41 50 4772 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fb42fbff55acfd17b7405c508386ae7c6.jpg ae4cb04d00c3f619899020091438de15 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Collection Description An account of the resource Photographs from the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Collection. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-1990 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Housing area #2 with original Richland home on George Washington Way looking Northeast. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/08/1943 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context HASI.1996.001.30 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F8b77e39aa44cb09e93cb5011d1d6e1ab.jpg d9fc3c343edf43bc6ef0936c64c79943 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Collection Description An account of the resource Photographs from the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Collection. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-1990 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Housing area #36. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/08/1943 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context HASI.1996.001.29 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F436f77529429b99e67ccbef560ddc71b.jpg c2545e0a857b677a0263f87a9f32ca55 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Collection Description An account of the resource Photographs from the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Collection. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-1990 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Housing area #6. Undeveloped site, background shows several houses in the distance. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 10/14/1943 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context HASI.1996.001.10 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fa868b4f42757775c6e60ece1285b7c7a.jpg f2f6b59020e1c8716ae090c059ab9ec0 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Collection Description An account of the resource Photographs from the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Collection. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-1990 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Housing area. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context HASI.1996.001.31 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fcf742a09d21d930cafcfd17b2a5ae942.jpg 74881d28d4693952b48a2505e8ea1388 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Guide to the Pre-Manhattan Project Towns of Hanford, White Bluffs, and Richland Subject The topic of the resource The towns of Hanford, White Bluffs and Richland Washington prior to 1943. Description An account of the resource Project funded by the Benton County, Washington Historical Preservation Grant. A virtual guide to the communities displaced when the federal government inaugurated the Manhattan Project on the Hanford Site in 1943. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document W. R. Amon and his son, Howard S. Amon, first settled in the lower Yakima Valley in 1904 when the pair purchased the large expansive Rosencrance Ranch, located on what is now Lee Boulevard and Goethals Drive in Richland near the Columbia River, from Ben Rosencrance. The following year in 1905, they purchased the Rich Ranch from Nelson Rich, a prominent local landowner, and a member of the Washington State Legislature from 1901-1902 and 1911-1913. The Amons quickly became prominent figures in the area as a result of their extensive philanthropy. The Amons were instrumental in Richland receiving its first telephone connections. Columbia Telephone System, a phone company based in the neighboring town of Kennewick, was able to provide phone service to Richland by extending Amon’s private line to the rest of town. This would have been a significant technological advancement for the small farming community. Not only would this have made communication between residents possible for social and emergency reasons, but it also would have connected Richland to the outside world. The Amons also invested in and worked to improve the small town’s irrigation systems. In the arid desert climate of eastern Washington, irrigation was crucial for survival. Settlers used various methods to bring water to their homesteads from digging wells and small canals and flumes. Some of the larger farms in the area were dependent on the enormous Rosencrance water wheel on the Yakima River for water. The Amons replaced this water wheel with a more effective gasoline powered water pump. In the spring of 1905, the Amons were among the founders of the Benton Water Company and quickly made a claim for 400 cubic feet of water per second from the Yakima River. This water was used for irrigation throughout the small town as well as for generating electricity for lighting and manufacturing. In the fall of 1908, the Benton Water Company and the Lower Yakima Irrigation Company merged, which ultimately led to the construction of a 15-mile long canal known as the Richland Irrigation Canal, which expanded the area that the irrigation system could reach, especially in north Richland. The Amons were also instrumental in the mapping out and establishment of Richland as a town. By 1905 the father-son duo had acquired 2,300 acres and proposed a townsite. To decide on a name for the new town a contest was held. The town name suggestions were drawn from a hat, the last name drawn was the winner – Benton briefly became the name of the small town in honor of the newly established Benton County. The name, however, did not last for long, as the United States Postal Service rejected the name for being too similar to the name of another small Washington town in Pierce County: Benston. As a result, the town was named Richland after Nelson Rich, and officially incorporated in 1910. In 1911, Howard Amon presented to the town of Richland (represented by C. F. Breithaupt) the deed to Amon Park as a gift to the community. In 1912 a decorative stone archway was constructed to mark the entrance to the park. The original archway was destroyed shortly after the federal government began acquiring land in Hanford, White Bluffs, and Richland in 1943 as part of the top-secret wartime project that would ultimately come to be known as the Manhattan Project. It was also at this point that Amon Park was renamed Riverside Park. In 1918 a well was dug for the convenience of picnickers, a bandstand was constructed in 1920, and in 1934 volunteers began construction of a community swimming pool and bathhouse at the north end of the park which officially opened on July 4th, 1936. Amon Park’s annual Independence Day celebrations have been a favorite of the community for generations. In a letter written by Estella Murray West, who grew up in Richland, she recalls that “Fourth of July at Amon Park was always something. One year we even had a May Pole dance. We always had fried chicken, home-made freezer ice cream, sponge cake and potato salad. And fireworks a-plenty.” Over the last century the park has been transformed into picturesque grounds, perfect for a wide range of recreational activities for the community. Today an extensive path runs the length of the park the shore of the Columbia River that is ideal for strolls or biking. The park boasts an impressive children’s playground, tennis courts, and community center. Sprawling lawns under the canopy of hundred-plus year-old trees make for the perfect picnic spot and location for such family friendly events from car shows, art walks, concerts, cultural festivals and much more. A replica of the original park archway was constructed and dedicated by the Richland Centennial Committee on July 4th, 2010 approximately 25 feet northeast of where the original would have stood. For more than a century Howard Amon Park has remained a popular community locale not only for Richland – the town that the Amons worked so hard to help establish – but for the Tri-Cities as a whole. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Howard Amon Park Subject The topic of the resource A virtual guide to the communities displaced when the federal government inaugurated the Manhattan Project on the Hanford Site in 1943. Funded by the Benton County, Washington Historical Preservation Grant. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F5f262e58fb0a669625ab632cca216f5b.jpg 28a0bf83e92314b2ce6d8ee600555662 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection Subject The topic of the resource History of the Hanford, WA and White Bluffs, WA town sites and the Hanford Site. Description An account of the resource Photographs donated to the Hanford History Project by the family of Harry and Juanita Anderson. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Abstract A summary of the resource. The Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection has been graciously donated by their family members. This collection contains documents and photographs pertaining to the residents of White Bluffs, Hanford, and the surrounding areas that were forced by the government to sell their land and leave the area, in order to make way for the Manhattan Project. Also, housed in the collection is information regarding the reunions and picnics that were held for the families affected by the relocation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Hudson Bay log cabin trading post Description An account of the resource Hudson bay trading post. "Part of the Hudson Bay Trading Post, located at White Bluffs near Wiehl Ranch. Built in 1850. Picture taken in 1936 and loaned by Archie Borden, Benton City." Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG4I_1281 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F42933429cf0ccfd19bf83aea3ddf36ce.jpg c4897a9905f0c827e12521665fe0907f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection Subject The topic of the resource History of the Hanford, WA and White Bluffs, WA town sites and the Hanford Site. Description An account of the resource Photographs donated to the Hanford History Project by the family of Harry and Juanita Anderson. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Abstract A summary of the resource. The Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection has been graciously donated by their family members. This collection contains documents and photographs pertaining to the residents of White Bluffs, Hanford, and the surrounding areas that were forced by the government to sell their land and leave the area, in order to make way for the Manhattan Project. Also, housed in the collection is information regarding the reunions and picnics that were held for the families affected by the relocation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Hudson Bay trading post cabin Description An account of the resource Hudson bay trading post blacksmith log cabin, located on the north side of the Columbia River. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG4I_1077 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fab01569cde832805b6121d7b95bff227.jpg 26cef3a6517d2dde4200ebfdba9c6c9c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection Subject The topic of the resource History of the Hanford, WA and White Bluffs, WA town sites and the Hanford Site. Description An account of the resource Photographs donated to the Hanford History Project by the family of Harry and Juanita Anderson. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Abstract A summary of the resource. The Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection has been graciously donated by their family members. This collection contains documents and photographs pertaining to the residents of White Bluffs, Hanford, and the surrounding areas that were forced by the government to sell their land and leave the area, in order to make way for the Manhattan Project. Also, housed in the collection is information regarding the reunions and picnics that were held for the families affected by the relocation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Hunting haul, Owl Description An account of the resource Edmund Anderson and two other men holding up their hunt; several birds, and a large owl. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG4I_1102 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F42f6865e0143742d6359d2b0ec6cab1f.jpg 92b71a66535106b7317e45914d5c4d22 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Community Photograph Collections Subject The topic of the resource History of Hanford and the Tri-Cities area Description An account of the resource Photographs donated by the community to the Hanford History Project Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Language A language of the resource English Abstract A summary of the resource. The Community Collections of the Hanford History Project have been graciously donated by community members for preservation and research use. Many of these are collections that were donated to the former Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science, and Technology (CREHST) and transferred to WSU Tri-Cities in 2014. Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. [Item ID], Community Collections, Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Photo Physical Dimensions The actual physical size of the original image 8.8 x 13.8 cm Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Hwy. 410 Between Kennewick and Richland Subject The topic of the resource Flooding; Roads; Trees; Aerial views; Columbia River Description An account of the resource "1 photograph; 8.8 x 13.8 cm. Entire area flooded. Text on front of image reads: ""Hwy. 410 - Between Kennewick and Richland; Rob Johnson Christian 7"". Text on back of image reads: ""Old River Highway - to Kennewick; 1948 Flood""." Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rob Johnson Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project, Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1948-01-01 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For permission to publish please contact Washington State University Tri-Cities' Hanford History Project (509) 372-7447. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/ tif Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG1D_4B_0323 Date Accepted Date of acceptance of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Accepted may be relevant are a thesis (accepted by a university department) or an article (accepted by a journal). 2017-05-22 Date Submitted Date of submission of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Submitted may be relevant are a thesis (submitted to a university department) or an article (submitted to a journal). 2018-11-14 Access Rights Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies. For permission to publish please contact Washington State University Tri-Cities' Hanford History Project (509) 372-7447. Aerial views Columbia River Flooding Roads Trees https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F5df5b5fa8ba6931961c9a606dea65c76.jpg 45138586b707445fb96f9463c941c172 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection Subject The topic of the resource History of the Hanford, WA and White Bluffs, WA town sites and the Hanford Site. Description An account of the resource Photographs donated to the Hanford History Project by the family of Harry and Juanita Anderson. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Abstract A summary of the resource. The Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection has been graciously donated by their family members. This collection contains documents and photographs pertaining to the residents of White Bluffs, Hanford, and the surrounding areas that were forced by the government to sell their land and leave the area, in order to make way for the Manhattan Project. Also, housed in the collection is information regarding the reunions and picnics that were held for the families affected by the relocation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Hydro plane races in action Description An account of the resource Hydro plane races in action, on the Columbia River. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG4I_1327 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Guide to the Pre-Manhattan Project Towns of Hanford, White Bluffs, and Richland Subject The topic of the resource The towns of Hanford, White Bluffs and Richland Washington prior to 1943. Description An account of the resource Project funded by the Benton County, Washington Historical Preservation Grant. A virtual guide to the communities displaced when the federal government inaugurated the Manhattan Project on the Hanford Site in 1943. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Approximately fifteen thousand years ago, roaring walls of water hundreds of feet high ripped through the Priest Rapids Valley at 80 miles an hour, scarring the hills and ridges, gouging out new ravines and coulees, and leaving sediment strewn across the landscape. All human and animal life in the path of the raging waters died instantly. Floods on this massive scale happened not once, but hundreds of times over the course of the last Ice Age, a period of glaciation lasting roughly 2.6 million years. During this time, glaciers across North America underwent cycles of expansion and contraction that lasted tens of thousands of years. The most recent cycle occurred between 80,000 and 15,000 years ago. The Cordilleran glacier spread south from Canada sending giant fingers of ice into Washington, Idaho, and Montana. One finger (the Purcell Trench ice lobe) traveled down the border of Idaho and Montana, creating an ice dam in the Rocky Mountains that prevented the flow of the Clark Fork River. Valleys behind the dam quickly filled with water to form 3,000 square mile Lake Missoula in Montana. Geologists estimate that between 15,000 and 13,000 years ago the ice containing Lake Missoula failed as many as 100 separate times, creating what are known as the Missoula Floods. Rising water either caused the ice dam to float, or melted and widened cracks until the dam collapsed. Torrents of water then swept south and west across eastern Washington, traveling hundreds of miles before emptying through the Willamette Valley of Oregon into the Pacific Ocean. Water traveled so fast that each flood only lasted a week. Floodwater scraped away topsoil to form the Channeled Scablands and dramatically reshaped the topography of central and eastern Washington. Other giant floods also occurred during this period. Seventeen thousand years ago, Lake Bonneville (the larger ancestor of the Great Salt Lake) in Utah smashed through its rocky bank, sending water as far north as Washington. Glacial Lake Columbia in northern Washington also unleashed water when the glacier containing it retreated at the end of the ice age. Together these floods significantly impacted the environment and landscape of the Priest Rapids Valley. The landmarks these floods left behind are readily distinguishable today. As floodwaters advanced south, they slammed into the Saddle Mountains along the northern border of the Priest Rapids Valley. Too high to breach, the mountains forced water west through Sentinel Gap just south of Beverly and east along what became the Ringold and Koontz Coulees, flowing down towards Hanford. Missoula floodwaters slowed when they reached the narrow Wallula Gap southeast of Kennewick, a two mile opening in the Horse Heaven Hills through which the Columbia River flows to the sea. Excess floodwater quickly backed up into the Yakama and Priest Rapids Valleys, forming Lake Lewis. When the water slowed it deposited sediment, forming the Priest Rapids Bar near Priest Rapids Dam and Cold Creek Bar where much of the Hanford Site rests today. The Cold Creek Bar rerouted the Columbia River, blocking its original route south and forcing it east past the Hanford Site and White Bluffs. Flood deposits also rerouted the Yakama River, channeling it north through the Horn Rapids. On the Hanford Site, water completely covered Gable Mountain, eroding its slopes into the narrow, elongated shape seen today. Floodwaters also eroded the bluffs east of the Columbia, exposing distinctive white soil that gave name to the early town of White Bluffs. Could humans have witnessed these massive floods and lived to tell the tale? There is little evidence either way, although some Native American oral histories have reportedly been passed down for 14,000 years, and many stories from the region do refer to historic floods. In addition, Rattlesnake Mountain on the southern edge of the Priest Rapids Valley and one of the few landmarks higher than the floodwater is known to Native tribes as Laliik, or “‘stands above the water.’” Anyone lucky enough to survive the flooding would have had a difficult time remaining in the valley however. It takes time for plant and animal life to recover, and cyclical flooding ensured repeated destruction every several decades. As floodwaters emptied out of the Priest Rapids Valley, they left behind rocky debris from grounded icebergs and layers of sandy sediment. Thousands of years later, this sediment defines agricultural life in the region. Many crops grow well here, and the region is particularly well suited to grapes that thrive in the dry, permeable soil. Many American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) denoting quality wine regions are concentrated around the Priest Rapids Valley. Conversely, this loose, water-permeable soil also ensures that all but the best insulated irrigation canals constantly leak. Loose soil also contributes to frequent dust storms, a fact many new Hanford Site employees discovered when they arrived. Perhaps the most pressing concern is the fact that the majority of the Hanford Site’s slowly leaking nuclear waste remains stored in this ice age sediment. The age of these mammoth floods has long past, but their presence remains etched in the valley and the lives of its inhabitants. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Ice Age Floods Subject The topic of the resource A virtual guide to the communities displaced when the federal government inaugurated the Manhattan Project on the Hanford Site in 1943. Funded by the Benton County, Washington Historical Preservation Grant. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fca84b93bf4ea3b2547a39de44f3fb232.jpg 7dd7d22ce56903d0d5af9e4d38227a9d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection Subject The topic of the resource History of the Hanford, WA and White Bluffs, WA town sites and the Hanford Site. Description An account of the resource Photographs donated to the Hanford History Project by the family of Harry and Juanita Anderson. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Abstract A summary of the resource. The Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection has been graciously donated by their family members. This collection contains documents and photographs pertaining to the residents of White Bluffs, Hanford, and the surrounding areas that were forced by the government to sell their land and leave the area, in order to make way for the Manhattan Project. Also, housed in the collection is information regarding the reunions and picnics that were held for the families affected by the relocation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Ice on the Columbia Description An account of the resource Ice on the Columbia River. Man and two dogs pose for the picture. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG4I_1269 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F16e9425abcf3077eda691c5b03eb7a9b.jpg 7aedbf52260b2daa7af8464432fdcf28 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection Subject The topic of the resource History of the Hanford, WA and White Bluffs, WA town sites and the Hanford Site. Description An account of the resource Photographs donated to the Hanford History Project by the family of Harry and Juanita Anderson. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Abstract A summary of the resource. The Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection has been graciously donated by their family members. This collection contains documents and photographs pertaining to the residents of White Bluffs, Hanford, and the surrounding areas that were forced by the government to sell their land and leave the area, in order to make way for the Manhattan Project. Also, housed in the collection is information regarding the reunions and picnics that were held for the families affected by the relocation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iced over Columbia River Description An account of the resource "Ice on River". Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG4I_119 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F73c2c5ec8f8053b37b2a9a699eb78955.jpg 3afe91282f5fdd2c7faa16413051e63d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection Subject The topic of the resource History of the Hanford, WA and White Bluffs, WA town sites and the Hanford Site. Description An account of the resource Photographs donated to the Hanford History Project by the family of Harry and Juanita Anderson. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Abstract A summary of the resource. The Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection has been graciously donated by their family members. This collection contains documents and photographs pertaining to the residents of White Bluffs, Hanford, and the surrounding areas that were forced by the government to sell their land and leave the area, in order to make way for the Manhattan Project. Also, housed in the collection is information regarding the reunions and picnics that were held for the families affected by the relocation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Icycle Creek hunting Description An account of the resource "My first deer. On the Icycle Creek about 1946." Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1946 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG4I_054 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Faa89d5e26b062dc4a02607bf426e59c2.jpg 543cbf35c85e1a8c8b186493946083fc Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection Subject The topic of the resource History of the Hanford, WA and White Bluffs, WA town sites and the Hanford Site. Description An account of the resource Photographs donated to the Hanford History Project by the family of Harry and Juanita Anderson. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Abstract A summary of the resource. The Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection has been graciously donated by their family members. This collection contains documents and photographs pertaining to the residents of White Bluffs, Hanford, and the surrounding areas that were forced by the government to sell their land and leave the area, in order to make way for the Manhattan Project. Also, housed in the collection is information regarding the reunions and picnics that were held for the families affected by the relocation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource IGA Store Description An account of the resource IGA store street scene. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG4I_1220 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F4b8d158c706f5cae70743b81fcb605b1.jpg 9e3355e7e86122e6d06885edb04c5690 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Dennis Brunson, Oral History Metadata Subject The topic of the resource Metadata received during oral history interview with Dennis Brunson Description An account of the resource Items donated by Dennis Brunson to the Hanford History Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Relation A related resource <a href="http://hanfordhistory.com/items/show/2081">Dennis Brunson oral history interview</a> Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Improper attire Subject The topic of the resource Health & safety at work Description An account of the resource A drawing of two people with outdoor occupations wearing inappropriate dress. Type The nature or genre of the resource Pictures; Cartoons (Commentary) Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Department of Energy Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Relation A related resource Supplementary to Dennis Brunson oral history Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource TIFF Language A language of the resource English Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Calicoat, Beverly https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F1698240e8db0e00ef05733eb6de802c8.jpg 965761fe372e1e6b5733c57d06365a60 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Dennis Brunson, Oral History Metadata Subject The topic of the resource Metadata received during oral history interview with Dennis Brunson Description An account of the resource Items donated by Dennis Brunson to the Hanford History Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Relation A related resource <a href="http://hanfordhistory.com/items/show/2081">Dennis Brunson oral history interview</a> Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Industrial building in mountain setting Subject The topic of the resource Factories; Mountains; Trees Description An account of the resource A drawing of an industrial building with mountains behind it. Type The nature or genre of the resource Pictures; Cartoons (Commentary) Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Department of Energy Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Relation A related resource Supplementary to Dennis Brunson oral history Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource TIFF Language A language of the resource English Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Brunson, Dennis https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F79c53d9f10cd2dd9500f5e00ddec9e0d.jpg 17d6434e8edde70cc6684d7d76106827 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Community Photograph Collections Subject The topic of the resource History of Hanford and the Tri-Cities area Description An account of the resource Photographs donated by the community to the Hanford History Project Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Language A language of the resource English Abstract A summary of the resource. The Community Collections of the Hanford History Project have been graciously donated by community members for preservation and research use. Many of these are collections that were donated to the former Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science, and Technology (CREHST) and transferred to WSU Tri-Cities in 2014. Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. [Item ID], Community Collections, Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Photo Physical Dimensions The actual physical size of the original image 8.8 x 13.6 cm Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Industrial Plant Hanford 2-114 Subject The topic of the resource Nuclear plant; Aerial views Description An account of the resource "1 photograph; 8.8 x 13.6 cm. Smoke rising from the industrial plant at Hanford. Text on image reads: ""Industrial Plant Hanford; 8-114""." Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project, Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For permission to publish please contact Washington State University Tri-Cities' Hanford History Project (509) 372-7447. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/ tif Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG1D_4B_0277 Date Accepted Date of acceptance of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Accepted may be relevant are a thesis (accepted by a university department) or an article (accepted by a journal). 2017-05-22 Date Submitted Date of submission of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Submitted may be relevant are a thesis (submitted to a university department) or an article (submitted to a journal). 2018-11-09 Access Rights Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies. For permission to publish please contact Washington State University Tri-Cities' Hanford History Project (509) 372-7447. Aerial views Nuclear plant https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F3ee4e90ddc9b03ce08d997e8e27ca509.jpg 05bb863fbd1c7a9be677d258a07fc85a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Community Photograph Collections Subject The topic of the resource History of Hanford and the Tri-Cities area Description An account of the resource Photographs donated by the community to the Hanford History Project Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Language A language of the resource English Abstract A summary of the resource. The Community Collections of the Hanford History Project have been graciously donated by community members for preservation and research use. Many of these are collections that were donated to the former Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science, and Technology (CREHST) and transferred to WSU Tri-Cities in 2014. Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. [Item ID], Community Collections, Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Photo Physical Dimensions The actual physical size of the original image 8.8 x 13.8 cm Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Industrial Plant Hanford 8-114 Subject The topic of the resource Atomic bombs; Aerial views; Columbia River Description An account of the resource "1 photograph; 8.8 x 13.8 cm. Old reactor plant at Hanford Works Richland Wash, 100-B Reactor. Text on front of image reads: ""Industrial Plant Hanford; 8-114"". Text on back of image reads: ""Old reactor Plant at HANFORD Works Richland, Wash 100-B Reactor""." Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project, Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For permission to publish please contact Washington State University Tri-Cities' Hanford History Project (509) 372-7447. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/ tif Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG1D_4B_0309 Date Accepted Date of acceptance of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Accepted may be relevant are a thesis (accepted by a university department) or an article (accepted by a journal). 2017-05-22 Date Submitted Date of submission of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Submitted may be relevant are a thesis (submitted to a university department) or an article (submitted to a journal). 