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2003

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Articles 181 - 210 of 261

Full-Text Articles in Oral History

Interview No. 1260, Antonio García Mar 2003

Interview No. 1260, Antonio García

Combined Interviews

Mr. García recalls his childhood and family; he went to school through the fourth grade, and he quit school at the age of thirteen in order to work; when he was seventeen, he decided to enlist in the Bracero Program; although he was not yet of age, he arranged for his military ID card to state that he was eighteen years old in order to begin the hiring process; he goes on to describe what the contracting center in Durango, Durango, México was like; his first contract took him to work in the cotton fields of Texas; he describes what …

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Interview No. 1583, Julius Lowenberg Mar 2003

Interview No. 1583, Julius Lowenberg

Combined Interviews

Mr. Lowenberg briefly describes his family; after graduating from high school, he worked for the South Pacific Railroad as a machinist apprentice; he later came to work for the Public Health Office at the Stanton Bridge in El Paso, and at Rio Vista, a bracero processing center in Socorro, Texas; despite the fact that he had little training, his primary duties involved taking x-rays of the braceros as they were coming into the United States; he describes what he did for each location, what a typical work day was like, and the medical examinations and the delousing process the braceros …

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Interview No. 1013, Loreto Martínez Villegas Mar 2003

Interview No. 1013, Loreto Martínez Villegas

Combined Interviews

Mr. Martínez recalls his first job cleaning grass from a pond for 25 cents, and his undocumented work in Brownsville, Texas; he remembers hearing about the Bracero Program over the radio in 1947; in 1954, he joined the program and worked in California, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Texas; he describes the hiring process in the contracting centers of Monterrey, Nuevo León, México and Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México; additionally, he discusses the medical exams he endured at Rio Vista, a processing center in Socorro, Texas; he recounts daily activities on farms, the different wages they received, and how work was performed; furthermore, he …

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Interview No. 1014, Anacleto Morales Franco Mar 2003

Interview No. 1014, Anacleto Morales Franco

Combined Interviews

Mr. Morales worked as a bracero from 1955 to 1964 in California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas; he recalls how he got his first bracero contract in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México, and what the hiring process was like; furthermore, he states how much braceros had to pay to get a good spot in line outside of the contracting center, what it was like to go through the center, and the medical tests he was given; he describes his trip via cargo train to the border and his time at Rio Vista, a processing center in Socorro, Texas; additionally, he discusses the …

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Interview No. 1022, Cornelio Soto Ramírez Mar 2003

Interview No. 1022, Cornelio Soto Ramírez

Combined Interviews

Mr. Soto grew up in Otáez, Durango, México; economic hardship led him to leave the country in the 1950s; after working for two years at the México-U.S. border, he became a bracero in 1956; he describes how he survived in Empalme, Sonora, México while waiting to go through the processing center, how he got his first bracero contract, and his trip to the border; additionally, he explains the bracero hiring process, the medical exams he endured, the reception center in California, and his trip to a farm; he details their daily activities, their housing, their wages, their hobbies, and the …

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Interview No. 1011, Heriberto Martínez Díaz Mar 2003

Interview No. 1011, Heriberto Martínez Díaz

Combined Interviews

Mr. Martínez recalls growing up in Francisco I. Madero, Durango, México; he remembers finding out about the Bracero Program in 1953; as a bracero, he worked in California, Missouri, Montana, and Texas; he recounts how he enlisted in the program and the requirements he needed to fulfill; additionally, he describes several trips he made to contracting centers in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México, and Jalisco, México; he also details his time at Rio Vista, a processing center in Socorro, Texas, and the medical test he had to endure; furthermore, he describes the daily activities he performed in the field, how the work …

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Virginia Medvec Interview, 17 March 2003 Mar 2003

Virginia Medvec Interview, 17 March 2003

All interviews

Virginia Medvec recounts her early life growing up in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. She discusses her childhood memories, including the strong sense of community, family traditions, and the cultural influences of the Russian and Eastern European immigrant populations in the area. Medvec reflects on her experiences in school, the significance of Sundays and church activities, and the daily life of her family during the 1930s and 1940s. She also touches on the changes in the Tremont neighborhood over time and the impact of urban development.

