Oral History Commons^™

Examining Past, Present, And Future Of Agricultural Labor: From The Bracero Program To The Coalition Of Immokalee Workers, Francesca Paradiso

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This thesis is a comparative study that examines the Bracero Program and the work of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW). The Bracero Program brought Mexican workers into the United States on temporary work visas from 1942-1964. The CIW is an organization of Mexican workers that was founded in 1992 as a response to the horrible working conditions that Mexican tomato pickers faced in Immokalee, Florida. In this thesis, I show that by putting these programs side by side, we can see the exploitation of Mexican farmworkers has relied on changing government tools—different forms of visas, different immigration regimes, different …

The Hong Kong Heritage Project: Preserving Corporate And Community History, Amelia L. Allsop

Journal of East Asian Libraries

The Hong Kong Heritage Project (HKHP), established by Sir Michael Kadoorie in 2007, is one of the first corporate archives to be founded in Hong Kong. It followed in the footsteps of HSBC’s Asia Pacific Archive which pioneered business archives in the city when opened in 2004. Today, more than a decade on, several more corporate archives have been established, although the total number of private archives in Hong Kong remains small.[1] In a city with no archival law - Hong Kong is one of the few jurisdictions in the world that has no archival legislation covering government records …

Lessons Learned: Thomas C. Baxter, Jr., Esq., Alec Buchholtz, Rosalind Z. Wiggins

Journal of Financial Crises

Baxter, who was General Counsel of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York during the crisis, gives us his take on how best to prepare for future crises.

Radical Social Ecology As Deep Pragmatism: A Call To The Abolition Of Systemic Dissonance And The Minimization Of Entropic Chaos, Arielle Brender

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper aims to shed light on the dissonance caused by the superimposition of Dominant Human Systems on Natural Systems. I highlight the synthetic nature of Dominant Human Systems as egoic and linguistic phenomenon manufactured by a mere portion of the human population, which renders them inherently oppressive unto peoples and landscapes whose wisdom were barred from the design process. In pursuing a radical pragmatic approach to mending the simultaneous oppression and destruction of the human being and the earth, I highlight the necessity of minimizing entropic chaos caused by excess energy expenditure, an essential feature of systems that aim …

Ua37/5 Faculty Personal Papers E.A. Diddle, Wku Archives

WKU Archives Collection Inventories

Artificial collection of records created by and about E.A. Diddle during his tenure as athletic director and coach at Western Kentucky University from 1922-1964. It consists mainly of scrapbooks of clippings regarding Hilltopper basketball. William Jenkins' interviews regarding Diddle used in preparation of his book Man with the Red Towel are also included.

Eyes On The Prize: Delivering Archival Content With Synchronized Transcripts In Hydra, Irene Taylor, Shannon Davis

Central Plains Network for Digital Asset Management

Regarded as the definitive work on the Civil Rights Movement, the documentary series, Eyes on the Prize, has been seen by millions since its PBS debut in 1987. However, what remains unseen is the nearly 85 hours of interview outtakes that provide further insight into the series’ original stories of struggle, resistance, and perseverance. Through the Eyes on the Prize Digitization and Reassembly project, funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, Washington University Libraries has made the complete, never-before-seen interviews and TEI XML encoded, synchronized transcripts freely accessible through its newly developed Hydra digital repository.

This session …

Application Of Heritage Tourism Development Frameworks To Jenkins County, Georgia, Shelby R. Herrin

Honors College Theses

With the decline of traditional agriculture and extraction industries, many small towns in the Southeast US are facing challenges of economic decline and looking for alternative development trajectories. The city of Millen in Jenkins County, Georgia is one of such small towns. With the discovery of a large Civil War heritage resource, Millen’s administration became interested in developing the town’s tourism potential. However, the community possesses neither the resources nor knowledge to develop and promote this potential. In this project, the combination of Gunn’s functioning tourism system model as a conceptual framework and Jamal and Getz’s three-step collaborative community tourism …

