Jonathan R. Strong

Vanport Flood Research Guide

In the spring of 1948, the Pacific Northwest experienced heavy rainfalls and heavy snowfall accumulations, which produced larger than average spring runoffs. As a result, in late May the Columbia River swelled to record levels and crested more than 30 over its banks. On May 30, the floodwaters of the Columbia broke through a dike flooding the city of Vanport forcing more than 18,500 residents to flee the city. For individuals interested in researching the Vanport Flood, the most helpful resource is the Oregon Historical Society (OHS). The following limited research guide is a summary of most of the primary sources held in the Oregon Historical Societies research library. Among the materials in the OHS library are video and audio oral histories, photographs, film of the flood, audio recordings of live coverage from KOIN news, and secondary source material. Among the materials not listed in the research guide are assorted images, which are contained in larger collections of photographs. Another valuable source for researchers to consult is the archive of the Portland­Multnomah County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Containing an assortment of photographs, the archive also has a Preliminary Disaster Committee Report on the activities of the Red Cross during the flood, and contains valuable information researchers of the Vanport Flood will find indispensable. Another helpful source of information are the articles which appeared in the Oregonian in the week leading up to, during, and the weeks after the flood.

Primary Sources:

 

Edwards, Roy 0., "Vanport City-Born in War Died in Flood," Journal of Housing, 5 (June 1948), Martin T. Pratt Papers (Manuscript Collection MSS 698 Vanport Flood, Oregon Historical Society, Portland).

 

Freeman, Jaeger, and Taylor, "Report on Flood Disaster," Martin T. Pratt Papers (Manuscript Collection MSS 698 Vanport Flood, Oregon Historical Society, Portland)

 

Housing Authority of Portland Minutes 1948.

 

Oregonian, 31 May 1948. Oregonian, 1 June 1948. Oregonian, 27 June 1948.

Portland-Multnomah County Chapter of the American Red Cross Assorted Photographs of the Vanport Flood,

 

"Vanport Flood, May 30,1948: Preliminary Disaster Report," Portland,Or: Portland-Multnomah County Chapter American Red Cross, 1948.

Secondary Sources:

Chase, Rashelle, Remembering Vanport, Portland,Or. ?: R. Chase, 1999?

This paper, a high school thesis, consists of a short history of the city of Vanport and contains five interviews with former city residents. Part of The Oregon Historical Society collection.

 

Maben, Manly, Vanport, Portland, Or.: Oregon Historical Society Press, cl987. Vanport is primarily a history of the city and its residents, although Maben devotes a chapter to the flood.

Mezey, Phiz, "The Real Vanport Disaster: Housing," New Republic, 119 (5 July 1948): 7.

Oregon Historical Society Research Library Photos

 

Title Statement:       Vanport Flood Victims Protest the Trailer City Established for Them, Demand Dismissal of Housing Authority [graphic]

 

Published:                1948.

 

Description:             Print : B & W; 8" X 10"

 

Terms of Use:           Reproductions available,

 

Faceted Subject:      SOCIAL HISTORY--DEMONSTRATIONS

 

Faceted Subject:      SOCIAL HISTORY--HOMELESSNESS

 

Faceted Subject:      DISASTERS--FLOOD

 

Faceted Subject: GOVERNMENT-CITY-PORTLAND HOUSING AUTHORITY Faceted Subject: PORTLAND, OR.-BUILDINGS-GOVERNMENT-CITY HALL Name Added Entry: Oregon journal.

 

Call Number:           Neg. #CN006198

 

Copy:                         1

Item ID:                    018000

Collection Type:      Photographs

Media:                      Photograph

Title Statement:      VANPORT FLOOD ALBUM Collection Graphic Published:                                    05/30/1948.

 

Description:            00

 

Restriction Note:    NO

 

Summary, Etc.         ALNUM 763: 41 VIEWS OF NW PORTLAND & VANPORT,OR. TAKEN DURING 1948 COLUUMBIA RIVER FLOOD. SEE INVENTORY 432

 

Terms of Use:          Reproductions available Photographs Dept., Oregon Historical Society Faceted Subject: DISASTERS-FLOODS

 

Faceted Subject: PORTLAND-NEIGHBORHOODS-WEST BURNSIDE (NW #1) Faceted Subject: PORTLAND-NEIGHBORHOODS-VANPORT/DELTA PK. (N #12) Name Added Entry: --PORTLAND

 

Call Number:          0432000

 

Copy:                   1

 

Item ID:                    023671

 

Collection Type:     Photographs

 

Media:                      Photograph

Title Statement:      WATER LAPS AT DOORS OF VANPORT COLLEGE DURING SPRING FLOODS; COLLEGE LOCATED AT OREGON SHIPYARD [graphic] / by Les Ordeman.

Description:            Print: B & W ; 8" X 10"

 

Restriction Note:   Library Use Only.

 

Note:                          Journal.

 

Terms of Use:           Reproductions available Photographs Dept., Oregon Historical Society

 

Faceted Subject:      Vanport (Or.)-Photographs.

 

Faceted Subject:      Floods-Oregon-Vanport-Photographs.

 

Faceted Subject:      Vanport College-Photographs.

 

Faceted Subject:      Disasters-Floods.

 

Faceted Subject:      Portland-Universities-Vanport College.

 

Faceted Subject:      Portland-Neighborhoods-Vanport/Delta Park. (N #12).

 

Faceted Subject:      Photographic prints gmgpc.

Alt Author:              Oregon Journal.

 

Copy:                    1

 

Item ID:                    OHS Photographs Neg. #CN007070.

 

Collection Type:     Photographs

 

Media:                      Photograph

Title:                        TEMPORARY HOMES FOR FLOOD VICITMS ARE PREPARED AT GUILDS LAKE, SITE OF WARTIME HOUSING PROJECT [graphic] / by Herb Alden.

