, as well as participating in the invasion of Sicily. He described the civilian's attitudes towards the American soldiers and briefly his conversations with German solider prisoners of war. Lastly, Menzhuber discussed his feelings about the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. He married his wife, Marian, in 1943 and they had two children, Carole and Lowell. Menzhuber was born on May 12, 1909, in Spring Hill, Minnesota, and passed away on March 21, 2005, in Sartell, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

42. Interview with Paul V. Meyer, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Little Falls, Minnesota

Creator:: Meyer, Paul V.
Date Created:: 1992-07-16
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David H. Overy on July 16, 1992, Paul V. Meyer discussed his experiences as National Guardsman during World War II. He was born on May 18, 1918 and raised in Mankato, Minnesota. In 1935, Meyer graduated from Mankato High School and enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard. He attended Mankato Business College and graduated from Mankato State College. Meyer married his first wife, Wilda Gifford, in 1940, they had four children. Meyer spent most World War II stationed in Kodiak, Alaska. In this interview, Meyer described his experiences in the Minnesota National Guard as an infantryman during World War II. He enlisted in 1935 and was inducted into the Army in June 1941. He discussed his unit's duties at Fort Greely in Alaska - to defend the most northern U.S. military base and to build infrastructure. In addition, he described the day to day life on the base, along with living conditions, road construction, hunting, and leisure activities, as well as the boredom. Meyer also discussed his interactions with civilians, natives, and regular army personnel, adding that each relationship was more different than the next. Meyer stressed that his experience in the National Guard was positive and his only regret was not staying in longer. He retired from the service in 1974 at the rank of major general and as Commander of the 47th Infantry Division, ending 39 years of service to his county. Outside of his military career, Meyer partnered into the family business, Meyer & Sons, an appliance business in Mankato, Minnesota. After Wilda's death in 1997, Meyer married his second wife, Doris Beyer, in 2000. Meyer died on January 10, 2016, at the age of 97.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

43. Interview with Clem Miller, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Miller, Clem
Date Created:: 1992-07-23
Description:: Clem Miller was born on May 5, 1922 in Duluth, MN. He joined the Minnesota National Guard in 1939 and was inducted into the Army in 1941. He and his unit, the 125th Field Artillery in the 34th Infantry Division, were sent to the European theater, and he saw action in North Africa and Italy. Miller directed artillery fire on the battlefield as a surveyor had a wide variety of combat experiences including artillery barrages, air raids, sniper fire, minefields, and friendly fire. In North Africa he patrolled the battlefield after the Allied victory and guarded POWs. In Italy, he served with the 100th Infantry Division and the 92nd Infantry (segregated units of Japanese Americans and African Americans, respectively). Throughout the interview, Miller gave his opinions on the quality of American troops as well as the German and Italian soldiers, their respective armaments, and the civilians he encountered. Miller wrote about his military experiences in a book entitled Some Things You Never Forget. He died on August 27, 2008 in Hermantown, MN.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

44. Interview with William Nunn, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Maple Plain, Minnesota

Creator:: Nunn, William
Date Created:: 1991-04-09
Description:: 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.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

45. Interview with Richard Olsen, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Olsen, Richard
Date Created:: 2008-05-06
Description:: Richard Louis "Buddy" Olsen, Jr. was born on November 11, 1925 and was raised on the Atlantic coast on Sapelo Island, Georgia. Part of a maritime family he joined the merchant marine upon graduating high school and served on Liberty ships in the South Pacific. He described the extensive training received including nine months on merchant vessels in the South Pacific. He received a commission to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and was there when the Japanese surrendered in August 1945. He served for the next nine years transporting goods to war-damaged countries in Europe and Asia as part of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Agency under the Marshall Plan and bringing back passengers, including war brides and displaced persons. In 1955, he joined the U.S. Navy and served for 21 years in transport and supply service. Serving both at sea and ashore from a variety of stations, Olsen was part of the Commander of Naval Forces in Vietnam staff for one year in Saigon where he worked with the South Vietnamese in preparing them to take over the naval bases there. He died in St. Cloud, Minnesota, on February 28, 2013.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

46. Interview with Joseph P. Plakut, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Swanville, Minnesota

Creator:: Plakut, Joseph P., 1921-2005
Date Created:: 1990-10-30 - 1991-01-21
Description:: This interview was conducted on October 30, 1990 and January 21, 1991 by David Overy. Joseph Plakut was born in Swan River Township, Minnesota, on March 17, 1921. He entered the Army in October 1942. Plakut was trained as an airplane mechanic and .50 caliber machine gunner on a bomber plane in England. On his first mission, his plane was shot down while trying to bomb a German plant at Bremen and he spent the remainder of the war in a German prison camp. During a camp evacuation march in 1945, Plakut and the rest of the surviving prisoners were liberated by the American 3rd Armored Division Plakut married his wife Anna Maciej on June 11, 1946 and they had four children: Richard, JoAnn, Kathleen, and David. Plakut concluded his oral history with a discussion about how his treatment as a prisoner and the treatment of prisoners in Iraq were very different experiences. Plakut passed away on June 24, 2005 at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

47. Interview with Kenneth Porwoll, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Porwoll, Kenneth
Date Created:: 1992-08-05
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David Overy on August 5, 1992, Kenneth J. Porwoll discussed his experiences as an armored tank battalion sergeant and Japanese prisoner of war during World War II. He born on April 13, 1920, in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Porwoll was raised in Brainerd, Minnesota. In 1938, Porwoll joined the National Guard, and was activated into the service in 1941 as sergeant in an armored tank battalion in the Philippines. During World War II, he was captured by the Japanese in 1942, and participated in the Bataan Death March. He was then imprisoned for the next three and a half years in Japanese prisoner camps. In addition, he detailed the day to day life in the camps, living in a tropical climate with little to no food, water, and personal space, and living with illnesses like dysentery, malaria, and dengue fever. Porwoll described the kindness of the Filipino people. The Filipino would go out of their way to provide food, water, and cigarettes to the prisoners whenever they had the opportunity, even risking the punishment of death. Porwoll discussed the guilt of being a survivor and the luck that was involved in making it through another day. After the war, Porwoll was informed that he would probably be unable to have children because of the malnutrition and abuse he endured. Despite that assessment and back pain, Porwoll and his wife Mary Ellen had nine children. Outside of his military career, he worked for Capital Gears for thirty years and was an active volunteer in Minneapolis VA Hospital and the Listening House in St. Paul. Kenneth J. Porwoll died on November 11, Veterans Day, 2013 at the age of 93.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

48. Interview with Gordon C. Rogstad, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Fountain, Minnesota

Creator:: Rogstad, Gordon C.
Date Created:: 1990-12-26
Description:: In an oral history conducted by Daniel T. Lewis on December 26, 1990, Gordon C. Rogstad discussed his experiences as an Air Force mechanic during World War II. He was born on August 21, 1920, and raised in Fillmore County, Minnesota. Rogstad graduated from Preston High School in 1938 and worked as a farm laborer until he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in 1942. He went to airplane mechanics school in Texas before being assigned to the South West Pacific theater of World War II. Rogstad discussed the various responsibilities in plane repair, the bases he lived on, the combat conditions, and enemy raids during his tour of duty. He earned three battle stars, American Defense Medal, Phillipine Liberation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and several ribbons from serving in three military campaigns. Rogstad concluded with a description of the home front when he returned, as well as his ability to adapt away from the pressures of combat. Moreover, after he was discharged from the Air Force, Rogstad described the difficulties in finding work and the continuation of health problems from his time spent in the military, but maintains that he should have stayed in the military longer. After he was World War II, Rogstad farmed and worked for Kappers Constuction, as well as a handyman. Rogstad died on May 8, 2004 at the age of 83.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

49. Interview with Kenneth Skalberg, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Skalberg, Kenneth
Date Created:: 1991-03-27
Description:: Kenneth Skalberg discussed his induction and training in the Army Air Corps in 1943. He described in detail his training throughout the United States in fighter pilot school. During the interview he gave thorough descriptions of the benefits and failings of the P-39, the P-38, and the P-47, which was the fighter he flew the most. He also described the different types of training received including mock dog fights that would spontaneously occur when Army pilots came across Navy pilots. Skalberg was eventually stationed in the Pacific theater but the war ended before he saw actual combat. He also discussed his continued involvement in the military and his later participation in Vietnam. During the 1950s, he was the personal pilot for Air Force Major General Doubleday and then flew C-133 Cargomasters for the remainder of his career, including 55 missions into Vietnam. Skalberg shared many flight experiences including near-misses, accidents he observed, and delivering military cargo to airfields near the battles. He also discusses the variety of cargo that he flew around the world. Throughout the interview, Skalberg showed appreciation for his military career and the opportunities it provided him. Retiring in 1970, Skalberg settled with his family in Dassel, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