Interview Of Michael R. Smith, Michael R. Smith, Bradford J. Morith

All Oral Histories

Michael R. Smith is an alumnus of La Salle University, Class of 1982, with a degree in accounting. He was born in 1960 at Nazareth Hospital in the Greater Northeast section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up along the Roosevelt Boulevard of Northeast Philadelphia in the Holmes Circle neighborhood. He attended and graduated from Father Judge Catholic High School in Philadelphia in 1978. He decided upon La Salle University and attended La Salle as an accounting major from 1978 to 1982, the latter being his graduation year. Legacy wise, Michael is one of many La Salle graduates in his family, …

Interview Of Margaret "Peggy" Emme, Margaret Emme, Carlos M. Contente

All Oral Histories

Margaret “Peggy” Walsh Emme was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1957 at Nazareth Hospital. Her parents are Marita A. Dunphy and Richard J. Walsh. They both owned business while Mrs. Emme was a child. Her mother owned a small boutique in the basement of her parents’ house (Mrs. Emme’s maternal grandparents) and her father owned a local tavern. Mrs. Emme would help out at both of these businesses. Mrs. Emme is the oldest of five children. Her four younger brothers are: Richard, Michael, Brian, and John. She attended Catholic school as a child, first attending St. Bernard’s Parochial School and …

Interview Of Ruth Jenkinson, Ruth Jenkinson, Kevin W. Lynch

All Oral Histories

Ruth Jenkinson was born in West Philadelphia, one of eight siblings, four boys and four girls. Her family moved to Roxborough in 1952, and she and her siblings were soon enrolled in Catholic Schools, the boys going to Roman and the girls attending Hallahan. After graduating High School in 1964, Mrs. Jenkinson worked briefly in electronics, building and testing circuit boards before marrying in 1968. She has two children. In 1981 she accepted a position as Cataloguing Library Technician at La Salle University. After working briefly as a Payroll Clerk in the Human Resources Department she became Secretary to the …

Interview Of Margaret Mccoey, M.S., Margaret M. Mccoey, Matthew Riffe

All Oral Histories

Margaret “Peggy” McCoey is the Director of Graduate Programs in Computer Information Science, Information Technology, and Economic Crime Forensics at La Salle University. Born in the Oxford Circle section of Philadelphia in 1957, Peggy grew up in St. Martin of Tours parish attending their grade school before going to Little Flower High School. After graduation in 1975, Peggy entered La Salle University an undergraduate where she received a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Peggy received a master’s degree from Villanova in 1984. Beginning in 1982, Peggy McCoey has taught at La Salle University in some capacity. Throughout the 1990’s, Peggy …

Interview Of John Mccloskey By John Fallon, John Mccloskey, John Fallon

All Oral Histories

John McCloskey was born in 1920 in Philadelphia’s Olney section. Born into a working-class Irish Catholic family, McCloskey moved to Cornwell Heights, Pennsylvania, in Bucks County, in 1924. He graduated from Northeast Catholic High School in 1938. He held several jobs before settling in at Crown Cork & Seal’s seamless can manufacturing plant located at I Street and Erie Avenue in Philadelphia’s Kensington section. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. He was selected to instruct future pilots in the operation of B-17 Bombers. He attained the rank of First Lieutenant. Following his time in the Army, McCloskey …

Interview Of Thomas Lorandeau, M.B.A., Thomas Lorandeau, Eric Lorandeau

All Oral Histories

Thomas Lorandeau was born in 1952 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For the first four years of his life, Thomas lived in the Wissinoming section of Philadelphia, directly across from Wissinoming Park. When Tom was four, he and his family moved to the Juniata Park section of Philadelphia. Tom has four siblings, all brothers; he is the second child in the family. Tom, and all of his brothers, attended Holy Innocents for elementary school and Northeast Catholic High for Boys for their secondary education. In 1970, Tom began his undergraduate studies at, then, La Salle College (University). During his time at La …