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Pricilla Treska Interview, 17 March 2003 Mar 2003

Pricilla Treska Interview, 17 March 2003

All interviews

Pricilla Treska discusses her nearly three decades of living in Tremont, focusing on her experiences raising a large family in the neighborhood. She reflects on the decision to move to Tremont, influenced by the diversity and community at St. Augustine Church, and describes her initial concerns about safety, which eased over time. Treska shares her family's involvement in local schools, recreational activities, and church-sponsored events. She also comments on the changes in Tremont, particularly the development of upscale restaurants and the impact of highways on the neighborhood. Despite challenges, including occasional crime and the evolving neighborhood, Treska expresses a deep …

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Interview No. 994, José Ignacio Astorga Corral Mar 2003

Interview No. 994, José Ignacio Astorga Corral

Combined Interviews

Mr. Astorga briefly recalls his childhood and family; later, in 1955, he learned of the opportunity to work in the United States; he explains how he was able to obtain authorization to appear on the county’s list of eligible workers despite the fact that he was a minor; in order to begin the hiring process, he traveled to the contracting center in Hermosillo, Sonora, México; from there, he went through the reception center in El Centro, California, where he underwent medical examinations; as a bracero, he worked in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Michigan, and Texas, picking apples, cotton, peaches, strawberries, and …

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Agnes Kasper Interview, 12 March 2003 Mar 2003

Agnes Kasper Interview, 12 March 2003

All interviews

The oral history interview with Agnes Kasper reveals her deep connection to the Tremont neighborhood in Cleveland, where she has lived for many years. Kasper discusses her efforts to improve and restore properties in the area, her involvement in community activities, and the changes she has witnessed over time, including the influx of new residents and businesses. She shares her experiences with neighborhood safety, the impact of gang activities, and her commitment to creating a supportive and hopeful environment for her neighbors. Additionally, Kasper reflects on her family's role in the community and their dedication to helping others, influenced by …

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Interview No. 1128, Jose Gamez Mar 2003

Interview No. 1128, Jose Gamez

Combined Interviews

Mr. Gamez briefly recalls his childhood and early adolescence; in 1942, he came to the United States illegally to work in the fields; it was while working illegally that he learned of the Bracero Program from other ranchers and workers; when he was initially recruited to work as a bracero, in 1943, neither a physical exam nor formal paperwork was required; he recalls that women and under aged boys were allowed to work as braceros if they were accompanied by adult males; his contract ended in 1945, and he was forced to go back to working illegally; in 1947, under …

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Interview No. 1129, Manuel Gamez Mar 2003

Interview No. 1129, Manuel Gamez

Combined Interviews

Mr. Gamez briefly recalls his childhood and early adolescence; in 1949, when he was seventeen years old, he came into the United States illegally to work; it was while working illegally in Tornillo, Texas, that he learned of the Bracero Program; his boss at the time sent him to the processing center so that he could officially go through the hiring process and become a bracero; he continued working for that particular rancher over the next eight years; the rancher he worked for spoke Spanish, which made communicating much easier; he recalls celebrating birthdays and holidays by having special lunches …

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Interview No. 1141, Emilio Solís Pallares Mar 2003

Interview No. 1141, Emilio Solís Pallares

Combined Interviews

Mr. Solís briefly recalls his childhood; after his father’s death, he began working in the fields when he was only eleven years old; he continued working in agriculture throughout his adolescence and young adulthood; in 1943, financial difficulties coupled with a shortage of work led him to the United States to work illegally; he had great difficulties while working in the U.S. because he was often caught by immigration; although by this point he had learned of the Bracero Program, he could not afford to go to Chihuahua, Chihuahua to begin the hiring process; in 1947, he was finally able …

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Interview No. 1122, Jose E. Chavarría Mar 2003

Interview No. 1122, Jose E. Chavarría

Combined Interviews

Mr. Chavarría briefly describes his childhood; when he was very young, his father killed his mother, and he fled from home; he went to live with his grandmother, but the rest of his family soon split up; shortly thereafter, he went to work on a dairy farm where the rancher not only employed him, but treated him like a son; in 1947, he went through the hiring process and became a bracero; upon being hired, he was sent to Rio Vista, a processing center in Socorro, Texas, where he underwent medical examinations; he details his first job picking cotton and …

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Interview No. 1667, Maria Zamarron Bermudez Mar 2003

Interview No. 1667, Maria Zamarron Bermudez

Combined Interviews

Maria Zamarron Bermudez recalls funerals in Terlingua, Texas, she remembers the body being bathed in lemon juice, dressed, and a rosary being placed around their waist; caskets were made by hand, saints adorned the caskets and were decorated depending on age and gender; she explains the death of two mine workers that were caused by an explosion. She also describes celebrations in Terlingua, TX., were weddings, festivals, and saints days; the Justice of the Peace, Sheriff, and the parents of the groom would ask for the brides hand in marriage; wedding dresses were bought in Alpine, TX., while nice clothing …

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Interview No. 1132, Nereo Heredia L. Mar 2003

Interview No. 1132, Nereo Heredia L.