2018-11-13 Access Rights Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies. For permission to publish please contact Washington State University Tri-Cities' Hanford History Project (509) 372-7447. Aerial views Atomic bombs Columbia River https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F541a0d523a1d3e57e9c4e7b6976f6a60.jpg 211a6acf899882d294e40db38d864de5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Dennis Brunson, Oral History Metadata Subject The topic of the resource Metadata received during oral history interview with Dennis Brunson Description An account of the resource Items donated by Dennis Brunson to the Hanford History Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Relation A related resource <a href="http://hanfordhistory.com/items/show/2081">Dennis Brunson oral history interview</a> Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Information systems marriage Description An account of the resource A drawing of site-specific knowledge getting married to printed DOE Hazmat modules. Type The nature or genre of the resource Pictures; Cartoons (Commentary) Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Department of Energy Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Relation A related resource Supplementary to Dennis Brunson oral history Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource TIFF Language A language of the resource English Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Brunson, Dennis https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fc35b79d41a2dd655440a15342e6aaf02.jpg 3635e238a4e5b6f2dc20ccf7576e8a21 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Community Photograph Collections Subject The topic of the resource History of Hanford and the Tri-Cities area Description An account of the resource Photographs donated by the community to the Hanford History Project Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Language A language of the resource English Abstract A summary of the resource. The Community Collections of the Hanford History Project have been graciously donated by community members for preservation and research use. Many of these are collections that were donated to the former Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science, and Technology (CREHST) and transferred to WSU Tri-Cities in 2014. Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. [Item ID], Community Collections, Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Photo Physical Dimensions The actual physical size of the original image 2.4 x 3.5 cm Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Inside a Building Subject The topic of the resource Building; Stores Description An account of the resource "1 film; 2.4 x 3.5 cm. Photo taken from inside of a room with various items in sight." Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project, Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For permission to publish please contact Washington State University Tri-Cities' Hanford History Project (509) 372-7447. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/ tif Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG1D_4B_0421 Date Accepted Date of acceptance of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Accepted may be relevant are a thesis (accepted by a university department) or an article (accepted by a journal). 2017-05-26 Date Submitted Date of submission of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Submitted may be relevant are a thesis (submitted to a university department) or an article (submitted to a journal). 2018-11-20 Access Rights Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies. For permission to publish please contact Washington State University Tri-Cities' Hanford History Project (509) 372-7447. Building Stores https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fa17429958b165fd79d791563c2a04b43.jpg 41c9f266ca62a8515795537e5926fdcc Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Community Photograph Collections Subject The topic of the resource History of Hanford and the Tri-Cities area Description An account of the resource Photographs donated by the community to the Hanford History Project Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Language A language of the resource English Abstract A summary of the resource. The Community Collections of the Hanford History Project have been graciously donated by community members for preservation and research use. Many of these are collections that were donated to the former Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science, and Technology (CREHST) and transferred to WSU Tri-Cities in 2014. Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. [Item ID], Community Collections, Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Photo Physical Dimensions The actual physical size of the original image 20.6 x 25.5 cm Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Inside a Building Subject The topic of the resource Building; Industry Description An account of the resource "1 photograph; 20.6 x 25.5 cm. Inside of a building with lots of pipes and tubes." Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project, Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For permission to publish please contact Washington State University Tri-Cities' Hanford History Project (509) 372-7447. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/ tif Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG1D_4B_0447 Date Accepted Date of acceptance of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Accepted may be relevant are a thesis (accepted by a university department) or an article (accepted by a journal). 2017-05-26 Date Submitted Date of submission of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Submitted may be relevant are a thesis (submitted to a university department) or an article (submitted to a journal). 2018-11-26 Access Rights Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies. For permission to publish please contact Washington State University Tri-Cities' Hanford History Project (509) 372-7447. Building Industry https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fd487ef638580331d2f3fa764baf7a853.jpg 279e56a82795b6a967463d79487da2db Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Community Photograph Collections Subject The topic of the resource History of Hanford and the Tri-Cities area Description An account of the resource Photographs donated by the community to the Hanford History Project Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Language A language of the resource English Abstract A summary of the resource. The Community Collections of the Hanford History Project have been graciously donated by community members for preservation and research use. Many of these are collections that were donated to the former Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science, and Technology (CREHST) and transferred to WSU Tri-Cities in 2014. Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. [Item ID], Community Collections, Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Photo Physical Dimensions The actual physical size of the original image 12.7 x 17.8 cm Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Inside of a Shed Subject The topic of the resource Sheds, Pipes Description An account of the resource "1 photograph: col.; 12.7 x 17.8 cm. Inside of a shed showing pipes." Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project, Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For permission to publish please contact Washington State University Tri-Cities' Hanford History Project (509) 372-7447. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/ tif Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG1D_4B_0038 Date Accepted Date of acceptance of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Accepted may be relevant are a thesis (accepted by a university department) or an article (accepted by a journal). 2017-05-16 Date Submitted Date of submission of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Submitted may be relevant are a thesis (submitted to a university department) or an article (submitted to a journal). 2018-10-31 Access Rights Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies. For permission to publish please contact Washington State University Tri-Cities' Hanford History Project (509) 372-7447. Pipes Sheds https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F64676d75196b0e58da115ff5e1dad993.jpg a7cb7e44a851d33c88941886e3e8cc3f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection Subject The topic of the resource History of the Hanford, WA and White Bluffs, WA town sites and the Hanford Site. Description An account of the resource Photographs donated to the Hanford History Project by the family of Harry and Juanita Anderson. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Abstract A summary of the resource. The Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection has been graciously donated by their family members. This collection contains documents and photographs pertaining to the residents of White Bluffs, Hanford, and the surrounding areas that were forced by the government to sell their land and leave the area, in order to make way for the Manhattan Project. Also, housed in the collection is information regarding the reunions and picnics that were held for the families affected by the relocation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Inside of Portland Fire Dept.'s disaster bus Description An account of the resource Inside of the Portland Fire Department's "Jay W. Steven's disaster bus. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1939 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG4I_537 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fc651630801cddac7714f85ae37f8ff3b.jpg 483aaaf0575bd36213aa1ee22c8885e2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Community Photograph Collections Subject The topic of the resource History of Hanford and the Tri-Cities area Description An account of the resource Photographs donated by the community to the Hanford History Project Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Language A language of the resource English Abstract A summary of the resource. The Community Collections of the Hanford History Project have been graciously donated by community members for preservation and research use. Many of these are collections that were donated to the former Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science, and Technology (CREHST) and transferred to WSU Tri-Cities in 2014. Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. [Item ID], Community Collections, Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Photo Physical Dimensions The actual physical size of the original image 12.7 x 17.8 cm Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Inside of Stone Repository Subject The topic of the resource Stone Description An account of the resource "1 photograph: col.; 12.7 x 17.8 cm. Showing the area inside of a stone repository." Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project, Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For permission to publish please contact Washington State University Tri-Cities' Hanford History Project (509) 372-7447. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/ tif Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG1D_4B_0002 Date Accepted Date of acceptance of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Accepted may be relevant are a thesis (accepted by a university department) or an article (accepted by a journal). 2017-05-16 Access Rights Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies. For permission to publish please contact Washington State University Tri-Cities' Hanford History Project (509) 372-7447. Language A language of the resource None Date Submitted Date of submission of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Submitted may be relevant are a thesis (submitted to a university department) or an article (submitted to a journal). 2018-10-29 Stone https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F4ac3d5d5d6996f3b54e0d555f8801da8.jpg 16771c5122e763dda2889711e9aed3cc Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection Subject The topic of the resource History of the Hanford, WA and White Bluffs, WA town sites and the Hanford Site. Description An account of the resource Photographs donated to the Hanford History Project by the family of Harry and Juanita Anderson. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Abstract A summary of the resource. The Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection has been graciously donated by their family members. This collection contains documents and photographs pertaining to the residents of White Bluffs, Hanford, and the surrounding areas that were forced by the government to sell their land and leave the area, in order to make way for the Manhattan Project. Also, housed in the collection is information regarding the reunions and picnics that were held for the families affected by the relocation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interior of a commercial garage at White Bluffs Description An account of the resource Interior of a commercial garage at White Bluffs. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG4I_1260 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fb8c214120454af36abd1c6c1873197c0.jpg 7a9ef0eee3d89f7e08b4c087f52e0600 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Collection Description An account of the resource Photographs from the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Collection. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-1990 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interior of Allard Pump House Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context HASI.1996.001.81 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F0451cedf1ffe3c00ae780c7afb2be7f1.jpg 1e01ce16d9d71285e7741f15b9d9b139 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Yamauchi Family, Oral History Metadata Subject The topic of the resource Metadata received during oral history interview with the Yamauchi Family Description An account of the resource Items donated by the Yamauchi Family to the Hanford History Project Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Relation A related resource Yamauchi Family, Oral History Interview Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG2D_5C Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interior of café Description An account of the resource Interior of café Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG2D_5C025 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F4b26d8606f219ed49a65b4b60a80fd45.jpg 49edb6402bee3c15e2f4890fcb32fc5d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection Subject The topic of the resource History of the Hanford, WA and White Bluffs, WA town sites and the Hanford Site. Description An account of the resource Photographs donated to the Hanford History Project by the family of Harry and Juanita Anderson. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Abstract A summary of the resource. The Harry and Juanita Anderson Collection has been graciously donated by their family members. This collection contains documents and photographs pertaining to the residents of White Bluffs, Hanford, and the surrounding areas that were forced by the government to sell their land and leave the area, in order to make way for the Manhattan Project. Also, housed in the collection is information regarding the reunions and picnics that were held for the families affected by the relocation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interior of White Bluffs bank Description An account of the resource Inside the White Bluffs Bank; owned by Mr. Kincaid, who is standing on the left side of the image. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG4I_1126 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F82d6e112f262f79d78be85b8f6ba178d.jpg 09af4317dffbecf40e568df649855b82 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F31f4fb0cdc1ed782d7d6bc9bd7423711.mp4 21df589c4a4c9066957bf8ab9f5bf9fd Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Parker Foundation Oral Histories Subject The topic of the resource Nuclear science; Richland, Wa.; Hanford, Wa.; Parker, Herbert, 1910-1984 Description An account of the resource "The Herbert M. Parker Foundation collects valuable personal perspectives from key individuals who worked in radiological and environmental protection at the Hanford site in the early years of its development. Since 2004, student interns have recorded interviews from health physics and related science professionals. These historically valuable interviews document their personal experiences, observations, contributions and ideas. Several of the distinguished professionals who have spoken at the Annual Herbert M. Parker Lecture are also included. The videotaped interviews and accompanying biographical sketches will be made accessible to the public." See https://tricities.wsu.edu/parkerfoundation/ParkerHistory Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Al Rizzo Description An account of the resource An interview with Al Rizzo conducted by the Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F97cee4095329c8afb12f2a945f3a563e.MP3 34e4d4f3c18d3c8fbdcae90936b8fd55 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource B Reactor Museum Association Oral Histories Description An account of the resource Oral History Interviews conducted by the B Reactor Museum Association. The collection is split between a series of audio oral histories taken in the late 1990s and early 2000s by Gene Weisskopf that focuses on the T-Plant, and a series of video oral histories done in the early 1990s by Bill Putman that focus on the B Reactor and Hanford construction. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource MP3, DOCX Language A language of the resource English Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Alex Smith Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound [Start of Interview] Weisskopf: Today is October 27, 1999. And why don’t you give us your name and spell the last name. Smith: Alex Smith, S-m-i-t-h. Weisskopf: Did anybody know you by a nickname when you worked here? Smith: Smitty. Weisskopf: Smitty? Okay. Smith: In the early days. Later on, they didn’t. Weisskopf: And why don’t you start out, let’s talk about what you were doing before you were assigned here and how you came to Richland. Smith: I was working at Remington Arms in Salt Lake City making 30 and 50 caliber cartridges. And the first year in operation we made enough cartridges to shoot 200 rounds at every Axis shoulder and civilian. And we made so much, and there were three other plants besides the Salt Lake plant. And we drained all the coppers all the countries’ copper stockpile, eventually had to start drawing them from steel. Naturally, they were obsolete ammunition used in World War I, so a lot of them were never used after the first year, so they closed the Salt Lake plant down. Weisskopf: Where were the other two plants? Smith: There was one in Kansas City and one in Oklahoma. And, of course, back in Remington Arms main plant. Weisskopf: Okay. So they were going to close the plant you were working in? Smith: Yes. And since Remington Arms was a subsidiary of DuPont Company, and DuPont Company was doing construction of the plant at Hanford, those who wanted to go were given opportunities of being transferred up there on a job if they had qualifications of what they needed up there. So in a very short time after March or April sometime, 1943, by the time I got there in December the 9th, they had assembled some 60,000 workers from every state in the union. At that time there were only 48 states. And they sent recruiters out all over. Weisskopf: How did they present the job to you before you went out? How did they tell you what it was? Smith: They told us nothing. They told us the interviewer says he found out I had some machine shop experience, he said if we were to be called upon to design a shop of course, later on I could tell, after I saw the shop, I saw he was trying to get people who would know how to make a layout for mass production, to machine a product, is the way he put it, to set up the machinery. And he referred to most of it as carpenter machinery. Around the room, how you’d have it designed and have your assembly lines and machining lines to get the best results. That was about the only thing that he told me. I mean, anything that had any relation to the job I was to do. Weisskopf: And did that sound better than what was your other option, if you hadn’t taken him up on that? Smith: He didn’t have one. He was specifically looking for somebody to work in the 101 Building, I suppose. Weisskopf: Okay. When did you have the interview versus actually arriving in Pasco? What was the time lag, do you think? Smith: I was on my way in about three days. Weisskopf: Did you drive out? Smith: No, they put us on a train. They paid our transportation. There was quite a I would say there were probably about 50 people came up with me. Some of them didn’t stay very long. Some of them left in a hurry. There was a the whole desert was torn up, had the first windstorm of course, this was the 9th of December, and it was cold. I remember we had what we called the cattle cars with a big semi-trailer, and it had benches on either side, and the windows were all frosted up, you couldn’t see out. When we came through Richland, they had started constructing the houses, but you couldn’t see anything. You could try to scrape a thing. And at the time I came here, construction people, the engineers and people, they were DuPont employees, would get a house in probably three or four months. They had top priority, before us. The thing went along, and they started building, they of course built three reactors first. But I guess as they knew more of what they were doing, they decided that they didn’t need that many, so they concentrated on B and finished it first. Weisskopf: And you got here in December of ‘43. Smith: Yeah, December the 9th. I remember the date. Weisskopf: How many days later was it before you showed up on the job and they were Smith: I showed up the next morning. And I was taken out to 101 Building. I already apparently had enough clearance, because there was no delay in getting in. Weisskopf: You mean the basic clearance. Smith: Yeah. Weisskopf: Not a secrecy you didn’t have a real clearance? Smith: No. Weisskopf: But you were good enough for the job. They didn’t have to investigate further. Smith: Yeah. Well, I think they anybody that worked in the arms department had to have some kind of clearance. Weisskopf: Okay. Smith: Had to pass a security test. Because they had gone out to people in high school, college, university. Weisskopf: Was the 101 Building up and running when you got there? Smith: Yes. Weisskopf: It was producing already? Smith: No, they had a yeah, they had one assembly line up. Weisskopf: And it was milling graphite? Smith: Yes. It was very crude, and of course it wasn’t anything like the one we finished up with. I think there was it was two or three lines, I can’t remember for sure. Weisskopf: Let me ask you again: The 101 Building, at least then, was only used for milling graphite? Smith: That’s all. Weisskopf: That was the primary purpose. Okay. Smith: Storage. Had a big storage area for raw graphite that come in un-machined. Weisskopf: And when you went in there, what did you do the first or second day? How did they orient you to ? Smith: Well, that was in the engineering department. It was a separate they worked they reported directly to DuPont. As I remember this organization, DuPont was the construction engineer, and they furnished all the design, and the equipment, and the engineering reports, write-ups and everything, how things were to be done. But this Washington, being a strong union state, why, each craft worked for their own particular craft and they were hired out of the union hall. And there was, for example, Newberry, Chandler and Lord was the electrical contractor. I can’t remember the pipefitters. But the millwrights of course was another contractor. They all reported to their separate supervision. It was a very cumbersome organization and hard to work, but the very fact that it was a war, it would never work in peacetime, but the very fact that people loyalty was at stake, and everybody cooperated and bent backwards to try to get along and work the best they could. And DuPont Company itself, they were a pretty smart outfit. They’d been through a lot of wars, ever since the Civil well, Revolution, I guess. Weisskopf: So what were you doing the second day that they showed you the room, the building? Smith: I spent two or three days with engineers, going over the whole plan, showing us from the very beginning out to the raw storage shed place, and followed everything through. And I was going to be see, at that time they only had one shift. And I spent a week in orientation. And then I was put in charge of the swing shift. And, of course, I had a lot of people that knew what they were doing that worked on days. Weisskopf: Back then, if it wasn’t top secret, if you were to come home and describe to somebody what your job was, or what the purpose of the building was, how would you have described it? Secrecy didn’t matter, what was it that the building was doing that you were there to do? Smith: We were there to machine graphite to a lot of different shapes and sizes to very precise dimensions. And we at that time knew nothing about what it was for, what we were doing. Weisskopf: Were you familiar with graphite at all before then? Smith: Well, yes, in a way. My background was mining geology, and of course we had a lot to do with the raw materials and stuff like that. Weisskopf: And did you know you were on a war effort? That must have been pretty obvious. Smith: Oh, yes. That was made very obvious. Everybody knew. Weisskopf: Have any clue what they were going to be using graphite for? Smith: No. Not a clue. Weisskopf: Did you know how much was going to be run through there, the quantities? Smith: No idea. At that point I had never seen a reactor, never seen the place it was going. Weisskopf: Okay. So they started you as the guy running the swing shift, you said? Smith: Yes. Weisskopf: And what was that like the first few days that you did it? What was the routine? Smith: Learning for several weeks. I had a lot of here again, everybody had the spirit of cooperation. There was no jealousy, no anything as far as the fact that the others had been here the only thing I could figure out was the others have been here long enough to make several mistakes, and I hadn’t, and that was the reason I got the job. Of course, the fact that I was a shift supervisor in the arms plant, I don’t know when that was. But I do know that I had a lot of good, intelligent individuals working for me, the engineers. A lot of them who weren’t engineers but were, you know, within the limits of their background and knowledge, they were doing engineering work. There was just nothing but good cooperation on their part to help me learn my job. Weisskopf: What were some of the things that you were told that were really, really important about the graphite? Smith: Each piece of graphite has a particular place to go, so they have to each of them has to be accounted for, and we have to have a method, and they had already worked out this method. Apparently it was very much a success, because you can imagine what would happen if one of those pieces of graphite that was in the center of the pile was one that was supposed to have the receiver rod, the pipe, tube, was in there, and you shoved that in the blank, in order to keep that place cool, they had no idea whether they were going to be able to do the job or not, but certainly they would never have started up if they discovered that that would happen. So everything had to be in place. Weisskopf: Did they give you a list of sizes and pieces? Smith: Yes. They had drawings of everything. I can’t remember, but it was between two and three hundred different sizes and shapes of blocks. Weisskopf: And other than the sizes and shapes, what were the other things that they emphasized was critical about the job? Smith: Well, like I say, those that required holes drilled the length of the block, which was was it three and a half or four feet long? Weisskopf: Four feet, I think. Smith: Four? Yeah, four feet. Weisskopf: And you tempered the edges? Smith: Yes, all had to be tempered. Weisskopf: And you didn’t know why you were doing that, it was just part of the specification? Smith: Yes. Weisskopf: Were there small pieces, too? Smith: Yes, there were small, just two or three inches long, some block. It was different sizes. Mostly they were they weren’t much shorter than a foot, as I remember, make everything come out even, I guess. And then there was, over those blocks, there was blocks that had instrumentation that went into the center of the controls, and they were very special, too. Weisskopf: And you were milling them down to the finished size? Smith: Yes. Weisskopf: Till they were ready to be used? Smith: Right. They were…We had to stack them in very precise piles, all labeled, and they were to leave, to be loaded in a certain order, taken out. And one of the things that came up early on was the fact that we were we had practice runs with running the ones for 305, for the little reactor in 300 area. So we had a lot of practice in getting things done. Went out and laid that pile up. Weisskopf: You were doing that as well? Smith: Yes. It was yeah. They had already if I remember right, they had already started shipping it out for the 300 area. It wasn’t very long till they had. Weisskopf: Before they laid the graphite in the B Reactor, I know they talked about they laid up like 10 or 15 rows to make sure it all was exact, and then they’d take it out and put it into the pile. Were they doing that at the 101 Building? Smith: No. They didn’t do that on purpose out there, at 100-B. This is what I was going to tell you, that one of the sharp engineers that was there developed this method of measuring, so they didn’t have to they were going through before that calibrating everything, see? So in order this wouldn’t do in a mass production situation. So he had set up a machine and worked with that before it got up to speed and high production. He had this developed so he had sensors in three locations along the edge the length of the block. Three or four, depending on how long it was. And he could take this block and put it on a machine table, shoving it under those little lights on a screen I mean the sensors on a screen, it would position that when he shoved it under there. And that would tell us, if all the lights were green, it passed. If all the lights, or any one of them, was red, you had to pull it out and measure it by hand. Weisskopf: So instead of having to make a dozen different hand checks, you just shoved it in the box and it had Smith: Shoved it under there. It was done on a machine table, and you just shoved it in. And of course then you had to pull it out and turn one over, because you had to have two dimensions, plus the length. So there were sensors on the length, too. So it measured the length and the two sides with one push, and then you pulled it out and shoved it back in again, turned it over 90 degrees, and shoved it back in again. If it passed all dimensions, you would send it out. Well, what we weren’t sharp enough to foresee was the fact that if every if one went through just a thousandth on the high side, you multiply that by 14... And, so, (inaudible)*. Anyway, the majority of it was on the high side, but it was all well within specification. Weisskopf: Let me rephrase that. Did specifications say plus or minus so many thousandths Smith: Three-thousandths. Weisskopf: three thousandths of an inch, you expect them to average out. Smith: Yes. Weisskopf: Some less, some more. But you’re saying they were all heading towards the plus size. Smith: That’s right. So when we started to take them out, they rolled them out, take about 12 to lay them down in a pile that’s probably not the terminology that they used but anyway, that’s what we used. So by the time they worked up see, all the shielding block with the cooling water holes were already up to receive the aluminum what was that? The lining. Stainless steel. Weisskopf: The tubes? The fuel tubes were aluminum, you had 2,000 of them. Smith: Yeah. I wasn’t sure about that aluminum. I thought surely they’d be stainless, but they were aluminum. Weisskopf: Had to be aluminum. Otherwise the stainless would have shut down the reaction too much, I think. Smith: Is that a fact? Okay. All right, that’s why it was aluminum. All right. So when they shoved the aluminum tubes in, the 14th layer was the first one that had holes to receive the aluminum tubes, and they wouldn’t go in. Weisskopf: This was in the reactor itself? Smith: Yeah. It wouldn’t go past the shielding form. So the first thing somebody thought of, of course, or everybody realized that there was no control over so Weisskopf: Let me ask you again: The first 14 rows up, the first row of holes for the process tubes, none of the tubes would go in? Smith: No. Weisskopf: Okay. Smith: It was just that close. It was very close. It couldn’t have been if you had say if it was just a thousandth, it would be 14 thousandths off. They had to fit. They had to fit precisely. There couldn’t be air space or anything between the graphite and the aluminum tube. Weisskopf: And that’s when they discovered that the error had been plus, plus, plus? Smith: Yes. So we didn’t have to take it all out, but we had to take enough out and this is another thing, just keeping track of how they did a masterful job out there, and I don’t know how they did it, because I haven’t --- of keeping the of taking it out, keeping it in order, and sending certain layers I don’t remember how many they sent back, but it couldn’t have been over two or three and machined enough out to bring them down off of those, to distribute the error as much as possible, but it was down in a zone where there was no action at all, and so apparently a few thousandths off didn’t matter. Weisskopf: And if the pile was what was it? 36 feet tall, and those blocks were about 4 inches, so that’s 3 blocks per foot, it was over 100 blocks tall. And they had to come out at the top, so that last process tube would go all the way through without binding or anything else. Smith: Yeah. Weisskopf: That’s amazing. Smith: And they worked out a system after that, after that for the other reactors of course, they had to account for it for the rest of these, because there was tubing that had to go up every so often. Weisskopf: Do you remember how you identified the blocks? When you were all finished with one, it met tolerance and you were done with it, and they stamped it, we saw them in the movie stamping it with an identifier, do you remember what those IDs were, letters or numbers were? Smith: No. When you saw this, was this done you couldn’t stop them once they were all in this they had to be stamped before they were put in. Weisskopf: Oh. It looked like they were doing it at the very end. But they did put an identifying mark on them, didn’t they, at the pile, when they were laying it up, they’d know which block went where? Smith: Normally it depends on position on the roof, or how they took it out. There was four well, I don’t remember… Weisskopf: You wrapped them in paper when you were done? Smith: No. Weisskopf: Just left them bare and stacked them? Smith: We stacked them, but we covered them. We covered them all. They were always kept covered, and nobody was allowed in there. And, of course, there was no smoking in there, no chewing tobacco, or anything like that. Weisskopf: Right. What kind of clothing were you wearing while you were inside the building working? Smith: Well, they all I wore my regular street clothes, but if I was out, went out into the graphite area, I put on a pair of coveralls. Weisskopf: It was separated from the rest of the building? Smith: Yeah. Weisskopf: Okay. Just sort of a clean room for its day? Smith: Somebody’s sending a fax. Weisskopf: So you normally just wore a suit and tie, or how