 

Published:                1948.

Description:             Print: B & W ; 8" X 10"

 

Restriction Note:    Library Use Only.

 

Note:                         Arial view from Journal helicopter some of the 400 trailers parked throughout the development. Victims of Vanport Flood of May 30,

1948 used these temporary homes. In the center of the photo, a large truck is moving two trailers into place. A crane waits to remove the vehicles from the flatbeds they were transported on. In the lower left corner is a lumber yard. Taken in June 1948.

 

Terms of Use:           Reproductions available Photographs Dept., Oregon Historical Society

 

Faceted Subject:      Vanport (Or.)-Photographs.

 

Faceted Subject:      Floods-Oregon-Vanport-Photographs.

 

Faceted Subject:      Portland (Or.)-Neighborhoods-Northwest Industrial (NW #6). Faceted Subject:                                     Disasters-Floods.

 

Faceted Subject:      Architecture types-Mobile buildings-trailers.

 

Faceted Subject:      Services-Health relief.

 

Faceted Subject:      Photographic prints gmgpc.

Alt Author:              Oregon Journal.

 

Copy:                         1

 

Item ID:                    OHS Photographs Neg. #CN006082.

 

Collection Type:     Photographs

 

Media:                      Photograph

Title: DIKE PROTECTING VANPORT CITY CAVED IN CAUSING FLOOD, 18,500 PEOPLE HOMELESS, DEBRIS FLOATS BY ROOFTOPS [graphic]

 

Published:                1948 June 1.

 

Description:             Print: B & W ; 8" X 10"

 

Restriction Note:    Library Use Only.

 

Note:                         A single chair, a metal milk container and a metal wash tub sit amidst Bedding and miscellaneous clothing on the "shore" near two row boats.

In the background a water tower stands over several housing units flooded to the second floor. Only the roofs of other units are visible in the water.

Power poles are still up, but some of the lines dip into the water. Sign in Middle of flood reads: "Government Property No Peddlers, Agents or Solicitors Or Selling of Merchandise Or Service Permitted." In the far Distance are the hills lining the Washington side of the Columbia River.

 

Taken in June 1948.

Terms of Use:         Reproductions available Photographs Dept., Oregon Historical Society

 

Faceted Subject:    Vanport Flood, 1948-Photographs.

 

Faceted Subject:    Disasters-Floods.

 

Faceted Subject:    Portland (Or.)-Neighborhoods-Vanport/Delta Park (NW #12).

 

Faceted Subject:    Photographic prints gmgpc.

 

Alt Author:              Oregon Journal.

 

Copy:                        1

 

Item ID:                   OHS Photographs Neg. #CN006189.

 

Collection Type:    Photographs

 

Media:                      Photograph

Title:                        TRUCK STOPS ON VANPORT'S VICTORY AVENUE TO TAKE ON LOAD OF RESIDENTS FLEEING FLOOD [graphic] / by Mel Junghans.

 

Published:               1948 May 30.

 

Description:           Print: B & W ; 8" X 10"

 

Restriction Note:  Library Use Only.

 

Note: Young man holding suitcase turns to look at camera. Behind him men Help a woman in a polka-dot dress into back of truck with many small suitcases. A small dog is tethered to a baby carriage pushed by unseen person. Trousers of rescue workers are soaking wet.

 

Terms of Use:           Reproductions available Photographs Dept., Oregon Historical Society

Faceted Subject:    Vanport Flood, 1948-Photographs.

Faceted Subject:      Services-Health-Rescue-Transportation.

Faceted Subject:      Disasters-Floods.

Faceted Subject:      Portland (Or.)-Neighborhoods-Vanport/Delta Park (NW #12).

Faceted Subject:      Photographic prints gmgpc.

Alt Author:               Oregon Journal.

Copy:                    1

Item ID:                    OHS Photographs Neg. #CN006190.

Collection Type:      Photographs

Media:                      Photograph

Title:                        NEAR SCENE OF DIKE BREAK ON N. PORTLAND ROAD, WATER FROM SMITH LAKE POURS INTO VANPORT CITY, 12-15 FT. DEEP [graphic]

 

Published:               1948 May 30.

 

Description:           Print: B & W ; 8" X 10"

 

Restriction Note:  Library Use Only.

 

Note:                          Two story apartment buildings are being inundated by flood waters. These buildings are the typical Vanport dwelling style for apartments. Entrances for the downstairs apartments are on either side of a roofed entry for the two upstairs apartments. At both ends of the buildings are single story units, one of them with a picket fence in front. In the foreground, the raging flood waters from the west dike on N.Portland Road spill over the road.

 

 

Terms of Use:          Reproductions available Photographs Dept., Oregon Historical Society

 

Faceted Subject:     Vanport Flood, 1948-Photographs.

 

Faceted Subject:      Disasters-Floods.

Faceted Subject:     Portland (Or.)-Neighborhoods-Vanport/Delta Park (NW #12).

Faceted Subject:      Photographic prints gmgpc.

Alt Author:               Oregon Journal.

Copy:                    1

Item ID:                     OHS Photographs Neg. #CN006199.

Collection Type:      Photographs

Media:                      Photograph

Title:                         AFRICAN-AMERICAN VANPORT FLOOD VICITMS WITH THEIR FEW SAVED BELONGINGS AWAIT MOVE TO SWAN ISLAND BARRACKS [graphic].

 

Published:                1948.

 

Description:            Print: B & W ; 8" X 10"

 

Restriction Note:   Library Use Only.

 

Note:                          Men, Women and children are gathered in front of V.F.W. Post 1325. Suitcases and boxes are piled up near the building and some people

Are sitting on them. Young boy wearing overalls with a patch on the right knee stands in front holding a string toy. Behind him is a girl in plaid dress eating an ice cream cone, and a man sitting on the boxes, wearing a hat. Several other children are lying in the shade against the building and some are eating ice cream cones. Taken in June 1948.