Interview No. 1502, Arnaldo Chavarria Dds

Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project

Dr. Chavarria is the sixth child in a line of nine siblings. After graduating from high school, Dr. Chavarria briefly worked at a factory before applying and getting accepted to the El Paso Community College Dental Hygiene program. Dr. Chavarria worked as a dental hygienist before applying and being accepted to dental school in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating dental school, Dr. Chavarria worked with Dr. Watson, the El Paso City/County Health Department as well as La Fe Clinic and Sun Plaza Clinic. Soon after, Dr. Chavarria opened his practice on the Eastside of El Paso. Dr. Chavarria has received …

Interview No. 1501, Jose Luis Lopez

Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project

After graduating from The University of Texas at El Paso in 1975, Joe worked at Safeway groceries and with two advertising agencies. He worked for Coca-Cola selling Minute Maid orange juice as an unpaid worker in order to gain experience in the advertising field. Coca-Cola hired Joe and he began working in New Products bringing new items to local grocery stores. Joe did well and was moved to run a small division within Coca-Cola that allows them to test new products, come up with new names and then work on the selling and distribution of the products. Joe was the …

Interview No. 1500, Jose Luis Villanueva

Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project

Not included.

Interview No. 1499, Rosa Santana

Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project

Rosa had her first job when she was 13-14 years old working at an A&W drive thru. While Rosa was in high school, she was a part of DECA, a program that helps students learn about professional jobs and Rosa was able to work at the Popular Department store in El Paso, Texas. Rosa married and moved to Las Vegas for short time and had a daughter. Rosa moved back to El Paso and after a few jobs, Rosa went to work for Kelly Staffing Services. Working at Kelly, Rosa was able to get involved and grow professionally within the …

Interview No. 1498, Kelly Thomas Pacheco

Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project

Kelly gives her father, the late George Thomas the credit of having mentored and guided her through the residential building business and Kelly also recognizes she learned decorating from watching her mother who had a natural talent for decorating. Kelly began decorating model homes while in high school. After high school, Kelly ventured into her own business called Del Pueblo Furniture and she would purchase furniture in México and re-sell it in the United States. At the end of 1989, Kelly began working for her father in his business Carefree Homes. Kelly eventually branched out with her own business, Quality …

Interview No. 1497, Lisa Herrera

Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project

Lisa got her start in selling retail with her mother and sister who owned and ran a local bridal shop. Lisa’s father also ran a motel and did most of the work at the motel himself. Lisa learned how to manage a business and the work ethic that goes with it from watching her parents run their businesses. Later while Lisa worked at a boutique she was approached by local business woman Joanne Wardy to sell corporations gifts for their company. Lisa got into the business and with the help of her husband she was able to grow slowly and …

Interview No. 1496, Jorge Vielledent

Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project

At the time of Jorge’s graduation from The University of Texas at El Paso, his father presented him with $500 dollars so Jorge could get his licenses, registrations, pay the exams fees, and NASD registrations. Initially when Jorge graduated from college he worked internationally with clients all over the world, especially those from México. When the 1994 devaluation of the peso occurred, Jorge ventured into the business he has now. Jorge networks with companies such as AXA. Jorge’s company, Synergy Group works to help people with financial planning. The company assists clients in the accumulation phase, distribution phase and transfer …

Interview No. 1495, Yolanda Diaz

Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project

Yolanda recalls having a wonderful childhood being raised by her mother. While in high school Yolanda joined Vocational Office Education at Jefferson High school. This program helped Yolanda learn basic bookkeeping and accounting as well as provide opportunities for a job while in high school. Yolanda took advantage of the program and learned as much as she could. Yolanda also worked for the Veterans Affairs as an administrative assistant for the pharmacists. Yolanda would go on to work for Petro Shopping Centers, Jack Cardwell, Media Copy and Texas Gas Services in the accounting and bookkeeping aspects of those businesses. Yolanda …

Interview No. 1494, Raul Ramos

Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project

Raul Ramos purchased Han-D-Pak from Mr. Young. Raul admits not knowing much about owning a small business however he did see a need for the products within the local market. Raul worked out of a small grocery owned by his mother-in-law and had the help of his two brothers and mother. They would all work to package and deliver the products to the local grocery stores. Raul hand made the racks to hold his product until he was able to hire a carpenter to assist him in the creation of the racks. Raul bought into El Paso products from companies …