dressed up were you? Smith: No, just casual clothes. See, it was too hot to do that. The only one I knew that wore a shirt was always the staff, he was the department manager, and he was the son of one of the DuPont engineers. One of the big shots. But he was sharp. He wasn’t there because of his it was because he did a good job. Weisskopf: How long do you think you were there milling, you know, working with the graphite? You started in December ‘43. Smith: Fourteen months. Weisskopf: Really? So you did all three reactors, then? Smith: Yes. I finished I was one of the last construction workers to leave. Because I wasn’t going to leave, and they kept me here as long as they could. And I was identifying equipment. All this equipment was needed elsewhere. Navy had first priority on it, and the Army had second, and DuPont had third. So we would get up and then there was other organizations lower than that. So you’d go out each morning I’d go into the office, receive a teletype from either Kansas City or some other plant, either someplace in mostly in Minnesota. I can’t remember where all the DuPont plants and they would tell me what they needed, describe it. And I’d go out searching the whole field for these. And I had tickets to put on there. Well, if it was somebody from the Navy or Army, they’d come along, they wanted to rip that ticket off. By the time I got a construction crew ready to go to load it on the freight car, why, it would be gone a lot of times. So I worked out of course, I being one of the ones that was there, the Navy and the Army personnel was a little arrogant about the things, and so they were very happy to accommodate me and let me know that they had ripped that off, so we’d load it on and take it. Told me that was legal. And I don’t know whether the Navy needed it worse than we did or not, but Weisskopf: So 14 months from December would be like February or March of ‘45? Smith: Yeah. Weisskopf: All the reactors were up and running. Smith: Yes. Weisskopf: The whole plant was running at that point. Okay. And Smith: Well, I don’t think well, they’d have to be. Weisskopf: Well, B Reactor started in September ‘44, about nine months or ten months after you started, and Smith: It wasn’t very far behind. Weisskopf: No, a couple, few months. I think by March they were all up and running. Smith: I can’t verify that one way or the other. Weisskopf: I’d have to look it up. So that was the last part of your job at the 101 Building was decommissioning it, getting rid of the milling equipment and everything got distributed to other people at other places. Smith: Uh-huh. Weisskopf: And then where were you left after that was done? Smith: Well, on my rounds around the plant I became associated, not friends but associated with the maintenance superintendent of 100-F. And we were on a first-name basis and everything. I told him I was wound up here, and they were looking for a place to either get rid of me, send me into the Army, or I wanted a job in operations. And obviously they had planned on three more reactors and two more separations plants, and they had one of the two built. They had four planned, and they only ever finished and operated two of them. One is still a hole in the ground. As far as I know, it’s still out there. Weisskopf: C Plant, I think, in the East area. Smith: Yeah. Let’s see, the two were built in 200 west, but one was never started up. Weisskopf: That was U. Smith: U. It was finally converted to a waste processing plant. So they did the same for operations, they hired, shipped in a lot more people than they ever needed, so jobs weren’t that easy to get in operations. So he says I can’t remember who this manager, apparently he had some kind of they thought the other superintendents thought he was getting all the breaks. So when I they hired me, he sat me down, he was going to make some kind of a junior engineer or something, so I was glad to get anything. So I went down there, was interviewed, sent out to 200 west. I thought I was going out there, some kind of engineering job, and they said “No, you’re going to be an area mechanic.” So I was an area mechanic for about six months before I finally got a promotion. But that proved invaluable to me when I got back in the engineering department, having had that experience. Weisskopf: Dealing with the day-to-day Smith: I got a chance on hands-on with all the equipment, at least in the 200 areas. Weisskopf: As opposed to just working with blueprints and specifications and things like that. Smith: Yes. So I had served as a machinist apprentice until the depression come along, and me and everybody else, I went back to college. So it was really a good thing later on, because I was picked for certain jobs. Of course, when the engineering department and the maintenance department divided up into two different… why, the superintendent, who was then the superintendent of both, was going to be superintendent of maintenance, and he came and I was working in town then, in the Federal Building. It wasn’t the Federal Building then. He said he was going to send me out to 200 east, and so I went out. He didn’t tell me. He said “You’ll know why I did this later on.” Of course, three weeks later they announced the separation, and I was out in maintenance. So that was another good break, because I’d had enough practical experience. Here again, it was the spirit of cooperation, being put in charge of a maintenance crew, not having been a craftsman myself, but I’d had a good background. Well, I was, really, I had that experience, it worked out fine. [Tape changed] Smith: Through conjecture, they didn’t know either. I don’t think there were over 50 people on the plant, both AEC and or was it still the Army no, it was AEC then. Weisskopf: 1947 I think AEC started. Smith: Well, then, it was still under the Army, wasn’t it. Well, of course, a lot of the Army knew about it, high brass, I’m sure. But I would venture to say, then, there wasn’t over 100 that knew it until the bomb was dropped. Weisskopf: Did you know anything more after you’d been there for six months? Any feeling for what you were doing? Before the bomb was dropped, did you have any inkling of what was going on at the plant? Smith: No. No. We had a lot of as I say, I talked to enough engineers in the field, this field and that, and mostly, of course, they’d mostly be scientists, like physicists and that, but I had friends, but they didn’t know. Weisskopf: Did you know of radiation? Smith: Oh, yes. Weisskopf: You knew about that. Smith: We had to take all the precautions. Weisskopf: And they called it radiation? Smith: Yes. Every craftsman knew that. They had a whole of course, they still got them, the radiologists, what do they call them now? I can’t remember. Weisskopf: You’ve got your health physicists. Smith: Health physicists, yeah, it was the health physicists. Of course, they were very good craftsmen. Like I told you about that incident that the pipefitter that worked in my organization, an operation supervisor and an operator went in to prepare this cask for another load of waste, of cesium, of strontium I suppose, one or the other, I don’t know what it was. But, anyway, they went in and opened the valves, and the cask was supposed to be clean, at least drained and flushed. And he opened this drain, and some of this greenish stuff rolled out. And immediately the supervisor hollered “Get out!”. And he left, and the operator knew enough to get out. But the pipefitter, he decided to be a hero and put a stop to it. Weisskopf: Turn it off? Smith: Turn it off. Not turn it, put the plug back in. And, of course, that didn’t fit the way it did, and they yelled at him again and he finally left. Well, of course, he had gloves, rubber gloves and everything else, whatnot, and they washed him off as soon as they could. And everything of course, he was done, made all kinds of tests. The darned thing didn’t manifest itself until the scalp started coming up on the outside, and this probably was so the radiation, the damage was deep, but it came to the surface. So then I had to drive him to the University of Washington, medical. And then after that, why, we had to send him over once a month, until it healed up. Weisskopf: Was it strictly localized on his head? Smith: Yes. He must have taken internally quite a jolt, too, but apparently he didn’t, because actually I guess the radiation limits we were told were, I don’t know, a fraction of what there was any danger of damage. Weisskopf: What year do you think that was, give or take? Smith: Yes. It was in B Plant, and it was after B Plant had no, it was in T Plant, because it was when they were no, won’t say that. I guess it was B Plant. Because I had the pipefitters in both areas. I think it was the B Plant. And it would have to be 19... Let’s see, when did B Plant start? It would have to be about 1970. Give or take five years. Weisskopf: Okay. So let’s go back to 1945. You knew of radiation before the bomb was dropped, you knew that the plant had something to do with that, but no indication as to what was going on. So tell me what you thought when you did find out, when the bomb was dropped and the news came out. Did that make you look at Hanford in awe or in a new light? Smith: It wasn’t till later we found out that bomb was actually made at Oak Ridge. It was the uranium bomb. Weisskopf: Right. Smith: And the one a few days later was plutonium, I guess. So we found that out. Of course, we were claiming credit right away for a day or two till it got straightened out. Weisskopf: And did that kind of make your job seem much more interesting? Smith: Oh, yes. But the other thing is, is the atmosphere was here, this is a wartime project and the war is over now, are we all going to be out of a job? And there were all these homes here, and people with was paying 37 dollars and 60 cents rent. Should have saved a lot of money, but I don’t know if they did or not. And they were making good wages, and what we were going to do. This is going to be a time of readjustment, and all the industries geared up for war, and we’re and there was a so that was why I told you about this big red permanent building going up in the center of town, DuPont looked at it as a great morale builder, and I believe it was. People here are donating a lot of money. This is the first time the church ever built a building on leased land. Weisskopf: Which one was that? Where is that? Smith: That’s the one in the center of town, over on the big hill, overlooking when they started building that church that was the uptown district was a swamp. Weisskopf: Are you talking about the one on Jadwin? Smith: Yes. Weisskopf: Jadwin and Symons, up in that area? Smith: Yeah. Weisskopf: Okay. Yeah, I live right near there. Smith: Oh, do you? Weisskopf: Yeah. Smith: See, that was just a swamp area down in there. Weisskopf: Oh, by the creek that runs through, maybe. Smith: Yeah. It was four feet of water there. It was just a swamp. They had to have four feet of landfill in there to build that up, to build that store. I was coming through there one day, back ally on a cold winter night, and one of the owners of six of those buildings was in he came in here before the war and started a plumbing business in Pasco, Braden Plumbing. And here he was in that Japanese or Chinese restaurant there, fixing the plumbing. I said “What in the world are you doing this for?” He’s probably a millionaire. He said “I like to keep my hand in the work. I don’t want to ever lose this ability to be a plumber.” And he was fixing that up. He just come in there, I guess, and they needed help. And I thought that was the oddest thing. He owned six of those buildings. Weisskopf: So, you heard about the bomb being dropped Smith: Yes. Weisskopf: the 6th of August. Another one was dropped on the 9th of August. The war was over the 14th, or something like that. Smith: Yes. Weisskopf: So literally a week after you learned what you were doing there, your job might have been done, theoretically. Smith: Yes. We were just wondering what we were going to do. We had a certain amount of debts, we had started to one very interesting thing, the car I had was a ‘39 Chevy coupe that I had before the war. Of course, you couldn’t buy one. So I drove that all the way until I could buy a new car. In 1949, ten years later, I sold it for $15 more than I paid for it in 1940. Weisskopf: Really. Sharp businessman. Smith: Yeah, sharp businessman. I kept it in good shape. Weisskopf: Were your kids already born before the war was over? Do you have children? Smith: No. Yeah, oh, yeah. There was only two. This is another interesting little thing. I had a secretary out at work, and she was a good Catholic, and she (inaudible)*, and I only had we had these two children, and the youngest one was five years old. And she said “How many children have you got?” I said “Two.” “Two!” So she didn’t say anything about it. I says, “Well, my wife had such hard labor the last time, she said if we had any more I was going to have to have them.” So years later she came to some kind of a bazaar of some kind that we had at our church, and she came in, and she was married then. And I was towing two little kids around, one in each arm. And she looked at them and she looked at me and says “Did you have a hard labor?” Get back on the subject, but I guess that’s one of the things that happened, though. Weisskopf: Yeah. I was just curious, that transition between wartime effort, you learn what the job is about, and then a week later the war is over. How much time was there before you felt like you were back in the loop of having a real job with DuPont? Smith: Well, DuPont didn’t want to stay here themselves, and they never did push this. But once GE came in here and said this is the industry of the future, they started talking about power reactors and peacetime use of this product was far greater. It’s unfortunate that it had its bad example with the production of the bomb. But the idea of peacetime reactors is to get as much mileage out of a few elements and create as little waste as possible. And, of course, the weapons program generated all the waste, all the high level stuff and whatnot. So it’s unfortunate that this is how atomic energy had its introduction. It was an invaluable method of generating electricity. It could be cheap, too. Weisskopf: What were you thinking way back, like, say, 1948, ‘49 and ‘50, about where we would be 50 years later with atomic energy? Smith: I guess I didn’t have that much... Weisskopf: I mean, did it seem to you also that it must be the power of the future? Smith: Yes. Oh, yes. I felt, well, we’ve got a career right here. I’d always thought I’d get back in the mining business. Even after I’d gone to work for DuPont, I’d gone to Denver to train how to make ammunition. And the superintendent of the tunnel that I worked on came there to buy equipment, and he looked me up, and he wanted me to go to South America. They had a mine there, in Chuckacumada and they were going to drill a tunnel way down low and bring the ore out without hoisting it way up and up the mountain. Be a lot cheaper. Of course, they can still get it out. I guess they drilled, put the tunnel in the mountain. So I said “Well, the minute I leave this job, I’ll be in the Army,” they’re not going to let me leave the country. I was married after Pearl Harbor. So I went and helped him buy some equipment, whatnot like that. And he knew a lot about mining and tunnel equipment, and he was sent over there to buy it by Anaconda. But, of course, we’re off the subject again. Weisskopf: That’s all right. Well, let’s change subjects, then, too. Working on this history of T Plant, you were in the separations area on and off. Do you have any remembrances, stories about the crane equipment in either the 221-T or E Plant? Smith: Yes. I told you about the rotating hook. Weisskopf: Yeah. What I didn’t know is when was that and where were you at the time. Smith: I was at REDOX. Weisskopf: That was REDOX? Okay. Smith: And that was the only, really, only separations plant. It was before PUREX was on line. And PUREX initially didn’t have the capability of dissolvers to take in the E metal. Weisskopf: To take what? Smith: E metal. Enriched. Weisskopf: Oh, right, which came along in the later years. Smith: So for a while, during the early part of the Cold War, the only weapons plant, separations plant that was running full blast was REDOX. And it was designed originally, initially, it was secret before, but it was originally designed for four tons. In order to keep up with the production, we were going to have to do 14 tons a day. So we had a bunch of good, sharp instruments, and with the help of I had a small engineering crew. With the help of them, we designed each panel was run separated by an operator. So instead of the big control rooms, like they have now and like they had in PUREX, it was just individual boards, just like the old bismuth phosphate plant. So these guys were sharp enough to redesign that and locate three control locations. And they made a lot of other improvements, a lot of the times with this rotating equipment. The coarse material was eating out the graphite bearings. So we went over I went back to Lawrence Pump and I saw one of these big sludge pumps, and there was an opening in the tank. Ordinarily we had the deep well turbines with the graphite. We tried glass bearings, which lasted longer. But we were changing out these $125,000 units every shutting down to do that, about every two weeks or less. Sometimes they’d last a week. We tried different bearing material. So I went back and got Lawrence Pump to build one along the designs that just a regular New York sludge pump that they used for their sewer, and made it small enough so it would go down through the big opening. We installed that, one pump, and made an extra one. We never they closed the plant down 18 months later, and we still had the original pump in there. It had some drawbacks, because we had to have so much liquid in the tank before it would start. Had a siphon tube down to the bottom of the tank, because it wasn’t long enough, and it wasn’t practical to redesign or build one, so we put this suction. And, of course, as long as it kept it running and everything going, kept the tank a certain level, there was no problem. But if it did happen to go below, they just had to add water and fill it up so it would prime itself. Weisskopf: Okay. Now, the first six months you spent in maintenance, early on? You said they sent you out to the 200 areas? Smith: Yes. Weisskopf: What kind of work were you doing in there? Smith: In those days, there was no union, and there was no differentiation between pipefitter, and millwright and machinist. I worked in the machine shop for a while, and then they put me on the shift and I’d go out to the various buildings and worked on mechanical equipment mostly. Weisskopf: Did you ever go into the canyons? Smith: Oh, yes. Weisskopf: What was the typical job where you might be sent into one of the canyons? Smith: Well, when they first started the T Plant, they just got hot, a couple of them. I had a problem with a jumper, and they couldn’t get it to fit in up there, so they put a couple of us down in the cell. We had a very short time limit. It hadn’t gotten real hot yet. We went up and tried that jumper so we got it to fit in place. Weisskopf: What would they have done if it had been hot? What could they have done? Smith: They probably had to take the thing out and well, we couldn’t have gone down there. They’d probably take this out. In those days, we had later on, of course, we had a decontaminator, we had the capability of doing that, but we didn’t then. Wouldn’t even suggest it. They’d have sent it to the shop. We had superintendent later on, this is now. They’d have gone back to the shop, pipe shop, and got another one built. Weisskopf: Okay. And just replace the whole jumper? Smith: It was very interesting thing that might be interesting now. There was two different theories here. At Hanford, we built the jumpers very rigid. They had they didn’t bend very much. They had to be right, and they had a lot of stiff framework on them. And one of the big improvements over the bismuth phosphate plant was that they were a flat surface to surface, or the seal was, but the ones later on were oval, concave, so they could be tilted a little bit, and you could get away with that, see. Well, going back to Savannah River, of course I must have known in the back of my mind before this, but I got back there and found out they make them [jumpers] as flimsy as they can. They put one end down and then can bend the other one into place. Take the spare hook or something like that if it didn’t fit. They just didn’t depend on a good fit. They made it out of schedule 10 pipe instead of 40, and when they put them on there, why, they could draw themselves they didn’t have that oval head like we had, but they didn’t have to sit straight, or anything else, they got away with this. Weisskopf: The original design was a flat connection? Smith: Yes. Weisskopf: And where was the oval used at Hanford? Smith: At REDOX. Weisskopf: REDOX, Okay. They improved the connection. Smith: Yes. They improved that here. Weisskopf: But at T Plant, the connections all had to fit precisely? Smith: Yes. Weisskopf: When you laid it in there, it had to line up and then just Smith: Yeah. Weisskopf: fit perfectly. Smith: Yeah. Weisskopf: How did you get down in the cell for that job when you Smith: Well, we had ladders then, put them off the top of the tank. But something went wrong and something got out, you see, and I don’t know how they even I wasn’t there when they corrected whatever was wrong, because we were told to scram out of there. Weisskopf: Were you dressed in whites, coveralls? Smith: Oh, yes. Coveralls. In fact, we had the plastic suit. Weisskopf: Were you impressed at the size of the place? Smith: Oh, I saw that I think the T Building had an extra length, they had an extra operation. Weisskopf: The laboratory. The semi works that they had. Smith: Oh, yeah. I think it was 900 feet long. Weisskopf: Just about. Almost. Its 965, something like that. Smith: Is it? Weisskopf: Yeah 865. Smith: And I couldn’t believe that. Plus the fact that the walls in places were 8-foot thick. Big concrete blocks on top of them. One interesting thing, on the crane, the REDOX crane developed this problem of going around, down the track skeewampus. There was no way it was so hot in those days, you only had 30 seconds to go up there and look. Something like that. Now, this was when I was maintenance manager with REDOX. And it was wearing the rail out and everything else. All kinds of problems. So Andy Eckert and I went up, and we got allowance to take I don’t know how many, a year’s supply of radiation, something like that. Went up there, and it so happened on those old-fashioned cranes, they had one big motor in the center, and they had a flange on either side that drove the wheels, both sides, the motor too, worked from both sides. That was right in the center. And Andy noticed down there a big nut laying on the got looking there, and that crane was being powered from one side, and the other all gores were either sheared off or laying around there. Those bolts. Nobody had thought of that for two or three weeks. Weisskopf: So it was always skewed as it went down the track? Smith: Yeah. Every once in a while we’d have to go down to the end and bang it against the end to straighten it out again. And they did that so much, once they broke the rail on one. Weisskopf: That’s funny. Did you ever work on the cranes at T Plant or B Plant? Smith: Yes. Weisskopf: What types of things would you be doing with those? Smith: Oh, actually, most of the things was electrical. But we had to go up and lubricate the thing. And then... well, let’s see... Weisskopf: Let me ask you this: There were two periscopes that the operator used. Smith: Yes. Weisskopf: Do you remember there being television, a little closed circuit television in the cab? Smith: No. There wasn’t anything like that that I know. The first television we got put in, and we put one on before we shut down at REDOX, but it never was satisfactory enough to see what you were doing. Weisskopf: At REDOX. So at T Plant and B Plant, you don’t remember TV being there at all? Smith: No. No, there wasn’t any. Weisskopf: Yeah. Is it possible they installed it and never used it? Smith: No. Well, yes, later on in T Plant it became the main decontamination of the Weisskopf: No, no, I mean in the beginning. Smith: No. Weisskopf: In the beginning, there wasn’t a little TV screen in the cab that they never used? Smith: No. It wouldn’t be in the cab anyway, it would have to be out in the Weisskopf: No, the screen itself. Smith: The screen. Excuse me, I’m sorry. Okay. Weisskopf: Okay. Well, I’ve heard it from plenty of people; it must be true. Did you ever talk to any of the crane operators? Smith: All the time. Weisskopf: Were they swaggering, like a fighter pilot? Were they cocky and proud of their job because they Smith: They were proud of their job, but they were very humble, too, because they had so much at stake. The whole plant depended on them. The whole they were the one key but it’s amazing, though, how we would often schedule shutdowns for the top crane operator to be on shift, at least when we installed the equipment. Dismantling it was no problem. But when we started installing it, why, we... Weisskopf: So you’d schedule it around his schedule, to make sure that the top guy was there. Smith: There were very few that weren’t good operators. But there were a few that we just didn’t have any confidence in. Weisskopf: How many hours would they spend on a shift inside the cab, working it? Would they be there the whole time? Smith: No, no. They came out for something to eat, to take lunch. But they put in four hours, probably. Weisskopf: Okay. Pretty tiring job? Smith: Oh, it is, when they’re putting jumpers on. But most of the time, of course, they can only do so much, they have to get instructions on the process. Each operating department had an engineer working for the production. He was the production engineer, and he knew the facility very well, and he had all the blueprints, and he worked with the crane operator, told him this is the next jumper to use. They got to the point where they were pretty good at it themselves, but they had a certain order that they had to go on, because some were overlapping the others. You had to avoid putting one that was on top, and then it would have to be removed to put the other one in. Weisskopf: Would they give them charts or something, or lists on how they were to go about? Smith: I think mostly they worked by the telephone. Weisskopf: Okay. Smith: I don’t know. I can’t answer that. Weisskopf: Did you ever hang out in the cab with them? Smith: Oh, yes. Weisskopf: What kind of stuff were you doing? What was your job? Smith: Well, they would show me when you look down on that, I don’t see how in the world they ever operated. Weisskopf: Looking through the periscope? Smith: Yeah. It took a certain see, the order of promotion was that they put heavy equipment operators I mean, crane operators that operated outside cranes. But I don’t know what the percentage of them was, but there was a certain percentage that just, by mutual agreement, they weren’t going to cut it. But they did have a lot of pride in the job, but as I say, most of them were very thankful there was a being that was helping them, the chances of everything fitting in place. The jumpers had to be all fit. A lot of times we would make new ones completely in getting them all. And, of course, if one didn’t get on, why, we had to go back to the shop and get another one built. We had to call up people at night, get a crew up there and put a jumper together sometimes. Weisskopf: There must have been some pretty extreme pressures to keep the thing running. Smith: Oh, in REDOX, I’m telling you. Weisskopf: Especially at REDOX? Smith: Especially REDOX, because PUREX wasn’t up. You know, it was quite a while, we had had all the cold runs to do and a lot of other things. I don’t remember the timing. For a while, for whatever reason, none of the dissolvers had the analysts where you could put a concrete cylinder down the center, through the cavity. And they didn’t have the capability of doing this as E metal in Richland, and I don’t know, I guess it’s the enriched uranium. Weisskopf: Which you didn’t have to worry about in the old days because they weren’t using any, right? Smith: That’s right. All the old dissolvers would just dump they dumped the whole thing in. Weisskopf: And the only time they worried about criticality was probably after it got out of the T Plant into the other buildings, maybe at the end of the cycles? Smith: Yeah. There was a place in 233 in REDOX where we were worried about criticality, and we didn’t trust valves or anything. Whenever we had to use that line, we went in and we took a flange, it had two flanges, and took a line right out and molded blanks. Weisskopf: Disconnected the pipe? Smith: Disconnected the pipe and put blanks on. And then during this operation, we went in, and during that time, at one time it about got away. And we had to I had an engineer by the name of John I don’t know whether I should say the name or not. Dugan was his last name. He went in to try and save the day, and he took a big overdose of radiation, and he was never allowed to work in radiation after that. Weisskopf: Took a lifetime dose? Smith: Yeah. So he went to grape farming out in Benton City after. He went there for a long time. He’s got a grape farm up there, so he took his full time. But he didn’t come to work for me till after he was working for the engineering department then, because after that he came to work in maintenance, in our organization. And then he quit. [End of Interview] Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 1 hour, 2 minutes, 27 seconds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Alex Smith Description An account of the resource An oral history interview with Alex Smith conducted by the B Reactor Museum Association. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fc8a6855bb1b3e060992686d04a7bdb9e.mp4 45d6a3c82248cc29aed874f35d1f45fb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Latino/a Oral History Project Subject The topic of the resource Oral History Description An account of the resource An ongoing oral history project focusing on the history of the Latine/Latino community of the Tri-Cities, Washington area. Previously known as the WSU Tri-Cities Latinx Oral History Project headed by History faculty Robert Bauman and Robert Franklin. Hanford History Project made the decision in 2024 to use Latino/a instead of Latinx as the former more reflects the grammar and practical use and identification of Spanish speakers. We know that one term will not encompass all those identities. For example, Latine, a gender neutral pronoun and product of the queer Spanish community, was considered for use but we use Latino/a to reflect the prevalence of gendered pronouns in the Spanish language. However, we would like to acknowledge that the discourse around which term to use is complex and evolving. Every person has the right to use the term that captures who they are and that feels the most welcoming to them. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this oral history should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for this item. Language A language of the resource English; Spanish Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewer The person(s) performing the interview Robert Bauman Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Alexia and Manuel Estrada Location The location of the interview Washington State University Tri-Cities Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound English: Robert Bauman: So there are a few things I have to say upfront just to make it sort of official. Alexia Estrada: Mm-hmm [affirmative] Robert Bauman: So I’ll do that first- Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Robert Bauman: So my name is Robert Bauman um and I am conducting oral history interview along with Climaco Ivarka who is serving as interpreter Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Robert Bauman: And we are doing the interview with Aleixa Estrada and Manuel Estrada Alexia Estrada: Mm-hmm [affirmative] Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Robert Bauman: On July 12th, 2022 Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Robert Bauman: And the interview is being conducted on the campus of Washington Satate University Tri-Cities Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Robert Bauman: And so uh another sort of official thing, Alexia can you say and spell your first and last names please Alexia Estrada: Yeah, Alexia Estrada A-L-E-X-I-A, Estrada E-S-T-R-A-D-A Robert Bauman: And then Manuel Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* (directs to manuel) Manuel Estrada: Manuel Estrada Climaco Ivarka: *continues interpretation in Spanish* Alexia Estrada: M-A-N-U-E-L E-S-T-R-A-D-A Robert Bauman: Thank you. Um so Manuel I think I will begin with you I wonder if you could talk a little bit about um as I understand from emailing Alexia you you came here from Mexico um could you talk about your life and what led you to leave there and come here. Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *questions in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: *clarifies in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] Okay so yes I am Mexican I was born in Mexico in a small town we had limited resources, I lived in poverty we had necessities and I decided to come to the United States I have returned Robert Bauman: And about how old were you when you came to the United States? Climaco Ivarka: 1977 *interprets and questions in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: Si Climaco Ivarka: Yeah first time they came in 1977 Alexia Estrada: *converses in Spanish to Manuel Estrada* Manuel Estrada: *replies to Alexia in Spanish* Alexia Estrada: *converses in Spanish to Manuel Estrada* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish to all* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] I was twenty five years old Robert Bauman: Okay um and um did you know someone already here in the United States? Ahh when you came to the U.S. did you come to meet someone or how did you how did you make it here, how did you come here? Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Alexia Estrada: At Tri-Cities Manuel Estrada: *questions for clarification in Spanish* Alexia Estrada: *attempts to clarify in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: *clarifies in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *questions for clarification in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [clarifies question to Robert Bauman] Are you ask him or the Tri-Cities. I let them know that you wanna know how he got here and then Tri-Cities Robert Bauman: Yes to the U.S. yeah first yeah Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] When I came here I didn’t know anybody I came with a friend, I started to make acquaintances and that’s how my life continued Robert Bauman: Mhmm and uh did you go somewhere before coming to the Tri-Cities somewhere else in the.. Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] Okay so we started in Los Angeles or LA then we left to Oregon we didn’t like it there so we came here to…he lived in Yakima where he arrived and lived nine years and from there he moved to the Tri-Cities and the rest of the time I’ve been living here. Robert Bauman: Mhmm. And when you were in Yakima and then Tri-Cities what sort of work were you able to find? Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* El campo El campo Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] Farm work, agricultural Robert Bauman: Mhmm. And did you have when you left Mexico did you have other family members there? Did any of your family also come at some point? Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] Yeah [inaudible] My brothers, three sons I had that were underage. With time since, they were able to come here as well. Now I have family in Mexico and here Alexia Estrada: *converses with Manuel Estrada in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Si Alexia Estrada: My dad was one of the ones Robert Bauman: One of the, aha Alexia Estrada: Yeah, one of his sons Robert Bauman: Mhmm Manuel Estrada: *confirms in Spanish* Si Robert Bauman: And when you arrived in the Tri-Cities, what was the Hispanic community like here when your first arrived here Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] There was not that many- not many Hispanics, there was one or two stores that were Mexican stores. We would call it a small town, maybe two or three police cars [inaudible].. four or resources were not available. There were not that many Hispanics but they started multiplying now we have a beautiful city Robert Bauman: Mhmm mhmm. Um and ah when you came here where did you find to live initially when you first arrived here. Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] Pasco, pasco that is where he found.. Manuel Estrada: *continues response in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] We arrive here in January first of eighty seven Alexia Estrada: *converses with Manuel Estrada in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Alexia Estrada: Okay Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] So we lived in the city with time.. Manuel Estrada: *continues response gradually in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English]... I worked like a farmer for twenty two years, nineteen years of a supervisor. The first four years were just like a regular worker. With time I was able to go to the farm and he gave me a home to stay then I retired and now I came back to the city now I live in the City Pasco. Robert Bauman: Mhmm mhmm. And then how many children, grandchildren? Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Alexia Estrada: *converses with Manuel Estrada in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds gradually in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] He says I don’t have that many three sons, grandchildren I have eighteen, and grandsons I have five Robert Bauman: Aha and are they all in the Pasco Tri-Cities area? Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] Some are in Yakima Manuel Estrada: Yakima [continues response in Spanish] Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] And others are here Robert Bauman: And do you.. have you gone back to Mexico very often to see family or Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] He says I would go often now it’s been about six years since I’ve last been Robert Bauman: Mhmm mhmm. Um okay, Alexia I am going to ask you a few questions now if that’s alright Alexia Estrada: Yeah, sounds good Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Robert Bauman: Um so how was growing up in the Tri-Cities area for you? Alexia Estrada: Yeah, ahh well it’s all I knew but it was great I it’s great I love it. I had the opportunity to grow up in a really close knit neighborhood um in pasco so I actually lived in a really diverse neighborhood. We had different religions on my street, different ethnicities and it was very intergenerational so yeah. Robert Bauman: Um and I know from talking to other people that you've been involved in community organizations and so forth. Alexia Estrada: Yeah Robert Bauman: Can you talk about some of those things you've involved in and and when and why and how you sort of got involved in those things. Alexia Estrada: Yeah I think oh there is there is [LAUGHTER] ohh let me think of where to start. Um well, I think the biggest thing I grew up going to boys and schools club so the second after school program and that opportunity really along with the church my grandpa is a pastor. I think those two combined instilled in me just the desire to serve and do service um and so when I went to college which I found my university through the after school program that took me to the university to view it; um I just came back and knew I wanted to do service so that’s how I got plugged in with community organizing and I think that’s something that is growing in Tri-Cities. Um so I’m involved with quite I don’t know just a couple of different things right now currently the pop up clinics is probably what’s taking up quite a bit of my time making sure our community gets vaccinated because of the pandemic so we are in front of Super Mex every weekend um encouraging folks to get vaxxed and making it accessible to people. Robert Bauman: Mhmm and what organizations or [inaudible] Alexia Estrada: That’s that’s through the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and then I worked for Latino Community Fund when I moved back from university um yeah and now I am with Heritage University. Robert Bauman: Okay, yeah um so you know you mentioned vaccination the pandemic COVID-19 you know studies have shown have impacted like non-white communities more heavily right.. Alexia Estrada: Mhmm. Yeah Robert Bauman: …economically, more illness, higher death rate that sort of thing; um so being involved in pop-up clinics what sort of impact have you seen on the Hispanic community here I wonder Alexia Estrada: Yeah, I think the way that our community receives information is through word of mouth and through trusted messengers and so what I have noticed that the most important thing is to really get trusted messengers out giving accurate information and I think there is a lot of stigma on folks not wanting to get vaccinated which part of it is true but I also think the accessibility piece was like number one so we intentionally had clinics on Saturdays in the afternoon and on Sundays because we knew our community was out working and that alone and the convenience of it and I’ve had folks tell me “I don’t have the stress of having to go do an appointment at Walgreens where they don’t speak Spanish and like the anxiety of it all,” “like ohh I was just going grocery shopping and you spoke to me in Spanish and we were able to get it without and appointment” and the convenience of it I think that was the biggest impact that or the biggest thing I learned was just accessibility and having trusted messengers. Robert Bauman: Mhmm yeah and you mentioned and I would assume language was… Alexia Estrada: Yeah Robert Bauman: …an important part of that right, yeah. Yeah that’s really interesting um what other um obviously so that’s been a really important issue the last couple of years Alexia Estrada: Mhmm Robert Bauman: Um what other issues do you see in the community sort of currently that you think are really important Alexia Estrada: Hmm Robert Bauman: Or ones that you've been involved in Alexia Estrada: Yeah I think one of the biggest ones is how do we educate our community on being involved in local government and I think how do we make it accessible but also how do we get knowledge out there and how do we empower folks to use their voice. Because a lot of times there is just no education, people don’t know how to fill out their ballot and maybe they are a citizen but they never filled out a ballot before and building that trust with like knowing that your vote does matter, I think that is one of the biggest issues I’ve seen. My grandpa voted recently and registered to vote [converses with Manuel Estrada in Spanish] Manuel Estrada: Yeah Alexia Estrada: Si so like just and knowing that it makes a big difference Robert Bauman: Sure Alexia Estrada: Um so I think just empowering folks to use their voice and know that their voice does matter and is heard is one of the biggest issues and then I also think that we are developing so rapidly as a city and my biggest fear is that folks are going to be left out and cooked out--kicked out of their spaces and their homes. I live in East Pasco and we currently have the Amazon buildings going up.. Robert Bauman: Yup, right Alexia Estrada: ..Those warehouses and I need to get more information on it myself but we’ve been told that that side is industrial and that’s zoned industrial so that’s why folks are able to build there and we don’t have anywhere else to go but when we look at the history of Tri-Cities we know that side was industrial because certain people lived on that side of the city. And so there is a trailer park right next to those Amazon warehouses that’s getting built and I am very curious to see in the next few years how we are going to work to protect the people that live there who have had that home for years and years. And so I think as we build and develop as a city how are we taking care of those in our community who have been here and keep room for them Robert Bauman: Right, so housing and as you mentioned also the ah politics right elections and um it sounds like you have been involved in all of those um sort of issues. Um so was it sort of growing up in the community and you said the boys and girls club and then that kind of led sounds like led to your involvement something.. Alexia Estrada: Yeah, I think.. Robert Bauman: Somethings in college anything I mean or combination of Alexia Estrada: A combination of everything, I think I just got really blessed like I have a lot of great mentors a lot of people I have poured into my life from. Miss Conner I don’t know if you are going to interview her. You should; Sabiha Khan, she was my high school teacher at Kamiakin and she influenced my life a ton she’s a mover and shaker here in the Tri-Cities. Um my boys and girls club mentor just people have continued to pour into my life and I am very grateful so I think; when I went to university our motto was like the motto of the university was is “Engage the Culture, Change the World” but what I learned there is that the way to change the world is to go back to your community and it happens in the small in the small spaces where people are not really paying attention that’s where the change happens so Robert Bauman: Mhmm Alexia Estrada: Moving back to Tri-Cities isn’t always something that people get excited for so [LAUGHTER] So um, it can be a hard move for a young adult um there is not much for young adults here yet so Robert Bauman: Right, yeah as you’ve been talking too I’ve been thinking about you know your grandfather’s story. Alexia Estrada: Hmm Robert Bauman: I wonder um the influence of his experiences and story… Alexia Estrada: Yeah Robert Bauman:.. What sort of influence does that have on you? Alexia Estrada: Mhmm. Well,um my grandpa here is a servant leader. I don’t think he’d call himself that, I don’t think he would call himself a community organizer either but um he’s also said he said he was a farm worker but he is also the pastor of a small church that serves um lamasomlida--like the most humble people in our community. And so uh just seeing how he shows up for other folks and the need that there are and the folks that come to his church; um that definitely influenced me and I also think holding on to stories that he shared, that my dad shared on everything that they’ve had to endure to get to where I am at now. Like I am college educated, I am able to go to city council meetings and attend and like understand what is happening and share and advocate and do all these things um because someone chose to immigrate here and work towards that for us so. Robert Bauman: Yeah so you mentioned a college education, was that something that was really emphasized a lot in your family. Were your parents able to go to college or are your first generation or what’s that? Alexia Estrada: My mom was able to go, she actually went to WSU in Pullman and I think that opened a lot of doors for me too and so there’s that and my dad was also super encouraging so um yeah. Robert Bauman: So education was-- Alexia Estrada: --Priority, yeah number one.[LAUGHTER] Robert Bauman: [LAUGHTER] Alexia Estrada: *interpret conversation in Spanish to Manuel Estrada* Manuel Estrada: Oh yeah, number one Alexia Estrada:Yeah [LAUGHTER] Robert Bauman: And so do you have brother sisters? Alexia Estrada:Yeah, I have four younger siblings Robert Bauman: Okay Alexia Estrada: We uh have a big age gap too. I’m going to be twenty five on Sunday and my little sister is ten years old--my youngest sister. So we have a few years in between us Robert Bauman: And uhh I wonder what sort of influence you're being on your-- with your younger sibling, do you think Alexia Estrada: I I am just sainly thought. I don’t know I think about that all the time. Like every generation has set up a new foundation um and my siblings are getting to grow up with a lot of different voices in the room and a lot of different opinions in the spaces and so we’ll see how they’ll navigate those and what they do with them Robert Bauman: Mhmm. Um so Alexia you know this is a university right, a lot of young people--we have a lot of “non-traditional students” but a lot of young people. What, what advice might you give a young person college age or someone that’s in college um about um like community engagement sort of things Alexia Estrada: Yeah. I would say that you are the expert. I don’t think we hear that enough as young people but you know your community, you’ve lived here, you have your own lived experiences and those are very valid and that’s your truth. And so I would say go confident in that and know that when you enter into spaces or maybe there are folks that have different experiences that are older or different generation, you also bring up a lot to the table and what you bring to the table is rich and so just being confident in that and knowing that you are the expert Robert Bauman: That’s great advice um I’m going to go back to Manuel and ask him some questions. Climaco Ivarka: *interprets question to Manuel in Spanish* Robert Bauman: Um, when you sit here next to your granddaughter and know what she has achieved in her young life so far, what sort of thoughts do you have as you see the young person she’s become and the younger generation Climaco Ivarka: *interprets question to Manuel in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] He’s very proud of her, very happy. Robert Bauman: Mhmm Manuel Estrada: *continues response in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] Her confidence, that she’s-- since she’s young. I admire her alot. She sounds funny and she always counts on me for my support in all the areas. I’m very proud of her, it’s an honor. Alexia Estrada: Gracias Abuletio Robert Bauman: Have you ever given Alexia advice of any kind and if so what sort of advice have you given her Alexia Estrada: All the time [LAUGHTER] Climaco Ivarka: *interprets question to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *questions in Spanish* Alexia Estrada: “converses with Manuel in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Alexia Estrada: Alot. Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] I would say many Manuel Estrada: *continues response in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] Lots of advice for her only benefit. Alexia Estrada: I think my grandparents they’re on Shoshone street they’re right by city hall and they both sit on the porch all the time and people come and visit them and talk to them and I- I’ve said that “that porch has heard all of the world’s conversations.” And so sometimes I would go by and I’ll see them and I’ll just drive over and go park and I’ll be like “hey, this is going on like what advice do you have for me” and I’m very surprised at how--I shouldn’t be surprised my grandpa is very wise and says a lot of things and oh “that’s really good.” And I think it’s just the importance of intergenerational relationships in our community; I think we really need that .But he gives me lots of good advice Alexia Estrada:*converses with Manuel in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *replies in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] I hope I give good advice. Manuel Estrada: *continues response in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] It’s difficult for our young generation, these times the life is very complicated, very difficult. For them there are responsibility from parents and if we have the opportunity we need to come to hand. Robert Bauman: So um Alexia as you look sort of forward a little bit, what um things would you like to see happening in the near future in the community? Alexia Estrada: Mhmm, yeah.. mmm Robert Bauman: Are there changes that you think still need to happen or that you'd like to see happen or… Alexia Estrada: Yeah, oh yeah. Um I think there is a lot of helpers and there is a lot of people at work already doing this stuff so it’s not really new but I’d love to see a um more capacity being given to it. But one of my passions that I really want to see happen here in the Tri-Cities is conversations around mental health and accessibility to that. I don’t think especially in the Latino community, I would love to see us be able to talk about and navigate conversations around dimensions more and and what is anxiety, what is depression but also what is joy and like how do we celebrate that. And I think with just how our society is set up we are all so busy working and we are all so busy trying to survive day by day um but I think those conversations really need to happen. So I’d love to see-- I would hope maybe one day I can come back and open up a community center or something where folks can come in and just receive culturally appropriate therapy and ahh I don’t know a lot of different things but I don’t think we have those conversations I see that. And I also think education on how much people's voice and vote does make a difference and why it’s important to vote for those who can’t Robert Bauman: Mhmm Alexia Estrada: Mmm, those things. Yeah Manuel Estrada: It’s fine. [CHUCKLE] Alexia Estrada:[LAUGHTER] Mhmm Robert Bauman:[CHUCKLE]. Is there anything I haven’t asked you or your grandpa Manuel or Alexia that you think would be important to talk about either about your family, story- immigration story, or community issues or anything Climaco Ivarka: *interprets question to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] Maybe yes, we come to this country, we come to work, we suffer. People say it’s the land of opportunities and it depends on our behavior what we accomplish or what we want or you lose the opportunity. In my case I worked a lot always labor work in the farm, I taught my kids to work. I wanted them to go to school get educated. They did not want to go to a school get educated now they have to learn to work, how to make a living out of it by working. And thanks alot I was able to accomplish maybe not what I wanted but I was able to get them a table of food before them. I have two sons that I am very proud of, the father of my granddaughter here he’s a very experienced worker hard worker entrepreneur. He has his businesses, he’s a good citizen; that’s satisfaction for me and I can say with honor that it was worth all my suffrage all my farming working times. I feel happy, I received the goods that was hard work for us to accomplish. I have my wife and my grandchildren who are very close to me that love me and I’m very happy. I remember through all the suffrage I had while I was working, I just want to say if someone is listening to me that it’s worth it and if god lets-gets us fly, one day we will be happy and enjoy what we. I’m very thankful for all the work that I did, I paid off at the end- it pays off at the end Manuel Estrada: Yeah Robert Bauman: Mhmm. How about you Alexia is there anything that you would like to add or anything that I haven’t asked about Alexia Estrada: Hmm I don’t know. I think just making sure you get all the voices in this room in front of this camera to share their story. I had I during one of the election years there was lot of just a lot of stuff going on and so that summer I said “you know what I am going to work in the fields ” and I want to know what it feels like and I want to be able to actually experience it. He went through all of it so I wouldn’t have to but I still chose to kind of go out there and um the people that I met in our community that work so hard to put foods on our tables, I want those stories to be heard. I got to work alongside a lady named Donyateray for weeks doing the apple [picking] and I think I learned more from here that summer that I would have learned from any other space so just making sure we get those folks here Robert Bauman: Yeah, absolutely. And so that reminds me one question that I will ask if you have other people we connect we can interview Alexia Estrada: Yeah I do actually. Yeah Robert Bauman: Absolutely, so we can talk about that afterwards Alexia Estrada: Sweet Robert Bauman: Yeah, that would be absolutely terrific. Um so I want to thank both of you very much for coming in today. Gracias, muchas gracias um really appreciate it um getting your stories hearing your stories, both of you. It’s really important we have it, the generational- Climaco Ivarka: *interprets in Spanish gradually* Alexia Estrada: Yeah Robert Bauman:- story is really really great. Alexia Estrada: We should’ve brought my dad. I was thinking about it too Robert Bauman: [LAUGHTER] We can bring him another time Alexia Estrada: Yeah I was thinking that Manuel Estrada: *comments in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually in English] Thank you for letting us having this privilege to express our stories I’m hoping that if somebody sees it it can benefit them, thank you for that for the time the opportunity that you gave us today we are here to serve in what we can Robert Bauman: Well thank you very much, muchas gracias Climaco Ivarka: *interprets in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Espanol: Dr. Bauman: Hay algunas cosas que tengo que decir antes de comenzar. Para que sea todo oficial. Marco Abarca: Hay algunas cosas que tengo que decir al inicio para hacerlo oficial. Dr. Bauman: Mi nombre es Robert Bauman. Yo estoy conduciendo una entrevista histórica oral junto con Marco Abarca quien será interprete el día de hoy. Marco: Mi nombre es Robert Bauman estoy conduciendo una entrevista oral con ustedes, junto con Marco Abarca quien será el intérprete. Dr. Bauman: Estamos conduciendo la entrevista con Alexia Estrada y Manuel Estrada Marco: La entrevista va a ser con Alexia Estrada y Manuel Estrada Dr. Bauman: El 12 de Julio del año 2022, Marco: El 12 de Julio del 2022 Bauman: Y la entrevista está siendo conducida en Washington State Tri-Cities Marco: La entrevista está conduciendo aquí en el WSU Tri-Cities Bauman: Otro requisito oficial. Alexia puedes pronunciar y escribir tu primer nombre y apellido, por favor. Alexia: Si. Alexia Estrada. A-L-E-X-I-A. Estrada, E-S-T-R-A-D-A. Bauman: Ahora, Manuel Marco: Usted puede decir su nombre Manuel: Manuel Estrada Alexia: M-A-N-U-E-L, E-S-T-R-A-D-A. Dr. Bauman: Gracias Entonces, Manuel. Creo que comenzare contigo, me pregunto si podrías platicar sobre, de lo que tengo entendido por correo electrónico con Alexia, usted llego de México. Podría contarnos sobre su vida allá y que lo llevo a irse y venir acá. Marco: Manuel voy a empezar contigo. Como nos contó tu nieta Alexia que llegaste aca de México nos podrías contar un poco de tu historia en México y como llegaste acá. Manuel: De México? Marco: Si, de México. Manuel: Pues soy mexicano y nací en un rancho y vivimos una vida normal en medio de la pobreza y muchas cosas de necesidad y todo. Salimos adelante a cierta edad, me dieron ganas de venirme a los estados unidos y me vine en el 77’, 1977 cruce para los estados unidos y desde entonces radico aquí en los estados unidos e ido a México a visitar, me estoy yendo (risas). Marco: Yes, I am Mexican. I was born in Mexico a small town, we had limited resources, we lived in poverty, we had necessities and i decided to come to the united states, i have returned. Si, soy mexicano. Yo nací en México, en un pueblo pequeño con pocos recursos, y vivimos en la pobreza con varias necesidades y decidí venirme a los estados unidos, y he regresado. Dr. Bauman: ¿Alrededor de que edad tenía cuando llego a los Estados Unidos? Marco: 1977’ dijo que vino en el 77’? Manuel: Si Marco: Si, la primera vez que llego fue en 1977. Alexia: ¿Y cuantos años tuviste? Manuel: ¿Donde? Alexia: Cuando viniste Manuel: Tenía 25 Marco: 25 años de edad Dr. Bauman: ¿Y conocía a alguien que estaba aquí en los estados unidos? ¿Cuándo se vino, vino a encontrarse con alguien? ¿O como llego, y como lo logro? Marco: ¿Cuándo llego acá a los estados unidos conocía a alguien cuando venía acá, o como llego aquí? Alexia: A Tri-Cities Manuel: A Estados Unidos o los Tri-Cities? Alexia: Los dos Marco: Aquí para empezar y luego... Primero los Estados Unidos, luego los Tri-Cities Manuel: Cuando entré a los estados unidos, me vino con un amigo, no conocía a nadie, empecé hacer amistades aquí, y así fue como recorrí mi vida Marco: Cuando entro a los estados unidos, vino con un amigo, no conocía a nadie, empezó hacer amistades aquí, y así fue como recorrió su vida Dr. Bauman: Fue algún lado antes de llegar a los Tri-Cities? Algún otro lugar Marco: Donde llego antes de llegar a los Tri-Cities? Manuel: Llegue a los angeles, tuve un tiempo pequeño en los angeles, de allí me vine a oregon, y no me gusto los angeles, no me gusto Oregon, me vine a Washington, y aquí me gusto, y aquí llegue a yakima Marco: Llego a los angeles, estuvo un tiempo pequeño en los ángeles, de allí se fue a oregon, y no le gusto los angeles, ni oregon, y se fue a Washington, y si le gusto Manuel: Allí viví nueve años, y allí me cambie para acá, y el resto lo he vivido aquí. Marco: Se mudo a Yakima, donde vivo nueve años y se mudó a los Tri-Cities Dr. Bauman : ¿Cuándo estaba en Yakima que tipo de empleo pudo encontrar? Marco: Cuando estaba en Yakima y después Tri-Cities que tipo de trabaja estaba usted haciendo? Manuel: El campo Marco: Trabajo de campo Manuel: El campo, la agricultura Bauman: ¿Cuándo se fue de México, tenía miembros de su familia? dejo familia allá? ¿Algún familiar llego en algún punto? Marco: Cuando usted dejo México, dejo familia, ¿vinieron su familia de allá para acá? ¿Como estuvo? Manuel: Si, deje a mis padres, a mis hermanos. De hecho, tres hijos pequeños que tenía. Marco: Si, dejo sus padres, sus hermanos, y tres hijos menores de edad, Manuel: Con el tiempo, lograron venirse también. Y ahora tengo familia en México y tengo familia aquí. Marco: Con el tiempo, pudieron venirse también. Y ahora tiene familia en México y aquí. Alexia: ¿Uno era mi papa verdad? Manuel: Si Alexia: Mi papa era uno de sus hijos Manuel: Si Dr. Bauman: Cuando llego a los Tri-Cities, como era la comunidad hispana cuando usted llego? Cuando primero llego Marco: ¿Cuándo llego usted aquí cómo era la comunidad hispana? Manuel: ¿Aquí? Marco: Aquí Manuel: Eran muy, muy pocos, no había casi hispanos. Había una o dos tiendas mexicanas. Era un rancho, con unas dos o tres patrullas. Todo muy pobre, se podía decir. Muy escaso, pocos hispanos, pero se fueron multiplicando y ahora tenemos una bella ciudad. Marco: Eran muy pocos, no había casi hispanos. Era un pueblo muy pequeño, con unas dos o tres patrullas. Todo muy pobre, se podía decir. Muy escaso, pocos hispanos, pero se fueron multiplicando y ahora tenemos una bella ciudad. Dr. Bauman: Cuando llego, donde encontró donde vivir, ¿al inicio cuando llego primero? Marco: ¿Cuándo llego aquí en donde llego a vivir? Manuel: A Pasco Llegue aquí el primero de enero del 87’ Marco: Llego aquí el primero de enero del 87’ Alexia: ¿Y viviste en la ciudad o en el rancho del campo? Manuel: En la ciudad Marco: Él vivió en la ciudad Alexia: Está bien Manuel: Con el tiempo, este, trabaje con un ranchero 22 anos, 18 anos de supervisor en el rancho, 4 anos como peón, con el tiempo me fui al rancho, me dio casa, llego el tiempo me retire y regrese a la ciudad, y ahora vivo en Pasco Marco: Trabaje en un rancho 22 anos, dieciocho años de supervisor, y los primeros cuatro años como trabajador regular, con tiempo me dio una casa en el rancho. Y me retire y regrese a la ciudad de Pasco, y vivo allí. Dr. Bauman: ¿Y cuantos hijos tiene? ¿Nietos? Marco: ¿Cuántos nietos o bisnietos? Alexia: ¿Cuántos hijos tienes? Manuel: Pues hijos no tengo muchos Marco: No tengo muchos hijos Manuel: Hijos, tengo tres. Pero nietos tengo dieciocho, y bisnietos nietos tengo cinco Marco: Tres hijos, dieciocho nietos, y bisnietos tengo cinco Dr. Bauman: ¿Todos están en esta región de Pasco? Manuel: No, unos están en Yakima Marco: Unos están en Yakima Manuel: En Yakima, pero otros aquí Marco: Y otros están aquí Dr. Bauman: Y usted a regresado a México? ¿Seguido? Marco: ¿Regresa a México seguido a mirar familia? Manuel: Antes iba seguido, pero ahora tengo unos seis años que no he ido Marco: Antes si, ahora tiene seis años que no ha regresado Dr.: Bauman: Está bien, Alexia ahora te voy a preguntar algunas preguntas Marco: Ahora le va a preguntar a su nieta Alexia: Si, muy bien Dr. Bauman: Como era crecer en la área de los Tri-Cities? Alexia: Si, era todo lo que conocía, pero era genial me encanto. Tuve la oportunidad de crecer en una vecindad muy cercana en Pasco. Yo vivía en una vecindad muy diversa, con diferentes religiones, etnias/raza, muy intergeneracional. Dr. Bauman: Se por mucha gente que estas muy involucrada en varias organizaciones, nos podrías contar un poco sobre eso: un poco sobre cómo, cuando, y porque te involucraste Alexia: Creo que. A ver donde comenzó, crecí atendiendo el club de niños y niñas, un programa después de la escuela, y esa oportunidad, y la iglesia, porque mi abuelo es pastor, creo que esas dos cosas combinadas inculcaron ese deseo de servir y hacer servicios. Y entonces cuando fui a colegio, y encontré mi universidad por el programa a cuál asistía después de escuela. Yo regrese y quise servir a la comunidad, y me involucre. Y creo que es algo que está creciendo en los Tri-Cities Estoy involucrada con un poco de diferentes organizaciones. Las clínicas emergentes están consumiendo mucho de mi tiempo, para asegurar que la comunidad sea vacunada por la pandemia, ahora estamos en frente de la Súper-Mex cada fin de semana alentando a la gente que se vacunen y ayudando a la gente con accesibilidad. Dr. Bauman: ¿Con cual organización es esto? Alexia: Con los hispanic commerance of chamber, y también trabaje con latino community fund cuando regrese de la universidad, y luego con Heritage University Dr. Bauman: Muy bien. Entonces, mencionaste las vacunaciones, y la pandemia COVID-19 Estadísticas han enseñado que han impactado a las comunidades latinas mucho más fuerte. Económicamente, en salud, y riesgos más altos de muerte, involucrada con las clínicas emergentes que impacto has visto en la comunidad hispana aquí Alexia: Creo, que la forma en que nuestra comunidad recibe información es de boca en boca, y mensajeros de confianza. Lo que yo he notado es poder enviar mensajeros de confianza, para poder mandarlos con la información correcta y para poder dar información precisa. Creo que también hay demasiado estigma sobre mucha gente que no quiere ser vacunados, y por parte es verdad, pero creo que la accesibilidad es número uno. Nosotros intencionalmente tuvimos las clínicas los sábados por las tardes y los domingos porque sabíamos que nuestra comunidad estaba trabajando y con solo eso ayuda. Mucha gente me ha dicho que sienten el estrés de tener que hacer una cita en Walgreens donde no hablan español. La ansiedad del proceso, han dicho que al ir de compras y les hablamos en español, y les ayudamos sin una cita. La conveniencia de todo creo que fue el impacto más grande, o lo que yo aprendí y la accesibilidad y mensajeros de confianza son importantes. Dr. Bauman: Como mencionaste, asumo que la barrera de lenguaje tuvo mucho que ver Alexia: Si. Dr. Bauman: Si, es muy interesante. ¿Que otro, obviamente ese a sido un tema bastante importante en los últimos anos. ¿Que otro problema has visto en la comunidad que son importantes, o cual es uno en el que has sido involucrada? Alexia: Si, creo que uno de los temas más grandes. Es como involucrarse con el gobierno, y creo que como hacerlo más accesible y poder agrandar el conocimiento de la gente y empoderar a la gente para usar sus voces. No hay educación o la gente no saben cómo llenar un folleto, o no sabían que tienen el derecho a votar. Saber que tu voto si importa, es uno de los temas/asunto que he visto. Mi abuelo voto recientemente. Y esta registrado para votar. Verdad, votaste Manuel: Yeah – Si. Alexia: Al saber que si se hace una diferencia grande Creo que, empoderando a la gente, para que utilicen su voz y que sepan que voz si importa y es escuchada es uno de los problemas más grandes. Y también creo que estamos desarrollándonos muy rápidamente en la ciudad, y mi mayor miedo es que la gente va a ser dejada atrás y sacada de sus espacios y hogares. Yo vivo en el este de Pasco, y actualmente tenemos los edificios de Amazon que están siendo construidos y las bodegas. Yo – necesito más información, pero nos han dicho que ese lado es industrial y es una zona industrial y por eso la gente puede construir allí y no tenemos a donde ir, pero si vemos el pasado de Pasco, se sabe que ese lado es industrial porque cierta gente vivió de ese lado y hay un parqueadero de traíllas a un lado, y me da curiosidad ver que será construido en los años que vienen, como vamos a proteger a la gente que ha vivido en esa área por años y años. Al construir y desarrollamos como una ciudad como cuidamos a esos que han estado en esta comunidad y como los mantenemos aquí. Dr. Bauman: Correcto, viviendo y como mencionaste también la política, elecciones suena que has estado involucrada en todos esos asuntos. ¿Entonces fue al crecer junto a la comunidad y el club de niños y niñas que te dirigió a involucrarte o fueron cosas de colegio? Alexia: Si. Bauman: O una combinación. Alexia: Si, una combinación de todo. Creo que fui bendecida. Tuve bastantes mentores, mucha gente ha podido... desde Ms. Conan, si la va a entrevistar, la debería entrevistar, Sevilla Con era mi maestra de la secundaria en Kamiakin y ella influencio mi vida bastante aquí en los Tri-Cities, mis mentores en el club de niños y niñas, y mucha gente que ha podida atribuir a mi vida. Estoy muy agradecida, y cuando fui a la universidad, la frase de la universidad era 'comprometer la cultura para cambiar el mundo,’ pero lo que aprendí allí era que la forma en cambiar el mundo es regresar a tu comunidad, y sucede el cambio en los espacios pequeños donde la gente no pone tanta atención y allí es donde sucede el cambio, entonces regresar a los Tri-Cities no es siempre algo que emociona a la gente. Puede ser una mudanza difícil para los jóvenes, todavía no hay demasiado para los jóvenes. Bauman: Correcto. Mientras has estado hablando, he pensado sobre la historia de tu abuelo. Me pregunto, como