Audio file of an interview with Esther Sirott and Ethel Levy conducted by Steve Foldes and Shirley Milgren. Esther Sirott was born in Lithuania and settled with her father and brothers on lower West Side of St. Paul. Ethel Levy was born in Iowa and lived briefly on the West Side of St Paul before moving with her family to a dairy farm where her father hired out as a tenant farmer. In the interview, the women discuss life on the West Side of St Paul, including employment opportunities for Jews, Jewish Socialists, keeping kosher, Jewish neighborhoods and social strata and the meaning of Yiddishkite. The interview is part of the United Jewish Fund and Council Oral History Project, Phase 1. The location of the interview is unknown: the interviewers are Steve Foldes (SF) and Shirley Milgram (SM).A PDF version of the transcript available at http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/pdf-assets/jhs-sirott-levy.pdf
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Leibman's account of his journey to the United states and experiences entering the country, traveling by train to St Paul to join his brother, his first home on the Lower West Side and a detailed description of the neighborhood. A PDF version of the transcript available at http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/pdf-assets/jhs-leibman.pdf
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Audio file of an interview with Lena Senensky conducted by Lois Devitt. The interview includes: family history in Russia and immigration to the United States; daily life on St Paul's Lower West Side; creation and early years of the Jewish Home for the Aged.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Audio file of an interview with Irwin Epstein conducted by Laia Berstein. The interview includes: Epstein's experiences growing up in St. Paul; schooling; religious education; and medical school.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Audio file of an interview with Sylvia Peilen conducted by Ann Greenberg. The interview includes: Peilen family history, including growing up on the East side and moving to the West side of St. Paul; Jewish-gentile relations; Sylvia Peilen's schooling and early employment history. Peilen also recalls her work with several different community service organizations, including Sholom Home, Youth Allyah, United Jewish Fund, the St Paul Jewish Community Center and Temple of Aaron.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Group of hand-colored costume renderings for the play "Long Day's Journey into Night" (Eugene O'Neill, playwright) performed at St. Cloud State University in 1979-1980. Costume designs for "A Long Day's Journey into Night" include Mary Tyrone.
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.
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.
Group of hand-colored costume renderings for the play "Hotel Paradiso" (Georges Feydeau and Maurice Desavallieres, playwrights) performed at St. Cloud State University in 1977-1978. Costume designs for "Hotel Paradiso" include Maxime, M. Cot, Boniface, Victoire, M. Martin, Inspector, Marcelle, George, Tabu, Angelique, Gendarme, Lady in Hotel, Bellboys, and Anniello.
Group of hand-colored costume renderings for an untitled play performed at St. Cloud State University (no date). Costume designs from an untitled play include Philip and Dolly.
Group of hand-colored costume renderings for the play "The Taming of the Shrew" (William Shakespeare, playwright) performed at St. Cloud State University in 1979-1980. Costume designs for "The Taming of the Shrew" include Petruchio, Tailor, Katherina, Lucentio, Philip, Nathaniel, Nicholas, Biondello, Tranio, Bianca, Baptista, Pedant, Hortensio, Gremio, Widow, Grumio, Vincentio, and Baptista.
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.
Group of hand-colored costume renderings for the musical "Oklahoma!" (music and lyrics by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein) performed at St. Cloud State University in 1978-1979. Costume designs for "Oklahoma!" include Laurey, Curley, Ike Skidmore, Aunt Eller, Ado Annie, Gertie, Andrew Carnes, Cord Elam, Slim, Will Parker, Ali Hakim, Dancers, and Chorus.
Group of hand-colored costume renderings for the play "Arms and the Man" (George Bernard Shaw, playwright) performed at St. Cloud State University in 1976-1977. Costume designs for "Arms and the Man" include Catherine, Raina, Bluntschli, Sergius, Petkoff, Louka, Petkoff, and Nicola.
Group of hand-colored costume renderings for the play "The Lion in Winter" (James Goldman, playwright) performed at St. Cloud State University in 1978-1979. Costume designs for "The Lion in the Winter" include King Philip, Prince Gregory, King Henry II, Prince John, Queen Eleanor, Princess Alais, and untitled characters.
Group of hand-colored costume renderings for the play "A Little Holy Water" (Ramon Delgado, playwright) performed at St. Cloud State University in 1976-1977. Costume designs for "A Little Holy Water" include Isobel, Meredez, Roberto, Ernesto, Graciela, Tony, Manuel, Consuelo, Felipe, and Roberto.
Group of hand-colored costume renderings for the play "Uncle Vanya" (Anton Chekhov, playwright) performed at St. Cloud State University in 1975-1976. Costume designs for "Uncle Vanya" include Voinitsky, Astroff, Sonia, Marina, Sonya, Elena, Maria, Telegin, and Serebriakoff.
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
Group of hand-colored costume renderings for the play "The School for Scandal" (Richard Brinsley Sheridan, playwright) performed at St. Cloud State University in 1974-1975. Costume designs for "The School for Scandal" include Mrs. Candour, Trip, Snake, Gentleman, Sir Harry Bumper, Careless, Rowley, Joseph Surface, Sir Peter Teazle, Lady Sneerwell, Charles Surface, Lady Teazle, Moses, Maria, and Sir Oliver Surface.
Group of hand-colored costume renderings for the play "Romeo and Juliet" (William Shakespeare, playwright) performed at St. Cloud State University in 1973-1974. Costume designs for "Romeo and Juliet" include Romeo, Benvolio, Mercutio, Balthasar, Paris, Prince, Lord Montague, Lord Capulet, Lady Capulet, Juliette, Tybalt, Sampson, Nurse, and Friar Lawrence.
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.
Group of hand-colored costume renderings for the play "Three Sisters" (Anton Chekhov, playwright) performed at St. Cloud State University in 1979-1980. Costume designs for "Three Sisters" include Natasha, Masha, Irina, Andrey, Olga, Kuligan, Anfisa, and Ferapont.
Group of hand-colored costume renderings for the play "Ah, Wilderness!" (Eugene O'Neill, playwright) performed at St. Cloud State University in 1977-1978. Costume designs for "Ah, Wilderness!" include Belle, Arthur, Mildred, Sid, Nat, Wint, Richard, Nora, Muriel, Salesman, Mrs. Miller, Lilly, Bartender, McComber, and Tommy.