50. Interview with Alan Phillips (?- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1982-05-14
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on May 14, 1982, Alan Phillips provided a brief account of his educational career. Phillips received his undergraduate degree from Knox College in Illinois. Phillips attended the University of Chicago Divinity School for a year before dropping out and joining the army for two years. He then went to Michigan State where he got his master's and doctorate degrees in philosophy. He taught for one year at West Virginia University, and came to St. Cloud State in September 1966. Phillips chronicled how he became involved with the Faculty Association and collective bargaining. He devoted a great deal of time to discussing the election of 1975, a process he calls very difficult. Phillips discussed his opinions on the Inter-Faculty Organization (IFO) joining forces with the Minnesota Education Association (MEA), as well as what he considers to be the biggest differences between the IFO and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). He talked about the strengths and weaknesses of the AAUP and what may have cost it the election. Phillips talked about the effects of the IFO/MEA's victory and how successful collective bargaining in general was for St. Cloud State faculty. He was reluctant to join the IFO after the AAUP was defeated. Phillips believed that more people should be able to join voluntarily, believing that forced membership was not as effective. He believed that collective bargaining was good economically for the faculty, but not been great for local decision-making. Phillips discussed his involvement on the IFO's Academic Affairs Committee. To end, he offered some suggestions for improving the IFO and current collective bargaining situation at St. Cloud State.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

51. Interview with Andrew Marlow (1944- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1982-04-28
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 28, 1982, Andrew Marlow described his family history, as well as his education and experiences at St. Cloud State. Marlow discussed his father, who was a member of the Sisseton Sioux Nation, as well as the story of how his parents met during World War II, marrying, and then moving to St. Paul. He explained his reasons to attend St. Cloud State after he graduated from high school in 1962, where he initially hoped to triple major in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. He later found those subjects too demanding and formed an interest in radio and television, which were only offered through the Speech department. Marlow decided to major in Speech but specialize in radio and television and had a hand in the founding of KVSC in 1967. Marlow chronicled his college career. He discussed professors such as E. Bryce Scott, who taught in the Speech department. He recalled certain things about life in St. Cloud, including students from the Iron Range who called themselves the "Rangers." Marlow explained his reasons for transferring to the University of Minnesota in 1964. He joined the National Guard as a medic to avoid the draft and was court-martialed for refusing to carry a weapon. Marlow returned to St. Cloud State in 1965. He discussed involvement in anti-war demonstrations, including when he and his friends threatened to burn a dog alive with napalm to illustrate its effects. He also included some general thoughts on how the Vietnam War affected the college and the city of St. Cloud. Marlow graduated in 1969. Marlow focused post-college career, including life in International Falls and his employment at the KUOM radio station. Marlow added thoughts about events that caused tension during his time at St. Cloud State, such as when some black students took over President Robert Wick's office. Marlow credited his time at St. Cloud State for forming him into the person he became.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

52. Interview with Arnold Schneider (1909-2003), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1986-01-07
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on January 7, 1986, Arnold Schneider detailed his family and educational background. He was born in 1909. He attended high school in Wisconsin, and after graduation went to work for the Great Northern Railroad in Allouez, Wisconsin. He continued to work for the railroad while he put himself through junior college in Duluth, Minnesota, which he finished in two years. He then attended the Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he majored in Business Education. He graduated in 1932. After graduation, he went to Madison, South Dakota, where he taught at Eastern State College. He later worked as Junior Analyst for Merrill Lynch in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and also as an accountant for Ford Motor Company. That variety of work experience, Schneider claimed, made him very versatile and aware of the many different aspects of the business world. After receiving his master's degree from the University of Iowa in 1937, he was offered a position at St. Cloud State to begin a Business Education program. Schneider described how he came to work in Business Education at St. Cloud State. Schneider said that Minnesota had no program to prepare Business teachers until St. Cloud State president George Selke convinced the State University Board to allow St. Cloud to establish one. Schneider was contacted while he was working on his doctorate in Iowa, and jumped at the opportunity to come to St. Cloud. While the program officially began spring semester of 1938, it really took off that following fall. Schneider described the early days of the department, as well as the two other faculty members involved, Clair Dagget and Mary Ferro. Schneider remained in St. Cloud State until 1942, when he joined the Navy. After World War II, he returned the university for a year before obtaining a position at Western Michigan University, where he started a College of Business program. He retired in 1974. Schneider reflected on some of his other experiences, including that of working with World War II veterans. He believed that the GI Bill, which allowed veterans to attend college, had a huge effect on education in the United States. He greatly admired veterans as students, and believed they made his classroom a much more dynamic place than it had been before. He felt that state universities became the ""common man's school."" Schneider also talked about some of St. Cloud State faculty he remembers, such as Clifford Bemis, Herbert Clugston, and Roland Torgerson.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

53. Interview with Arthur F. Grachek (1940- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1982-03-31
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on March 31, 1982, Arthur Grachek discussed his background, detailed his education, and his return to St. Cloud State University. Grachek graduated from Foley High School in 1958. He chose to attend St. Cloud State University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Speech and Social Studies in 1962 and a master's degree in 1964. He taught at St. John's University in Minnesota, as well as at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where he also received his doctorate. Grachek returned to St. Cloud State University in 1971, where he eventually became very involved in the Inter-Faculty Organization (IFO). He discussed how he became interested in collective bargaining and unions, crediting his family involvement with labor unions. Grachek said Ruth Cadwell, whose house he lived in for five years while attending St. Cloud State University, introduced him to the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Grachek chronicled his first years at St. Cloud State and how he became heavily involved with the IFO. He discussed the idea that the IFO needed a political force to accompany it, which is why they found the Minnesota Education Association (MEA), which offered them tremendous support to establish a labor union for St. Cloud State faculty. Grachek described the work he did to educate people about the IFO-MEA, as well as his thoughts on why it was able to achieve victory, despite some initial resistance to the MEA. Grachek described hi ideas about the successes the IFO has achieved at St. Cloud State, including the fringe benefits it helped faculty obtain. He also discussed what he feels are problems with collective bargaining organizations, stating that some small local colleges lose their autonomy, which is something he hoped at the time would be remedied in the future.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

54. Interview with Brendan McDonald (1930-1994) and LaVerne McDonald (1932-1998 ), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1982-10-18
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on October 18, 1982, Brendan and LaVerne McDonald described their family history and early education. Born in 1930 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Brendan chronicled his family history, who came to Canada from Ireland shortly before he was born. He discussed reasons for wanting to attend college in America rather than Canada. After graduation from Balfour High School in Regina in 1949, Brendan arrived at St. Cloud State. His wife, LaVerne (Bangston), was born in 1932 in Willmar, Minnesota. After her 1950 high school graduation, she attended St. Cloud State. LaVerne said she wanted to teach because teachers were so in demand at the time. Brendan and LaVerne described experiences at St. Cloud State, from dorm life to the teachers that stood out to them. They claimed that President George Budd was personal with students and very involved with student life. LaVerne discussed life in Lawrence Hall and Shoemaker Hall. They described where most students came from, as well as whether or not students worked while attending school. They remembered the feeling of camaraderie among the students as well as their perceived relationship between the city of St. Cloud and the university. Brendan received his bachelor's degree in physical science and physical education in 1954, then went immediately to the University of Minnesota to get a master's degree in education. Shortly after graduation from the University of Minnesota, his student visa expired, forcing them to return to Canada for a year. The McDonalds chronicled life after graduating from St. Cloud State, including his stint in the university's registrar's office. They mentioned the international events that affected campus life when they attended St. Cloud State. They mentioned the Korean War, which they claimed worried many students, as well as Joe McCarthy's hunt for Communists as somewhat shocking, especially to Brendan, who was used to a more private Canadian government. LaVerne described the idea that the Third World was just starting to open at this time, being the beginning of international students coming to America. That, they believed, helped to change the perspective many Americans possessed for people living in Africa and other parts of the world.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

55. Interview with Carl J. Buckman (1897-1988), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1981-04-28
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 28, 1981, Carl Buckman discussed his parents and their years working at the St. Cloud State Normal School. Buckman detailed his father John's work as Superintendent of Building and Grounds, as well as information about many of the school presidents and teachers, such as President Waite Shoemaker, who were influential to the school and the city. He also chronicled his schooling, which was interrupted both by the necessity to work as well as a stint in the Navy during World War I. In addition, Buckman provided insight into school teachers, such as Albertina Anderson and Darius Steward, personalities, teaching styles, and anecdotes. He touched on extracurricular activities at the Normal School, from sports (mainly football) to the drama club, of which he was a part. In addition, he discussed the relationship between the school and the St. Cloud community, claiming the school was the lifeline of the city. Buckman graduated in 1922. After graduation in 1922, Buckman detailed his teaching and educational experiences. He taught 20 years at South and Edison High Schools in Minneapolis before he and his wife Benita moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he stumbled upon a teaching position at the University of Arizona. He also discussed the effectiveness of the teachers at Normal School in preparing him and other students for the future, especially in terms of disciplinary matters. After 14 years in Arizona, Buckman returned to Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