 

Note:                          Journal.

 

Terms of Use: Reproductions available Photographs Dept., Oregon Historical Society Faceted Subject:                      Vanport Flood, 1948-Photographs.

 

Faceted Subject:      Disasters-Floods.

 

Faceted Subject:      Social-History-Homelessness.

 

Faceted Subject:      Portland (Or.)-Neighborhoods-Vanport/Delta Park (NW #12).

Faceted Subject:     Photographic prints gmgpc.

Alt Author:              Oregon Journal.

Copy:                    1

Item ID:                    OHS Photographs Neg. #CN006200.

Collection Type:      Photographs

Media:                      Photograph

Title: AFTER SIX WEEKS OF SOAKING, FLOOD WATERS RECEEDE FROM VANPORT; CARS DEGIN TO EMERGE, MANY TURNED OVER OR BURIED [graphic] / by Herb Alden

 

Published:                1948.

 

Description:            Print: B & W ; 8" X 10"

 

Restriction Note:    Library Use Only.

 

Note:                          July 1948 view of "Lake Vanport" which contains autos, not fish. In

the foreground, a car lays on its side with the undercarriage facing the camera. Driftwood and tires litter the scene, with one long power pole resting on the roof of one partially submerged car. Many of the cars are resting in mud and their roofs are the only part showing above the surface. In the distance, ruins of housing units, both one- and two-story, can be Seen. Three water towers stand above the flood waters.

 

Note:                          Journal.

 

Terms of Use:           Reproductions available Photographs Dept., Oregon Historical Society

 

Faceted Subject:      Vanport Flood, 1948-Photographs.

 

Faceted Subject:      Disasters-Floods.

 

Faceted Subject:      Portland (Or.)-Neighborhoods-Vanport/Delta Park ( NW #12).

 

Faceted Subject:      Photographic prints gmgpc.

 

Alt Author:               Oregon Journal.

 

Copy:                         1

Item ID:                    OHS Photographs Neg. #CN006201.

Collection Type:      Photographs

Media:                      Photograph

Title:                         FIRE BURNS OUT OF CONTROL IN S.W. PART OF VANPORT CITY, ABANDINED SINCE FLOOD TWO MONTHS BEFORE [graphic] / by Al Monner.

 

Published:                1948 Sept 18.

 

Description:            Print: B & W ; 8" X 10"

 

Restriction Note:   Library Use Only.

 

Note:                          Black smoke billows from buildings totally engulfed in flames. A few Buildings still have portions of their walls aflame. Others are only smoldering skeletons. The photo was taken from a helicopter high above. The fire was located in the southwest corner of the city and the cause was unknown. Roads isolated the site, and kept the fire from spreading.

 

Note:                         Journal.

 

Terms of Use:           Reproductions available Photographs Dept., Oregon Historical Society

 

Faceted Subject:      Fires-Oregon-Photographs.

 

Faceted Subject:      Vanport (Or.)-Photographs.

 

Faceted Subject:      Disasters-Fires.

 

Faceted Subject:      Portland (Or.)--Neighborhoods-Vanport/Delta Park ( NW # 12).

 

Faceted Subject:      Social history-Abandoned towns.

 

Faceted Subject:      Photographic prints gmgpc.

 

Alt Author:               Oregon Journal.

 

Copy:                         1

Item ID:                    OHS Photographs Neg. #CN006207.

Collection Type:      Photographs

Media:                      Photograph

Title: ENGINEERS HALL AT VANPORT COLLEGE BURNS AFTER FLOOD; BABY CARRIAGE LEFT BY FLOOD WATERS GIVES SCENE A SURREAL LOOK [graphic] / by Herb Alden.

 

Published:                1948.

 

Description:            Print: B & W ; 8" X 10"

 

Restriction Note:   Library Use Only.

 

Note:                          Taken in September 1948.

 

Note:                          Journal.

 

Terms of Use:          Reproductions available Photographs Dept., Oregon Historical Society

 

Faceted Subject:     Fires-Oregon-Vanport--Photographs.

 

Faceted Subject:     Vanport College-Photographs.

 

Faceted Subject:      Vanport (Or.)-Photographs.

 

Faceted Subject:      Disasters-Fires.

 

Faceted Subject:      Portland universities-Vanport College.

 

Faceted Subject:      Portland (Or.)-Neighborhoods-Vanport/Delta Park (NW #12). Faceted Subject:                                     Allegorical disaster.

 

Faceted Subject:      Photographic prints gmgpc.

 

Alt Author:               Oregon Journal.

 

Copy:                    1

 

Item ID:                    OHS Photographs Neg. #CN007069.

 

Collection Type:      Photographs

Media:                      Photograph

Title:                         TRAINS TIED UP FOR ALMOST 20 DAYS DUE TO FLOOD, MUCK STILL COVERS RAILROAD TIES, BUT PASSENGERS ARE READY FOR TRAVEL [graphic].

 

Published:                1948 June 18.

 

Description:            Print: B & W ; 8" X 10"

 

Restriction Note:    Library Use Only.

 

Note:                          Crowd of passengers carrying suitcases and other luggage walk past a train at Union Station. Mud left by the Vanport Flood covers the ties of the track next to the platform.

 

Note:                          Journal.

 

Terms of Use:           Reproductions available Photographs Dept., Oregon Historical Society

 

Faceted Subject:      Transportation-Land-Railroad-Stations-Union Station.

 

Faceted Subject:      Portland-Buildings-Terminals-Union Station.

 

Faceted Subject:      Disasters-Floods.

 

Faceted Subject:      Transportation-Land-Railroad-Union Pacific.

