Part of Community Event Collection
Oral history interview with Richard Scharick by Kevin Wallace conducted April-May 2007. Richard Scharick recounts some of the major legislative events that took place during his time as Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms for the Washington State House of Representatives. Areas of focus include the 1989 Omnibus Drug Bill and Scharicks own political philosophy.
The Chronicles of the Life of Wilmott Ragsdale
Oral history interview with Wilmott Ragsdale by Alicia J. Carter conducted April-September 2007. Wilmott Ragsdale presents his life story and gives an overview of his decade-spanning journalism and teaching careers. Notable highlights from this lengthy collection of interviews include: Ragsdale's childhood in Tacoma's early Proctor District; his time as a war correspondent in England during World War II; his opposition to the Canwell Committee and subsequent involvement with the academic freedom movement; and his travels to South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Changing Peoples of Hilltop
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.
The Afro-Pageant Correspondence
Part of Wanda Thompson Papers
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Telegrapher for the Northern Pacific Railway in Tacoma
Oral history interview with Gary Emmons by Karin Crelling conducted 05/17/2017. Gary Emmons was in a unique position in the 1960s, working for the Northern Pacific Railway as a telegrapher. He was witness to the change from manpower to computers. The telegraph station at McCarver Street in Tacoma, Washington was one of the most important stations in the area. Trains would not leave Tacoma, unless they had received their instructions from this station. This paper will provide a brief history of not just the McCarver Street station, and how it operated, but also other institutions, that were intricately connected to the Northern Pacific Railway here in Tacoma; institutions such as McKinley Hill Hospital, the Great Tacoma Shops, Union Station and, very briefly, the decline and the revival of downtown Tacoma and the restoration of Union Station, as well as the present campus of the University of Washington, Tacoma. This research will cover a span from approximately 1910 to 2000 and follows loosely the interview conducted with Col. Gary Emmons, USAF, Ret.