56. Interview with Charles Graham (1929-), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1981-07-22
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on July 22, 1981, Charles Graham discussed his family background and his educational history. He shared an anecdote about an ancestor who fought at the Battle of Waterloo. Graham discussed his college career and the internship he obtained in Washington, D.C., which gave him valuable political experience and sparked his interest in administration. Graham chronicled his years teaching in Wisconsin, including at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and at Whitewater, as well as his time working with Wisconsin senator William Proxmire. He detailed his impressions of Whitewater, a town he described as tumultuous and heavily affected by the turmoil of the 1960s. Graham touched on his appointment to a New Mexico college that he eventually turned down. The appointment was controversial since Graham was not of Spanish origin in a community that was almost entirely Spanish. He saw St. Cloud State as a change of scenery as well as a good step for his career. Graham discussed his presidency at St. Cloud State (serving from 1971 to 1981), the changes he implemented, and general observations about the faculty and students. He focused on the advent of collective bargaining, discussing how it affected the faculty. Graham also gave attention to his goal to develop and polish more career-oriented programs outside of teaching. He also discussed his attempts to make students more internationally aware, as well as his goal to unify the campus physically after the rapid expansion of campus during the 1960s. Graham discussed the idea of consolidation, meaning he had attempted to take all these new programs that had been added to improve the academic quality to benefit the students.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

57. Interview with Charles Martin (1909-1981), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1980-01-28
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on January 28, 1980, Charles Martin described his early life. He was born in 1909 in Randall, Minnesota. His mother died in 1922, and he was an only child, so he and his father lived together until he graduated high school in Little Falls in 1927. Martin spoke of his decision to attend college to become a teacher. He shared several anecdotes about his time there, including how he met and became friends with St. Cloud State president George Selke, as well as his friendship with Miss Evelyn Pribble. He also recalled how his devotion to school plays and his job at the Royal Cafe distracted him from his studies and eventually made him sick, forcing him to miss a year of school. Martin mentioned the struggles he had returning to school during a time of such financial hardship. He recounted the story of how he was able to obtain a position directing school plays at the school, which allowed him to stay and receive his bachelor's degree in 1932. Martin chronicled his post-St. Cloud State life, as well as how terrified he was to student teach. He recalled the difficulty in obtaining work after graduation, but that he eventually found a good position in Sauk Rapids and, later, in Little Falls.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

58. Interview with Clair Dagget (1909-1990), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1987-01-28
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on January 28, 1987, Clair Dagget discussed his educational and family background. He was born in Wisconsin in 1909. His family farmed in Omro, Wisconsin, where Dagget graduated from high school in 1927. Dagget then attended college in Whitewater, Wisconsin, where he received a bachelor's degree in Commercial Education, which would today be called Business Education. He detailed some roadblocks he encountered in his education due to family issues and accreditation problems between Iowa and Wisconsin universities. After stints teaching high school in Menominee and Kenosha, Wisconsin, Dagget pursued a master's degree at the University of Iowa. Dagget arrived at St. Cloud State University in 1939. He discussed his arrival to St. Cloud and his early years teaching at the university. Dagget detailed how small the Business Department initially was with only three faculty. In addition, he discussed his time in the Air Force during World War II, and how the G.I. Bill allowed him to obtain his doctorate when he returned from service. Dagget taught many veterans after his return, who were older than most students. Dagget focused on the changes at St. Cloud State, and in his own department, experienced during his 35 years at the university. For example, the Business department grew from three faculty to 50 at the time of the interview. Here, Dagget also discussed the different St. Cloud State presidents and their administration. He claimed that president George Budd discouraged university employees' involvement in downtown social clubs because Budd desired to be the sole connection between downtown and St. Cloud State. Dagget retired in 1974.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

59. Interview with Donald Sikkink (1928- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1990-05-01
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Archivist Jerry Westby on May 1, 1990, Donald Sikkink described his early educational background and career. He was born in 1928 in Minnesota. He grew up on a farm in southeast Minnesota, just south of Rochester. He graduated from Harmony Public High School in Harmony, Minnesota, in 1945, and then attended a Dutch Reformed College, Central College, in Pella, Iowa, until he was drafted in April 1946. Sikkink attended the University of Minnesota on his G.I. Bill. He received his bachelor's degree in 1949, his master's degree in 1951, and his doctorate in 1954. After teaching for two years at Stanford in Palo Alto, California, he received a job in the Speech Department at South Dakota State University. Sikkink arrived at St. Cloud State in 1963, explaining his first impressions of St. Cloud State. He claimed that he was surprised at how reluctant students were to speak up in class and express their thoughts and opinions. On the other hand, he was also surprised by how freely and openly the faculty spoke of their beliefs, causing him to believe that there was a greater sense of freedom among the faculty at St. Cloud than at the previous schools he had taught at. Sikkink discussed St. Cloud State president George Budd and his policies. In addition, he described the ways in which the speech department has changed. Sikkink explained the way that the city of St. Cloud had changed thinking of St. John's as their university to adopting St. Cloud State as the city's college, due to the tremendous growth and change undergone by the school during Sikkink's time there. Sikkink described what he considers to be his highs and lows while at St. Cloud State. He mentioned certain classes he enjoyed, such as the class he taught on parliamentary procedure. He also talked about the establishment of bachelor of Elective Studies degree, which he says was done as sort of an experiment. He explained his work in administration over the years. Sikkink expressed disappointment at the then-current situation where the faculty and administration were not getting along, claiming that the fighting was hurting the institution. Finally, Sikkink shared some anecdotes that describe some of his most memorable experiences at St. Cloud State University. He retired in 1990.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

60. Interview with Eugene Perkins (1921-2004) and Lorraine Perkins (?- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1982-04-02
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 2, 1982, Eugene and Lorraine Perkins discussed their family history, as well as their reasons for attending St. Cloud State. Lorraine chronicled the long history her family had with the St. Cloud State, as her grandfather attended the Normal School and roomed with Waite Shoemaker. Many of her aunts and several other relatives also attended the university. Eugene mentioned they lived close to the university and his dad worked with there. Lorraine said she wanted to go to Carleton College to become a writer. But the Depression prevented her from doing so, as Carleton College was expensive. So, she decided to become an English teacher. Eugene also discussed his time in World War II, which interrupted his college studies. Lorraine arrived at St. Cloud State in 1938, while Eugene first attended in 1939. They met in 1939. Lorraine talked about her varying living situations, including a year in Shoemaker Hall. Eugene also discussed the GI Bill, which of course brought many veterans to the school. Eugene described his time at the Eastman House, which was housing for returning GIs. Both Eugene and Lorraine oversaw and lived for a time in Eastman House. Lorraine and Eugene also described some of the extracurricular activities on campus, such as literary societies, sports, and different clubs such as the photo club, which Eugene belonged to. Lorraine and Eugene chronicled their experiences after leaving St. Cloud. Lorraine talked about being hired in Hayward, Minnesota, before being married, then being told to return her contract, as they did not hire married teachers. She gave up teaching for 20 years to raise her family. Eugene talked about the path that led him to pursue counseling; he taught in Paynesville, Minnesota, for three years while taking graduate classes at the University of Minnesota, with a focus on guidance and counseling. After receiving his master's degree, he went to Cincinnati, where he worked as a counselor and a school psychologist. He returned to St. Cloud State in 1958, eventually receiving his doctorate from University of Northern Colorado. Lorraine wanted to return to school, receiving a master's degree in 1967. She chronicled the establishment in 1968 and her work in the Writing Skills Center, which she believed was the only place for some students, especially foreign students, to get help. They described their support of international students. Finally, they expressed their approval of the vast physical changes undergone by St. Cloud State in the 1960s and 1970s, resulting in a beautiful campus.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

61. Interview with Francis (Fran) Voelker (1931-2012), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1982-03-30
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on March 30, 1982, Francis (Fran) Voelker gave a brief history of his education and background. Fran was born in Thorp, Wisconsin. He went to St. John's University, then entered the military for a few years. When he got out of the service in 1955, he accepted a job teaching high school English in Foley, Minnesota, where he stayed for four years. During that time, he pursued his master's degree, which he received in 1959. Voelker discussed his experience with the Faculty Association and collective bargaining in general. Voelker chronicled his early experiences with the Minnesota Education Association (MEA) in Foley, as well as the motivations of St. Cloud State faculty to actively pursue collective bargaining. Voelker believed that many faculty members felt that salaries were bad and their voices were not heard, so frustration began to build until they decided to do something about it. Voelker said the reasons to join the MEA was good, claiming that they had a good training program and a professionalism that really helped the Inter-Faculty Organization (IFO). Voelker focused on the election in 1975 and said that even if the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) won the election, he would have joined, as most faculty simply wanted some form of representation. Voelker discussed the work he did with the IFO after the election, including lobbying during state legislature to get funding and meet negotiation deadlines. Voelker believed that collective bargaining was very successful in defining roles. He said the adversary relationship that resulted between administration and faculty was unfortunate, but did not have to be a result of collective bargaining. It was something he hoped would be amended in the future.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

