Leonard Svedberg (John L.A.) talks about early life in Finland, travel to United States, work in Tacoma, Lodge work in Scandanavian Community, impressions of Tacoma. (Interview No. 1, Tape No. 1)

Herman Hunt and Al Harris discussion continues with comparisons of engines in the area. (Interview No. 8, Tape No. 2)

Martin Sampson discusses family life, early schooling and later life. (Interview No. 9, Tape No. 1)

Louis Mazzuca talks about life of family, early work on the railroad, life of Italians in Tacoma. (Interview No. 10, Tape No. 1)

Robert Paine describes equipment used, trolley routes, cable cars in Tacoma. (Interview No. 14, Tape No. 1)

Bob Paine continues giving information on trolley lines in Tacoma and vicinity. (Interview No. 14, Tape No. 2)

Herman Hunt discusses impressions of jail, work done on the job, police court, men in police department, changes in department. (Interview No. 19, Tape No. 1)

Frank Jankowiak discusses employment, Great Depression years, and life in Tacoma. (Interview No. 26, Tape No. 1)

Mildred Wehmhoff talks early family life in Tacoma, school, church, special events (i.e. the opening of Stadium Bowl), flu pandemic of 1918. (Interview No. 36, Tape No. 1)

John Krillich talks family background, Ruston Yugoslavs, changes in community, social life. (Interview No. 50, Tape No. 1)

Oral history interview of Juanita Olivas, an unhoused neighbor living in Tacoma, conducted by dindria barrow on April 9, 2022. Juanita shares how she became homeless, how her faith has carried her through life, and why she does volunteer work. Juanita is 60 years young and plans on completing high school so that she can get a job as a medical insurance billing and coder. Juanita dreams of being “somebody that can help out with the community, always. I would love to have a really big apartment building that I could just take in all the homeless…just pour my heart out to ‘em, because people out there, you never know their story until you actually talk to them and I’ve met a lot of people that is so talented out there and so educated, but their story just breaks my heart.”

Oral history interview with Tacoma resident Bernice Morehead conducted by dindria barrow on August 16, 2022. In this interview, Bernice tells us that she was a born into a family of sharecroppers who descended from slaves forcibly brought to Mississippi. Bernice lived on a farm until she was 16 years of age who spoke the language of animals until she moved to Iowa and worked with her mother as a Domestic Engineer. Bernice describes how she enjoys a challenge such as running four marathons, learning to swim at 50 years of age, finishing a triathlon, driving from Iowa to Washington state with two children and a grandchild, then earning two college degrees. She has worked for the state, run her own business, been a substitute teacher, is a certified Life Coach and is now helping others at the Bethlehem Baptist Church Shelter. Bernice reminds us to dream of new challenges and to take pride in whatever you do.

Oral history interview with Tacoma resident Deborah Ranniger conducted by dindria barrow on September 20, 2022. In this interview, Deborah tells us how the landscape of Tacoma with its evergreen color and specifically the sight of Mount Rainier made her decide to live here at 10 years old. Deborah tells her family’s story of fleeing from Eastern and Western Europe to escape persecution. Deborah shares her journey from Seattle and Kent to Tacoma based on the burgeoning art scene. Deborah has recently published a memoir about her father and his influence on her life called, “Against the Current: A Conscientious Objector During World War II and the Daughter He Inspired.”

Oral history interview of Jay Evan conducted by dindria barrow on January 21, 2023, as part of the Archiving North End Communities event located at the Wheelock library branch.

Oral history interview of Mary Sudar conducted by dindria barrow on January 21, 2023, as part of the Archiving North End Communities event located at the Wheelock library branch.

Oral history interview of Dan Patnode conducted by dindria barrow on April 8th, 2023, as part of the Archiving Northeast Communities event located at the Mottet library branch.