Interview No. 1493, Julius Lowenberg

Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project

When Julius graduated from St. Patrick’s Cathedral High School in the early 1950’s, he went to work for Fur Foods and then the railroad company. After being let go from the railroad company, Julius started volunteer coaching touch football. The following year, Julius began coaching tackle football and basketball at St. Patrick’s. During this time, Julius began attending The University of Texas at El Paso and did so while coaching at St. Patrick’s. Julius left St. Patrick’s to coach at Putnam Elementary when he was offered a high school coaching job at a school in Canutillo, a community in the …

Interview No. 1492, Patti Holland Branch

Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project

Patti Holland Branch began developing her skills as an entrepreneur when she was around the age of 8. Patti purchased a weave machine to make pot holders and sold them around the neighborhood to earn money for her family. Patti would also host a summer school for the kids in her neighborhood and would receive gifts of cash for her efforts. When Patti was a teenager, she worked for the Mayor’s office creating a scrapbook. She eventually earned the Dorrance D. Roderick scholarship to attend Texas Western College. Patti married her husband and they moved to Germany for his work …

Interview No. 1491, Mike Garcia

Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project

Mike was brought to El Paso by his godmother to attend school at Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Texas when he was 11 years old. Mike had his first job working at a bowling alley in El Paso at the age of 12. At the age of 15 years old, he got married. Mike cared for and loved his mother Benita very much. He recalls that she taught him to better his life, to better his family, to do the proper thing, to be honest with himself, and to have self-respect. Mike has used these concepts to build his …

Interview No. 1490, Leigh Kersh

Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project

Leigh Kersh was born in El Paso, Texas to Moe and Rosie Kersh. Leigh attended The University of Texas at El Paso and The University of Texas at Austin before attending New York University and graduating with a degree in Physiology. While Leigh finished her degree at NYU, she worked for Federal Express in customer service and then once she graduated she became their corporate physiologist. Leigh credits her time with Federal Express for learning how to do customer service, how to run an operation, and how to train the right people for the company. Leigh grew up watching her …

Interview No. 1489, Don Shapiro

Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project

Don Shapiro was born and raised in the New York Metropolitan Area. In the 1930’s Don’s father Isadore worked in the fur district in New York City. When Don graduated from high school, he joined the United States Naval Reserve during World War II. After WWII, Done atteneded NYU and got a degree in accounting. After graduating NYU, he became a door to door salesman in New York City. After a time in New York, Don and his friend Harry Katz decided to drive cross country to California and work to earn money along the way. They started by driving …

Interview No. 1487, Gustavo Rodriguez

Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project

Gustavo learned the glass trade while growing up and working alongside his father. The name of his father’s business was Rodriguez Glass. Gustavo’s father had a hard time purchasing glass at an honest price and would purchase glass from Ciudad Juárez, México until a man from Amarillo approached them about buying the glass from him. Gustavo met his wife Elma when they were in high school and they married five years later. Gustavo was in the United States Navy Construction Battalion Reserves and was drafted into the Vietnam War in the early 1960’s. When Gustavo returned home, he had $500 …

Interview No. 1486, Elma Rodriguez

Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project

Elma met her husband Gus when they were in high school and they married five years later. Gus served in the Vietnam War and when he got out he was given $500.00 so he and Elma decided to start a business. At the time they lived on Basil St. and they started their business out of their home garage and so they named their company Basil Glass Incorporated. Another reason why they named their company Basil Glass instead of their last name is because they wanted to avoid as much discrimination as possible. As Hispanic entrepreneurs starting a business in …

Interview No. 1485, Paul Zacour

Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project

Paul Zacour took real estate classes and began to sell real estate when he was 19 years old. After graduating from The University of Texas at El Paso in 1986, Paul moved to Austin, Texas to be a part of the real estate market boom. In 1992, Paul moved back to El Paso, Texas. He began to work with Fred McKinstry doing appraisals together. The name of the company then became McKinstry-Zacour and Associates. When the opportunity to buy the company arose, Paul took it and Fred McKinstry semi-retired. The company then morphed into Zacour and Associates. Paul’s company works …