 

Faceted Subject:      Photographic prints gmgpc.

 

Alt Author:               Oregon Journal.

 

Copy:                    1

 

Item ID:                    OHS Photographs Neg. #CN007086.

 

Collection Type:     Photographs

 

Media:                      Photograph

Sound Recordings

Title:                          Vanport Flood Collection Number: SR 8000

 

Tape Number:          225 A

 

Date                            05/30/1948

 

Content Description: Radio news program: Three cuts. Live coverage of the Vanport Flood of 1948. KOIN reports from Denver Avenue near the ruptured dike that caused the flood. Dale Jenning and Ted Cook report from the scene. John Wall describes the damage from the flood. Chronology of events is reported. Sheriff Prat and the J. Stevens Disaster Unit and soldiers look for survivors. A second dike breaks during the interview with Prat. Ted Cook describes the scene. Cut #2-John L. Leach interviewed from work. He explains that he was at work when the flood occurred and that he does not know if his family is safe. Report from the downtown Red Cross Shelter. Cut #3 interview about the Red Cross shelter at the Pacific Auditorium from 6/3/1948. Vanport Flood of 1948.

 

Series Name:           KOIN Radio

 

Subject:                     Local news Recordings (1939-1960)

 

Subject:                     Meyer Sound Recordings Disc Competition: Acetate: Alum

 

Disc Size (inches):  16

 

Groove Condition: Very Good

 

Condition:               Dirty

 

Treatment:               1/12/1999

 

Treatment                Wet treatment Technique:

 

Dubbing Date:         1/13/1999 Dubbing Format: Audio cassette

 

Call Number:          SR 8000.225A

Location:                  2"d Floor

Copy:                         12 °d Floor

Status:                       Available for use

Item ID:                    D24629

Collection Type:      Sound Recordings

Media:                      Cassette

Title:                           Vanport Flood, 1948 Collection Number: SR 8000

 

Tape Number:          225 B

Content                     From early June 1948. Interviews with eyewitnesses to the disaster:

Description:            Jocelyn Bowen who took food to victims; Clarence Kennedy who was Present when the dike broke; Harold Berenson Chapter Manager of the American Red Cross; Ed Valentine Disaster Chairman describes the situation just before the rupture. Isabella Gold describes the canteen committee and other emergency services. Mr. Greer and Jack Hayes of the State Disaster Relief. They say that Oregon State disaster plan functioned perfectly in the emergency. Harold Berenson talks about operations from the Sandy River to Sauvies Island. Mr. Morris Eddy, Assistant National Director of Disaster Relief commands local Volunteers. Vanport Flood of 1948.

 

Series Name:            KOIN Radio

 

Subject:                     Local News Recordings (1939-1960)

 

Subject:                     Meyer Sound Recordings Disc Composition: Acetate: Alum

 

Disc Size (inches):  16

 

Groove Condition: Excellent

 

Condition:               Dirty

 

Treatment Date:      1/12/1999

Treatment                Wet treatment Technique:

 

Dubbing Date:         1/13/1999 Dubbing Format: Audio cassette

 

Call Number:           SR 8000.225B

 

Location:                  2°d Floor

 

Copy:                         12 nd Floor

Status:                       Available for use

 

Item Number:          D24630

 

Collection Type:     Sound Recordings

Media:                      Cassette

Title:                          Vanport Flood Collection Number: SR 8000

 

Tape Number:         226 A

 

Content                     From early June 1948. Interviews with eyewitnesses of the disaster:

Description:            interview with Fred Kinser, a survivor of the flood. Mr. Kinser Explains how he saw the dike collapse and how he was carried away by The flood waters. He survived by clinging to a log. Interview is Conducted several days after the flood.

 

Series Number:       KOIN Radio

 

Subject:                    Local News Recordings

 

Subject:                    Meyer Sound Recordings Disc Composition: Acetate: Alum

 

Disc Size (inches):  16

 

Groove Condition: Excellent Condition:                                    Dirty

Condition                 Disc was very clean-dubbed for Portland Exhibit Comments:

 

Treatment Date:     1/12/1999

 

Treatment                 Dry treatment Technique:

 

Dubbing Date:          1/14/1999 Dubbing Format: Audio cassette

 

Call Number:          SR 8000.226A

 

Location:                  2nd Floor

 

Copy:                   12 °d Floor

Status:                       Available for use

 

Item ID:                    D24631

 

Collection Type:     Sound Recordings

 

Media:                       Cassette

Film

 

Title Statement:      [Vanport Flood] [motion picture]

 

Published:                [1948 May 30]

 

Description:             1 film reel of 1 (15 min., 530 ft.): si., col.; 16mm.

 

General Note:          Title and date supplied by cataloger.

 

General Note:          Opening credits and title missing.

 

Summary, Etc.:        Includes many views of the submerged city.

 

Preferred Citation: Cite as: Oregon Historical Society Research Library.

 

Restriction Note:    Viewing copy available at Oregon Historical Society Research Library Subject:                                     Vanport (Or.)

Subject:                 Floods-Oregon-Vanport.

 

Subject:                 Columbia River.

 

Genre/Form:          Documentary. migfg

 

Call Number:          MI 01172

 

Location:                Ground Floor

 

Copy:                    1 Ground Floor

 

Status:                   Available for use

 

Item ID:                 030674

 

Item Notes:            Viewing copy (VHS- with timecode)

Collection Type:     Moving Images

 

Media:                   Film

Title Statement:           [Vanport Flood--outtakes] [motion picture]

 

Published:              [1948 May 30]

 

Description:           1 film reel of 1 (8 min., 296 ft.): si and sd., col and b&w.; 16mm.

 

General Note:         Title and date supplied by cataloger.

 

General Note:         Probably outtakes and trims from MI 011172.