62. Interview with Freda Snicker Lindenberg (1900-?), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1980-02-04
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on February 4, 1980, Freda Snicker Lindenberg talked about her family history as well as education and early teaching career. She was born on March 8, 1900, in Winfield Township, Minnesota. Her parents emigrated from Sweden at different times, who married in 1884 and had 10 children. During her last year at Oliva high school, she took one year of normal training, which inspired her to be a teacher. Immediately after high school Lindenberg began teaching, including at Minnehaha Park School in Minneapolis After teaching for a few years, she decided to attend St. Cloud State to obtain her teacher's certificate. She discussed those early years of her teaching career, some of which were spent being the sole teacher in a one-room school. Lindenberg focused on her experiences at St. Cloud State. She chose to attend simply because she had heard much about the school and because its close proximity to Olivia. She loved her time at St. Cloud, and described a few of her favorite teachers, including Miss Louisa Van Dyke and Darius Steward. She also mentioned her extracurricular activities, which included membership in the Avon Literary Society, as well as a part in the senior class play of ""Romeo and Juliet."" In addition, Lindenberg chronicled what she and her friends did for fun, including going downtown to trade or attending football and basketball games. She graduated in 1927. Lindenberg discussed her post-college teaching career and life. Here she briefly described the teaching positions she held in Faribault, Owatonna, and Hutchinson, Minnesota, and said that she always loved teaching and working with children. She also mentioned her husband, who she married in 1929. Lindenberg briefly addressed the Depression, which was just sort of emerging as she attended St. Cloud State.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

63. Interview with Gary Botzek (1950- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1982-04-30
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 30, 1982, Gary Botzek spoke about his Polish and German ancestors, who came to Benton County to farm. He also discussed the consolidation process that his local school in Sauk Rapids underwent, forcing him to finish high school in Foley. He also talked about choosing St. Cloud State University. admitting that he was not prepared to make a leap to a city, since he grew up in such a small rural area. Botzek chronicled his time at St. Cloud State University. He spoke about the process of how he chose a major and career path, as well as influential professors and student government. Botzek also discussed the explosive reaction of St. Cloud State students to the U.S. invasion of Cambodia and Laos, as well as the Kent State riots. Botzek discussed his feelings on the situation as someone involved in student government, and how it was handled by the university. He explained the relationship between the St. Cloud community and the university, claiming that they are both parts of the same structure, and thus worked well together. Botzek graduated in 1972, majoring in Political Science. Botzek discussed his post-collegiate career, especially his internship with Minnesota congressman John Zach, The internship opened several doors for him and allowed him to work in government for ten straight years, including his 1979 appointment as special assistant to Minnesota governor Al Quie. Botzek gave much credit to his St. Cloud State academic and extracurricular activities for providing him with the necessary tools to forge such a successful career.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

64. Interview with George Budd (1915-2009), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1981-07-28
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on July 28, 1981, George Budd discussed his family history and educational background. Born in 1915 in Oswego, New York, Budd talked about pursuing an education during the Great Depression, as well as his family's reaction to his decision to teach. Budd delayed college for three years after high school and then attended the Oswego Normal School. After graduation, Budd taught for three years before moving to Buffalo, New York, to earn his bachelor's degree. Budd served in the Air Force during World War II, which made it possible for him to earn a master's and doctorate degrees at Columbia University. This led him to administrative positions at Washington State and in Oneonta, New York. He also in detailed the process by which he pursued the St. Cloud State presidency, a post he served from 1952 to 1965. Budd left in 1965 to become the president of Pittsburg State University in Kansas. Budd felt that he was unprepared for the St. Cloud State presidency, not really knowing what to expect. He discussed the tremendous growth in population, both in St. Cloud itself as well as at the university, and its affect on his administration. Budd provided a detailed account of how the change from a teacher's college to a state university transformed the campus, leading to new buildings, a complete makeover of the curriculum, and the growth in community involvement. Budd tackled a variety of other topics, from the change in student demeanor and activity throughout his years as president, from those accomplishments he is most proud of, including the establishment of a summer theatre and the Alexandria-St. Cloud State College Performing Arts Foundation, and of the importance of the Alumni Foundation. He also talked about the idea that this was a period of tremendous growth throughout the country, and he simply tried to help St. Cloud State adapt to growing needs and desires of students who did not want to be teachers.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

65. Interview with George J. Benson (1898-1982), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1981-01-21
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on January 21, 1981, George Benson described his family background. Born in 1898 in St. Cloud, Benson's parents immigrated to the United States in the late 1880s from Sweden. His father worked as a blacksmith in the St. Cloud quarries, while his mother worked as a maid for the Alice and Albert Whitney family. Benson discussed his relationships with several teachers as well as his participation in and recollection of extracurricular activities. He graduated from the St. Cloud State in 1920. Benson had short-lived teaching experiences in both North and South Dakota before receiving his B.S. from Bradley University in Illinois. He then moved to the Panama Canal Zone to teach for five years, where he and his wife started a family. Benson discussed his time in Atlanta, where he received his Master's Degree and taught for 25 years in the same room. Later Benson described his return to St. Cloud, as well as the education of his two sons, who also attended St. Cloud State University.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

66. Interview with Harvey Waugh (1902-1978), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1974 - 1976
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University librarians Norman Clarke and Lawrence Busse on February 14, 1974, February 25, 1975, November 26, 1975, and February 18, 1976, Harvey Waugh discussed his family background and a wide range of topics related to St. Cloud State. Born in Clarksville, Iowa, in 1902, Waugh worked at the Iowa State Teacher's College before offered a position at St. Cloud State by President George Selke. Waugh described how different things were when he first came to St. Cloud State, and how there was a great lack of organization, of departments, and of staff, along with very poor buildings. Other faculty members are also discussed including presidents George Selke, Dudley Brainard, and George Budd, music faculty Helen Grime, Roger Barrett, and Helen Hulls, also Amy Dale of English, who wrote the lyrics of the school hymn which Waugh set to music. Waugh talked about the various buildings that were part of campus in his early years here. He discussed Eastman Hall, as well as the wonderful Christmas parties that were held in Shoemaker Hall, by invitation. Other aspects of campus living are touched upon, including Mrs. Alice Whitney's presence, being head of a men's dorm, and Quonset huts. He mentioned Selke's great oratorical ability, especially in convincing young people from the Iron Range to come to St. Cloud State. Waugh discussed St. Cloud State president George Budd and his reputation at the university. Waugh described the various programs and plays he helped produce during his time at St. Cloud State, from ""South Pacific"" to ""West Side Story."" He mentioned taking one of his productions, ""The Pajama Game,"" on a European tour in the 1960s. Waugh proudly said that the plays always had a full orchestra and that his choir was called upon to give performances at various conferences and prestigious events. The status of buildings around as well as the construction of new ones, are a frequent topic in the interviews. The plans and building of the current Performing Arts Center as well as his tri-collegiate choral group are mentioned in detail. Information relating to Stewart Hall's construction, the Kiehle library, the Old Main Building and having to share space with other departments is also referenced.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

67. Interview with Herb Goodrich (1926-2006), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1990-05-15
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Archivist Jerry Westby on May 15, 1990, Herb Goodrich explained his family and educational history. He was born in Manhattan, and raised in Brooklyn, New York. His father emigrated from Russia, while his mother was from Poland. Goodrich attended the City College of New York, where he received his bachelor's degree in Education. Goodrich then went to Penn State, where he received his master's degree and then earned his doctorate in Mass Communications from the University of Illinois. He highlighted his upbringing in the very urban Brooklyn, New York, and the vast differences between that world and St. Cloud, Minnesota. Goodrich arrived at St. Cloud State in 1964. He discussed his first years at St. Cloud State, comparing them with the university in 1990. For instance, he talked about how the huge growth in student population was accompanied by a failure of the state of Minnesota to provide sufficient funds and resources to deal with that growth. He claimed that the growth contributed to a decline in familiarity and personal connections among staff, as well as a greater focus on publishing rather than the classroom. Goodrich described how the students themselves changed during his time at St. Cloud State. He claimed that when he arrived in the 1960s, students were very demanding and not afraid to question what was being taught. In 1990, he felt that students were much quieter, and that there had been somewhat of a withdrawal from active learning. Goodrich discussed the St. Cloud State's perception as a ""party"" school, and how that has affected both students and faculty. Goodrich discussed the relationship between the university and the community of St. Cloud. Here he felt his ideas about universities was often seen as a threat to a conservative community, and how St. Cloud State fit into that idea. Goodrich discussed the highs and lows he experienced as a teacher, and how both relate to his impact, or lack thereof, on his students. Overall, he gave an insightful analysis of how the school changed, both on a large scale, and on a smaller scale by discussing changes within his own department, and credited the university for 26 years of wonderful academic and teaching experience. Goodrich retired in 1990.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