Combined Interviews

Mr. Heredia vividly describes what his life was like growing up in Villa Escobedo, Chihuahua, México; the first time he signed up to work as a bracero was in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México; there were no physical exams of any kind, in fact, all he had to do was sign a paper; he went to work in the cotton fields of La Mesa, New Mexico; the second time he signed up for a contract was out of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, where he went through a stringent hiring process; from there, he was sent to Rio Vista, a processing center in Socorro, …

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Father Joseph Hilinski Interview, 08 March 2003 Mar 2003

Father Joseph Hilinski Interview, 08 March 2003

All interviews

Father Joseph Hilinski discusses his family's history, including their immigration from Poland, and their settling in Tremont due to job opportunities and the presence of a Polish-speaking church. He reflects on the neighborhood's sense of community, the impact of industrial pollution, and the changes in the area over time, including the decline in the 1970s and the subsequent revitalization. The interview also touches on his personal experiences with religion, local schools, and the evolving demographic and economic landscape of Tremont.

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Interview No. 1130, Ma. Julia G. Contreras Mar 2003

Interview No. 1130, Ma. Julia G. Contreras

Combined Interviews

Ms. Contreras briefly recounts her childhood and how she moved around quite a bit; she moved from Cananea, Sonora, México, where she was born, to Ciudad Juárez, then to Douglas, Arizona, and El Paso, Texas, before moving back to Ciudad Juárez; in July of 1950, she was hired by the Office of Populations and began working there as a clerk and typist; this office was the first stop for braceros who were about to enter the United States; she describes her job, which was to register the braceros, as well as the daily operations of the office and what some …

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Edmund Ziemba Interview, 07 March 2003 Mar 2003

Edmund Ziemba Interview, 07 March 2003

All interviews

This oral history interview with Edmund Ziemba, conducted on March 7, 2003, by Christine Cleary, offers a reflective account of Ziemba's early life in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, during the mid-20th century. Born in 1933, Ziemba shares vivid memories of his childhood, the close-knit community, and the cultural traditions of the predominantly Polish neighborhood. He discusses his family's history, including his grandfather's immigration from Poland and establishment of a bar and later a bank in Tremont. Ziemba recalls daily life, the entertainment and recreational activities available to children, and the sense of security and community that characterized the …

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Olga And Paul Naugle Interview, 06 March 2003 Mar 2003

Olga And Paul Naugle Interview, 06 March 2003

All interviews

The oral history interview with Olga and Paul Naugle provides a detailed account of their experiences growing up during the Great Depression and their memories of life in Cleveland, Ohio. Olga recalls the challenges of living through the Depression, including the scarcity of food and the various ways their families made ends meet, such as making homemade potato chips and doughnuts. She describes entertainment activities, such as roller skating, attending the local theater, and participating in Ukrainian cultural events. Paul adds to the narrative by discussing his family's interactions with local food distribution programs and the impact of New Deal …

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Interview No. 1120, Isidro H. Buso Mar 2003

Interview No. 1120, Isidro H. Buso

Combined Interviews

Mr. Buso briefly recalls his childhood and adolescence; in 1962, he went through the hiring process in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México, and from there was sent to Rio Vista, a processing center in Socorro, Texas; he gives a detailed description of his various jobs as a bracero, which included, picking cotton, castrating and driving cattle, and feeding hens; in addition, he also discusses housing issues, the various wages earned, the methods of payment, the length of his contracts, and one instance of racism experienced by his friend who was an African American; sometime later, he decided to become a legal resident, …

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Interview No. 1138, Fernando Rodríguez Mar 2003

Interview No. 1138, Fernando Rodríguez

Combined Interviews

Mr. Rodríguez recalls that as a teenager, he worked at a grocery store near a ranch that employed braceros; because the braceros were not allowed to leave the ranch, he would often go and collect a list of groceries from them in order to bring them what they needed; later, in 1954, when he graduated from high school, he went into the Navy; when his tour of duty was over in 1959, he began working as a clerk and typist for Rio Vista, a processing center for the Bracero Program in Socorro, Texas; his work there was temporary and coincided …

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Karl Anderson Interview, 04 March 2003 Mar 2003

Karl Anderson Interview, 04 March 2003

All interviews

This oral history interview explores Karl Anderson's experiences and memories connected to the Tremont area during the mid-20th century. Karl discusses his involvement in the community, particularly through experiences at Lincoln Park and his participation in local clubs at Merrick House. He reflects on the diverse ethnic backgrounds of Tremont residents, the social dynamics, and the neighborhood's evolution over time. The interview also touches on his experiences in sports, his observations on youth activities, and the changes in the area as people moved to the suburbs.