 

Summary, Etc.:       The film shows many scenes around the flooded city. Includes some intertitles.

 

Preferred Citation: Cite as: Oregon Historical Society Research Library, MI 01173. Restriction Note:                            Viewing copy available at Oregon Historical Society Research Library Subject:                            Vanport (Or.)

 

Subject:                 Floods-Oregon-Vanport.

 

Subject:                 Columbia River.

Genre/Form:          Documentary. migfg

 

Call Number:          MI 01173

 

Location:                Ground Floor

 

Copy:                    1 Ground Floor

 

Status:                   Available for use

 

Item ID:                 030675

 

Item Notes:            Viewing copy (VHS- with timecode)

Collection Type:     Moving Images

 

Media:                   Film

Oral Histories (Sound Recordings)

 

Author:                  Cates, Ida C., 1906- interviewee.

 

Title:                     Oral history interview with Ida C. Cates [sound recording], 1976 March 26.

 

Publisher:              1976.

 

Description:           Sound recording: 1 cassette (60 min.)

 

Description:           Transcript: 7 p.

 

Note:                    Interview conducted by Lorraine Singleterry and Christine Ermec on March 26, 1976.

 

Note:                    Cates discusses the Vanport Flood of 1948.

 

Note:                     Forms part of the Neighborhood History Project.

 

Subject:                 Cates, Ida C., 1906- --Interviews.

 

Subject:                 Vanport (Or.)-History.

 

Subject:                 Floods-Oregon-Portland.

 

Alt Author:             Singleterry, Lorraine, interviewer.

Alt Author:              Emernc, Christine, interviewer.

 

Add Title:                 Neighborhood History Project.

 

Preferred                  SR 9610 Citation:

 

Restriction               Viewing copy available in Oregon Historical Society Research Library. Note:

Terms of                             Oral history materials are subject to restrictions as applicable. Written

Use:                            permission must be obtained from the Research Library before

reproduction or publication. In some cases additional permission may

required.

Author:                      Hill, E. Shelton, 1903-, interviewee.

 

Title:                          Oral history interview with E. Shelton Hill [sound recording], ca. 1976.

 

Publisher:                ca. 1976.

 

Description:             Sound recording: 2 sound cassettes (60 min.)

 

Description:             Transcript: 19 p.

 

Series:                       Portland Neighborhood History Project; no. 32-33.

 

Series:                       Portland Neighborhood History Project (Portland, Or. ); no. 32-33.

 

 

Note:                          Interview conducted by L. A. Barrie, circa 1976.

 

Note:                         E. Shelton Hill discusses African American history in Portland, Oregon, including the role of the Urban League, the Portland Housing Authority, the Vanport Flood and the Albina area.

 

Note:                         Forms part of the Neighborhood History Project.

 

Subject:                     Hill, E. Shelton, 1903- --Interviews.

 

Subject:                     Portland (Or.)-Description and travel.

Subject:                 Albina (Portland, Or.)-History.

Subject:                 Vanport (Or.)-History.

Subject:                 African Americans-Oregon-Portland-History­

Subject:                 African Americans-Housing--Oregon-Portland-History.

Subject:                 Race discrimination--Oregon-Portland-History.

Subject:                 Minorities--Oregon-Portland-History.

Subject:                 Urban league of Portland (Portland, Or.)-History.

 

Subject:                 Portland (Or.). Bureau of Housing and Community Development.

 

Subject:                 Vanport Flood, 1948.

 

 

Alt Author:             Barrie, L. A., interviewer.

 

Add Title:              Neighborhood History Project.

 

Preferred               SR 9622 Citation:

 

Restriction             Viewing copy available in Oregon Historical Society Research Library. Note:

Terms of                Oral history materials are subject to restrictions as applicable. Written

Use:                            permission must be obtained from the Research Library before reproduction or publication. In some cases additional permission may required.

Video Oral Histories

Author:                  Gray, Dallas Coon, interviewee.

 

Title Statement:           Oral history interview with Vera Erickson [videorecording], 1997

July 8.

 

Published: [1997]

 

Description:             1 videocassette of 1 (VHS) (60min.) : sd., col. ; ''/2 in. + summary.

 

General Note:          Interview conducted by Linda Elegant in July 1997.

 

Biog./Historical      Priscilla and Whitney Coon and their three children moved from Utah

Note:                         to Nevada during World War II, and then to Portland in 1946, eventually Settling in Vanport. Dallas, the oldest daughter, attended school in Vanport and Portland. Priscilla played piano with a Portland dance Band, Hermie Grindland's All-Girl Orchestra. They were interviewed

as part of a Portland Community College project commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1948 Vanport Flood.

General Note:          The tape quality is poor, with many dropouts and shifting focus.

Summary, Etc.         A joint interview of Dallas Gray and her mother, Priscilla Robinson,

Note:                          about living in Vanport on the day of the flood, evacuating their apartment, and finding a place to live afterwards. The tape includes their discussion of photos saved from the flood, although the images are not shown.

Preferred                 Cite as: Oregon Historical Society, SR 11001.1. Citation:

 

Linking Entry         Forms part of the Vanport Memories Collection. Note:

 

Restriction              Viewing copy available in Oregon Historical Society Research Library. Note:

 

Terms of                   Oral history materials are subject to restrictions as applicable. Written

Use:                           permission must be obtained from the Research Library before reproduction or publication. In some cases additional permission may required.

 

In:                              Vanport Memories Collection.

 

Subject:                    Gray, Dallas Coon,--Interviews.

Subject:                 Robinson, Priscilla H.,--Interviews.

 

Subject:                 Coon family.

 

Subject:                 Floods-Oregon-Vanport.

 

Subject:                 Disaster relief-Oregon-Vanport.

 

Subject:                 American Red Cross.

 

Subject:                 Child disaster victims-Oregon-Vanport.