68. Interview with Inez Kronenberg (1937- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1989-05-05
Description:: In an oral history conducted by Robert Nelson on May 5, 1989, Inez Kronenberg described her family history and early life. She was born in 1937 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Her family had a farm in St. Augusta, Minnesota, where they had been since the 1850s. Her family farmed until her father lost an arm in an accident, after which he became an auctioneer. Her mother died when she was 12. Kronenberg addressed the reasons she chose to begin working after high school rather than attend college. She claimed that despite the fact that she had a scholarship, she did not feel prepared, or confident enough, to attend college. When she obtained a clerical job at St. Cloud State in 1955, she was very proud of that accomplishment. Kronenberg discussed that she slowly attended classes while she worked, and was able to eventually obtain an associate degree in 1974 and a bachelor's degree in 1979. Kronenberg discussed on her work at St. Cloud State, her responsibilities in the academic dean's office, where she spent the majority of her career, along with her reasons for eventually leaving that position. She described the many moves within St. Cloud State that she made, including stints in the library, International Studies, and Career Planning and Placement, which were largely due to personal reasons. Kronenberg chronicled her involvement with the union of ""classified"" employees, the Local 753, Council 6. She mentioned her role in the statewide strike of 1981, and the fact that she was in charge of putting out the newsletter. She believed that there needed to be more uniformity in terms of pay, and felt that the strike was successful in getting closer to that goal. Kronenberg described her impressions of how students, governance, and other aspects of the university have changed during her time spent working for the institution. She discussed veterans, both from the Korean and Vietnam wars, and her thoughts on how they adapted to college life. Kronenberg talked about the idea that the easy availability of financial aid has made students, to some extent, less hardworking and focused. However, she also credited current students with being more confident and aware of what was going on in the world. She also discussed the drinking habits of students, along with her ideas about international students, non-traditional students, and racial tension on campus. Kronenberg explained the ways in which she believes the relationship between the university and the city of St. Cloud has been strengthened in more recent years.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

69. Interview with Joan Anderson Growe (1935- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1981-08-05
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on August 5, 1981, Joan Anderson Growe discussed her family and educational background. Joan Anderson Growe was born in 1935 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her father's parents came from Sweden, while her mother's family was of German descent. She described the few career opportunities for women at the time. However, her parents encouraged her to go to college. After graduating from Buffalo High School in 1953, she attended St. Cloud State to become a teacher. She discussed her decision to complete her degree in 3 years, graduating in 1956. She gave much attention to the living situation on-campus, as well as the social activities she was involved in. She claimed that she attended college at a time when students were not focused on world affairs, but only on their own lives and surroundings, something that changed drastically in the 1960s. She also believed that the university always provided plenty of social activities, from sporting events to dances, to keep her busy. After graduating from St. Cloud State in 1956, Growe briefly summarized her experiences, which included teaching in Bloomington as well as becoming certified to teach special needs students. After becoming involved in the anti-Vietnam movement and the League of Women, she became interested in politics. In 1972, she won an election to the Minnesota state legislature. In 1974, Growe was elected as Secretary of State and won reelection in 1978. She also briefly discussed the ways in which St. Cloud State University prepared her for her future career.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

70. Interview with John Derus (1940- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1982-04-21
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 21, 1982, John Derus explained his family and educational background. Derus was born in 1940 in northeast Minneapolis. His family lived in the area for five generations, though they were originally of Irish, German, and French ancestry. After graduating from DaLaSalle High School, then the University of Minnesota on a football scholarship for a year before quitting in order to work to make money for his family. His father, along with one of his sisters, died in a plane crash, leaving the family financially strained. Derus mentioned his reasons for choosing to attend St. Cloud State University. He explained the good things he heard about St. Cloud, as well as his desire to work with children and help those who were in trouble. Derus chronicled his time in St. Cloud, attending classes when he could but also working more than full-time, both at the St. Cloud Children's Home and as a bartender. He discussed his favorite teachers, such as Herb Goodrich and Henry Goehring. In addition, Derus mentioned that he enjoyed the smaller class sizes, as compared with those at the University of Minnesota. A interesting aspect of the interview focused on Derus's description of the culture for young people in St. Cloud at the time, including living arrangements, and what he called a subculture of ""workies,"" college students who were forced to work in order to put themselves through college. Derus described his involvement in extracurricular activities at St. Cloud State, including one play and intramural sports as well as campus politics. He graduated from St. Cloud State in 1967 with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. He also addressed his post-graduate experiences, including his work with the Peace Corps in India, where he taught English for two years. Upon his return from India, he decided to get involved in politics, landing a position with Hubert Humphrey. He was elected as alderman of the 4th Ward in Minneapolis and later as Hennepin County Commissioner in 1974. Derus detailed the way that the community of St. Cloud and the University helped him get his life on track at a time when it was not going well at all.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

71. Interview with John J. Weismann (1901-1992), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1980-01-30
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on January 30, 1980, John Weismann briefly discussed his family background. He was born on January 13, 1901, on a farm on Golden Lake, Minnesota, near Rockville. His ancestors emigrated from Bavaria and Luxembourg. The fifth of nine children, Weismann attended grade school in a one-room public school, then went to Tech High School in St. Cloud, from which he graduated in 1920. He decided to attend the St. Cloud State to become an industrial arts teacher and to play sports, particularly football. Weismann explained what motivated him to attend high school and later college. He fell in love with football his senior year of high school, then was inspired to attend St. Cloud State after hearing the St. Cloud State president Joseph Brown talk about the possibilities in industrial arts and coaching. Weismann remembered many teachers, including Helen Hill and Dora Perry. He described the buildings that existed on campus in the 1920s, as well as about football and basketball. Weismann chronicled his life after graduating from St. Cloud State in 1926. He discussed his teaching jobs - Weismann taught industrial arts and coached in Appleton, Minnesota, for one year. He decided he wanted to get his degree, so he majored in Education at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and then received an offer from St. Cloud State president George Selke to return to the university and assist in coaching as well as teaching industrial arts. Weismann described the various programs he was involved in, from student personnel and being Dean of Men, to the Civilian Training Program, where they prepared young men prior to World War II. Weisman described how St. Cloud State became a very different school after World War II. Weismann talked about how much St. Cloud State and the students have changed. He claimed that students today had much more money to spend on things like eating out, shopping, drinking, and other things. He believed the construction of so many new buildings caused a lot of controversy at the time. Weismann discussed the St. Cloud State presidents and held Joseph Brown and John Headley in the highest regard. Weismann retired in 1969.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

72. Interview with Larry Meyer (1948- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1982-03-30
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on March 30, 1982, Larry Meyer described family background as well as his motivation to attend SCSU. His grandparents were immigrants from different parts of Europe who met in the Twin Cities. When he was 12, Meyer's family moved to a farm near Princeton, Minnesota. His parents encouraged him to go to college, despite the fact that they were somewhat poor. He chose St. Cloud State, as it was very close and financially more appealing. Meyer mentioned that there was financial aid available for anyone who wished to go to college. Meyer chronicled his activism while at St. Cloud State, describing what drew him into politics. He became caught up in the anti-Vietnam movement and the student power movement. He said many issues were prevalent, including women's hours and other social restrictions. Meyer described his involvement in the Student Senate, including his decision to run for President as a moderate, which alienated some of the more radical activists. He won the election, serving the 1969/70 academic year. Meyer said campus politics took him all over the country, from New York to Los Angeles. Meyer discussed his experiences after college. After graduation in 1971, he joined the Army Reserves simply because once finished with college, young men had to either sign up for the active army or the volunteer reserves. He then embarked on a political career, which allowed him to work with Hubert Humphrey, Wendell Anderson, and the Minnesota DFL party. Meyer recounted his time working as an intern with Walter Mondale in Washington, D.C., in 1969, at a time when the city was a very tumultuous place. Meyer explained the ways in which St. Cloud State, both in his educational and political lives there, helped prepare him for the career he made for himself.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

73. Interview with Lawrence Smelser (?- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1990-04-24
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Archivist Jerry Westby on April 24, 1990, Lawrence Smelser discussed his family and educational background. He was born and raised in the Ozark Region of Missouri in the late 1920s. He was encouraged to attend college by his family, and after he graduated from high school, he took an exam and was licensed to teach in rural schools in Missouri. While he did this, he took classes at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardo, Missouri, before transferring to Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. After graduating with a bachelor's degree, he taught fifth grade in University City, Missouri, for 12 years. While doing teaching, he attended St. Louis University for his master's degree in Educational Administration. Smelser then earned his doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. Smelser who arrived 1969 at St. Cloud State, chronicled his time at the university and discussed some of his favorite things. He mentioned how much he enjoyed working with graduate students, as he was able to work with them more closely and get to know them better than undergraduate students. He also mentioned taking a group of students to London for the 1979-80 academic school year, where he directed a program. In addition, Smelser described his experience of being a division leader in the Learning Resources and Technology Services. He expressed how the library changed from books to electronic equipment, and how the college has grown along with that change. Smelser discussed the changes that occurred at the university, as well as the highs and lows during his time there. He talked about developing new programs in Information Media, such as the three-track program. Smelser believed that the growth in enrollment was very positive thing for St. Cloud State, and improved many programs available. As far as lows, Smelser claimed that some budget and equipment problems as difficult to deal with. Smelser felt that he had an incredibly positive experience teaching at St. Cloud State and living in the city of St. Cloud. He retired in 1990.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

