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Sieber recalls work and stores in late 19th century Jacksonville, Illinois.

1 tape, 10 mins., 4 pp. Interview by Donald Robinson, 1954 OPEN See collateral file

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COAL MINING AND UNION ACTIVITIES PROJECT Singer recalls Italian miners and the company mining store in Riverton, Illinois, John L. Lewis, 1931 miners' march on Taylorville, and Springfield's business district in the late 1920's.

1 tape, 44 mins., 12 pp. Interview by Rex Rhodes, 1972 OPEN See collateral file

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RADIO PROJECT Singer, radio broadcaster, recalls the early years of radio, his broadcasting jobs, remote broadcasts, radio bands, dance and other programs, advertising, equipment, and Springfield radio stations. Also mentions working in Canada's Yukon Territory and the influence of television on radio.

1 tape, 90 mins., 44 pp. Interview by William Ortman, 1973 OPEN See collateral file

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Michael Skowera, farmer, discusses the history of the Skowera Farm in Putnam County, Illinois: his ancestors’ acquisition of the farm, the generations who have inherited it, and changes in faming techniques and in the farm itself over 125 years. Also discusses his ownership and the future of the farm.

Memoir, 62 pp. Interviewed by Leanna Skowera, 2001 OPEN

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COAL MINING AND UNION ACTIVITIES PROJECT Small, editor of the Harrisburg Daily Register, recalls mine wars and violence between the Progressive Miners and United Mine Workers in Illinois; the Sahara Coal Company in Saline County; and descriptions of the UMW and PMA. Also recalls gangsters and gang violence in the 1930's.

1 tape, 63 mins., 26 pp. Interview by Rex Rhodes, 1972 OPEN See collateral file

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Smirnoff, comedian and Russian immigrant, discusses life in the Soviet Union, Russian officials, his career as a comedian, and censorship in the USSR.

1 tape, 15 mins., 10 pp. Interview by William Ortman, 1985 RESTRICTED: May be read but not quoted, cited, or reproduced.

Scope and Contents Alumni SAGE Society Legacy Oral History Project Smith enrolled in Sangamon State University in 1971 and earned his master’s degree in business and public administration. A Chicago native, Smith discusses his family background in politics, his previous attendance at Loyola University from which he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, and his military service including a tour in Vietnam. Smith especially remembers Michael Ayers, who acted as his faculty advisor. He recalls the...

Scope and Contents ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ORAL HISTORY PROGRAM Elbert S. Smith, member of the Illinois Senate 1949-57, discusses issues and accomplishments of his years in the General Assembly: constitutional revision, judicial reform, and reapportionment; civil rights, public utilities, and education legislation; the Gateway amendment, aeronautics, military affairs legislation, and conservation issues. Also discusses his years before the General Assembly: family, farming, Millikin University, University...

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Etta K. Smith, resident of Springfield, recalls Springfield in the early 20th century: businesses, downtown work and wages, and the 1908 race riot.

1 tape, 60 mins., 20 pp. Interview by Ruth Knack, 1976 OPEN

Scope and Contents ILLINOIS COMMUNITY COLLEGES Gerald W. Smith discusses his work in Illinois education and Illinois community colleges: Moline High School and Moline Community College 1946-53; Elmwood Park Community High School district 1953-60; Executive Director of the Illinois Association of School Administrators at the Illinois Education Association in Springfield 1960-66; the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Junior College Act of 1965; Executive Secretary of the Illinois Junior College Board...