 

Subject:                 Vanport (Or.)-Social conditions.

 

Subject:                 Dance orchestras.

 

Name Add              Robinson, Priscilla H., interviewee. Entry:

 

Name Add              Elegant, Linda, interviewer. Entry:

 

Call Number:          SR 11011.1

 

Location:                Ground Floor.

 

Copy:                    1 Ground Floor

 

Status:                   Available or use.

 

Item ID:                 034717

 

Item Notes:            Viewing copy (VHS)

 

Collection              Sound Recordings Type:

 

Media:                   Video

Author:                 Erickson, Vera, interviewee.

 

Title Statement:           Oral history interview with Vera Erickson [videorecording], 1997 August 19.

Published:                [1997]

 

Description:            1 videocassette of 1 (VHS) (54min.) : sd., col. ; '' V2 in. + summary.

 

General Note:         Interview conducted by Linda Elegant in August 1997.

 

Biog./Historical      Vera Erickson lived in Vanport twice, in 1943-1944 and again in 1947­

Note:                          1948. She and her daughters escaped the flood on the last bus to make it out of the city. She was interviewed as part of a Portland Community College project Commemorating the 50' anniversary of the 1948 Vanport Flood.

 

 

Summary, Etc.         Vera Erickson discusses her life in Vanport during World War II, and

Note:                          escape, with her three daughters, from the Vanport Flood. She talks About other families living in their area, the day of the flood, and Their life afterwards while living for more than a year in a tent on their rural property. She also discusses the aid they received in the days after the event.

Preferred                  Cite as: Oregon Historical Society, SR 11001.2. Citation:

 

Linking Entry          Forms part of the Vanport Memories Collection. Note:

 

Restriction              Viewing copy available in Oregon Historical Society Research Library. Note:

 

Terms of                   Oral history materials are subject to restrictions as applicable. Written

Use:                            permission must be obtained from the Research Library before reproduction or publication. In some cases additional permission may required.

 

In:                              Vanport Memories Collection.

 

Subject:                     Erickson, Vera,--Interviews.

 

Subject:                     Floods-Oregon-Vanport.

 

Subject:                     American Red Cross.

 

Subject:                     Disaster relief-Oregon-Vanport.

Subject:                     Vanport (Or.)-Social conditions.

 

Subject:                     Child disaster victims-Oregon--Vanport.

 

Name Add                 Elegant, Linda, interviewer. Entry:

 

Call Number:          SR 11011.2

 

Location:                  Ground Floor.

 

Copy:                    1 Ground Floor

 

Status:                       Available or use.

 

Item ID:                     034722

 

Item Notes:               Viewing copy (VHS)

 

Collection                Sound Recordings Type:

 

Media:                      Video

Author:                      Rifkin, Arliss, interviewee.

 

Title Statement:      Oral history interview with Arliss Rifkin [videorecording], 1997 July 7. Published:                                    [1997]

 

Description:             1 videocassette of 1 (VHS) (70min.) : sd., col. ; V2 in. + summary.

 

General Note:          Interview conducted by Linda Elegant in July 1997.

 

Biog./Historical     Arliss Rifkin came to Vanport with her husband, Don Goldwasser,

Note:                          and their son Jack, just 10 days before the flood. She was interviewed as

part of a Portland Community College project Commemorating the 50th

anniversary of the 1948 Vanport Flood.

 

 

Summary, Etc.         Interview with Arliss Rifkin who survived the flood with her husband

Note:                          and baby. Her husband worked on repair and rebuilding projects in Portland while they lived in temporary housing on Swan Island.

Eventually they returned to their families in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Preferred                             Cite as: Oregon Historical Society, SR 11001.3. Citation:

 

Linking Entry         Forms part of the Vanport Memories Collection. Note:

 

Restriction                   Viewing copy available in Oregon Historical Society Research Library. Note:

 

Terms of                Oral history materials are subject to restrictions as applicable. Written

Use:                            permission must be obtained from the Research Library before reproduction or publication. In some cases additional permission may required.

 

In:                    Vanport Memories Collection.

 

Subject:                 Rifkin, Arliss,--Interviews.

 

Subject:                 Goldwasser, Don

 

Subject:                 Vanport (Or.)-Social conditions.

 

Subject:                 Floods-Oregon-Vanport.

 

Subject:                 Disaster relief-Oregon-Vanport.

 

Subject:                 Disaster relief-Social aspects.

 

Subject:                 American Red Cross.

 

Name Add              Elegant, Linda, interviewer. Entry:

 

Call Number:          SR 11011.3

 

Location:                Ground Floor.

 

Copy:                    1 Ground Floor

 

Status:                   Available or use.

 

Item ID:                 034714

Item Notes:               Viewing copy (VHS)

 

Collection                Sound Recordings Type:

 

Media:                      Video

Author:                      Jarvi, Grail, interviewee.

 

Title Statement:      Oral history interview with Grail Jarvi [videorecording], 1997 Jun. 24. Published:                                    [1997]

 

Description:             1 videocassette of 1 (VHS) (55min.) : dd., col. ; '' /2 in. + summary.

 

General Note:          Interview conducted by Linda Elegant in June 1997.

 

Biog./Historical     Grail Jarvis moved to Portland from Minnesota in 1944, along with

Note:                          and three old sisters. They moved to Vanport about two years later.

She was interviewed as part of a Portland Community College project

Commemorating the 50t anniversary of the 1948 Vanport Flood.

 

Summary, Etc.         Interview with Grail Jarvis who was in kindergarten at the time of the

Note:                         Vanport Flood. She discusses life at Vanport before the flood and in Days following.