74. Interview with L. Ferne Goble Atwood (1895-1995), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1980-04-11
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 11, 1980, L. Ferne Goble Atwood discussed her family background. Born in 1895 in Illinois, where she was raised, Atwood attended Miami University in Ohio. Here she received her bachelor's degree in History, English, and Home Economics. In 1919, St. Cloud State president Joseph Brown brought her to the university to teach. Atwood described in detail her marriage to Allen Atwood in 1923, a local lawyer, as well as the close relationship she had with his family, who were very prominent in St. Cloud. The Atwoods also formed friendships with many St. Cloud State presidents, like George Budd, as well as other important figures, like Wheelock Whitney. Atwood and her husband's family were very involved with St. Cloud University, donating money as well as their old homes. Atwood voiced her opinions on the changes the University underwent before and after World War II, particularly her views on the decision to tear down the Old Main Building in order to make room for Stewart Hall. Atwood claimed that other than business interests, St. Cloud State University was a chief concern of the Atwoods.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

75. Interview with Louis Filippi (1920-2012), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1982-04-06
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 6, 1982, Louis Filippi described how his parents came from Italy before World War I and settled Keewatin, a town in Minnesota's Iron Range. Born in 1920, Filippi discussed life in the Iron Range and the camaraderie that he formed with other children whose parents also came from Europe. Filippi discussed his motivations for attending St. Cloud State after graduating from high school in 1939, including that two of his favorite hockey goalies, Frank Brimsek and Sam LoPresti, attended the university. Filippi chronicled his time at St. Cloud State, especially the teachers he particularly admired, such as Roland Torgerson and George Lynch. Filippi mentioned that he lived with other Iron Range men throughout his college career and that they tended to stick together. Filippi played football, baseball, basketball, and track. He also discussed the effects that events such as the Great Depression and World War II had on his college career. Filippi described his impressions of St. Cloud State. He discussed the socioeconomic backgrounds of most of the students, believing that most were of lower-income families. Filippi claimed that most of the students he knew were eager to have jobs while going to school. He also discussed the "esprit de corps" among the students, claiming that they had an immense pride in the school and were involved in supporting the school at most functions. Filippi felt the community was supportive of the university, but not strong and adamant supporters of its activities. After graduation from St. Cloud State in 1943, Filippi entered the service, despite having a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles to play football. When he finally returned from overseas in 1946, he opted out of his contract with the Eagles and moved to Little Falls, Minnesota, to work as a coach and teacher and as an NCAA referee.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

76. Interview with L. Ruth Cadwell (1897-1987), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1981-10-23
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on October 23, 1981, L. (Lucy) Ruth Cadwell chronicled her family background, including a brief history of how her family came from Ireland and Massachusetts to Iowa. She was born on December 4, 1897, in Boone, Iowa. After receiving some teacher education at her high school, Cadwell decided to pursue teaching as a career. She attended Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, earning a bachelor's degree in 1923. She taught for a few months in Oxford, Ohio, before finding a position teaching geography and supervising students at St. Cloud State in 1924. Cadwell discussed her time at St. Cloud State, which began in 1924. Cadwell addressed what some of the faculty were like, including Albertina Anderson, and also mentioned many changes the university and the city of St. Cloud endured during her 42 years working there. Cadwell discussed World War I and II, the Dust Bowl, and the Depression, stating that her salary was cut during that time. She also mentioned her work with the Army Air Corp during World War II. In addition, she explained her impression of students she worked with throughout her long career, including her attempts to create more social activities for them, along with her ideas about how the community of St. Cloud interacted with the college. After retirement in 1966, Cadwell taught Adult Basic Education courses, while also helping assemble "The Centennial History," a nine volume collection detailing the history of St. Cloud State University. Cadwell received several civic awards for her work in the community, especially her work teaching adults how to read and write.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

77. Interview with Ludmila (Mil) Voelker (?- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1990-06-11
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Archivist Jerry Westby on June 11, 1990, Ludmila (Mil) Voelker discussed her background. She was born in Dodge, Nebraska in the 1920s. Her father emigrated from Czechoslovakia, settling in Nebraska and later South Dakota, where he lost his farm during the Depression. The family eventually moved to Litchfield, Minnesota. Voelker attended the College of Saint Benedict, where she received her Bachelor's degree in English, with a minor in speech and philosophy. She then taught English for three years in Holdingford, Minnesota, until 1954 when her future husband Fran, returned from Korea. They married that December, and for the next 10 years Ludmila stayed home to raise their five children. In 1965, she began working part-time at St. Cloud State while also beginning work on her Master's degree. She eventually began teaching full-time at the St. Cloud State. Voelker worked as teaching assistant while pursuing her master's degree, but because of the surge in enrollment, had to take on more freshman composition classes than originally planned. Voelker discussed how important it was for faculty to be involved in other activities besides teaching. This led to her involvement with the Inter-Faculty Organization (IFO), as well as the publication of a book on Mass Media with her husband Fran. Voelker talked about the changes undergone by the university as well as the impact of some important national events, such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Voelker chronicled the highs and lows of her career at St. Cloud, claiming that being selected as the university's affirmative action officer was a great high, while getting burnt out on teaching was her low. She then discussed the rise in percentage of women professors on campus as a result of affirmative action, and her feelings on that subject in general. Finally, she offered some thoughts on the progress St. Cloud State University has made, calling it a wonderful institution, but also suggested some areas for improvement.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

78. Interview with Ludmila (Mil) Voelker (?- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1982-04-01
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 1, 1982, Ludmila (Mil) Voelker discussed her background. Mil was born in Dodge, Nebraska, in the 1920s. Her father emigrated from Czechoslovakia, settling in Nebraska and later South Dakota, where he lost his farm during the Depression. The family eventually moved to Litchfield, Minnesota. Voelker attended the College of Saint Benedict, where she received her Bachelor's degree in English, with a minor in speech and philosophy. She then taught English for three years in Holdingford, Minnesota, until 1954 when her future husband Fran, returned from Korea. They married that December, and for the next 10 years Ludmila stayed home to raise their five children. In 1965, she began working part-time at St. Cloud State while also beginning work on her master's degree. She eventually began teaching full-time at the St. Cloud State. Voelker focused on her involvement in collective bargaining at St. Cloud State, and her support for the Inter-Faculty Organization (IFO) and Minnesota Education Association (MEA). Voelker explained why she became involved with collective bargaining at St. Cloud State. She believed that partnering with the MEA was a good move, as it was the strongest political unit available to them at the time. Voelker discussed her time as president and some of the activities she was involved in. Voelker chronicled her time as IFO president, and the importance of a woman being in a position of power at a time when such a thing was not very common. She claimed that the campus needed an articulate woman to show that women were capable of holding authority. Voelker discussed what she did after holding that presidency, including being the president of the Minnesota Council of Teachers, which she held before taking a year of sabbatical and beginning work on a degree in Theology. Finally, she expressed her feelings on whether or not collective bargaining on campus was a success. She felt that the tension it has created between administration and faculty is unnecessary, and that work needed to be done to build trust between the two.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

79. Interview with Lydia Cecelia Olander (1886-?), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1978-11-14
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on November 14, 1978, Lydia Cecilia Olander described her family history. She was born on December 6, 1886, in Orion, Illinois. Olander discussed her parents, who both emigrated from Sweden. Her father came over to become a minister for the Lutheran Church of America, then sent for her mother, whom he married in 1876. Her father was called to a parish in Minneapolis in 1900, where the family then moved. Olander graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis in 1904. Olander recalled her decision to attend St. Cloud State, which was influenced both by her desire to teach as well as she had friends at the school. Arriving in 1904, Olander chronicled her time at St. Cloud State, completing her program in one year. She described living in Lawrence Hall, which burned down during her stay, forcing her to move in with some St. Cloud residents. Olander talked about her extracurricular activities, including the Glee Club. After graduation in 1905, Olander accepted teaching position for third and fourth grade in Brownton, Minnesota, where she taught for two years. Olander then took a position in the Minneapolis Public Schools. Here she taught at Van Cleve School and Hale School from 1929 to 1954. She also attended the University of Minnesota to get licensed to teach junior high. Olander described her experiences working both at the American Vocational Institute and the American Business College
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

