Scope and Contents Margaret Honey discusses rural life during the late 19th and early 20th century: her childhood and family home in Newton, Illinois, education, injuries, illnesses and remedies, teaching, courtship and marriage, dairy farming, housework, home childbirth, community organizations and holiday celebrations. She also discusses her life as wife of a minister, her husband's duties as a minister of the Christian Church, life adjustments, her 45th wedding anniversary, Christian Church baptisms, the...

Scope and Contents BLACK COMMUNITY PROJECT Hopkins, long-time resident of Springfield, discusses her experiences as an African American. She recalls her family background and childhood on a farm near Mechanicsburg, Illinois, education, prejudice and discrimination, social conditions and employment opportunities for African Americans. She also discusses Springfield neighborhoods, businesses, local churches, employment as a bookkeeper, participation in the Mary Church Terrell Club and the YWCA's Phyllis...

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Hopley, coal miner, discusses mining in central Illinois: the organization of the Progressive Miners of America, union conflicts and mine wars, the Mulkeytown March, strikes, bargaining conditions, contracts, and mechanization. He also discusses coal mining in England: work as a lamp carrier, pony driver, clay picker; hazards; and emigration to the U.S.

4 tapes, 315 mins. Interview by Barbara Herndon, 1975 OPEN For collateral file see J9/5/24

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Horn, a housekeeper at the Charles E. Becker Library at Springfield College, discusses her employment there and some of her co-workers.

1 tape, 10 mins., 4 pp. Interview by Tamba M. Baleh, 1975 OPEN

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Horn, life-long resident of Springfield, describes working for his uncle's Sign and Posting System business and then creating his own sign business. He also discusses his family, neighborhoods, recreation, race discrimination, and schooling.

4 tapes, 360 mins. Interview by James P. Coble, 1978 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents “Hap” Horner discusses his enlistment and experience as a long-range B-29 crew member in the Pacific Theatre in WWII. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and other awards for his service. He describes his reaction to the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor and discusses President Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb on the Japanese mainland. 2 video DVDs, 1 tape, 90 mins., 72 pp. Interview by John L. Garner, 2006 See collateral file – Scanned pictures of crew members,...

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STEAMBOATS AND INLAND RIVERS Horton discusses his experiences serving on ferryboats, packets, and towboats. He recalls boats on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, 1927 Mississippi River flood, barge traffic, hauling logs, and hazardous weather conditions.

1 tape, 21 pp. Interview by John Knoepfle, 1957 OPEN: released by John Knoepfle

Scope and Contents WWII CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS PROJECT Houser, one of eight Union Seminary students jailed for resisting the draft during WWII, discusses pacifism, peace efforts during WWII, his decision not to register for the draft, and the consequences of his actions. He recalls his education, experiences as an exchange student to China, influences on his beliefs, and participation in civil rights demonstrations. He also discusses his work with the Congress of Racial Equality, Fair Employment Practices...

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WWII CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS PROJECT Houser, conscientious objector during WWII, discusses pacifism, his decision to resist the draft, performing alternate service during the war, racial issues, teaching experiences at an African American school in Mississippi, race relations, social issues and revolutions.

1 tape, 90 mins., 29 pp. Interview by C. Arthur Bradley, 1988 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents Former Mayor Michael Houston discusses his tenure as Springfield’s mayor from 1979 to 1987. He recalls his employment prior to and after being elected mayor, and he discusses events during his tenure such as the revitalization of downtown Springfield, lawsuits, and both failures and accomplishments while in office.1 CD, 2 tapes, 90 mins., 39 pp. Interview by Pam Springer, 2006 See collateral file – News clippings from the State Journal-Register, Inauguration speech, League of...