 

Preferred                 Cite as: Oregon Historical Society, SR 11001.4. Citation:

 

Linking Entry          Forms part of the Vanport Memories Collection. Note:

 

Restriction              Viewing copy available in Oregon Historical Society Research Library. Note:

 

Terms of                            Oral history materials are subject to restrictions as applicable. Written

Use:                            permission must be obtained from the Research Library before reproduction or publication. In some cases additional permission may required.

 

In:                              Vanport Memories Collection.

 

Subject:                     Jarvis, Grail,--Interviews.

Subject:                 Vanport (Or.)-Interviews.

 

Subject:                 Vanport (Or.)-Race relations.

 

Subject:                 Floods-Oregon-Vanport.

 

Subject:                 Child disaster victims-Oregon-Vanport.

 

Subject:                 American Red Cross.

 

Name Add              Elegant, Linda, interviewer. Entry:

 

Call Number:          SR 11001.4

 

Location:                Ground Floor.

 

Copy:                    1 Ground Floor

 

Status:                   Available or use.

 

Item ID:                 034711

 

Item Notes:            Viewing copy (VHS)

 

Collection              Sound Recordings Type:

 

Media:                   Video

Author:                 Avery, Luther, interviewee.

 

Title Statement:           Oral history interview with Luther Avery [videorecording], 1997 Aug 14. Published:                             [1997]

 

Description:           1 videocassette of 1 (VHS) (55min.) : sd., col. ; %2 in. + summary.

 

General Note:         Interview conducted by Linda Elegant in June 1997.

 

Biog./Historical      Luther Avery was born in Mississippi. He worked for the Kaiser

Note:                     Company, which sent him to Portland to work in the shipyards. He and his wife moved to Vanport in late 1945, following their September

marriage. Their sons were born in Vanport. He was interviewed as part of a Portland Community College project commemorating the 50th anniversary of thee 1948 Vanport Flood.

 

General Note:         Tape quality poor in places.

 

Summary, Etc.       Interview with Luther Avery who saw the Vanport dike break on Note:          30 May 1948.

 

Preferred                Cite as: Oregon Historical Society, SR 11001.5. Citation:

 

Linking Entry         Forms part of the Vanport Memories Collection. Note:

 

Restriction                   Viewing copy available in Oregon Historical Society Research Library. Note:

 

Terms of                Oral history materials are subject to restrictions as applicable. Written

Use:                            permission must be obtained from the Research Library before reproduction or publication. In some cases additional permission may required.

 

In:                    Vanport Memories Collection.

 

Subject:                 Avery, Luther,--Interviews.

 

Subject:                 Vanport (Or.)-Race relations.

 

Subject:                 Vanport (Or.)-Social conditions.

 

Subject:                 African-Americans-Oregon-V anport.

 

Subject:                 Floods-Oregon-Vanport.

 

Subject:                 Portland (Or.)-Race relations.

 

Name Add              Elegant, Linda, interviewer. Entry:

 

Call Number:          SR 11011.5

 

Location:                Ground Floor.

 

Copy:                    1 Ground Floor

Status:                       Available or use.

 

Item ID:                    034712

 

Item Notes:              Viewing copy (VHS)

 

Collection                Sound Recordings Type:

 

Media:                      Video

Author:                     Varner, Elizabeth E., interviewee.

 

Title Statement:      Oral history interview with Elizabeth E. Varner, Ruby M. May and Shirley Flicraft [videorecording], 1997 July 9.

 

 

Published:                [1997]

 

Description:            1 videocassette of 1 (VHS) (58 min.) : sd., col. ; '/2 in. + summary.

 

General Note:         Interview conducted by Linda Elegant in June 1997.

 

Biog./Historical      Elizabeth "Betty" Varner and Ruby M. May are sisters. Their maiden

Note:                         name was Yeo. They moved to Vanport in 1942. Their father worked for the housing authority at Vanport after World War II. Shirley Flicraft is their cousin; her maiden name was Westman. She came to Vanport in 1946, and lived near the Yeo family. They were interviewed as part of a Portland Community College project commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1948 Vanport Flood.

 

General Note:         Poor audio quality.

 

 

Summary, Etc.        Cousins Betty and Ruby Yeo and Shirley Westman were neighbors at

Note:                         Vanport during the years preceding the flood. They discuss growing

up in the housing project, attending the Vanport schools, and the flood and

its aftermath. They talk about the apartments, the delivery people serving

the area, and Mr. Yeo's efforts to warn the authorities that a flood was

imminent.

Linking Entry         Forms part of the Vanport Memories Collection. Note:

 

Restriction                   Viewing copy available in Oregon Historical Society Research Library. Note:

 

Terms of                Oral history materials are subject to restrictions as applicable. Written

Use:                           permission must be obtained from the Research Library before reproduction or publication. In some cases additional permission may required.

 

In:                    Vanport Memories Collection.

 

Subject:                 Varner, Elizabeth E., --Interviews.

 

Subject:                 May, Ruby M., --Interviews.

 

Subject:                 Flicraft, Shirley,--Interviews.

 

Subject:                 Vanport (Or.)-Social conditions.

 

Subject:                 Education-Oregon-Vanport

 

Subject:                 Floods-Oregon-Vanport.

 

Subject:                 Disaster relief-Oregon-Vanport.

 

Subject:                 Disaster relief-Social aspects.

 

Subject:                 American Red Cross.

 

Subject:                 Yeo family.

 

Name Add             May, Ruby, interviewee. Entry:

 

Name Add              Flicraft, Shirley, Interviewee. Entry:

 

Name Add              Elegant, Linda, interviewer. Entry:

 

Call Number:          SR 11011.6

 

Location:               Ground Floor.

Copy:                   1 Ground Floor

 

Status:                       Available or use.

 

Item ID:                    034718

 

Item Notes:              Viewing copy (VHS)

 

Collection                Sound Recordings Type:

 

Media:                      Video

Author:                     Hammans, Doris, interviewee.

