Scope and Contents

Armitage, charter member of Sangamon State University library faculty, recalls her interview and hiring, impressions of the university, library staff, curriculum committee, and the opening of the university. She also discusses the temporary library in the Osco building and the early circulation policy.

1 tape, 90 min., 17 pp. Interview by Cullom Davis, 1975 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents

Betty Bachrach discusses family history and life in San Francisco, California, and attending Stanford University; teaching; WWII; courtship and marriage; move to Decatur, Illinois; children and family life; Jewish religion; work with the League of Women Voters and the Decatur Planning Commission; and her retirement and move to Florida.

4 tapes, 360 mins. Interview by Cullom Davis, 1986 RESTRICTED: No legal release. See collateral file: interviewer's notes and edited memoir.

Scope and Contents Henry Bachrach discusses his family's clothing store in Decatur, Illinois: its founding, merchandise, sales, credit system, effect of the Depression, departments, finances, employees, advertising, and branch stores. He also discusses his family history and life in Decatur: childhood and school, WWII Army service, anti-Semitism, and travels to Africa and Asia. 11 tapes, 665 mins., 280 pp. Interview by Cullom Davis, 1986 RESTRICTED: No legal release. See collateral file:...

Scope and Contents

Batson, a consultant in Public Administration, discusses the process by which Sangamon State University was formed in 1968-1970, the ideas which influenced its conception, the hiring of the first faculty, difficulties in the recruiting process and implementation of plans, concerns regarding cronyism and nepotism, and the opening of the university in 1970.

3 tapes, 270 min., 40 pp. Interview by Cullom Davis, 1979 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents ILLINOIS STATECRAFT Bird, press secretary for Governor Ogilvie, 1969-1973, discusses his role in the administration; the role of the press; and Governor Ogilvie and his administration. He also discusses the reporters covering the Ogilvie administration; department heads; administrative techniques; office and staff relations; steering the governor through controversial issues; mistakes that were made; impact of the Kent State shootings on Illinois campuses; the 1968 Democratic Convention;...

Scope and Contents ILLINOIS STATECRAFT Bradley, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture 1961-63, discusses his work with Governor Kerner's administration: regulations and departments, staff, and problems encountered. He also discusses his interest in agriculture and politics; work with the Rural Electrification Administration; organization of Illinois Farmers' Union; farm legislation; farmers' support of President Kennedy; state politics and farmers; his association with politicians; and his work...

Scope and Contents

Breiseth discusses coming to Sangamon State University from the University of Chicago and his career at SSU.

4 tapes, 240 mins. Interview by Cullom Davis, 1984 OPEN: narrator reserves right to review edited transcript. See collateral file

Scope and Contents

SPRINGFIELD RACE RIOT Brittin, a resident of Sherman, Illinois, relates a second hand account of the 1908 race riot. He discusses his uncle's involvement, lynchings and destruction in the city of Springfield.

1 tape, 90 mins., 5 pp. Interview by Cullom Davis, 1972 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ORAL HISTORY PROGRAM Burhans, Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives 1949-65, discusses his years in the General Assembly: campaigning 1946 and 1948, Peoria County politics, legislative techniques, judicial legislation, Illinois political and judicial personalities, the press corps, and his judicial candidacy. He also recalls his youth in Peoria, Illinois, family, his father's medical practice, the Depression years, his education, attending the...

Scope and Contents

Chambers, professor of History, discusses her interest and involvement in the National Advisory Committee for Women; the 1977 Houston Conference on Women; President Carter's position on women's issues; and the Equal Rights Amendment.

1 tape, 60 mins., 16 pp. Interview by Cullom Davis, 1985 OPEN See collateral file