80. Interview with Marcus E. Erickson (1913-2002), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1979-01-30
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on January 30, 1979, Marcus Erickson detailed his family history and educational background. Erickson discussed his father's receiving a job with Pan Motor Company as their reason for moving to St. Cloud, though the company later folded as a result of the owner going to jail. He described his family was somewhat poor, so the decision to attend St. Cloud State was a natural choice, since it was affordable and would allow him to live at home. He also detailed his reasons for becoming a teacher. After graduating from St. Cloud's Technical (Tech) High School in 1932, he attended St. Cloud State with help from the National Youth Administration (NYA), a New Deal program that allowed students to take part in work study programs. If not for the NYA, Erickson would not have been able to finish college. He also discussed several important teachers to him, including Evelyn Pribble. Erickson claimed that the teachers were very strict, but only because they knew the students were there to learn. He also addressed some of the extracurricular and social activities he was involved in at St. Cloud State, including band and the Camera Club, as well as the demographics of the school. Erickson graduate in 1936 with a bachelor's degree. After graduation, he received teaching jobs in Remer and Brainerd, Minnesota, before he began working with the Army Air Force Program. Here he helped develop a program that would help correct improper weight and balance in airplanes. This program was later moved to Yale, where Erickson was able to receive his master's degree in Education. He also received a master's degree in Science from the University of Michigan. He then moved to California, where he taught until 1956, when he began working with the California Teachers Association. He remained in California and eventually retired. Erickson talked about his career after graduating from St. Cloud State, and also reflected on the ways in which the University prepared him for his career and other aspects of his life. He also discussed his memories of how the Depression affected the school and the people around him. Overall, he claimed that St. Cloud State was a strict but friendly school that prepared him wonderfully for a career as a teacher.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

81. Interview with Marie Petit Hinkle (1887-?), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1981-07-24
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on July 24, 1981, Marie Petit Hinkle described her early education and family. She was born on September 10, 1887, in Verndale, Minnesota. Her parents came to Minnesota in 1880 from Iowa and her father worked on the grain elevator in Verndale his entire life. Hinkle also mentions that Verndale High School, which she attended, was not accredited, so she had to make up some science classes when she went to St. Cloud State. Hinkle arrived at St. Cloud State in 1906 and graduated the next year. She discussed some of the teachers she remembers, such as Isabel Lawrence and Jason Keppel. Hinkle mentioned social activities, such as playing cards with Mrs. Shoemaker, Waite Shoemaker's wife. She also played basketball, and attended parties in Lawrence Hall. Hinkle discussed her life after graduating from St. Cloud State. She taught for a couple of years, including in Pine River, Minnesota, and later in Verndale, before getting married in 1912 and having a family. She talked of her volunteer work, as well as the many moves she and her family made, from Fargo to Minneapolis and finally to Detroit Lakes. Hinkle believed that the St. Cloud State prepared her wonderfully for teaching in the real world.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

82. Interview with Mary Craik (1924- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1985-12-23
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on December 23, 1985, Mary Craik described her family and educational background and how that affected her ideas about women and women's rights. Born in 1924, Craik grew up in Kentucky and described her family as "hillbillies," since they were very poor and not very educated. Craik married her husband in 1945, who was in the Air Force, and had children young. A feeling an "intellectual curiosity" that forced her to pursue further education, including how living in Cambridge, England, where her husband was stationed, inspired her to further her education. Craik detailed her decision to pursue her master's and doctorate degrees after taking almost eight years to earn a bachelor's degree. Craik discussed her arrival at St. Cloud State in 1968. She spoke of her efforts to establish a Women's Studies program, particularly her course called "Psychology of Women," which was immediately very popular. She also talked about the purpose of establishing that course, as well as the effects the class had on students' lives. Craik chronicled the discrimination she encountered at SCSU, not just in her own experiences, but in that of other women and men. She filed a lawsuit against the university in 1976 that took nine years to settle, which she initially lost. Upon appeal, the court ruled in her favor. Craik detailed about what she believes changed, regarding the role of women, their salaries, and eligibility for promotion, in the 15 years she spent at St. Cloud State. Craik addressed some of the positive effects of her lawsuit, including the money it brought to some women on campus.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

83. Interview with Michael Sieben (1946- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1982-04-21
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 21, 1982, Michael Sieben described family history, as well as his motivations to attend St. Cloud State. He was born in 1946, in Hastings, Minnesota. His father's family had been in Hastings since the 1880s, while his mother's family came from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sieben graduated from Hastings High School in 1964. He desired to leave Hastings, but also wanted a school that was financially reasonable. Sieben was able to pay for most of his college education himself by working construction during the summers. Since he was on the debate team in high school, Sieben received a small debate scholarship from St. Cloud State. Sieben discussed being part of the baby boomer generation and always being part of a very large class. Sieben described the activities he was involved in while attending St. Cloud State. He discussed his participation in student government in the mid to late 1960s, claiming that students simply wanted more control over their destinies. He talked about many issues, such as student fees, dorm rules, regulations for women, and teacher evaluations as some of the causes he and his fellow students fought for. Sieben felt Vietnam created a new feeling at the school, one where students just sensed a need for change. Seiben described life in the dorms, his involvement in Sigma Tau Gamma, and attending football games. He talked about the majority of students would leave the campus on the weekends, Sieben mentioned students from the Iron Range, and his perception that most students came from a middle income family. Sieben chronicled briefly his activities after graduating from St. Cloud in 1968. He taught at North High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He then decided to go to law school at the University of Minnesota. He graduated from law school and went on to practice law. He discussed law school, for which he believed he was well-prepared, thanks to St. Cloud State. However, he felt that some of the teacher preparation courses were mediocre and did not prepare him well for teaching. Overall, he said his experience in St. Cloud was very beneficial to his future endeavors and career as a lawyer.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

84. Interview with Patricia Hoffman, St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1990-05-10
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Archivist Jerry Westby on May 10, 1990, Patricia Hoffman described her upbringing and education, including some discussion on her life as a "change of life baby," a child born late in her parents' lives, and how that affected her life decisions. Growing up in Indiana, Hoffman discussed her college education, and how she moved from Indiana to Minnesota to attend Carleton College, marrying soon after. Hoffman also discussed what led her to return to school at St. Cloud State after having five children, and how that led her to gain employment there. Hoffman described her career as a counselor and faculty member at St. Cloud State, and how things changed in the 25 years that she worked at the university. She claimed that faculty used to be much closer and familiar, and that there never used to be as much confrontation as she perceived later on. Hoffman claimed that the students she counsels now tend to have much more serious problems than those students she worked with in her earlier years, citing drug use and institutionalization as frequent among those students. Hoffman explained her ideas about the relationship between St. Cloud and the university, stating that the college had a greater impact on the town than vice versa. She also discussed how during a time of rapid growth at the university that the lack of planning had a negative impact on students. Hoffman described the highs and lows of her counseling career. She claimed that the years during the Vietnam War were very difficult, as she would often talk to young men who were going to fight for something they did not believe in. She said that her favorite part of the job was working with and talking to her clients, the students.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

85. Interview with Richard Sartell (1941- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1986-01-31
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on January 31, 1986, Richard Sartell spoke mostly about his experience at the Riverview Campus Lab School, SCSU's campus laboratory school. Sartell explained some of his family history, which includes the fact that the town Sartell, Minnesota, a suburb of St. Cloud, was named for his family. Starting at Riverview in 1946, he discussed the experience of having so many student teachers, believing that it led to a much better education than was available at the public schools at the time. Sartell explained how the elementary students interacted with the college and he felt as much a part of the student body as the college students at St. Cloud State. Sartell named several of his teachers and those he felt were most effective. He mentioned Ruth Cadwell, Ed Colletti, Harvey Waugh, and several others. He said many of the teachers were very demanding, but felt it led him and the other students to learn more and be more successful. Sartell discussed some of the physical changes that began taking place as he was attending Riverview, such as the demolition of the Old Main Building and the construction of Stewart Hall. Sartell described the transition from Riverview to Technical High School in St. Cloud, claiming that it was pretty seamless. Sartell explained the relationship between the school and the community, believing that there was simply not much interaction between the two. Finally, he expressed about his disappointment in the closing of the Lab School at St. Cloud State in 1983.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

86. Interview with Robert Coard (1921-2001), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1990-05-21
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Archivist Jerry Westby on May 21, 1990, Robert Coard discussed his educational background. He detailed his college and graduate educational background at the undergraduate and graduate level. Before arriving at St. Cloud State in 1960, Coard described his various teaching experiences, and explanations for why he chose to move on. After five years at the Minot State Teacher's College in Minot, North Dakota, he taught for three years at the University of Alabama, but grew ever more uncomfortable with the tense racial situation and integration. Needing a more stable work environment, Coard accepted a position at St. Cloud State. Coard described his time at St. Cloud State and the changes that occurred on campus. He said that there was no English department when he first arrived, and discussed the power George Budd had in expanding the curriculum and faculty. He also described the physical changes undergone by the campus. Coard briefly described what the campus looked like when he arrived and then what changed. He also mentioned Fifth Avenue South, where he lived for 30 years, and how it really went from a peaceful residential area to what he terms an area in ""shambles."" Coard explained his ideas about students at St. Cloud State University, and how they have changed. He claimed that the university used to be much stricter with students, taking attendance and sending grades to parents if the student was under the age of 21. Overall, he felt his work with these students was a positive experience. Coard retired in 1990.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