 

Title Statement:      Oral history interview with Doris Hammans [videorecording], 1997 July 3.

 

Published:                [1997]

 

Description:             1 videocassette of 1 (VHS) (53min.) : sd., col. ; %2 in. + summary.

 

General Note:          Interview conducted by Linda Elegant in July 1997.

 

Biog./Historical      Doris Hammans was born in Bend. She moved to Vanport in May 1947.

Note:                          She was 21 years old, and had two small children at the time of the

Flood. She was interviewed as part of a Portland Community College

Project Commemorating the 50t anniversary of the 1948 Vanport Flood.

 

 

Summary, Etc.         Doris Hammans remembers her year in Vanport as a time of poverty

Note:                          and isolation, although the area was not unpleasant. After the flood, The Red Cross helped her with a place to live in southeast Portland.

 

 

Preferred                  Cite as: Oregon Historical Society, SR 11001.7. Citation:

 

Linking Entry          Forms part of the Vanport Memories Collection. Note:

 

Restriction              Viewing copy available in Oregon Historical Society Research Library. Note:

Name Add                 Elegant, Linda, interviewer. Entry:

 

Call Number:          SR 11011.11

 

Location:                  Ground Floor.

 

Copy:                   1 Ground Floor

 

Status:                       Available or use.

 

Item ID:                    034725

 

Item Notes:              Viewing copy (VHS)

 

Collection                Sound Recordings Type:

 

Media:                      Video

Assignment #4

 

The first two, the citizen and the federal employee are more accessible to the normal citizen. The third one is for more intellectual historians and archivists. Shellenberg would truly like this format of archives if he knew how to use websites since it wasn't around in his time obviously. It is exactly how he would like an archive to be. It is very professional.

 

 

1941-1975: Sources: Hillsboro Angus, The Oregon Journal, Tigard Times, News-Times, Oregonion. The first section was about the production of sewing and knitting. They were shipping Kits to boys in the service, garments for Great Britain and other things. Next it talked about the sewing rooms being opened in firemen's workrooms; the time was during the war. It talked about the problems about supplies. There is an article about how they received certificates for their hard work, and then the book continues to 1971 where they help in the disaster relief. Another item is here was a service that was provided called voices from home where people sent their voices over to the men in the war. There were descriptions of a bloodmobile and of blood donors.

 

1954-1962: (Black) Sources: Pacific Northwest Regional Blood Program, L.A. Times, Oregonian, Oregon Journal, Ladies Home Journal, Parkrose-East County Enterprise, East Broadway News, Toronto Daily Star, Walnut Park News, The Cardinal, Sellwood­Morland Bee, The Washingtonian, The American Weekley, Colliers, McCall's. This scrap book goes from 1954-1962, this book is rich with information pertaining to the Nursing services. Many articles deal with the home nursing program. Next there are articles regarding about the classes that are being set up to help people with awareness and preparation about injuries. Next they have some news clippings about 1959 they're 50th anniversary. They also have a couple articles about the dad's raising kids.

 

1961-1963: Sources: Red Cross Press clippings, The Oregonian, Oregon Journal, Portland Reporter, Gresham News, Clackamas County News, Parkrose-East County, Enterprise, St Johns Review, Sandy Post, San Francisco Examiner, This Week Mag., Army and Navy Register, Letter from the War Advertising Council, The Valley News, South East News, Forest Grove News Times, Daily Reporter, Enterprise Courier, Broadway Boosters News, Hillsboro Angus, The Beaverton News, Daily Reporter, The Greater East Side News, Willamina Times, Oregon Statesman, Democratic Herald, Eastern Oregon Review, Emerald, Oswego Review, Tri-City News, North Portland Shopper, Buyers Bulletin, Daily Journal of Commerce, The Winged-M, Molalla Pioneer, Register Guard, Hollywood News, Laurelhurst, South East News, Nob Hill News, Central Oregonian, Foster-Eastport News, FNB Statesman, Outdoor Council News, Redmond Spokesman, Gresham Outlook, Milwaukie Review, Canby Herald, Pioneer Log, Lewis and Clark, Nursing Home News, North Clackamas Star, News Review Roseburg, The Dallas Chronicle. This has the majority of all that happened to the Red Cross in 1961­1963. There is propaganda to get people mostly women to become a nurse. Many people in the state are in need of health services and this article included articles including these. There is a lot of talk about swimming. It has articles about Red Cross events, as well as articles on training.

\J1

1939-1947: This is a photo album of the Red Cross during the war most of the pictures are about the training of first aid to nurses, one of the pictures is from the Army Air base in Portland, Oregon. One picture is a Fireman learning home nursing; they are also teaching everyday people how to use first aid. Some photos of African Americans and Filipino people getting first aid lesions. Males were also taking baby training classes.

 

Assignment #5

I've learned a lot about the Oregon Red Cross chapter. There are a lot of holes that they don't talk about. Mostly in the scrapbooks it deals with the 1960's and WW2. A lot of the stuff in WW2 was recruiting people to help with nursing and sewing. The Red Cross Oregon chapter was really involved with sending blankets, shirts, and all types of sewing materials into Britain, France, Philippines, and other various locations. They also had regular classes teaching new methods of first aid to the nurses.

1960's was mostly celbrations, blood donations and first aid education at home. They vividly expressed tier interest in keeping up the blood collection so that people would have enough blood for emergency blood transfusions. Also this was needed for the Korean and Vietnam wars. They sponsored annual events to gather money so that the volunteer Red Cross could continue to run as an entity.

A couple things that I thought were was the talk about the African Americans. There was a real lack of evidence on the subject of Red Cross and Oregon involving the African Americans. Also, I felt as though there were not enough official documents from the Red Cross committee meetings that would show what they planned to do for the year.