Oral history interview with Charles Walker by Michelle F. Treat conducted 04/24/1991. Long-time resident Charles Walker reflects back on thirty years of Hilltop history and describes the areas shifting demographics during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. A retired businessman, Walker focuses in particular on the K Street Business District and the local economic impact of the 1970s recession. He also comments on his work with the Tacoma Urban League, the Black Businessmen's Association, and the Now, Mr. Lincoln program.

Bryan Johnson from Lister Elementary School introduces a film he made in 2003 with his 5th grade students.

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.

The following description is written from Vanya Poulsen:

Who is in the photograph?
Mother ran the board, help serve individuals w/ mental illness/PTSD

What memory is contained in this photo?
Family history of group home
-Lasted over 50 years

Photo description from Vanna Sing:

When taken: 1980s and 2000s
Where taken: Eastside, Salishan
What memory is contained in these photos? Vanna Sing's childhood in Salishan and Eastside; Growing up in Salishan, spiritual healing. 43 year old survivor from the country of Cambodia. Roots are from SE Asia, Cambodia, Thai, and Laos. Our family escaped the Khmer Rouge in 1978 In July 1979, we entered United States. Our sponsors were from Mineral Wells, Texas. Trying to adapt to the American culture was a struggle. Through the word of mouth, Tacoma, Washington was the place to be. 15 families migrated to Tacoma, WA. We first arrived in Hilltop, Tacoma, around St. Joseph hospital area. We spent a year here. Tacoma Housing Authority supported refugees by providing rental assistance. Department of Social and Healthy Services gave us TANF, food stamp, and medical.

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

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

Note included with interview:
Tiffani and Pete Reyes attended the Hilltop Story Fest and came in on a later date to record their oral history.

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

Additionally, collection contains several photos with description written by Jim and Georgette Reuter.

When taken: Around 1945
Where taken: 1723 N. Oaks Street
Who is in these photographs: Jim Reuter as a young boy, with his mother, Margret Reuter and his paternal grandma "Kitty" Beulah Reuter and her husband.
What memories are contained in these photos: Although Jim's family lived in Lakewood, Jim spent many weekends with his grandma "Kitty" at her North Oaks home. He played in the Buckley Gulch with the neighbor kids and walked to the old Guild Theater to watch Saturday Serials (Westerns)

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.”