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Winning the Hearst and Minds of Fort Lewis and McChord GIs During the Vietnam Era

Oral history interview with Michael Royce by Beula Robb conducted 01/06/1994. Michael Royce discusses his time as a civil rights activist in the South and shares his thoughts on college life during the tumultuous 1960s. Drafted into the army following his graduation from college in 1968, Royce reflects on his military experience at Fort Lewis and talks about his involvement with the Lewis-McChord Free Press, an underground anti-war newspaper.

Morris McCollum: Tacoma's Hilltop Community Icon

Oral history interview with Morris McCollum by Jaynetha Robinson conducted 04/28/2015. Mr. Morris McCollum, "Mr. Mac" as he affectionately known, is one of Tacoma's most respected business and community leaders. He is certainly one of the longest lasting. Shortly after arriving in Tacoma in 1957 Mr. McCollum purchased the K Street Department Store which was located on the corner of 12th and K. He operated the store for several years. At the time the K Street business sector, one of the city's twelve business districts, was second only to downtown Tacoma in terms of business activity. Businesses such as hardware stores, banks, small department stores, appliance dealers, butchers, markets, cleaners, clothing stores, and restaurants lined the streets. In 1960, he moved to 11th and Broadway and opened what to become the quintessential men's store "Mac the Knife," later shortened to "Mr. Mac's." At the time the Tacoma business district was being adversely affected by the building of the Tacoma Mall which would, after its completion, lure many of the surrounding businesses to it. Mr. Mac stayed, however, and became president of the K Street Booster Club, an organization dedicated to promoting the interests of small family owned businesses and the community that surrounded them. In addition to having an active interest in the business community Mr. McCollum also became dedicated to the areas youths and his interests in sports, boxing in particular, lead him to becoming involved with the Tacoma Athletic Commission, eventually becoming its president in 1978. Recognized by the city of Tacoma with the 2004 Martin Luther King Jr. award Mr. McCollum remains a leading figure.

African American Life in Tacoma

Oral history interviews with Louise R. Turner and Bernice C. Canada by Preston T. Jones conducted 02/09/1994. Sisters and lifelong Tacoma residents Louise Turner and Bernice Canada share their family history and reflect on how the city's racial attitudes have changed during their lifetimes. They describe their experiences as African Americans growing up in turn-of-the-century Tacoma and comment on the rise of segregation during and after the World Wars. Turner and Canada also touch on their work as Eucharistic ministers. The interview concludes with their thoughts on the importance of family values.

Father Bill Bichsel and Disarm Now Plowshares

Oral history interview with Bill Bichsel by Lucas Dambergs conducted 05/09/2014. Father Bill Bischel discusses his life as a Jesuit priest, as well as joining a tradition of radical Catholic non-violent activism. A particular focus is paid to his role in the Disarm Now Plowshares action where he, and four others, broke into the Bangor Trident nuclear submarine base near Bremerton, Washington, to symbolically disarm nuclear weapons stored there.

Robert Elofson: The Lower Elwha Klallam and the Return of Their River

Oral history interview with Robert Elofson by Jordan Woolston conducted 05/24/2014. Robert Elofson discusses his early life being raised outside the Lower Elwa KlallamTribe in foster homes, his college years earning a double bachelors degree in physics and biology at Western Washington University and his involvement in the Western Washington Native American Student Union. This led to him being the first fisheries biologist for the Lower Elwah and his involvement in the Elwha dam removal and restoration of the Elwha river ecosystem. The original sound recording of the interview is not included.

History of the Tacoma Smelter and Its Workers

Oral history interviews with Curtis Dungey and Chuck O'Donahue by Angela Cookson conducted 02/1992. The interviews with both Curtis Dungey and Chuck O'Donahue discuss their association with the Tacoma Smelter and ASARCO. O'Donahue, who worked at the plant for over twenty years (1963-1985), also was active as a union leader for Local 25. Dungey was the senior environmental scientist for ASARCO who oversaw the closure of the plant.

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.

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