Scope and Contents WWII CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS PROJECT Howard Spragg, one of eight Union Seminary students jailed for refusing to register for the draft during WWII, discusses his interest and activism in theology, pacifism, socialism, and utopianism. He discusses work with the Workers Defense League; the solidarity among the eight Seminary students; imprisonment at Danbury Federal Correction Center; ministering; the South Congregational Church in Chicago; work as conference minister in Puerto Rico; work with...

Scope and Contents

WWII CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS PROJECT Jane Spragg, physician, married to Howard Spragg, recalls medical school, Ryder Memorial Hospital in Puerto Rico, Family Planning and Planned Parenthood Clinics, abortion issues, and her own medical practice. Also discusses pacifism, her husband Howard, and the Sojourner Truth Housing Riot in Detroit.

1 tape, 75 mins., 32 pp. Interview by C. Arthur Bradley, 1988 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents

Springer, teacher, recalls teaching in rural schools in Cass County, Illinois and describes school activities, children, and education in one room schools.

2 tapes, 180 mins., 38 pp. Interview by Marjorie Taylor, 1973 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents

GERMAN-AMERICANS PROJECT Carl and Helen Staab, lifelong residents of Springfield, discuss their German ancestors and hostility toward Germans during WWII.

1 tape, 30 mins., 11 pp. Interview by Leslie Leamons, 1972 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents Staggs recalls early 20th century rural life at Cory, Indiana: town life, butchering, church, teenage employment and education. Also discusses working at Sinclair Oil Refinery in East Chicago, the Depression, prohibition, courtship and marriage, his wife's family, a canteen business, and Champaign, Illinois. Also mentions different businesses in Illinois and Indiana.4 tapes, 315 mins., 80 pp. Interview by Francie Staggs, 1982 OPEN See collateral file: interviewer's notes and...

Scope and Contents

STEAMBOATS AND INLAND RIVERS Narrators of this memoir recall riverboats, Midwest rivers, river stories, rafting, locks and dams, freight, and life on the rivers. The narrators, interviewed on board the Avalon, are Courtney Ellis, engineer; Arthur Schletker, captain; Johnny Dobbs, pilot; and Lawrence Allen, captain.

1 tape, 34 pp. Interview by John Knoepfle, 1957 OPEN: released by John Knoepfle

Scope and Contents

STEAMBOATS AND INLAND RIVERS Johnny Lawhead, ferry operator, and Emory Edgington, captain, each discuss their riverboat experiences. Lawhead discusses his ferry operation between Coney Island (near Cincinnati) and Brent, Kentucky. Edgington recalls experiences with steamboats, towboats, coal hauling, and weather on Ohio rivers.

2 tapes, 14 pp. Interviews by John Knoepfle, 1957 OPEN: released by John Knoepfle

Scope and Contents

ONE ROOM SCHOOL PROJECT Steinhour recalls being a student and then a teacher in one room schools and discusses tests, janitorial duties, heat, and community meetings.

1 tape, 30 mins., 8 pp. Interview by Jane Stout, 1972 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Helen Stephens, member of the First Congregational Church in Springfield, discusses activities and events in the church: Forefather's Day dinners, the 1956 church fire and the temporary move to Temple B'rith Sholom; fundraising, rebuilding, and groundbreaking for the new church; women's activities; and affiliation with the United Church of Christ.

2 tapes, 180 mins., 35 pp. Interview by Henry Russel, 1980 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents

Judith Stephens discusses her childhood memories of WWII; emergency rationing, scrap drives, patriotism, and family members and friends involvement in the war.

2 tapes, 105 mins., 30 pp. Interview by John Cockrell, 1981 OPEN See collateral file