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Interview No. 1125, Eduardo De Santiago Mar 2003

Interview No. 1125, Eduardo De Santiago

Combined Interviews

Mr. De Santiago worked on a ranch in Zacatecas, México, prior to becoming a bracero; in 1954, when he learned of the Bracero Program, he made a list of all the people who worked with him that wanted to go to the United States as braceros; he was of course included on that list; upon beginning the hiring process in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México, the braceros were asked to undress for physical examinations; they were then vaccinated and deloused; in Rio Vista, a processing center in Socorro, Texas, ranchers from Pecos, Texas, came to hire braceros; none of the workers wanted …

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Pamela Gutshall Interview For Wright State University History Course 485, Katherine Gutshall, Pamela Gutshall Mar 2003

Pamela Gutshall Interview For Wright State University History Course 485, Katherine Gutshall, Pamela Gutshall

Dayton and Miami Valley Oral History Project

On March 2, 2003 Katherine Gutshall interviewed Pamela Gutshall, the interviewer’s mother and a teacher, for a class project dealing with oral histories and capturing the history of the Miami Valley. During the interview Pam discussed growing up on a family farm, attending college, her adult life in Miamisburg, and more.

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Constance Plisek Interview For Wright State University History Course 485, Katherine Gutshall, Constance Plisek Mar 2003

Constance Plisek Interview For Wright State University History Course 485, Katherine Gutshall, Constance Plisek

Dayton and Miami Valley Oral History Project

On March 1, 2003 Katherine Gutshall interviewed Constance Plisek, an employee at the Miamisburg library, for a class project dealing with oral histories and capturing the history of the Miami Valley. During the interview Katherine discusses her knowledge about Miamisburg, her home, and more.

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Katherine Backherms-Thornton Interview For Miami University Of Ohio Oral History Course 685 And The Miami Valley Cultural Heritage Project, Jodie Walker, Katherine Backherms-Thornton Mar 2003

Katherine Backherms-Thornton Interview For Miami University Of Ohio Oral History Course 685 And The Miami Valley Cultural Heritage Project, Jodie Walker, Katherine Backherms-Thornton

Dayton and Miami Valley Oral History Project

On March 1, 2003 Jodie Walker interviewed Katherine Backherms-Thornton, a housewife and mother of six children, as part of the requirement for the Miami University Oral History 685 Course and the Miami Valley Cultural Heritage Project. During the interview Kay Backherms-Thornton discusses her two brothers joining the army and the navy World War II, her marriage, and more.

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Mollie Alstott Interview, 01 March 2003 Mar 2003

Mollie Alstott Interview, 01 March 2003

All interviews

The oral history interview with Mollie Alstott covers her childhood experiences growing up in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, during the early to mid-20th century. Mollie recounts her family's immigration from Austria-Hungary before World War I and their settlement in Tremont, where they became active members of the Ukrainian community. She describes her upbringing, which included attending Ukrainian school, participating in cultural and religious activities, and experiencing the diverse immigrant environment of Tremont. Mollie also reflects on the challenges of the Great Depression, her education, and her eventual career as a teacher. Additionally, she shares memories of her marriage …

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Elizabeth Hallal Interview, 01 March 2003 Mar 2003

Elizabeth Hallal Interview, 01 March 2003

All interviews

Elizabeth Hallal recounts her life growing up in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. Hallal describes her family's migration to Tremont in 1919, highlighting their Russian and Slovak heritage. She provides detailed memories of her childhood on Clarence Court, including the close-knit community, the ethnic diversity, and the impact of urban development projects like the construction of Interstate 490, which led to the demolition of her home. Hallal also reflects on her experiences during the Great Depression, World War II, and the social and cultural dynamics of Tremont throughout the mid-20th century.

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Brad D. Rowe Interview For A Wright State University History Course, Paul Downing, Brad D. Rowe Feb 2003

Brad D. Rowe Interview For A Wright State University History Course, Paul Downing, Brad D. Rowe

Dayton and Miami Valley Oral History Project

On February 28, 2011 Paul Downing interviewed Brad Rowe, a Social Sciences Education major at Wright State, for a class project dealing with oral histories and capturing the history of the Miami Valley. During the interview Brad discusses his life in West Milton, Ohio, transferring to a new high school in his senior year, and his plans for his future.

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