87. Interview with Robert Wick (1913-2006), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1981-08-17
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on August 17, 1981, Robert Wick described his family history, as well as his educational background. Born in 1913 in Henry County, Iowa, Wick said he was the only member of his family to attend college, receiving great encouragement from his grandfather to pursue his education at a time during the Great Depression. Wick described his time teaching after college in Iowa, and then his experiences in the Army. Of the unit of 100 men that fought in Europe, he was one of six who returned home. After the war, Wick attended graduate school at the University of Iowa, and through a friend from Iowa, found an opportunity to teach in St. Cloud while pursuing his doctorate. Wick discussed his time at St. Cloud State. Arriving in 1948, he taught speech courses and coached the debate team. He described his transition into administration and felt his time as a lieutenant in the Army had given him good experience to do so. Wick talked about being Dean of Science, Literature, and Arts, and some of the changes he took part it. Wick also described the road that led him to become St. Cloud State president, which he served as from 1965 to 1971. He detailed the goals he had as president, mainly to create more physical space for a campus that was growing rapidly. He also wanted to improve working and learning conditions for faculty and students and refine some of the programs since the school had gone from a teacher's college to a university with a broad curriculum. Wick described changes that took place while president, such as the growth of the Inter-Faculty Organization. He said students' attitudes changed during the Vietnam War, claiming that some came to the university simply to protest and did not care about pursuing an academic career. Wick touched upon the relationship between the university and the city of St. Cloud, stating that he did not believe it was very good when he first came in 1948. But that he and other presidents tried to improve it.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

88. Interview with Ruth Dahlquist, St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1978-11-21
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on November 21, 1978, Ruth Dahlquist described her family history and what inspired her to become a teacher. She was born on January 18, 1898, in Stewart, Minnesota, about an 65 miles southwest of Minneapolis. Her maiden name was Senescall, and her ancestry was Swedish, German, and English. Dahlquist said that she had always wanted to be a teacher, and since so many girls from Stewart, Minnesota attended St. Cloud Normal School for that purpose, it seemed like the natural thing to do. Dahlquist chronicled her time at St. Cloud State. She detailed what life was like in the dormitories. She claimed the teachers were very strict. She discussed the two different St. Cloud State presidents she encountered, Isabel Lawrence and Joseph Brown. Brown, Dahlquist stated, was freer with the students and brought more modern ideas to the school. Dahlquist described several other teachers and their personalities, interests, and teaching styles. She explained what she and her friends would do during their time off, and also discusses the literary societies they were involved in, which, though not sororities, had many similarities to them. Dahlquist graduated in 1917. Dahlquist discussed her experiences after leaving St. Cloud State, including teaching stints in Buffalo Lake and Hutchinson, Minnesota, as well as in the state of Wyoming. She settled in LaPorte, Indiana, where she taught for 19 years. Dahlquist married her husband in 1946; he passed away in 1955. She addressed such issues as World War I, which the U.S. became involved in during her time at the St. Cloud State. Dahlquist claimed that many students were shocked, and that the war was a controversial topic. She reflected on her experiences at St. Cloud State as a whole, and thanked the institution for being so severe and strict with her, as it provided her with a strong foundation that helped guide her for the entirety of her teaching career.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

89. Interview with Tom Wadhams (1922-2007) and Jeanne Wadhams (?-2006), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1982-04-17
Description:: 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.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

90. Interview with Vernon Leitch, St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1982-03-25
Description:: 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.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

91. Interview with Walter F. MacGregor (1890-1979), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1978-11-14
Description:: 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.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

92. Interview with William Nunn (1922- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1989-05-11
Description:: 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.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

93. Interview with William Whitaker (1910-?), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1982-05-29
Description:: 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.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

94. Interview with Winston Borden (1943- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1982-05-03
Description:: 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
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

95. Interview with Margaret Haverly Theisen, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota

Creator:: Theisen, Margaret Haverly, 1914-2007
Date Created:: 1989-11-30
Description:: This interview was conducted on November 30, 1989, by Nancy Baker. Margaret Theisen was born October 12, 1914 in Wesley, Iowa. After graduating from high school, she moved to Iowa City, where she worked for the editor of Better Homes and Gardens. After attending the University of Iowa School of Nursing, she took a position at the VA hospital in St. Cloud, where she met her future husband, Earl Theisen. Both served in World War II, he in Hawaii and she as an Army nurse in England, France, Belgium, and Norway. Theisen discussed her experiences as a nurse with the 46th Field Hospital during World War II. Theisen was awarded the Bronze Star for her service as a surgical nurse during the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, she and Earl were married on November 29, 1945 and then went to work at St. Cloud Hospital. She later returned to the VA hospital, where she worked for another 25 years before retiring in 1978. Theisen passed away on June 16, 2007 and buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

96. Interview with Romuald Thibault, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Thibault, Romauld, 1918-2002
Date Created:: 1989-12-12
Description:: This interview was conducted on December 12, 1989 by David Overy. Romuald Thibault was born on December 22, 1918 in Garden, Michigan. He enlisted in the military twice, first in 1937 with the 7th Tank Company and again in 1942. During World War II, Thibault spent most of his service in Alaska patrolling the North Pacific Ocean with the Navy. His first overseas duty was in the Philippines, and he discussed his interactions with the local civilians and life there before the outbreak of World War II. After the war, Thibault came to St. Cloud where he worked for the railroad, retiring in 1980. He married Rachael Kramer on January 2, 1945 and they had two sons, Jack and Pat. Thibault concluded the interview with his thoughts on the Vietnam War and how he was against the draft process .Thibault passed away on May 28, 2002.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

97. Interview with Neal Tholen, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Little Falls, Minnesota

Creator:: Tholen, Neal
Date Created:: 1990-12-29
Description:: Neal Tholen was born in Little Falls, Minnesota, on March 20, 1919. He graduated from Little Falls High School in 1939 and was drafted into the U.S. Army in April, 1941. He trained for the infantry and, while stationed in Ireland in the early months of the war, transferred to a Military Police Platoon within the 85th Division. He served as an MP throughout the war in Ireland, Tunisia, and Italy before being discharged in 1945. He described the arrest procedures and his personal philosophy of what his role was for the soldiers. He also describes the organization of his particular MP platoon, the procedures for directing large convoys of traffic, policing soldiers on leave, and guard duty. Tholen shared stories about how locals in Tunisia and Italy interacted with the troops and various raids to local "cathouses" he participated in. Tholen also described the effect his service had on him after the war and his appreciation for the friendships he made there. He returned to Little Falls, married and raised seven children. Mr. Tholen worked at Camp Ripley as a member of the National Guard for 36 years before retiring. He died in Little Falls, Minnesota, at the age of 81 on July 12, 2000.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

98. Interview with Norman J. Thomas, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota

Creator:: Thomas, Norman J., 1924-2006
Date Created:: 1990-01-28
Description:: This interview was conducted on January 28, 1990 by John Carter. Norman James Thomas was born February 29, 1924 in south Minneapolis. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He was deployed to the South Pacific with the 64th Troop Carrier Squadron and later the 13th Air Force Service Command Headquarters. He flew several types of airplanes, primarily C-47s, on 140 missions in Australia, New Guinea, the Dutch East Indies, the Solomon Islands, the Adele Islands, the Halmaheras, and the Ryukyus. In the Philippines, Thomas flew missions in support of the OSS what became the CIA and the Filipino resistance. Shortly after being discharged in January 1946, he met Marjory Brady, and the two were married on June 28, 1947. Thomas remained a reservist for five years after the war until finding a job as a corrections officer at the Minnesota Correctional Facility � St. Cloud. He worked there for thirty years and retired in 1979. After Marjory passed
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

99. Interview with Neill Torssell, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota

Creator:: Torssell, Neill
Date Created:: 1991-06-12
Description:: Neil Torssell was born on April 18, 1920, in Wisconsin. Torssell describes his experiences with the 322nd Signal Aviation Company as a photographer during World War II. He discussed traveling to England on the Queen Mary and what England was like. Torssel talked about the build-up for the North African invasion, going to North Africa, and what he did during the war. He gave a detailed account of his camera equipment and how he used it to photograph enemy positions and where bombs were dropped. He also described being shot down in Italy in 1943, when he was wounded and captured by Italian forces. As Italy was in transition and close to surrender, the behavior and attitude of the Italians, particularly guards, are described. Torssell detailed life in the POW camp and the various people he interacted with. He participated in a large, impromptu escape and spends the next 10 months moving across eastern Italy with other American POWs, working on farms and evading capture. Repatriated by American forces in the summer of 1944, he rejoined his unit and was sent home in 1945.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

100. Interview with Keith Trimble, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Milaca, Minnesota

Creator:: Trimble, Keith, 1915?-1991?
Date Created:: 1990-02-18
Description:: This interview was conducted on February 18, 1990 by Richard Olson. Keith Trimble was born in Agenda, Kansas and joined the National Guard at the age of 15 by lying on the enrollment form. He went overseas to France in 1943 and worked with Headquarters Company in France during World War II as counter intelligence. Trimble was shot during combat and was put into a Prisoner of War (POW) hospital. After American forces bombed the hospital, Trimble and other patients made an escape towards the woods nearby. Trimble was also involved in the Battle of the Bulge and earned a bronze star for running communications through combat zones.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

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