te ha influido su experiencia. Alexia: Si. Bueno, mi abuelo es un servidor para la gente, pero no creo que se llamaría eso ni tampoco se llamaría un organizador de la comunidad. Él también es trabajador agrícola pero también es pastor de una pequeña iglesia que le serve a lo más humilde, se refiere a la gente humilde en nuestra comunidad. Entonces al ver como él está allí para la gente y la necesidad de la gente que viene a la iglesia definitivamente me influencio y también creo que mantener sus historias. Seguir contando las historias que ha compartido, que mi papa ha compartido sobre todo que han tenido que sobresalir para llegar donde estoy ahora. Yo tengo mi educación universitaria y puede atender y participar en las juntas del consejo del pueblo, entender y compartir lo que está sucediendo y todas estas cosas porque alguien decidió emigrar aquí y trabajo duro para nosotros. Bauman: ¿Si, la educación universitaria era muy importante? ¿Pudieron tus padres asistir al colegio? ¿O eres primera generación? Alexia: Si, mi mama asistió al colegio. Mi mama fue a WSU en Pullman, y creo que eso me abrió demasiadas puertas también. Y mi papa también me estaba alentando, sí. Bauman: La educación era muy importante Alexia: Una prioridad, número uno. Bauman: Si Alexia: Verdad que la educación era muy importante Manuel: O, sí. Número uno. Alexia: Si. Bauman: ¿Entonces, tienes hermanos o hermanas? Alexia: Si. Tengo cuatro hermanos menores. Bauman: Está bien. Alexia: Si, tenemos una gran diferencia en edad también. Yo cumplo 25 el domingo y mi hermana pequeña tiene 10 años, la más pequeña. Tenemos algunos años entre nosotras. Bauman: Me pregunto, que embelleciendo has tenido en tus hermanos pequeños Alexia: Si. Yo no sé, yo pienso en eso todo el tiempo. Cada generación a creado una fundación, y mis hermanos están creciendo con diferentes voces y opiniones en todo aspecto. Tendremos que ver como navegan y que hacen con esas voces. Bauman: Alexia, esta es una universidad, verdad. Muchos jóvenes, y estudiantes no tradicionales. Alexia: Sí. Bauman: Que consejos le darías a un joven en la universidad sobre como involucrarse en la comunidad, Alexia: Yo diría que tú eres el experto. No creo que lo escuchamos lo suficiente como jóvenes. Pero conocemos nuestra comunidad, tú has vivido aquí. Cada uno ha tenido sus propias experiencias y son muy validas y son sus historias. Yo digo que confíen en eso y que sepan que cuando entren espacios... Hay gente que han tenido diferentes experiencias o son mayores o diferentes generaciones, tú también tienes mucho que contribuir y eso es importante, entonces tener confianza y saber que eres el experto. Bauman: Muy buenos consejos. Voy a volver con Manuel y preguntar unas preguntas Marco: Vamos a regresar con usted con unas cuantas preguntas. Bauman: Al estar sentado aquí con su nieta al saber lo que ella ha logrado en su vida cuáles son sus pensamientos al ver la joven en la que se convierte y en la generación. Marco: ¿Ahorita que está sentado cercas de su nieta lo que ella ha logrado hasta ahorita, como se siente usted? Manuel: Muy orgulloso, de ella muy contento. Marco: Muy muy orgulloso, está muy feliz. Manuel: Si, de los logros que ha tenido Marco: Sus logros que ha logrado Manuel: Es una joven esforzada, valiente, es una de las cosas que le admiro mucho Y creo que ella cuenta conmigo y siempre ha contado y seguirá contando con mi apoyo en todas las áreas Marco: Esta joven, la admiro mucho. Ella cuenta conmigo y siempre contara con mi apoyo, en todas las áreas. Es un orgullo para mí lo que ella ha logrado Marco: Estoy muy orgulloso de ella. Alexia: Gracias abuelito Bauman: ¿Le ha dado algún consejo a Alexia? ¿Qué tipos de consejos le ha dado? Alexia: Todo el tiempo Marco: ¿Le da usted consejos a su nieta? Manuel: Mande Marco: Le ha dado consejos a Alexia Alexia: ¿Y si, cuáles consejos? ¿Cuáles tipos de consejos me has dado? Manuel: Pues yo creo que son varios Alexia: Bastante Marco: Muchos Manuel: SI, varios consejos Marco: Muchos consejos Manuel: Para su beneficio. Marco: Por su bien Alexia: Yo creo que mis abuelos, están en la calle Shoshone St a lado del consejo del pueblo y los dos se sientan en el porche todo el tiempo y la gente los visitan y platican con ellos. Y yo he dicho que ese porche ha escuchado todas las conversaciones del mundo. Y entonces a veces pasare y los vere y me estaciono y les digo ‘hola, esto está sucediendo que consejos me pueden dar’ y me sorprende, no debería de sorprenderme mi abuelo es muy sabio. Dice muchas cosas y pienso que es lo importante de relaciones intergeneracional en nuestra comunidad Y creo que necesitamos eso y me da muy buenos consejos, buenos consejos me das. Manuel: Bueno, eso espero Marco: Espero dar buenos consejos. Manuel: Esta difícil para la juventud en estos tiempos Marco: Es difícil para la generación de jóvenes en estos tiempos Manuel: Muy dura la vida Marco: La vida es muy complicada para Manuel: Muy poca responsabilidad de los padres Marco: Muy poca la responsabilidad para los padres Manuel: Y pues nosotros que tenemos la oportunidad hay que echarles la mano, ayudarlos Marco: Darles una mano y ayudarlos Bauman: Alexia, tu que miras hacia adelante que te gustaría ver en el futuro cercano? Alexia: Si Bauman: Algunos cambios que todavía tienen que pasar o que deberían pasar Alexia: Si. O, sí. Yo creo que hay muchos ayudantes y mucha gente que está trabajando en eso, no es algo nuevo, pero me encantaría verlo. Mucha más capacidad dada, pero una pasión mía que me gustaría ver, conversaciones sobre la salud mental y la accesibilidad a eso. No creo que, especialmente en la comunidad latina, me encantaría ver y poder hablar y navegar conversaciones sobre las emociones. Sobre que es la ansiedad, la depresión, ¿y que es la felicidad? ¿Y cómo lo celebramos? Y yo creo que como nuestra sociedad está rodeada estamos todos trabajando y tratando de sobrevivir el día a día. Pero creo que esas conversaciones son necesarias, espero poder regresar un día y poder abrir un centro comunitario donde la gente puede venir y recibir terapia apropiada para nuestra cultura y algunas otras cosas. No sé, bastante cosas, pero no creo que tengamos ese tipo de conversaciones, yo veo que eso falta. Y también veo que la educación en cuanto la voz de la gente y sus votos si hacen la diferencia. Y porque es importante votar por los que no pueden, esos asuntos. Manuel: Está bien. Bauman: Hay algo que no les he preguntado o a tu abuelo, Manuel o Alexia que creen que son importantes para platicarlo sobre su familia, su historia, su historia migratoria, ¿o sobre la comunidad? Marco: Hay algo que no le hemos preguntado sobre usted sobre su historia que cree que debe contarnos, que se quedó sin decir, ¿pero cree que sería bueno decirlo? Manuel: Pues este, tal vez sí. La historia es que viene uno a este país Marco: Posiblemente si, se viene a este país Manuel: a trabajar Marco: Se viene a trabajar Manuel: se sufre, pero como sigue diciendo la gente es un país de las oportunidades y depende del comportamiento de uno. Si uno logra lo que quiere o pierde la oportunidad. Marco: Se sufre, pero como dice la gente es el país de las oportunidades. Depende en el comportamiento de uno, si se cumple lo que uno quiere o se pierde la oportunidad Manuel: Yo en mi caso trabaje mucho, siempre en la labor en el campo. A mis hijos les ensene a trabajar. Yo quería que estudiaran, no quisieron el estudio pues tiene que aprender a trabajar como ganarse la vida, trabajando. Marco: En mi caso trabaje mucho, siempre la labor, les ensene a mis hijos a trabajar. Yo quise que fueran a la escuela, pero no quisieron y tuvieron que trabajar. Manuel: Y gracias a dios logre, quizás no lo que quería, pero logre un bienestar para mi vida y para mis hijos. Tengo dos hijos varones, de los cuales estoy orgulloso de ellos. El papa de aquí, de mi nieta. Un varón trabajador, un empresario, tiene sus propios negocios. El otro es un buen trabajador también, buen ciudadano. Y para mi es una satisfacción y puedo decir con un orgullo que valió la pena lo que sufrimos en el campo lo que trabajamos, ahora me siento contento del fruto que algún día nos costó mucho para lograrlo. Tengo mi esposa, mis nietos que están muy acercados a mí que me quieren y los quiero. Y soy feliz Recuerdo los sufrimientos, los trabajos, pero quiero decir que, si alguien escucha, vale la pena, vale la pena si el señor nos presta vida. Marco: Tengo dos hijos varones, de los cuales estoy orgulloso de ellos. El papa de aquí, de mi nieta. Un varón trabajador, un empresario, tiene sus propios negocios. El otro es un buen trabajador también, buen ciudadano. Y para mi es una satisfacción y puedo decir con un orgullo que valió la pena lo que sufrimos en el campo lo que trabajamos, ahora me siento contento del fruto que algún día nos costó mucho para lograrlo. Tengo mi esposa, mis nietos que están muy acercados a mí que me quieren y los quiero. Y soy feliz Recuerdo los sufrimientos, los trabajos, pero quiero decir que, si alguien escucha, vale la pena, vale la pena si el señor nos presta vida. Manuel: Un día disfrutamos lo que cosechamos lo que algún día sembramos. Y doy gracias a dios por mi familia. Marco: Y le doy gracias a dios por mi familia, todo vale la pena al fin. Bauman: ¿Y tú Alexia, algo que te gustaría agregar? ¿Algo que no he preguntado? Alexia: No se. Creo que asegurarse de capturar todas las voces en este cuarto en frente de esta cámara para compartir sus historias. Durante las elecciones, había mucho que sucedió. Ese verano decidí ir a trabajar al campo para tener esa experiencia, el paso por todo eso para que yo no tuviera que pasar por eso. Pero yo decidí ir. La gente que conocí de nuestra comunidad que trabaja muy duro para poner comida en nuestras mesas, yo quiero que sus historias sean escuchadas. Pude trabajar junto con una señora, Doña Tere por varias semanas, en la manzana. Creo que aprendí más de ella ese verano que en cualquier otro lugar. Asegurarse de escuchar sus voces, y traerlos qui. Bauman: Eso me recuerda. Tienes a otra gente para recomendar. Antes de irte, me gustaría hablar contigo sobre eso. Alexia: Absolutamente Bauman: Quiero agradecerles mucho, a los dos por venir el día de hoy. Muchas gracias, muchas gracias. Marco: Muchas gracias por haber venido, por compartir su historia. Se aprecia mucho, escuchando las historias de ambos. Bauman: Se les aprecia mucho. Por escuchar su historia, a los dos. Muy importante, la historia generacional Marco: Las historias generacionales y intergeneracionales. Alexia: Hubiera traído a mi papa, lo estaba pensando también. Bauman: Lo pueden traer otro día Manuel: Muchas gracias a ustedes por permitirlos este privilegio, por decir yo. Marco: Gracias por dejarnos tener este privilegio. Manuel: Por poder expresar algo de nuestra vida esperando que si alguien mira con beneficio. Gracias por el tiempo y la oportunidad que nos dan. Estamos para servir en lo que podamos Marco: Poder expresar nuestra vida, si alguien lo mira. Gracias por el tiempo y la oportunidad. Estamos aquí para servir en lo que se pueda. Bauman: Bueno, gracias. Muchas gracias. Marco: Muy bien dicho. Manuel: No hay de que. <div class="capti-toolbox-close"> </div> <div> </div> Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data video/mp4 Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 00:30:45 Bit Rate/Frequency Rate at which bits are transferred (i.e. 96 kbit/s would be FM quality audio) 10317kbps Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Alexia and Manuel Estrada Subject The topic of the resource Oral History; Latin American; Hanford Site; Richland, WA, USA Description An account of the resource Manuel Estrada discusses his journey from Mexico to the Tri-Cities starting in 1977, his work in agriculture, and experiences incurred during the immigration process. Alexia Estrada discusses growing up in the Tri-Cities, experiences in a diverse community, her involvement in community organizations and her passion for social justice. Her work on various community initiatives, including vaccination campaigns and voter engagement. The influence of her family, particularly her grandparents, on her life and values. Her aspirations for the future of the Tri-Cities community, including increased mental health awareness and community engagement. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hanford Oral History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford Oral History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 12, 2022 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part, or all of this oral history should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for this item. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. The Hanford Oral History Project operates under a sub-contract from Mission Support Alliance (MSA), who are the primary contractors for the US Department of Energy's curatorial services relating to the Hanford site. This oral history project became a part of the Hanford History Project in 2015, and continues to add to the US Department of Energy collection. Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. English: Robert Bauman: So there are a few things I have to say upfront just to make it sort of official. Alexia Estrada: Mm-hmm [affirmative] Robert Bauman: So I’ll do that first- Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Robert Bauman: So my name is Robert Bauman um and I am conducting oral history interview along with Climaco Ivarka who is serving as interpreter Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Robert Bauman: And we are doing the interview with Aleixa Estrada and Manuel Estrada Alexia Estrada: Mm-hmm [affirmative] Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Robert Bauman: On July 12th, 2022 Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Robert Bauman: And the interview is being conducted on the campus of Washington Satate University Tri-Cities Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Robert Bauman: And so uh another sort of official thing, Alexia can you say and spell your first and last names please Alexia Estrada: Yeah, Alexia Estrada A-L-E-X-I-A, Estrada E-S-T-R-A-D-A Robert Bauman: And then Manuel Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* (directs to manuel) Manuel Estrada: Manuel Estrada Climaco Ivarka: *continues interpretation in Spanish* Alexia Estrada: M-A-N-U-E-L E-S-T-R-A-D-A Robert Bauman: Thank you. Um so Manuel I think I will begin with you I wonder if you could talk a little bit about um as I understand from emailing Alexia you you came here from Mexico um could you talk about your life and what led you to leave there and come here. Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *questions in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: *clarifies in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] Okay so yes I am Mexican I was born in Mexico in a small town we had limited resources, I lived in poverty we had necessities and I decided to come to the United States I have returned Robert Bauman: And about how old were you when you came to the United States? Climaco Ivarka: 1977 *interprets and questions in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: Si Climaco Ivarka: Yeah first time they came in 1977 Alexia Estrada: *converses in Spanish to Manuel Estrada* Manuel Estrada: *replies to Alexia in Spanish* Alexia Estrada: *converses in Spanish to Manuel Estrada* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish to all* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] I was twenty five years old Robert Bauman: Okay um and um did you know someone already here in the United States? Ahh when you came to the U.S. did you come to meet someone or how did you how did you make it here, how did you come here? Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Alexia Estrada: At Tri-Cities Manuel Estrada: *questions for clarification in Spanish* Alexia Estrada: *attempts to clarify in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: *clarifies in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *questions for clarification in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [clarifies question to Robert Bauman] Are you ask him or the Tri-Cities. I let them know that you wanna know how he got here and then Tri-Cities Robert Bauman: Yes to the U.S. yeah first yeah Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] When I came here I didn’t know anybody I came with a friend, I started to make acquaintances and that’s how my life continued Robert Bauman: Mhmm and uh did you go somewhere before coming to the Tri-Cities somewhere else in the.. Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] Okay so we started in Los Angeles or LA then we left to Oregon we didn’t like it there so we came here to…he lived in Yakima where he arrived and lived nine years and from there he moved to the Tri-Cities and the rest of the time I’ve been living here. Robert Bauman: Mhmm. And when you were in Yakima and then Tri-Cities what sort of work were you able to find? Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* El campo El campo Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] Farm work, agricultural Robert Bauman: Mhmm. And did you have when you left Mexico did you have other family members there? Did any of your family also come at some point? Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] Yeah [inaudible] My brothers, three sons I had that were underage. With time since, they were able to come here as well. Now I have family in Mexico and here Alexia Estrada: *converses with Manuel Estrada in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Si Alexia Estrada: My dad was one of the ones Robert Bauman: One of the, aha Alexia Estrada: Yeah, one of his sons Robert Bauman: Mhmm Manuel Estrada: *confirms in Spanish* Si Robert Bauman: And when you arrived in the Tri-Cities, what was the Hispanic community like here when your first arrived here Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] There was not that many- not many Hispanics, there was one or two stores that were Mexican stores. We would call it a small town, maybe two or three police cars [inaudible].. four or resources were not available. There were not that many Hispanics but they started multiplying now we have a beautiful city Robert Bauman: Mhmm mhmm. Um and ah when you came here where did you find to live initially when you first arrived here. Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] Pasco, pasco that is where he found.. Manuel Estrada: *continues response in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] We arrive here in January first of eighty seven Alexia Estrada: *converses with Manuel Estrada in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Alexia Estrada: Okay Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] So we lived in the city with time.. Manuel Estrada: *continues response gradually in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English]... I worked like a farmer for twenty two years, nineteen years of a supervisor. The first four years were just like a regular worker. With time I was able to go to the farm and he gave me a home to stay then I retired and now I came back to the city now I live in the City Pasco. Robert Bauman: Mhmm mhmm. And then how many children, grandchildren? Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Alexia Estrada: *converses with Manuel Estrada in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds gradually in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] He says I don’t have that many three sons, grandchildren I have eighteen, and grandsons I have five Robert Bauman: Aha and are they all in the Pasco Tri-Cities area? Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] Some are in Yakima Manuel Estrada: Yakima [continues response in Spanish] Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] And others are here Robert Bauman: And do you.. have you gone back to Mexico very often to see family or Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] He says I would go often now it’s been about six years since I’ve last been Robert Bauman: Mhmm mhmm. Um okay, Alexia I am going to ask you a few questions now if that’s alright Alexia Estrada: Yeah, sounds good Climaco Ivarka: *interprets to Spanish* Robert Bauman: Um so how was growing up in the Tri-Cities area for you? Alexia Estrada: Yeah, ahh well it’s all I knew but it was great I it’s great I love it. I had the opportunity to grow up in a really close knit neighborhood um in pasco so I actually lived in a really diverse neighborhood. We had different religions on my street, different ethnicities and it was very intergenerational so yeah. Robert Bauman: Um and I know from talking to other people that you've been involved in community organizations and so forth. Alexia Estrada: Yeah Robert Bauman: Can you talk about some of those things you've involved in and and when and why and how you sort of got involved in those things. Alexia Estrada: Yeah I think oh there is there is [LAUGHTER] ohh let me think of where to start. Um well, I think the biggest thing I grew up going to boys and schools club so the second after school program and that opportunity really along with the church my grandpa is a pastor. I think those two combined instilled in me just the desire to serve and do service um and so when I went to college which I found my university through the after school program that took me to the university to view it; um I just came back and knew I wanted to do service so that’s how I got plugged in with community organizing and I think that’s something that is growing in Tri-Cities. Um so I’m involved with quite I don’t know just a couple of different things right now currently the pop up clinics is probably what’s taking up quite a bit of my time making sure our community gets vaccinated because of the pandemic so we are in front of Super Mex every weekend um encouraging folks to get vaxxed and making it accessible to people. Robert Bauman: Mhmm and what organizations or [inaudible] Alexia Estrada: That’s that’s through the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and then I worked for Latino Community Fund when I moved back from university um yeah and now I am with Heritage University. Robert Bauman: Okay, yeah um so you know you mentioned vaccination the pandemic COVID-19 you know studies have shown have impacted like non-white communities more heavily right.. Alexia Estrada: Mhmm. Yeah Robert Bauman: …economically, more illness, higher death rate that sort of thing; um so being involved in pop-up clinics what sort of impact have you seen on the Hispanic community here I wonder Alexia Estrada: Yeah, I think the way that our community receives information is through word of mouth and through trusted messengers and so what I have noticed that the most important thing is to really get trusted messengers out giving accurate information and I think there is a lot of stigma on folks not wanting to get vaccinated which part of it is true but I also think the accessibility piece was like number one so we intentionally had clinics on Saturdays in the afternoon and on Sundays because we knew our community was out working and that alone and the convenience of it and I’ve had folks tell me “I don’t have the stress of having to go do an appointment at Walgreens where they don’t speak Spanish and like the anxiety of it all,” “like ohh I was just going grocery shopping and you spoke to me in Spanish and we were able to get it without and appointment” and the convenience of it I think that was the biggest impact that or the biggest thing I learned was just accessibility and having trusted messengers. Robert Bauman: Mhmm yeah and you mentioned and I would assume language was… Alexia Estrada: Yeah Robert Bauman: …an important part of that right, yeah. Yeah that’s really interesting um what other um obviously so that’s been a really important issue the last couple of years Alexia Estrada: Mhmm Robert Bauman: Um what other issues do you see in the community sort of currently that you think are really important Alexia Estrada: Hmm Robert Bauman: Or ones that you've been involved in Alexia Estrada: Yeah I think one of the biggest ones is how do we educate our community on being involved in local government and I think how do we make it accessible but also how do we get knowledge out there and how do we empower folks to use their voice. Because a lot of times there is just no education, people don’t know how to fill out their ballot and maybe they are a citizen but they never filled out a ballot before and building that trust with like knowing that your vote does matter, I think that is one of the biggest issues I’ve seen. My grandpa voted recently and registered to vote [converses with Manuel Estrada in Spanish] Manuel Estrada: Yeah Alexia Estrada: Si so like just and knowing that it makes a big difference Robert Bauman: Sure Alexia Estrada: Um so I think just empowering folks to use their voice and know that their voice does matter and is heard is one of the biggest issues and then I also think that we are developing so rapidly as a city and my biggest fear is that folks are going to be left out and cooked out--kicked out of their spaces and their homes. I live in East Pasco and we currently have the Amazon buildings going up.. Robert Bauman: Yup, right Alexia Estrada: ..Those warehouses and I need to get more information on it myself but we’ve been told that that side is industrial and that’s zoned industrial so that’s why folks are able to build there and we don’t have anywhere else to go but when we look at the history of Tri-Cities we know that side was industrial because certain people lived on that side of the city. And so there is a trailer park right next to those Amazon warehouses that’s getting built and I am very curious to see in the next few years how we are going to work to protect the people that live there who have had that home for years and years. And so I think as we build and develop as a city how are we taking care of those in our community who have been here and keep room for them Robert Bauman: Right, so housing and as you mentioned also the ah politics right elections and um it sounds like you have been involved in all of those um sort of issues. Um so was it sort of growing up in the community and you said the boys and girls club and then that kind of led sounds like led to your involvement something.. Alexia Estrada: Yeah, I think.. Robert Bauman: Somethings in college anything I mean or combination of Alexia Estrada: A combination of everything, I think I just got really blessed like I have a lot of great mentors a lot of people I have poured into my life from. Miss Conner I don’t know if you are going to interview her. You should; Sabiha Khan, she was my high school teacher at Kamiakin and she influenced my life a ton she’s a mover and shaker here in the Tri-Cities. Um my boys and girls club mentor just people have continued to pour into my life and I am very grateful so I think; when I went to university our motto was like the motto of the university was is “Engage the Culture, Change the World” but what I learned there is that the way to change the world is to go back to your community and it happens in the small in the small spaces where people are not really paying attention that’s where the change happens so Robert Bauman: Mhmm Alexia Estrada: Moving back to Tri-Cities isn’t always something that people get excited for so [LAUGHTER] So um, it can be a hard move for a young adult um there is not much for young adults here yet so Robert Bauman: Right, yeah as you’ve been talking too I’ve been thinking about you know your grandfather’s story. Alexia Estrada: Hmm Robert Bauman: I wonder um the influence of his experiences and story… Alexia Estrada: Yeah Robert Bauman:.. What sort of influence does that have on you? Alexia Estrada: Mhmm. Well,um my grandpa here is a servant leader. I don’t think he’d call himself that, I don’t think he would call himself a community organizer either but um he’s also said he said he was a farm worker but he is also the pastor of a small church that serves um lamasomlida--like the most humble people in our community. And so uh just seeing how he shows up for other folks and the need that there are and the folks that come to his church; um that definitely influenced me and I also think holding on to stories that he shared, that my dad shared on everything that they’ve had to endure to get to where I am at now. Like I am college educated, I am able to go to city council meetings and attend and like understand what is happening and share and advocate and do all these things um because someone chose to immigrate here and work towards that for us so. Robert Bauman: Yeah so you mentioned a college education, was that something that was really emphasized a lot in your family. Were your parents able to go to college or are your first generation or what’s that? Alexia Estrada: My mom was able to go, she actually went to WSU in Pullman and I think that opened a lot of doors for me too and so there’s that and my dad was also super encouraging so um yeah. Robert Bauman: So education was-- Alexia Estrada: --Priority, yeah number one.[LAUGHTER] Robert Bauman: [LAUGHTER] Alexia Estrada: *interpret conversation in Spanish to Manuel Estrada* Manuel Estrada: Oh yeah, number one Alexia Estrada:Yeah [LAUGHTER] Robert Bauman: And so do you have brother sisters? Alexia Estrada:Yeah, I have four younger siblings Robert Bauman: Okay Alexia Estrada: We uh have a big age gap too. I’m going to be twenty five on Sunday and my little sister is ten years old--my youngest sister. So we have a few years in between us Robert Bauman: And uhh I wonder what sort of influence you're being on your-- with your younger sibling, do you think Alexia Estrada: I I am just sainly thought. I don’t know I think about that all the time. Like every generation has set up a new foundation um and my siblings are getting to grow up with a lot of different voices in the room and a lot of different opinions in the spaces and so we’ll see how they’ll navigate those and what they do with them Robert Bauman: Mhmm. Um so Alexia you know this is a university right, a lot of young people--we have a lot of “non-traditional students” but a lot of young people. What, what advice might you give a young person college age or someone that’s in college um about um like community engagement sort of things Alexia Estrada: Yeah. I would say that you are the expert. I don’t think we hear that enough as young people but you know your community, you’ve lived here, you have your own lived experiences and those are very valid and that’s your truth. And so I would say go confident in that and know that when you enter into spaces or maybe there are folks that have different experiences that are older or different generation, you also bring up a lot to the table and what you bring to the table is rich and so just being confident in that and knowing that you are the expert Robert Bauman: That’s great advice um I’m going to go back to Manuel and ask him some questions. Climaco Ivarka: *interprets question to Manuel in Spanish* Robert Bauman: Um, when you sit here next to your granddaughter and know what she has achieved in her young life so far, what sort of thoughts do you have as you see the young person she’s become and the younger generation Climaco Ivarka: *interprets question to Manuel in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] He’s very proud of her, very happy. Robert Bauman: Mhmm Manuel Estrada: *continues response in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] Her confidence, that she’s-- since she’s young. I admire her alot. She sounds funny and she always counts on me for my support in all the areas. I’m very proud of her, it’s an honor. Alexia Estrada: Gracias Abuletio Robert Bauman: Have you ever given Alexia advice of any kind and if so what sort of advice have you given her Alexia Estrada: All the time [LAUGHTER] Climaco Ivarka: *interprets question to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *questions in Spanish* Alexia Estrada: “converses with Manuel in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Alexia Estrada: Alot. Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] I would say many Manuel Estrada: *continues response in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] Lots of advice for her only benefit. Alexia Estrada: I think my grandparents they’re on Shoshone street they’re right by city hall and they both sit on the porch all the time and people come and visit them and talk to them and I- I’ve said that “that porch has heard all of the world’s conversations.” And so sometimes I would go by and I’ll see them and I’ll just drive over and go park and I’ll be like “hey, this is going on like what advice do you have for me” and I’m very surprised at how--I shouldn’t be surprised my grandpa is very wise and says a lot of things and oh “that’s really good.” And I think it’s just the importance of intergenerational relationships in our community; I think we really need that .But he gives me lots of good advice Alexia Estrada:*converses with Manuel in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *replies in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets to English] I hope I give good advice. Manuel Estrada: *continues response in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] It’s difficult for our young generation, these times the life is very complicated, very difficult. For them there are responsibility from parents and if we have the opportunity we need to come to hand. Robert Bauman: So um Alexia as you look sort of forward a little bit, what um things would you like to see happening in the near future in the community? Alexia Estrada: Mhmm, yeah.. mmm Robert Bauman: Are there changes that you think still need to happen or that you'd like to see happen or… Alexia Estrada: Yeah, oh yeah. Um I think there is a lot of helpers and there is a lot of people at work already doing this stuff so it’s not really new but I’d love to see a um more capacity being given to it. But one of my passions that I really want to see happen here in the Tri-Cities is conversations around mental health and accessibility to that. I don’t think especially in the Latino community, I would love to see us be able to talk about and navigate conversations around dimensions more and and what is anxiety, what is depression but also what is joy and like how do we celebrate that. And I think with just how our society is set up we are all so busy working and we are all so busy trying to survive day by day um but I think those conversations really need to happen. So I’d love to see-- I would hope maybe one day I can come back and open up a community center or something where folks can come in and just receive culturally appropriate therapy and ahh I don’t know a lot of different things but I don’t think we have those conversations I see that. And I also think education on how much people's voice and vote does make a difference and why it’s important to vote for those who can’t Robert Bauman: Mhmm Alexia Estrada: Mmm, those things. Yeah Manuel Estrada: It’s fine. [CHUCKLE] Alexia Estrada:[LAUGHTER] Mhmm Robert Bauman:[CHUCKLE]. Is there anything I haven’t asked you or your grandpa Manuel or Alexia that you think would be important to talk about either about your family, story- immigration story, or community issues or anything Climaco Ivarka: *interprets question to Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually to English] Maybe yes, we come to this country, we come to work, we suffer. People say it’s the land of opportunities and it depends on our behavior what we accomplish or what we want or you lose the opportunity. In my case I worked a lot always labor work in the farm, I taught my kids to work. I wanted them to go to school get educated. They did not want to go to a school get educated now they have to learn to work, how to make a living out of it by working. And thanks alot I was able to accomplish maybe not what I wanted but I was able to get them a table of food before them. I have two sons that I am very proud of, the father of my granddaughter here he’s a very experienced worker hard worker entrepreneur. He has his businesses, he’s a good citizen; that’s satisfaction for me and I can say with honor that it was worth all my suffrage all my farming working times. I feel happy, I received the goods that was hard work for us to accomplish. I have my wife and my grandchildren who are very close to me that love me and I’m very happy. I remember through all the suffrage I had while I was working, I just want to say if someone is listening to me that it’s worth it and if god lets-gets us fly, one day we will be happy and enjoy what we. I’m very thankful for all the work that I did, I paid off at the end- it pays off at the end Manuel Estrada: Yeah Robert Bauman: Mhmm. How about you Alexia is there anything that you would like to add or anything that I haven’t asked about Alexia Estrada: Hmm I don’t know. I think just making sure you get all the voices in this room in front of this camera to share their story. I had I during one of the election years there was lot of just a lot of stuff going on and so that summer I said “you know what I am going to work in the fields ” and I want to know what it feels like and I want to be able to actually experience it. He went through all of it so I wouldn’t have to but I still chose to kind of go out there and um the people that I met in our community that work so hard to put foods on our tables, I want those stories to be heard. I got to work alongside a lady named Donyateray for weeks doing the apple [picking] and I think I learned more from here that summer that I would have learned from any other space so just making sure we get those folks here Robert Bauman: Yeah, absolutely. And so that reminds me one question that I will ask if you have other people we connect we can interview Alexia Estrada: Yeah I do actually. Yeah Robert Bauman: Absolutely, so we can talk about that afterwards Alexia Estrada: Sweet Robert Bauman: Yeah, that would be absolutely terrific. Um so I want to thank both of you very much for coming in today. Gracias, muchas gracias um really appreciate it um getting your stories hearing your stories, both of you. It’s really important we have it, the generational- Climaco Ivarka: *interprets in Spanish gradually* Alexia Estrada: Yeah Robert Bauman:- story is really really great. Alexia Estrada: We should’ve brought my dad. I was thinking about it too Robert Bauman: [LAUGHTER] We can bring him another time Alexia Estrada: Yeah I was thinking that Manuel Estrada: *comments in Spanish* Climaco Ivarka: [interprets gradually in English] Thank you for letting us having this privilege to express our stories I’m hoping that if somebody sees it it can benefit them, thank you for that for the time the opportunity that you gave us today we are here to serve in what we can Robert Bauman: Well thank you very much, muchas gracias Climaco Ivarka: *interprets in Spanish* Manuel Estrada: *responds in Spanish* Espanol: Dr. Bauman: Hay algunas cosas que tengo que decir antes de comenzar. Para que sea todo oficial. Marco Abarca: Hay algunas cosas que tengo que decir al inicio para hacerlo oficial. Dr. Bauman: Mi nombre es Robert Bauman. Yo estoy conduciendo una entrevista histórica oral junto con Marco Abarca quien será interprete el día de hoy. Marco: Mi nombre es Robert Bauman estoy conduciendo una entrevista oral con ustedes, junto con Marco Abarca quien será el intérprete. Dr. Bauman: Estamos conduciendo la entrevista con Alexia Estrada y Manuel Estrada Marco: La entrevista va a ser con Alexia Estrada y Manuel Estrada Dr. Bauman: El 12 de Julio del año 2022, Marco: El 12 de Julio del 2022 Bauman: Y la entrevista está siendo conducida en Washington State Tri-Cities Marco: La entrevista está conduciendo aquí en el WSU Tri-Cities Bauman: Otro requisito oficial. Alexia puedes pronunciar y escribir tu primer nombre y apellido, por favor. Alexia: Si. Alexia Estrada. A-L-E-X-I-A. Estrada, E-S-T-R-A-D-A. Bauman: Ahora, Manuel Marco: Usted puede decir su nombre Manuel: Manuel Estrada Alexia: M-A-N-U-E-L, E-S-T-R-A-D-A. Dr. Bauman: Gracias Entonces, Manuel. Creo que comenzare contigo, me pregunto si podrías platicar sobre, de lo que tengo entendido por correo electrónico con Alexia, usted llego de México. Podría contarnos sobre su vida allá y que lo llevo a irse y venir acá. Marco: Manuel voy a empezar contigo. Como nos contó tu nieta Alexia que llegaste aca de México nos podrías contar un poco de tu historia en México y como llegaste acá. Manuel: De México? Marco: Si, de México. Manuel: Pues soy mexicano y nací en un rancho y vivimos una vida normal en medio de la pobreza y muchas cosas de necesidad y todo. Salimos adelante a cierta edad, me dieron ganas de venirme a los estados unidos y me vine en el 77’, 1977 cruce para los estados unidos y desde entonces radico aquí en los estados unidos e ido a México a visitar, me estoy yendo (risas). Marco: Yes, I am Mexican. I was born in Mexico a small town, we had limited resources, we lived in poverty, we had necessities and i decided to come to the united states, i have returned. Si, soy mexicano. Yo nací en México, en un pueblo pequeño con pocos recursos, y vivimos en la pobreza con varias necesidades y decidí venirme a los estados unidos, y he regresado. Dr. Bauman: ¿Alrededor de que edad tenía cuando llego a los Estados Unidos? Marco: 1977’ dijo que vino en el 77’? Manuel: Si Marco: Si, la primera vez que llego fue en 1977. Alexia: ¿Y cuantos años tuviste? Manuel: ¿Donde? Alexia: Cuando viniste Manuel: Tenía 25 Marco: 25 años de edad Dr. Bauman: ¿Y conocía a alguien que estaba aquí en los estados unidos? ¿Cuándo se vino, vino a encontrarse con alguien? ¿O como llego, y como lo logro? Marco: ¿Cuándo llego acá a los estados unidos conocía a alguien cuando venía acá, o como llego aquí? Alexia: A Tri-Cities Manuel: A Estados Unidos o los Tri-Cities? Alexia: Los dos Marco: Aquí para empezar y luego... Primero los Estados Unidos, luego los Tri-Cities Manuel: Cuando entré a los estados unidos, me vino con un amigo, no conocía a nadie, empecé hacer amistades aquí, y así fue como recorrí mi vida Marco: Cuando entro a los estados unidos, vino con un amigo, no conocía a nadie, empezó hacer amistades aquí, y así fue como recorrió su vida Dr. Bauman: Fue algún lado antes de llegar a los Tri-Cities? Algún otro lugar Marco: Donde llego antes de llegar a los Tri-Cities? Manuel: Llegue a los angeles, tuve un tiempo pequeño en los angeles, de allí me vine a oregon, y no me gusto los angeles, no me gusto Oregon, me vine a Washington, y aquí me gusto, y aquí llegue a yakima Marco: Llego a los angeles, estuvo un tiempo pequeño en los ángeles, de allí se fue a oregon, y no le gusto los angeles, ni oregon, y se fue a Washington, y si le gusto Manuel: Allí viví nueve años, y allí me cambie para acá, y el resto lo he vivido aquí. Marco: Se mudo a Yakima, donde vivo nueve años y se mudó a los Tri-Cities Dr. Bauman : ¿Cuándo estaba en Yakima que tipo de empleo pudo encontrar? Marco: Cuando estaba en Yakima y después Tri-Cities que tipo de trabaja estaba usted haciendo? Manuel: El campo Marco: Trabajo de campo Manuel: El campo, la agricultura Bauman: ¿Cuándo se fue de México, tenía miembros de su familia? dejo familia allá? ¿Algún familiar llego en algún punto? Marco: Cuando usted dejo México, dejo familia, ¿vinieron su familia de allá para acá? ¿Como estuvo? Manuel: Si, deje a mis padres, a mis hermanos. De hecho, tres hijos pequeños que tenía. Marco: Si, dejo sus padres, sus hermanos, y tres hijos menores de edad, Manuel: Con el tiempo, lograron venirse también. Y ahora tengo familia en México y tengo familia aquí. Marco: Con el tiempo, pudieron venirse también. Y ahora tiene familia en México y aquí. Alexia: ¿Uno era mi papa verdad? Manuel: Si Alexia: Mi papa era uno de sus hijos Manuel: Si Dr. Bauman: Cuando llego a los Tri-Cities, como era la comunidad hispana cuando usted llego? Cuando primero llego Marco: ¿Cuándo llego usted aquí cómo era la comunidad hispana? Manuel: ¿Aquí? Marco: Aquí Manuel: Eran muy, muy pocos, no había casi hispanos. Había una o dos tiendas mexicanas. Era un rancho, con unas dos o tres patrullas. Todo muy pobre, se podía decir. Muy escaso, pocos hispanos, pero se fueron multiplicando y ahora tenemos una bella ciudad. Marco: Eran muy pocos, no había casi hispanos. Era un pueblo muy pequeño, con unas dos o tres patrullas. Todo muy pobre, se podía decir. Muy escaso, pocos hispanos, pero se fueron multiplicando y ahora tenemos una bella ciudad. Dr. Bauman: Cuando llego, donde encontró donde vivir, ¿al inicio cuando llego primero? Marco: ¿Cuándo llego aquí en donde llego a vivir? Manuel: A Pasco Llegue aquí el primero de enero del 87’ Marco: Llego aquí el primero de enero del 87’ Alexia: ¿Y viviste en la ciudad o en el rancho del campo? Manuel: En la ciudad Marco: Él vivió en la ciudad Alexia: Está bien Manuel: Con el tiempo, este, trabaje con un ranchero 22 anos, 18 anos de supervisor en el rancho, 4 anos como peón, con el tiempo me fui al rancho, me dio casa, llego el tiempo me retire y regrese a la ciudad, y ahora vivo en Pasco Marco: Trabaje en un rancho 22 anos, dieciocho años de supervisor, y los primeros cuatro años como trabajador regular, con tiempo me dio una casa en el rancho. Y me retire y regrese a la ciudad de Pasco, y vivo allí. Dr. Bauman: ¿Y cuantos hijos tiene? ¿Nietos? Marco: ¿Cuántos nietos o bisnietos? Alexia: ¿Cuántos hijos tienes? Manuel: Pues hijos no tengo muchos Marco: No tengo muchos hijos Manuel: Hijos, tengo tres. Pero nietos tengo dieciocho, y bisnietos nietos tengo cinco Marco: Tres hijos, dieciocho nietos, y bisnietos tengo cinco Dr. Bauman: ¿Todos están en esta región de Pasco? Manuel: No, unos están en Yakima Marco: Unos están en Yakima Manuel: En Yakima, pero otros aquí Marco: Y otros están aquí Dr. Bauman: Y usted a regresado a México? ¿Seguido? Marco: ¿Regresa a México seguido a mirar familia? Manuel: Antes iba seguido, pero ahora tengo unos seis años que no he ido Marco: Antes si, ahora tiene seis años que no ha regresado Dr.: Bauman: Está bien, Alexia ahora te voy a preguntar algunas preguntas Marco: Ahora le va a preguntar a su nieta Alexia: Si, muy bien Dr. Bauman: Como era crecer en la área de los Tri-Cities? Alexia: Si, era todo lo que conocía, pero era genial me encanto. Tuve la oportunidad de crecer en una vecindad muy cercana en Pasco. Yo vivía en una vecindad muy diversa, con diferentes religiones, etnias/raza, muy intergeneracional. Dr. Bauman: Se por mucha gente que estas muy involucrada en varias organizaciones, nos podrías contar un poco sobre eso: un poco sobre cómo, cuando, y porque te involucraste Alexia: Creo que. A ver donde comenzó, crecí atendiendo el club de niños y niñas, un programa después de la escuela, y esa oportunidad, y la iglesia, porque mi abuelo es pastor, creo que esas dos cosas combinadas inculcaron ese deseo de servir y hacer servicios. Y entonces cuando fui a colegio, y encontré mi universidad por el programa a cuál asistía después de escuela. Yo regrese y quise servir a la comunidad, y me involucre. Y creo que es algo que está creciendo en los Tri-Cities Estoy involucrada con un poco de diferentes organizaciones. Las clínicas emergentes están consumiendo mucho de mi tiempo, para asegurar que la comunidad sea vacunada por la pandemia, ahora estamos en frente de la Súper-Mex cada fin de semana alentando a la gente que se vacunen y ayudando a la gente con accesibilidad. Dr. Bauman: ¿Con cual organización es esto? Alexia: Con los hispanic commerance of chamber, y también trabaje con latino community fund cuando regrese de la universidad, y luego con Heritage University Dr. Bauman: Muy bien. Entonces, mencionaste las vacunaciones, y la pandemia COVID-19 Estadísticas han enseñado que han impactado a las comunidades latinas mucho más fuerte. Económicamente, en salud, y riesgos más altos de muerte, involucrada con las clínicas emergentes que impacto has visto en la comunidad hispana aquí Alexia: Creo, que la forma en que nuestra comunidad recibe información es de boca en boca, y mensajeros de confianza. Lo que yo he notado es poder enviar mensajeros de confianza, para poder mandarlos con la información correcta y para poder dar información precisa. Creo que también hay demasiado estigma sobre mucha gente que no quiere ser vacunados, y por parte es verdad, pero creo que la accesibilidad es número uno. Nosotros intencionalmente tuvimos las clínicas los sábados por las tardes y los domingos porque sabíamos que nuestra comunidad estaba trabajando y con solo eso ayuda. Mucha gente me ha dicho que sienten el estrés de tener que hacer una cita en Walgreens donde no hablan español. La ansiedad del proceso, han dicho que al ir de compras y les hablamos en español, y les ayudamos sin una cita. La conveniencia de todo creo que fue el impacto más grande, o lo que yo aprendí y la accesibilidad y mensajeros de confianza son importantes. Dr. Bauman: Como mencionaste, asumo que la barrera de lenguaje tuvo mucho que ver Alexia: Si. Dr. Bauman: Si, es muy interesante. ¿Que otro, obviamente ese a sido un tema bastante importante en los últimos anos. ¿Que otro problema has visto en la comunidad que son importantes, o cual es uno en el que has sido involucrada? Alexia: Si, creo que uno de los temas más grandes. Es como involucrarse con el gobierno, y creo que como hacerlo más accesible y poder agrandar el conocimiento de la gente y empoderar a la gente para usar sus voces. No hay educación o la gente no saben cómo llenar un folleto, o no sabían que tienen el derecho a votar. Saber que tu voto si importa, es uno de los temas/asunto que he visto. Mi abuelo voto recientemente. Y esta registrado para votar. Verdad, votaste Manuel: Yeah – Si. Alexia: Al saber que si se hace una diferencia grande Creo que, empoderando a la gente, para que utilicen su voz y que sepan que voz si importa y es escuchada es uno de los problemas más grandes. Y también creo que estamos desarrollándonos muy rápidamente en la ciudad, y mi mayor miedo es que la gente va a ser dejada atrás y sacada de sus espacios y hogares. Yo vivo en el este de Pasco, y actualmente tenemos los edificios de Amazon que están siendo construidos y las bodegas. Yo – necesito más información, pero nos han dicho que ese lado es industrial y es una zona industrial y por eso la gente puede construir allí y no tenemos a donde ir, pero si vemos el pasado de Pasco, se sabe que ese lado es industrial porque cierta gente vivió de ese lado y hay un parqueadero de traíllas a un lado, y me da curiosidad ver que será construido en los años que vienen, como vamos a proteger a la gente que ha vivido en esa área por años y años. Al construir y desarrollamos como una ciudad como cuidamos a esos que han estado en esta comunidad y como los mantenemos aquí. Dr. Bauman: Correcto, viviendo y como mencionaste también la política, elecciones suena que has estado involucrada en todos esos asuntos. ¿Entonces fue al crecer junto a la comunidad y el club de niños y niñas que te dirigió a involucrarte o fueron cosas de colegio? Alexia: Si. Bauman: O una combinación. Alexia: Si, una combinación de todo. Creo que fui bendecida. Tuve bastantes mentores, mucha gente ha podido... desde Ms. Conan, si la va a entrevistar, la debería entrevistar, Sevilla Con era mi maestra de la secundaria en Kamiakin y ella influencio mi vida bastante aquí en los Tri-Cities, mis mentores en el club de niños y niñas, y mucha gente que ha podida atribuir a mi vida. Estoy muy agradecida, y cuando fui a la universidad, la frase de la universidad era 'comprometer la cultura para cambiar el mundo,’ pero lo que aprendí allí era que la forma en cambiar el mundo es regresar a tu comunidad, y sucede el cambio en los espacios pequeños donde la gente no pone tanta atención y allí es donde sucede el cambio, entonces regresar a los Tri-Cities no es siempre algo que emociona a la gente. Puede ser una mudanza difícil para los jóvenes, todavía no hay demasiado para los jóvenes. Bauman: Correcto. Mientras has estado hablando, he pensado sobre la historia de tu abuelo. Me pregunto, como te ha influido su experiencia. Alexia: Si. Bueno, mi abuelo es un servidor para la gente, pero no creo que se llamaría eso ni tampoco se llamaría un organizador de la comunidad. Él también es trabajador agrícola pero también es pastor de una pequeña iglesia que le serve a lo más humilde, se refiere a la gente humilde en nuestra comunidad. Entonces al ver como él está allí para la gente y la necesidad de la gente que viene a la iglesia definitivamente me influencio y también creo que mantener sus historias. Seguir contando las historias que ha compartido, que mi papa ha compartido sobre todo que han tenido que sobresalir para llegar donde estoy ahora. Yo tengo mi educación universitaria y puede atender y participar en las juntas del consejo del pueblo, entender y compartir lo que está sucediendo y todas estas cosas porque alguien decidió emigrar aquí y trabajo duro para nosotros. Bauman: ¿Si, la educación universitaria era muy importante? ¿Pudieron tus padres asistir al colegio? ¿O eres primera generación? Alexia: Si, mi mama asistió al colegio. Mi mama fue a WSU en Pullman, y creo que eso me abrió demasiadas puertas también. Y mi papa también me estaba alentando, sí. Bauman: La educación era muy importante Alexia: Una prioridad, número uno. Bauman: Si Alexia: Verdad que la educación era muy importante Manuel: O, sí. Número uno. Alexia: Si. Bauman: ¿Entonces, tienes hermanos o hermanas? Alexia: Si. Tengo cuatro hermanos menores. Bauman: Está bien. Alexia: Si, tenemos una gran diferencia en edad también. Yo cumplo 25 el domingo y mi hermana pequeña tiene 10 años, la más pequeña. Tenemos algunos años entre nosotras. Bauman: Me pregunto, que embelleciendo has tenido en tus hermanos pequeños Alexia: Si. Yo no sé, yo pienso en eso todo el tiempo. Cada generación a creado una fundación, y mis hermanos están creciendo con diferentes voces y opiniones en todo aspecto. Tendremos que ver como navegan y que hacen con esas voces. Bauman: Alexia, esta es una universidad, verdad. Muchos jóvenes, y estudiantes no tradicionales. Alexia: Sí. Bauman: Que consejos le darías a un joven en la universidad sobre como involucrarse en la comunidad, Alexia: Yo diría que tú eres el experto. No creo que lo escuchamos lo suficiente como jóvenes. Pero conocemos nuestra comunidad, tú has vivido aquí. Cada uno ha tenido sus propias experiencias y son muy validas y son sus historias. Yo digo que confíen en eso y que sepan que cuando entren espacios... Hay gente que han tenido diferentes experiencias o son mayores o diferentes generaciones, tú también tienes mucho que contribuir y eso es importante, entonces tener confianza y saber que eres el experto. Bauman: Muy buenos consejos. Voy a volver con Manuel y preguntar unas preguntas Marco: Vamos a regresar con usted con unas cuantas preguntas. Bauman: Al estar sentado aquí con su nieta al saber lo que ella ha logrado en su vida cuáles son sus pensamientos al ver la joven en la que se convierte y en la generación. Marco: ¿Ahorita que está sentado cercas de su nieta lo que ella ha logrado hasta ahorita, como se siente usted? Manuel: Muy orgulloso, de ella muy contento. Marco: Muy muy orgulloso, está muy feliz. Manuel: Si, de los logros que ha tenido Marco: Sus logros que ha logrado Manuel: Es una joven esforzada, valiente, es una de las cosas que le admiro mucho Y creo que ella cuenta conmigo y siempre ha contado y seguirá contando con mi apoyo en todas las áreas Marco: Esta joven, la admiro mucho. Ella cuenta conmigo y siempre contara con mi apoyo, en todas las áreas. Es un orgullo para mí lo que ella ha logrado Marco: Estoy muy orgulloso de ella. Alexia: Gracias abuelito Bauman: ¿Le ha dado algún consejo a Alexia? ¿Qué tipos de consejos le ha dado? Alexia: Todo el tiempo Marco: ¿Le da usted consejos a su nieta? Manuel: Mande Marco: Le ha dado consejos a Alexia Alexia: ¿Y si, cuáles consejos? ¿Cuáles tipos de consejos me has dado? Manuel: Pues yo creo que son varios Alexia: Bastante Marco: Muchos Manuel: SI, varios consejos Marco: Muchos consejos Manuel: Para su beneficio. Marco: Por su bien Alexia: Yo creo que mis abuelos, están en la calle Shoshone St a lado del consejo del pueblo y los dos se sientan en el porche todo el tiempo y la gente los visitan y platican con ellos. Y yo he dicho que ese porche ha escuchado todas las conversaciones del mundo. Y entonces a veces pasare y los vere y me estaciono y les digo ‘hola, esto está sucediendo que consejos me pueden dar’ y me sorprende, no debería de sorprenderme mi abuelo es muy sabio. Dice muchas cosas y pienso que es lo importante de relaciones intergeneracional en nuestra comunidad Y creo que necesitamos eso y me da muy buenos consejos, buenos consejos me das. Manuel: Bueno, eso espero Marco: Espero dar buenos consejos. Manuel: Esta difícil para la juventud en estos tiempos Marco: Es difícil para la generación de jóvenes en estos tiempos Manuel: Muy dura la vida Marco: La vida es muy complicada para Manuel: Muy poca responsabilidad de los padres Marco: Muy poca la responsabilidad para los padres Manuel: Y pues nosotros que tenemos la oportunidad hay que echarles la mano, ayudarlos Marco: Darles una mano y ayudarlos Bauman: Alexia, tu que miras hacia adelante que te gustaría ver en el futuro cercano? Alexia: Si Bauman: Algunos cambios que todavía tienen que pasar o que deberían pasar Alexia: Si. O, sí. Yo creo que hay muchos ayudantes y mucha gente que está trabajando en eso, no es algo nuevo, pero me encantaría verlo. Mucha más capacidad dada, pero una pasión mía que me gustaría ver, conversaciones sobre la salud mental y la accesibilidad a eso. No creo que, especialmente en la comunidad latina, me encantaría ver y poder hablar y navegar conversaciones sobre las emociones. Sobre que es la ansiedad, la depresión, ¿y que es la felicidad? ¿Y cómo lo celebramos? Y yo creo que como nuestra sociedad está rodeada estamos todos trabajando y tratando de sobrevivir el día a día. Pero creo que esas conversaciones son necesarias, espero poder regresar un día y poder abrir un centro comunitario donde la gente puede venir y recibir terapia apropiada para nuestra cultura y algunas otras cosas. No sé, bastante cosas, pero no creo que tengamos ese tipo de conversaciones, yo veo que eso falta. Y también veo que la educación en cuanto la voz de la gente y sus votos si hacen la diferencia. Y porque es importante votar por los que no pueden, esos asuntos. Manuel: Está bien. Bauman: Hay algo que no les he preguntado o a tu abuelo, Manuel o Alexia que creen que son importantes para platicarlo sobre su familia, su historia, su historia migratoria, ¿o sobre la comunidad? Marco: Hay algo que no le hemos preguntado sobre usted sobre su historia que cree que debe contarnos, que se quedó sin decir, ¿pero cree que sería bueno decirlo? Manuel: Pues este, tal vez sí. La historia es que viene uno a este país Marco: Posiblemente si, se viene a este país Manuel: a trabajar Marco: Se viene a trabajar Manuel: se sufre, pero como sigue diciendo la gente es un país de las oportunidades y depende del comportamiento de uno. Si uno logra lo que quiere o pierde la oportunidad. Marco: Se sufre, pero como dice la gente es el país de las oportunidades. Depende en el comportamiento de uno, si se cumple lo que uno quiere o se pierde la oportunidad Manuel: Yo en mi caso trabaje mucho, siempre en la labor en el campo. A mis hijos les ensene a trabajar. Yo quería que estudiaran, no quisieron el estudio pues tiene que aprender a trabajar como ganarse la vida, trabajando. Marco: En mi caso trabaje mucho, siempre la labor, les ensene a mis hijos a trabajar. Yo quise que fueran a la escuela, pero no quisieron y tuvieron que trabajar. Manuel: Y gracias a dios logre, quizás no lo que quería, pero logre un bienestar para mi vida y para mis hijos. Tengo dos hijos varones, de los cuales estoy orgulloso de ellos. El papa de aquí, de mi nieta. Un varón trabajador, un empresario, tiene sus propios negocios. El otro es un buen trabajador también, buen ciudadano. Y para mi es una satisfacción y puedo decir con un orgullo que valió la pena lo que sufrimos en el campo lo que trabajamos, ahora me siento contento del fruto que algún día nos costó mucho para lograrlo. Tengo mi esposa, mis nietos que están muy acercados a mí que me quieren y los quiero. Y soy feliz Recuerdo los sufrimientos, los trabajos, pero quiero decir que, si alguien escucha, vale la pena, vale la pena si el señor nos presta vida. Marco: Tengo dos hijos varones, de los cuales estoy orgulloso de ellos. El papa de aquí, de mi nieta. Un varón trabajador, un empresario, tiene sus propios negocios. El otro es un buen trabajador también, buen ciudadano. Y para mi es una satisfacción y puedo decir con un orgullo que valió la pena lo que sufrimos en el campo lo que trabajamos, ahora me siento contento del fruto que algún día nos costó mucho para lograrlo. Tengo mi esposa, mis nietos que están muy acercados a mí que me quieren y los quiero. Y soy feliz Recuerdo los sufrimientos, los trabajos, pero quiero decir que, si alguien escucha, vale la pena, vale la pena si el señor nos presta vida. Manuel: Un día disfrutamos lo que cosechamos lo que algún día sembramos. Y doy gracias a dios por mi familia. Marco: Y le doy gracias a dios por mi familia, todo vale la pena al fin. Bauman: ¿Y tú Alexia, algo que te gustaría agregar? ¿Algo que no he preguntado? Alexia: No se. Creo que asegurarse de capturar todas las voces en este cuarto en frente de esta cámara para compartir sus historias. Durante las elecciones, había mucho que sucedió. Ese verano decidí ir a trabajar al campo para tener esa experiencia, el paso por todo eso para que yo no tuviera que pasar por eso. Pero yo decidí ir. La gente que conocí de nuestra comunidad que trabaja muy duro para poner comida en nuestras mesas, yo quiero que sus historias sean escuchadas. Pude trabajar junto con una señora, Doña Tere por varias semanas, en la manzana. Creo que aprendí más de ella ese verano que en cualquier otro lugar. Asegurarse de escuchar sus voces, y traerlos qui. Bauman: Eso me recuerda. Tienes a otra gente para recomendar. Antes de irte, me gustaría hablar contigo sobre eso. Alexia: Absolutamente Bauman: Quiero agradecerles mucho, a los dos por venir el día de hoy. Muchas gracias, muchas gracias. Marco: Muchas gracias por haber venido, por compartir su historia. Se aprecia mucho, escuchando las historias de ambos. Bauman: Se les aprecia mucho. Por escuchar su historia, a los dos. Muy importante, la historia generacional Marco: Las historias generacionales y intergeneracionales. Alexia: Hubiera traído a mi papa, lo estaba pensando también. Bauman: Lo pueden traer otro día Manuel: Muchas gracias a ustedes por permitirlos este privilegio, por decir yo. Marco: Gracias por dejarnos tener este privilegio. Manuel: Por poder expresar algo de nuestra vida esperando que si alguien mira con beneficio. Gracias por el tiempo y la oportunidad que nos dan. Estamos para servir en lo que podamos Marco: Poder expresar nuestra vida, si alguien lo mira. Gracias por el tiempo y la oportunidad. Estamos aquí para servir en lo que se pueda. Bauman: Bueno, gracias. Muchas gracias. Marco: Muy bien dicho. Manuel: No hay de que. <div class="capti-toolbox-close"> </div> <div> </div> https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F4f6295b5c0f77c8067757f9562996d30.jpg 9608401fc40245642580d95d1fcab188 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Faae4c3ae6ff7706a3591724a74f7276a.mp4 b2cf753013e89167a050a24ed1300cff Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Parker Foundation Oral Histories Subject The topic of the resource Nuclear science; Richland, Wa.; Hanford, Wa.; Parker, Herbert, 1910-1984 Description An account of the resource "The Herbert M. Parker Foundation collects valuable personal perspectives from key individuals who worked in radiological and environmental protection at the Hanford site in the early years of its development. Since 2004, student interns have recorded interviews from health physics and related science professionals. These historically valuable interviews document their personal experiences, observations, contributions and ideas. Several of the distinguished professionals who have spoken at the Annual Herbert M. Parker Lecture are also included. The videotaped interviews and accompanying biographical sketches will be made accessible to the public." See https://tricities.wsu.edu/parkerfoundation/ParkerHistory Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Alfred Wehner Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Alfred Wehner Description An account of the resource An interview with Alfred Wehner conducted by the Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F7022bb74a0ba57959267cd96ac015ced.jpg 0aafabc17d93e102362c6d2e53e8abc5 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F061db68a7c1d8e77ce0f3f249b8a7e72.mp4 dad1f7349628cab3706efa956239db82 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Post-1943 Oral Histories Subject The topic of the resource Oral histories with residents about the Hanford area during and following the Second World War Description An account of the resource Oral histories with residents about the Hanford area during and following the Second World War Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewer The person(s) performing the interview Robert Franklin Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Alice Didier Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Robert Franklin: My name is Robert Franklin. I am conducting an oral history interview with Alice Didier on July 12th, 2016. The interview is being conducted on the campus of Washington State University Tri-Cities. I will be talking with Alice Didier about her experiences working at the Hanford site and homesteading outside of—Connell? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Alice Didier: Eltopia. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Eltopa. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Eltopia, yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Eltopia, okay. So why don’t we start at the beginning. Where were you born? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: I was born in Portland, Oregon. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh, okay. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: I was a city girl. Met my husband, who was born in Condon, Oregon, and he came from wheat farming country. However, his dad was not a farmer; he ran a machine shop in Condon. However, Don worked on many of the farms up there in Condon. We were married in 1951, and Don was in the service. He was in the Air Force. So after he was discharged, we came home to Condon. Our dream was to have something of our own—a farm, or—you know—mainly a farm. But the ground in that area was way too expensive for us to ever dream of owning anything. So we had the—we decided to make a trip to Canada. We went all the way to Prince George looking for land to buy, because they were encouraging American citizens to come up there and settle. Well, after that trip—before that trip, Don got an inquiry, or got a letter from the—I don’t really—it was the Bureau of Reclamation? I don’t know. It was if you were a veteran, you were entitled to throw your name in the hat, and if your name was drawn, you might have an opportunity to draw some land up here in the Columbia Basin. On a whim, he filled that out and mailed it before we left. And we were very glad we did because Prince George was a pole thicket up there. [LAUGHTER] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: It was a what? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: A pole thicket. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: A pole thicket. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: My goodness gracious, if you had to clear that land it’d take you forever and a day. Plus—what is—peat? It had a peat—you couldn’t burn it, because you’d burn off everything that was worth—of value to farm. So you had to clear everything by hand. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh, wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: So, anyway. Very glad that when we got back, he had sent this in, and he was informed to come for an interview in Connell by a board of people that would determine if we were qualified. You were supposed to have assets, I think, of $1,500. I don’t remember what the qualifications were. But we did not have—we did not meet the qualifications. But we decided that we’d bluff it through. [LAUGHTER] So we came up in the fall of 1953. To Connell. I was eight-and-a-half months pregnant with my daughter. First thing I did was look up the name of the doctor in the phone book in Connell, because I thought I might not make it back to Condon before she appeared on the scene. But anyway, didn’t work out that way. But they took Don out in a Jeep, and bounced over hill and dale, and showed him the land that they had laid out that was available for drawing at that time. Not everything was available at the same time. So he picked out our farm unit. I had never—I didn’t get to see the land. I didn’t have any part of that, because I didn’t want to chance taking a trip in the Jeep in my condition. February of ’54, his dad and Don loaded up—we bought this Army tent, and he loaded up everything we owned in the way of furniture and moved up to our unit. It was nothing but rock, sagebrush, rattlesnakes—[LAUGHTER]—and, yeah, sagebrush, I said sagebrush. A lot of sagebrush. All of that had to be cut and burnt—cleared, in other words, in order to farm anything in the area that we picked out. Some land around there had been farmed—wheat farmers had tried their hand at raising wheat in that area, small areas. But not enough rainfall. And there were sheep camps in there. They had been running sheep, some of them. When Don brought me up, he pulled up on this—we had to come in from Eltopia; there were no roads built. So we had to come over hill and dale to get out to our farm unit. And he pulled up, and he said, this is it. And I said, this is it? I mean—[LAUGHTER] there was nothing there, period. It was sort of a shock. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: And you hadn’t seen it before this? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: I had not seen it before then. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: It had been purchased sight unseen by you? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yes, yes. And he and his dad had preceded my coming up there to drop our stuff off and build a wooden floor and side—what would you call it? Sidewalls. Sidewalls for the tent. So they had it pretty well constructed. Anyway, that was the beginning. [LAUGHTER] Don had borrowed from a farmer in Condon a small little D4 Cat, I think it was. We hauled that up here. And he and his dad had built a scraper, a small scraper, to put behind it. So Don started developing a piece of land behind where we had pitched this tent. My daughter was three months old when we moved up here. Let’s see—October, November, December—four months old, I guess. And my son was about a year-and-a-half, or less than two. So we took up residence in our tent. [LAUGHTER] And when we finally got our power, we had a refrigerator. Like I said, I had a Sud Saver washing machine that you could dump the water. We had two tubs out front—laundry tubs, like there used—women used to have in their house. So I’d save the wash water, and I’d save the rinse water, because we were hauling every drop of water. It was pretty precious. You reuse it a couple of times. Maybe not the most sanitary, but that was the—[LAUGHTER] That’s what we had to do. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: How long did it take from when you moved in to when you got power? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: I’d say two weeks at the most. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Big Bend came in and dropped power in. But we still had no roads. We had a little ’51 Oldsmobile and we had a water trailer, and we had to go into Eltopia to the railroad—there was a railroad well. And we’d fill there. It took a half a tank of gas to get down to the well and back with a tank of water. Yeah. And we had no neighbors. There were no neighbors. It was just Don and I out there. Over the hill was a couple. She was an English war bride. And they had settled in there before we did. And then we had another couple to the south of us. But we were the only people in that whole area. It was pretty dark at night, I’m going to tell you. There were no lights. There was nothing. It was black. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Wow. So how fast did the land clearing go? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Not very fast. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Not very fast? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Because we didn’t have any money. We used a big Noble blade and cut the sagebrush. Then we’d have to go out and pile it by hand in big stacks and burn it. Don managed to level off, I think—well, I don’t know, what was it? 14, 15 acres was the first—because in those days, there were no circles. It was all either you had hand line—irrigation hand line, or you had to level the ground to a grade that you could put in a ditch and use siphon tubes—rill irrigation, they called it. And Don didn’t want anything to do with the hand lines. So he was leveling it for rill irrigation. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: And so you used real irrigation? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: We did. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: And how do you spell that? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: R-I-L-L. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: R-I-L-L. We did a previous oral history where someone mentioned that and we didn’t— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Know how to spell— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: No one at the Project had heard of that and we weren’t sure how to spell it. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Really? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: So it’s R-I-L-L— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Mm-hmm. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: --irrigation. Thank you so much. Can go back and fix some transcripts. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: [LAUGHTER] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: So it’s—just will you explain that again? That’s when you lay down—where you grade— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier; You have to grade the land so that the water will flow from the top to the bottom. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Okay. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: You know, enough of a grade so that the water will flow down the—well, you put ditches from the head ditch up here that carries the main body of water. You would back up to that with ditch shovels and make ditches every so far through your crop. That’s where you would set the siphon tube and the water would go from the top to the bottom. When it reached the bottom, then you’d pick them up and move on down. You could only set so many at one time, depending on how much of a head of a water you had—or how many feet you had coming down the ditch. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: So that’s a much more labor-intensive type of irrigation. I imagine, probably an older type of irrigation, as well. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Right, but not maybe as labor-intensive as packing that hand line. That’s work. [LAUGHTER] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: And what would the tubes be constructed out of usually? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Aluminum. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Aluminum tubes, okay. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Okay. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: And there’s a picture, I think, in that magazine I gave you from International Harvester, showing me priming one of those tubes. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh, okay, great. Wow, that’s great. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: You had to learn how to do that. You had to learn how to give it a deal like this and flip it over quick so you didn’t lose your prime. [LAUGHTER] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: A lot of people didn’t know how to do it in the beginning and they’d suck on it, if you can believe that, to get the water running. [LAUGHTER] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Kind of like siphoning gas? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah, only—the water was much cleaner than later on. I mean, after more—we actually, on this end of the Basin, reuse the water that comes in up north. So a lot of it’s recovered—what is that lake up there that—there’s a lake—I can’t remember the name of it right now. So, that was our first—and our first venture was to plant some hay. There was nobody to buy what you raised. We had no markets then. So I remember the hay that we baled—we finally got it baled and it sat out there until the hay grew up over it, because there was no sense picking it up; we didn’t have anybody to sell it to. [LAUGHTER] So it wasn’t a very productive, I guess, in the beginning, as far as producing money. So I went to work at Camp Hanford. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Do you remember what year that— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: No. Well, it’d be—okay, ’54 we moved up here. It was probably during ’54. Because we had to eat. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Right, you needed some cash coming in. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Hay wasn’t going to cut it. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: No. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: So what did you do at Hanford? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: I was a secretary. I was interviewing people for jobs out there. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: All kinds of jobs, or--? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: You know, that—I didn’t work there a whole long time. That was a long trip for me, clear from Eltopia. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: I imagine. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: I had to drive that every day. I don’t remember. Not all kinds of jobs, I’m sure, because I’m not versed in scientific things, you know. I’m not sure it was Camp Hanford, so I don’t know what did Camp Hanford do? They were—it was long before all this Project stuff started out here in—I think it was—wasn’t that a military type of camp? Camp Hanford? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: There’s a few different things that are referred to as Camp Hanford. There’s the actual Camp Hanford, as it’s oftentimes noted as the camp where the construction crews lived. Then there was—there were a couple—there was a military camp-- </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: I think that was it. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: --called Camp Hanford as well, where they—when they had the military stationed there for— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: But I wasn’t interviewing for military; it had to be civilian people they were hiring or stuff. I wasn’t military. Because I was not in the military and whatever. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Right. So you said you were a secretary, but then you said—didn’t you do something with the whole body counter? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: That was for GE. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: For GE, okay. So in the beginning you worked at Camp Hanford, secretary/interviewer. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: And then I went to Bureau of Reclamation in Eltopia. They had a construction office there. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Okay. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: So I went down and applied for a job there, and I was so happy when I got a job, because I didn’t have to go very far to go to work. They were still completing canals and doing work. So I worked down there for a while. And then I decided, I guess, that I guess that I needed more money—or that we needed more money. So I went out—I applied to go to work at GE. And the first job I had was for Roy Lucas in tech shops. That was 300 Area. All my jobs that I held during that time that I worked out there were all for GE. It was just as GE was phasing out. And I forget who the next contractor was that came in, but GE—yeah. I left just as GE was—they were changing over. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: And you said you worked for Roy Lewis at— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: No, Roy Lucas. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Roy Lucas. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Lucas, L-U-C-A-S. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: At the tech shops? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Tech shops. He ran—it was like machining. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Okay. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: They did machining. They had these tech shops—T-E-C-H—tech shops. And then I went to work for—well, there was a little incident between there. I got pregnant again. So I had to take a leave of absence, and my youngest son was born in 1960. So I think three months after he was born, I had taken a leave of absence, I came back, and I got a job at the Whole Body Counter—I think that was next—with Frank Swanberg, where they did all the testing on people that were working out there with their dosimeters or whatever they were wearing. They did a lot of testing on people that had worked out there for their levels of radiation exposure. Then I got a job—I got a promotion and went out to 300 Area again, and I went to work for Ward Spear. I don’t remember the name of that. They were all scientific people there. The papers I typed up were horrendous, with all their equations in them. [LAUGHTER] Then I worked for the boss of that whole group and he eventually became the CEO of Battelle, Ron Paul. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh, okay. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: You know Ron Paul, or have you heard of him? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: I’ve heard the name, yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah, he was—I can understand why he was promoted to what he was. He was one of the best bosses I ever worked for, let’s put it that way. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: And why was that? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Very well organized. Never, ever last minute, I got to have this like ten minutes ago. No. He was always—I don’t know—just was a very personable man. Yeah, I really liked him. And then I got another promotion and I went to work for Art Keene in radiation monitoring. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: So kind of back to radiation monitoring. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah. And he was head of the whole group that supervised the Whole Body Counter and whatever work—you know, all the people that were doing the monitoring out there. And that’s when I decided that I’d better call it a day. I had five children, and I was driving—I was spending ten to ten-and-a-half hours a day—well, ten hours, I guess it was—for eight hours of work out here. I mean, it took me—we still were not financially doing that well, so I hopped car pools. I had three car pools by the time I got to work at 300 Area. I had to switch and pass go. [LAUGHTER] And then had one more switch, I think. I can’t remember, but anyway. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: So then you moved back to the farm. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: I went back to the farm, and that’s when things started to pick up, and our markets were better, and you had more choices of what to raise. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Do you know what year that would have been? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Well, Brett was born in 1960—oh, gosh. I think he was two, something? Probably 1962 or ’63. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: And so you said things had kind of improved, at least market-wise by that time? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Right, well there were more variety of crops to raise. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: So what were you—so you started with hay, so what were you expanding out into? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Well, we raised—in the beginning—well, we tried beans. We tried beans, we tried—I can just give you a repertoire of everything we raised. We didn’t do all that at one time. We raised sweet corn, we raised sugar beets, we raised potatoes. We were into potato growing—my husband loved to raise potatoes. Let’s see, sugar beets. Asparagus. We had 80 acres of asparagus once. So, we—can’t think of anything else. Wheat. We’ve had wheat off and on. I can’t think—and hay. Mainly, here in the last years, we’ve been mainly hay farmers. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Okay. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Because potatoes were always a big gamble. And we had a very bad year one year and almost had to go into bankruptcy. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Is that because of weather or— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Because of circumstances. We had two circles of potatoes, and they had out this chemical that they claimed if you sprayed it at a certain time, that it would set your potatoes so they didn’t put on any more small ones—undersized, which paid you nothing. That you’d get bigger growth on the potatoes that were already set underneath the vine. It was MH-30, was what it was. So we tried that, and they sprayed it on on the hottest day of the year, I think. It was very hot that day. In two days, our potatoes were dead. Yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: So you literally could watch them perish. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah. Our field man came and he said, Don, the potato vines are dying. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Because it was a salt solution, and they had no warning on their label that you should not spray over a certain temperature. And other people had used it and came out fine. But not us. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: But what was there we harvested. It was pretty sad. And then that was the year we got a rainstorm. We had wheat and we had a really hard rain. Then next day was like a pressure cooker. And all that wheat sprouted in the head. So it was feed wheat. It was not marketable. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Just—you know, one of those years. [LAUGHTER] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Yeah. Where nature seems to be throwing everything at you. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yup. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Yeah. I grew up on a farm. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: This year seems to be that way, too. [LAUGHTER] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: I grew up on a farm as well. My mom still farms. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Really? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Then you know what I’m talking about. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Yeah, I’ve heard lots of stories. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: When things start going wrong they just sort of escalate, you know? But potatoes, you had—at that time, you had $1,000 an acre into potatoes before you ever put a harvester in the field. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah. So— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: I guess that explains the switch to hay. So you said that you had done—the people—I’ve read that the people in that Bend area had tried wheat in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and kind of gave up. But you guys also tried wheat. Did you try that with irrigation or did you try to— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Oh yeah. We had nothing dryland. Everything was irrigated, everything we farmed. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: And how did the wheat do, besides that one awful year with the pressure cooker? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Well, you’d better expect over 100 bushel of wheat or—you know, I’m not as up on yields now as I was then, because my son farms our operation since my husband died. I always kid him I’m on a need-to-know basis. [LAUGHTER] I have to ask questions if I want to know—[LAUGHTER]—if I really want to know the nitty gritty about things, and then sometimes he gets sort of upset with me. So I’m saying 120 bushel—120 bushel is not unheard of, and over. Depending on the variety of wheat, you know. The year, the weather, everything. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: So you said that right now you’ve pretty much just reverted to planting hay now—growing hay. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Until this past two years. And the hay farmer’s in a world of hurt out there now after that port slowed down over in Tacoma. Sort of ruined the foreign markets. And then, too, our dollar’s been so strong, those people that depended on—I guess that were our markets, they went elsewhere when they weren’t getting their shipments. So you have to work to get those people back buying again. And there is hay stocked all over the basin. We’ve got hay from two years ago we haven’t sold. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: And this year we have had rain, rain, rain on about every cutting which makes it feeder hay. My son had an offer the other day of $60 a ton. You got $150 into it to break even. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: So you take your licks and walk on, hopefully, if you don’t get your financing cut off. [LAUGHTER] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Yeah. Did you spend a lot of time in nearby communities, in Eltopia? Were you involved in any organizations there, or social groups, or church groups or anything? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Oh, yeah. Yes. I belong to St. Paul Catholic church. We actually built that church, the people that moved in there. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah. The people of that area, we built the St. Paul Catholic church at Eltopia. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: How large was Eltopia when you moved there? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Oh, the town of Eltopia? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: [LAUGHTER] Ooh, not very big. There had been a bank there once. There’d been—well, when we first moved in there and we had no refrigeration and I had a new baby, there was a Streadwick that opened a little store there. And he carried milk and bread, thank heavens, because I could buy milk from him. Because I couldn’t keep milk without it going sour for more than a day or so at a time. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: There was a who? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: A Stredwick. His name was just Stredwick. There was a Stredwick family that owned a filling station on the old highway there. And Millie, she was a widow, but she had a pack of kids, and she was the switchboard operator in Eltopia. If you wanted to make a phone call in the beginning, you had to go to Millie’s house to make the telephone call. Because we had no phones. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh, wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Or if you received a call, they’d have to come out and tell you that somebody was trying to get ahold of you. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: And how far away was that? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Well, about the same distance as getting the water. A little bit closer, but not much, because we had to go right into the town of Eltopia to get to her house. She lived in Eltopia. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: I would say there wasn’t more than 150 people, or less, in Eltopia per se. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Where did the children go to school? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: They started in Eltopia, my two oldest. But then we—they decided school districts. You either were going to go to Pasco or you were going to go Connell. We were—the dividing line was Fir Road, which was one more road to the south. Well, no, it’s more than one for me, but Eltopia West is the main road now that comes off of 395. It’s one road over from Eltopia West—Fir Road—was the dividing line. If you lived on the left side of Fir Road, you went to North Franklin School District, which was Connell. If you lived on the other side, you went to Pasco. So we went to Connell. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Okay. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Mesa—they built a grade school in Mesa, they built a grade school in Basin City. That’s all North Franklin. Then they had a grade school in Connell, then they built a junior high and a high school. So my kids all went through—finished. Some of them completely went through the North Franklin School District. The two oldest had a few years there in Eltopia. There actually was an old high school in Eltopia. But they closed it down, too. We used to have dances down there. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh really? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: The floors went up, and the floors went down, but we had an orchestra that did the playing. In the middle of the music they’d just stop. [LAUGHTER] We’ve laughed about that. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Wait, why did they stop? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Just decided to stop! [LAUGHTER] And you’d be dancing away, all of the sudden the music just stopped. I don’t know. Probably had too much to drink. Everybody had to bring their own bottle, you know. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Really? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah, oh, yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: And who put these dances on? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Well, we sort of had a—hmm, I don’t know. Don’t remember that. Just—I don’t know—we didn’t have an association, particularly. It was just our local group around there decided, you know, like New Year’s Eve or something, is about when—it wasn’t all the time. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Was the high school being used at that time, or was it just kind of an empty— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: No, no, it was going downhill. And that’s what I said—the floors were warped because the roof had leaked. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh, my. Wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah. And so you had to watch your step. [LAUGHTER] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: I bet. So were these adults-only dances? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yes, yes, yes. Yes, it was adults only. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: That’s great. That’s really interesting. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: We were involved—I had a 4-H club. Don coached Little League—yeah, Little League, down in Eltopia. We had a team, because our boys played on that. We were big boosters of Connell High School, because all our boys—Clint played—my one son played in the NFL for nine years. The other boy was the one we thought was going to be the NFL player. But he wanted to farm more than play football. He’s the one that’s farming my place now. But our boys all participated in sports up there, so we were big sports boosters. Don helped build the bleachers. The old—we used to have our games down there in the—well, it was in the town of Connell. Since then it’s all moved up by the high school. But he helped build the bleachers into the side of the hill. He had a trophy case built for them. And then the boys went to CBC, both Clint and Curt. And we donated there, the foundation or whatever it is. Still do—Clint still supports that. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Did you or your husband go to college? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Don did for a year. He was going to be an engineer. I went to college at night school for a while, but I never got a degree, no. I came out of a high school in Portland that you learned bookkeeping, shorthand, and so when you graduated, you also had a degree—you had English and a language and everything else—but you could go out and get a job. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh, okay. Yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: And then they had Benson at that time for the boys where they learned how to—you know, like shop and things like that. And then they did away with that; we don’t have those kind of things anymore. Big mistake. I think we should still have those type of—because some kids are just not college material. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: To be able to go out and work and do something when you come out of high school. Because kids nowadays, they need work. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Right. To have a trade or at least to have—maybe have post-high school schools that are geared for trade instead of— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah, instead of—because when you come out of high school now, what do you have? You don’t have a trade of any kind, or a skill of any kind. Except supposedly your brain, and then you got to go on to another four-year school, and you’re still—if you want to really amount to anything, that isn’t adequate now either. And then we wonder why we have such high debt for these kids that are—[LAUGHTER]—you know, trying to get a college education or get a trade or whatever. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Yeah. Oh! How did you meet your husband? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Uh-oh. [LAUGHTER] Do I have to tell you the true story? [LAUGHTER] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Well if it’s racy or saucy, then yes. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Well— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: For the good of history. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Okay, well-- </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: I’m just kidding. Whatever you’re comfortable with. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Well, every year in Portland at the beginning of the football season, they would have sort of a roundabout where each high school came and played a quarter or something against another one of the other teams. I had been a cheerleader at my high school. This is since I had graduated, and I’d started to work. I went to work at 16 for the Soil Conservation Service in Portland. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh, really? Okay. Wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: So, my girlfriend and I decided that we were going to go to this celebration—the football thing—that night. So I took a bus and I got off the bus where I was to meet her. And Don and a friend were standing there on the corner. He was enrolled at the—is it University of Portland is the Catholic school down there, or Portland U? No, it’s University of Portland, yeah. Anyway, he’d just started college there. So he tried to strike up a conversation, and I—my mother told me never—[LAUGHTER]—Don’t do those kind of things. I’m just kidding. But anyway, I wouldn’t talk to him. I walked across the street to meet my friend, and we had to walk back in front of him to get back on the bus to get to where we were going. He says, why don’t you let us give you a ride? And I said, no. I said, we’ll just take the bus. So we did. We got on the bus. So they ran around, got in their car, and they followed our bus over to the stadium. Later in the game, I went down and was sitting on the bench with my friends from my high school there. And around the corner walks Don. That was the beginning of the end. He said, well, as it turned out we had a mutual acquaintance—my girlfriend did. So we went to the dance at Portland University that night with them. And that was the end of me ever dating anybody else. Next day, he called me and—[LAUGHTER] So. And it was ironic because my son, Clint, you know, played for Mouse Davis down there, and years later he played in that stadium. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh, wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: [LAUGHTER] I call that sort of ironic coincidence, that years later we came back to the place where we actually engaged in a conversation that night. Anyway. So it was a pick-up, I guess you’d say. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Yeah. Sounds like he was pretty persistent. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Well, he wasn’t very talkative. But I was impressed. He was pretty good-looking. [LAUGHTER] I liked what I saw. So anyway. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: That’s—aww. And was he drafted, then? You said he was in the Air Force. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah, he was in the reserve. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Okay. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: And he got—it was the Korean situation, and he got called up. So we were married just as he—right after he got called up, his commander was gracious enough to give him a couple of days off to have a honeymoon for—what did we have? Three days or something, when it was supposed to be boot camp. He happened to then be stationed at the Portland—there in Portland, for almost a year. And then he got orders to go to Nashville, Tennessee. So we up and moved. I went with him. Didn’t have any children then. We went to Tennessee for less than a year, I think, before we came back. And when we came home, we went to Condon, Oregon and Don went to work for a wheat farmer there. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh, okay. So he was drafted in Korea, but didn’t—he never— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: He never served overseas, no. He never had to serve overseas. He was a lineman—supposed to be his—whatever, what do they call it? His MO, or whatever? It was supposed to be—oh, I don’t know—what’s the second in command? I don’t know. Anyway, they found that he had been a telephone lineman at one time, so that’s what he ended up being, was a telephone lineman. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Do you—when you were homesteading out there, did you have any run-ins or—well, not run-ins is the right word, but interactions with Native Americans who would have inhabited that area long before? Did you ever see, or were you ever aware of-- </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: No, there was nothing. The only thing, we found a couple of arrowheads on our place once. No. Some old sheep camps, we found some things in that, but there was no—no, there was no indication of any— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: From earlier settlement days. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: No. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: How has farming changed over the years for you? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Oh, my gosh. Well, what are we talking here? ’54 to—is that 60-what? ’62 years? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: 60 years, yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Phenomenal, I guess, would be my word. Equipment-wise. Everything now if possible is circles, for irrigation. Tractors are—how many times bigger should I say than what we started out with? My son owns a quad-trac, which—I don’t know, what are they? $280,000 or $300,000-some-odd and it’s monstrous. You have GPS now; everything is—you plant by that. I guess—I don’t really have a word to—I guess express how much it’s advanced. Planters are all—well, just like we planted some beans this year, trying to find out something else besides hay to plant. This guy just pulls into field we had with timothy hay, and you don’t have to disc, you don’t have to do anything. He just sets down, and he’s got things that open it up to plant the seeds, so you don’t have to worry about the wind problem you used to. It used to be, we had horrendous winds and dirt. You’d plant a crop, and you’d pray that you didn’t get one of those winds or it’d be gone—the seed would be gone. A lot of replanting back in the old days. We could look towards block 15 and see this wall of dirt coming at us. Yeah. One of the windstorms hit 90 miles an hour here. It blew down the drive-in screen in Pasco. It blew the side out of a block building. And we were in that tent. My husband said, load the kids up, we’re going to town. We’re not going to be here when it goes down—if it goes down, is what he said. So we loaded up the kids, drove to town, spent the whole day in town. As the day—as the sun started to set, the wind went down and we headed back out there and didn’t know if there would be anything left of everything we owned in the world because it was all in that tent. And it was still standing. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: But he had a pretty hefty crossbeam—is that what you call it, the main deal at the top? But he said it put a permanent bow in it, though. That wind against that canvas. So he took that thing down and put up a four-by-six by himself. How he did that, I don’t know. But he says, not going to have that happen again. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: And then we had just a few incidences of some of the things that happened out there. We had a winter that first winter when we still in the tent. My husband was doing land-leveling. He got this D7 Cat and he was out working for other people, leveling their ground. That day, it was a beautiful day, that day. When he got off the Cat, he started home, and for some reason he turned around, and he drained that Cat. Because there was no antifreeze. We didn’t have antifreeze in it. That night, it dropped to 19 below. I don’t know—we’ve never, ever had that happen again. Don stayed up all night. We had a wood stove in that tent, and we had an oil stove. He had both of them cranked up as high as they would go. The next morning, he reached over, and we had packing cases for cupboards. He reached over for the coffee pot, and when he got it, it was all slushy, after he—and it wasn’t that far away from the stove. [LAUGHTER] And sagebrush—he was burning sagebrush in the wood stove. That puts out a hot fire. So decided it was time to move. And I was working at the Bureau then, so we were entitled to one of their Quonset huts down there. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh, okay. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: So we picked up and moved that day. And it was wonderful not to have a roof flapping in the breeze, and it had running water, and I had wall—baseboard heaters, and they paid the bill. You could be as warm and toasty as you wanted. So I was in seventh heaven. [LAUGHTER] We lived there until—well, then I got—while I was working there, I got pregnant with Curt. And the Bureau wrote us a little letter, saying, you have not proved up on your land. You had to put in 12 months out of 18 to establish residency. And said, if you don’t move back on your unit, you’ll forfeit it. We didn’t have a house, didn’t have anything. So went to town, and started tearing down—we called them Navy homes. I don’t know. Somebody said they were Victory homes or something. They had a lot of them in Pasco, they had a lot in Kennewick. He and his dad went in there and they tore—we got enough money from the bank to tear down a section of that housing, and used all the materials out of that for our house. When we moved in, the eaves weren’t boxed in, the sub-floor was the roof, like, slats. So the dirt just settled between the slats. And we had no running water again, because we didn’t have a well. And I found a rattlesnake in my closet one day. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh my. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: [LAUGHTER] Came home from town, and I walked in to take off my blouse and hang it up in the closet. And I heard this noise, and I thought—out of the corner of my eye—I thought, there’s a snake. But it had curled up on top of a suitcase. We had no bathroom—we had an outhouse. Had no bathroom, and he found his way into our bedroom there, and the light—the sun was coming through the bedroom window, and he was sunning himself. He’d crawled up on this suitcase in an old army hat that Don had laying on top of the suitcase. And he was telling me, you’d better back off. I screamed, I said, there’s a rattlesnake in here! And Don says—he didn’t believe me, he thought I was having pipe dreams. He told everybody afterwards I made a new door out of the bedroom, which I did not. But anyway, he grabbed a weed fork and killed it. Believe me, we stepped out of bed gingerly for a while, thinking where you find one, you usually find two. But we could see where he’d come up through the—we had the sewer pipe laid for the bathroom that was not in. And the kids had been out there playing in the dirt with their trucks and stuff. He had a piece of tar paper thrown up against it and some dirt that he’d thrown up against it. Well, they’d knocked that down and that snake found that pipe, and he decided that was a nice cool place to be in. Yeah. We had quite a—in fact, we have a big rock bluff behind my farm unit there to the east. And the people at the Bureau called that Rattlesnake Mountain. In the spring, they’d go out there, and when they’d come out of their dens they’d kill a lot of snakes. So we encountered rattlesnakes off and on quite a bit. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: We were pretty worried with our kids that they might get bitten. We actually went to town and got a kit—not the normal kind—it had a hypodermic needle or whatever. Whether I could have used it [LAUGHTER] I don’t know. We had to keep it in the refrigerator. But just in case, because we were a long ways away from a doctor. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Right. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: But anyway, didn’t happen. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: That’s good. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier; Yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: And now how—when, roughly, was your house built? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Well, it was built in stages. [LAUGHTER] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: When did it— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Well, right as Curt was born, which was 1957. ’57. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: And is that still the same—is that house still out there? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: It is. Only we’ve added on to it. You’d never know what part of it is built out of. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: [LAUGHTER] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: It’s all bricked. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh, wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah. I have a fairly nice home. It’s nothing luxurious or anything, but it’s very comfortable. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: And you have roads out there now? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Oh, yeah. [LAUGHTER] Yeah, we’d better have. But that was something, when you didn’t have any roads, I’ll tell you. They were putting them in, but they were just the bases. I remember one day, our neighbors across—that turned out to be our neighbors across the road on Holly Drive—we saw this truck with all of their stuff loaded on it pull in over there. We thought, wow, are we getting a neighbor here? But they pulled in and dropped off a bunch of stuff and then took off again. So we jumped in our car and we followed them to find out who they were, and were they going to be our neighbors, and whatever. Because we were excited that we had another human being that was going to be that close to us. That was Johnsons. Were our neighbors for years and years. They both since have passed away. Don and I were probably eight to ten years younger than the majority of the people that settled out there, because they were World War II veterans, many of them. So we’re losing them one by one. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah, most of them are—well, just lost one down the road here. He was 93, I guess. Year before last. He was a bomber pilot in World War II. Flew 70-some-odd missions, and made it through. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: That’s really incredible odds. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah. Yeah, it is. I did his eulogy at the church, and—those guys really—anyway, yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: So working out at Hanford, you would have been privy to—you would have known what was produced there. Did you ever feel—how did you feel about making your living off the land so close to Hanford? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: I never worried about it. Some people tried to prove, or think that they got thyroid cancer, whatever. But I—working in the monitoring, I knew they were monitoring the milk. They monitored milk, anybody that was dairying out there. Plus, they had instrumentation across the river. They were monitoring the river itself. However, you never knew what the figures were. I mean, I—yeah. But I really never worried about it. But maybe out of ignorance, in a sense. Not really, it’s not like, I guess, Chernobyl or something, where you had—although you had reactors out there. But a lot of them were not even active at that time, even. But there were a few, wasn’t there the—was it Fast Flux? I don’t know. I worked on that project, trying to save that Fast Flux Facility. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Really? So in the ‘80s, then? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah. Who was the commissioner? Yeah, I got involved in that. That was a travesty that they ever destroyed that, simply for the fact that medical isotopes—they had no idea what they could have engineered from that reactor that would have helped in the medical field. The dream was the guys that knew—he since has died, too. He moved to Portland. That if you had cancer, you’d go in, and you’d sit down, and they’d do, I guess, an injection. Sort of, probably, like chemo now, but in 15 minutes you’d be out of there. The possibility was there to make medical isotopes. If you know what medical isotopes are. I’m not a scientist, but because of the way the Fast Flux—it was one of a kind in the world, I think. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Mm-hmm. How did you become involved in the committee to save it? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: I don’t remember who got me into that. [LAUGHTER] I don’t remember. Claude Oliver, for one, was active in that. Wanda Munn, who is still alive, and she’s still—yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Yeah, I’ve— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: I know Wanda and I talk to her quite often and she was very active in that. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Yeah. She was very supportive. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: I just went down to the office and did what I usually do, you know. Write thank-you letters for donations and filing and that kind of stuff. But I was very interested; I thought it was a very good project that our government—all the money that had been expended thrown down the toilet, to put it bluntly. I see in the paper they’re going to use one of the warehouses they built, though, to store the sludge or something. Did you see that? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: I didn’t. I do know that our collection that we manage—the Department of Energy’s Hanford Collection, which is a historic collection of artifacts and archives gathered onsite that document history, and that’s actually stored in one of the Fast Flux Facility warehouses. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Is it? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Yeah. We’re moving everything out, but I go up there once or twice a week to do work on the collection, yes. It’s one of those warehouses that was built for Fast Flux. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: I hadn’t read about storage of waste. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah, sludge or something. So they can—I don’t know—something about the tanks, they can put it in there? Something that had been built for the Fast Flux reactor. So at least maybe something’s being—[LAUGHTER]—what should I say? Salvaged. But anyway. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin:Um, what do you recall about living in the Cold War—during the Cold War era? Especially—was there any sense of danger or even pride living so close at Hanford or working at Hanford, given its role in the US nuclear weapons arsenal during the Cold War? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Well, all that was sort of over with when I was out there. No, it was a job, and it was money. [LAUGHTER] Better money than I could make anywhere else. And the people were great to work with, and they were always interested in what we were doing out there. You know, you would have thought being of the scientific community and whatever—completely different ideas than being a farmer. But you know what? It’s interesting—there’s always a bit of farmer in everybody. Have you ever realized that? I mean, guys particularly. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Well, I grew up on a farm. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: I know that’s what you said, but it seems like no matter what they’re line of work is or whatever, there’s always this curiosity about farming and what to do and whatever. I used to have a lot of questions. They always treated me very well. I really hated to quit out there. Because I enjoyed the people. I enjoyed getting away from the farm, and the worries and the whatever. I could go to work and have a different scenario for the day, you know? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Right, right. So when you were out there, you—all of the children were with your husband? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: No, I hired a babysitter. She had to come to the house, because I couldn’t get five kids up—I had to leave at like seven in the morning, something, to be to work. We started earlier than 8:00. What was it? I don’t know what time I had to leave, but she had to come to the house and get the kids dressed and whatever. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Was that a— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Don was not a babysitter. [LAUGHTER] He had better things to do, you know. No, I had to hire someone to come in. And sometimes you wondered if—that’s when I finally decided that I needed to quit and come home, because there’s a fine line there about whether you’re really—how much are you contributing here, when you have to pay someone to look after your children, cost of getting to work, better clothing—had to dress better—you know, all these things you got to factor in. It was better when I did come home, because my husband—he liked conversation and people. So he sometimes got sidetracked at the neighbors’ and stuff when I thought he should have been home doing some things. So when I finally came home for good, it was better. Things improved. [LAUGHTER] In my eyes, anyway. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Okay. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Well, it was lonely out there if you were—he just liked, as all farmers do, they like to talk a lot. They still get together. We’ve had some restaurants up there at the corner, and that was the gathering place every morning, the coffee shop and all the BSing that goes on. They’ve come and gone. So now we have a small Mr. Quick’s up there, and some of them still meet up there. Yeah. Got to compare notes, you know. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh, yeah. Yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: [LAUGHTER] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: A lot of things to talk about, I’m sure. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yup. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: How—you mentioned, especially when you were growing some of the other crops, maybe not the hay, but like the corn and potatoes—how—did you rely on migrant labor at all? Or have you noticed--? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: We did in asparagus, but they really—the families we had I don’t think were migrant. They came from California every year. We furnished housing for them. When amnesty was declared, that’s when we tore out the asparagus. The next year, it was—well, they got better jobs, they stayed in California, they didn’t come back. The people we were getting were not—well, that’s when they also made the deal that if—before, you paid by what they cut a day. I guess you’d call it piecework. They could make good money. But then they said, okay, if they don’t cut enough to equal so much an hour—and I forget what the minimum wage was or whatever it was—then you’ve got to pay them that. So you had to keep track of both things. Well, then you started getting people that would start at the top of the road, and they’d get to the bottom of the road, and then they’d sit down on their box or whatever they had down there and smoke a cigarette. They didn’t care if they made—yeah. They got paid so much no matter what. The caliber of people changed drastically. We got a crew leader or something out of Texas to bring us people, and that was not good. So we just decided to tear it out. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: That’s when you went to a more mechanized--? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Well, yeah. Just planted other crops. When we lost the sugar beet industry here, that was hard, because that was a very, very dependable cash crop. That hurt. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: What happened to the sugar beet industry? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Well, they decided to pull the factory at Moses Lake out of here. So we had no place to ship the sugar beets. I think, took acres and stuff back to Idaho. So we lost our sugar beet industry here. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Is there anything that I haven’t talked about that you’d like to talk about? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Well, I don’t know. I don’t know what it would be, except that I think at the end of my composition in that book that I gave you there on the block, I just said I was so grateful for the opportunity that we had here. I think this probably was the last—what do I want to say—the last land that was opened up for development, like the Columbia Basin, the last project. We raised five great kids. They learned how to work. I’m proud of all of them. I just felt, being a city girl, my mother-in-law particularly didn’t think I’d ever make it, but I did. [LAUGHTER] It was a great opportunity. A lot of people didn’t stay. There were a lot of women that—it was hard. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: It was hard out there. We had a couple of suicides. You’d get—yeah. I don’t know what else to tell you. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Did your parents stay in Portland? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: My dad had died early in life. My mother, yes. I was an only child. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Okay. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: She lived in Portland, yes. And-- </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: What did she—oh, sorry. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: That’s okay. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: What did she think about— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Oh. [LAUGHTER] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: --your going out to homestead in—I’m sure she thought it was— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Not too much. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: --kind of the middle of nowhere. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Not too much. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Did she ever come out? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Oh, yes. Oh, yeah. She came up. She always came up whenever I had a baby and helped me. In some of the rougher years, so she knew what was actually happening. Of course, you know how you feel about your kids. You don’t like to see them—think that they’re being—what should I say—deprived. [LAUGHTER] And Don’s folks were very helpful. They—his dad came up and helped us many a time work on the house. She’d come up and do the cooking, since I was working. I’d come home to a meal, which was great. She made the best cinnamon rolls. My kids have never forgotten that. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: [LAUGHTER] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: [LAUGHTER] Yeah, she—anyway. Yeah, they—we also were in sheep. I guess I forgot to say that. We all had a—I used to do the lambing. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Oh, wow. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah, we bought a bunch of old ewes, which was not the best idea. But that’s all—his dad and Don went together and bought this bunch of old ewes. And so we lambed—I think we had lambs for—or we had sheep for—what? I don’t know, maybe five, six years. We never were much of a livestock people. My husband, when he was young, his dad went to some auction or something, came home with some milk cows, and Don got the job of milking the cows. He says, I’m never having a milk cow, and we never did. [LAUGHTER] We had a guy actually delivering milk out to the farm, come to think of it. And he left a big supply everyday with the boys I had. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Wow, yeah, I bet. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: I ended up with four boys and one daughter. My daughter’s a school teacher here in Kennewick. Has been for umpteen years. And Brett works at Battelle, my youngest. Curt and Clint and Chris—Chris is my oldest—they all are in the farming deal out there. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: And Clint’s a local politician, right? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Oh, yes. Yeah. He thinks he has to try to make a difference. But anyway, it’s a rough go. But he’s determined—stubborn. [LAUGHTER] No, I admire him for his, I guess, bravery, because it is—you do have to be brave. You take a lot of flak, I’m going to tell you, and a lot of—after he loses, which he has, takes him a while to recover. It’s a rejection, is what it is. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Yeah. That’s understandable. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: And then he takes a bit to regroup, and turns around and comes back for another go at it. And I tell him, I said, I don’t understand you, Clint. [LAUGHTER] Anyway. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Well, great, well, thank you so much, Alice. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: I probably talked your leg off. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Nope, my legs are still here. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Well, I don’t know what else I could tell you. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Did anyone else have any questions? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Oh, I could—I guess I should have told you, I did a lot of tractor work. I was not just a housewife. I ran almost every piece of equipment, except I never ran the stacker or—but I drove tractor. Did cultivating. Never rode a—I never ran a potato harvester, of course, but I worked on enough of them sorting potatoes. You know when you’re digging in the field? I’ve eaten a lot of dirt in my day. [LAUGHTER] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Tom Hungate: Did you ever notice a difference, was there a boys’ club that you kind of had to work through? Or was it just you were a good worker and so you were accepted as a worker on the farm? Or there weren’t enough people even to judge you as a woman out there working on a farm? </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah. Most all the women out there—not every woman worked in the field, but the only one that I worried about judging me was my husband. [LAUGHTER] Which, sometimes—[LAUGHTER]—I would pull something that wasn’t—I mean, do something that wasn’t too good. We had a big windstorm one night, and I thought I had to go down—we did have wheel lines at the far end of our place, down in—well, it sloped down pretty readily there. And those wheel lines, if you don’t block them, will take off in the wind and tear them all up. So the guys headed down there, and I thought I had to go down and help. Well, the first thing I did was run over the pipe that hooked into the main line. [LAUGHTER] I got told, why don’t you just go to the house? Because I hadn’t helped the situation any. [LAUGHTER] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Emma Rice: Another thing I was kind of thinking, did you have anything else to add about being kind of a working mom in the 1950s and ‘60s— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Rice: --to watch over your own [INAUDIBLE] </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Well, funny you ask that question, because I have granddaughters now that are—well, I have two granddaughters that are CPAs. One just moved—she was working out here on the Project, and she just moved to South Carolina. And I look back on the days when I was working, and they never come again. You’ve lost some of the years of your kids’ life. As things happen, when they learn—when they walk, when they—first time they do something. And not being—and I remember I came home, and I was so tired. I gave my best at work, and there wasn’t a whole lot left over at the end of the day. And I know I was cranky. [LAUGHTER] And I just think sometimes—I’m sort of like my granddaughter, I kept wanting to—each time I got a promotion, it was—how do I want to put that? Not a feather in my cap, but made me feel worthy—more worthwhile, or whatever. I enjoyed working, I admit that. But I just look back on it now as—I’m going to be 85—August. I think, was it really that important? And I wish, maybe, some of our younger generation had the benefit, maybe, of my years later on the road. That’s just my— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Rice: Yeah. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: But I have thought about that a lot. Whether I would have done it any differently at the time, because we needed the money. But sometimes we get—we forget what’s most important in our life. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: I agree. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Rice: Yeah, great. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: So what we might do now is—we’ll maybe have you kind of narrate some of these, some of the items you brought along. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: Where you go across it, when I was— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Right. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: But with these—this is hay we’ve laid down, and I thought it was quite—yeah, there. I thought it was sort of a neat view of how things look now, compared to that other slide you’ve got there. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Franklin: Right. Yeah, no, that’s really— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> Didier: So I don’t know if you want me to bring in that picture or not, so you— </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX146332551"> </div> Location The location of the interview Washington State University - Tri-Cities Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 01:10:43 Hanford Sites Any sites on the Hanford site mentioned in the interview 300 Area Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) Years in Tri-Cities Area Date range for the interview subject's experience in and around the Hanford site 1954-2016 Years on Hanford Site Years on the Hanford Site, if any. 1954-1960 Names Mentioned Any named mentioned (with any significance) from the local community. Didier, Clint Didier, Don Didier, Curt Didier, Chris Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Alice Didier Subject The topic of the resource Hanford Site (Wash.) Kennewick (Wash.) Pasco (Wash.) Eltopia (Wash.) Connell (Wash.) Agriculture Irrigation Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/12/2016 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this oral history should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for this item. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 Date Modified Date on which the resource was changed. 2016-08-12: Metadata v1 created – [J.G.] Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. The Hanford Oral History Project operates under a sub-contract from Mission Support Alliance (MSA), who are the primary contractors for the US Department of Energy's curatorial services relating to the Hanford site. This oral history project became a part of the Hanford History Project in 2015, and continues to add to this US Department of Energy collection. Description An account of the resource An interview with Alice Didier conducted as part of the Hanford Oral History Project. The Hanford Oral History Project was sponsored by the Mission Support Alliance and the United States Department of Energy. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford Oral History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Relation A related resource <a href="http://hanfordhistory.com/collections/show/15">Alice Didier Oral History Metadata</a> 300 Area Connell (Wash.) Eltopia (Wash.) Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) Hanford (Wash.) Hanford Site (Wash.) Kennewick (Wash.) Pasco (Wash.) https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fcc1c5b0c760d1762a7a35a41a36954e0.jpg 351007d7be79050d9e63f8cc203ca4ac Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Post-1943 Oral Histories Subject The topic of the resource Oral histories with residents about the Hanford area during and following the Second World War Description An account of the resource Oral histories with residents about the Hanford area during and following the Second World War Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewer The person(s) performing the interview Robert Bauman Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Andrew Reisenauer Location The location of the interview Washington State University Tri-Cities Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Robert Bauman: Let's start, if we could, by just having you say your name, and then spell it for us. Andrew Reisenauer: My name is Andrew Reisenauer. Last name is R-E-I-S-E-N-A-U-E-R. Bauman: Thank you. And my name is Bob Bauman. Today's date is November 6, 2013. And we're conducting this interview on the campus of Washington State University Tri-Cities. So I wonder if we could start by you just telling us about how you came here? How you came to work at Hanford? What brought you here, and when? Reisenauer: During 1950, I was a student at Washington State University, on campus at Pullman. And I was invited down here as a summer employee for the summer of 1950. I went back to school and graduated in '51, and came right back to Richland. During that year, 1950, I worked at the health department for the City of Richland. At that time, an employee of General Electric, of course. And it involved sanitation inspections around Richland, milk supplies up in the valley-- Yakima Valley and Moses Lake area. Just general safety and sanitation involved in all the transition of the workers from the old town sites of Hanford, Richland North-- North Richland trailer park area-- and also the development of Richland. Because at that time, the uptown shopping district was all under construction. Restaurants were being opened. Generally just everything that involved sanitation and health. Mosquito control was just being started. That was under our control. There's a huge influx of people, you've got problems with sanitation and food supplies. Food supplies particularly, when you're dealing with 50,000 people. You've got to supply them with tons and tons of food coming in daily. For instance, the milk supply-- that's something that you can't ship for great distances, like you can other products. The Hanford Engineering Works shipped in dairy farms, supported dairy farms. They built milk supply plants in Sunnyside and Moses Lake. They subsidized the farmers to bring in large numbers of cattle. I mean, you don't just dump people in and don't have-- in a place like this, where there's small towns and very, very scattered population. The sanitarians from the Richland area were inspecting all the dairy farms all the way up through Sunnyside and up into the Moses Lake area, just to give us a decent supply of fresh produce. There's any number of those kind of things that went on during the areas when all the people are transitioning from town site of Hanford and into the North Richland trailer park, which had 2,500 trailers or more out there. With bathhouses and laundry facilities for those people were built in to separate housing or block areas, so that you got all the sanitation facilities have to be supplied, have to be inspected. You've got a brand new school out there, John Ball School, which was just nothing but a quonset hut put together. And along with all the schools that were being built in the City of Richland, we were training food handlers, for instance. Food handler classes, and making sure that the inspections got into the schools. And there's just a wide, wide variety of environmental problems. Bauman: Sounds like a pretty challenging job. Reisenauer: Well, even water supply. Because all the water supply in Richland and North Richland was furnished by wells. The treatment plant at Richland wasn't built until '55 or so. So you had well after well. And a lot of these wells were recharged by recharge basins with Yakima River Valley water, and Columbia River water. Places like just west of here. That little valley over toward just west of George Washington Way. There's still a couple wells in there that are being part of the Richland water supply. A lot of that water was being pumped out of the Columbia River into the basin above the wells. The wells are probably 75 feet deep. And they were using that as the method of cleaning the water, keeping the fish and everything else out of the wells. There's the area along Wellsian Way was all recharge ponds. Because there's a number of wells among the buildings down there. They're still being used. But the recharge basin has been closed, when they discontinued the irrigation water through the City of Richland. Few people know that there's a tunnel underneath Carmichael High School, for instance, that supplied irrigation water, and water to those recharge basins. Bauman: Yeah, I didn't know that. [LAUGHTER] Bauman: So when you were here, then, in 1950 as a student, right? You were-- Reisenauer: I was just a summer employee. Bauman: Right. What sorts of things were you going out and inspecting? Reisenauer: Oh yes. I inspected a lot of the restaurants. I was a bacteriology and sanitary engineering student up at Washington State. Bauman: Sounds like a great experience, then? Reisenauer: Oh, yeah. Learned a lot. Very applicable to my studies up there. Bauman: So you did that in the summer of 1950, you went back to school? Reisenauer: I went back to school. And then, when you came back here to work-- Came back right away after graduation. Bauman: And working for the health department again, or--? Reisenauer: The health department, yes. I stayed with the health department until 1956 or so, shortly before the transition the town into a normal town. Bauman: And during those years working for the health department, what were the biggest challenges you had? It sounds like there were a lot of challenges. What were the most challenging parts for the health department? Reisenauer: Probably keeping up with the necessary state requirements for inspecting dairy farms and restaurants. At that time, we were also building the new swimming pool up on the hill. There was an original swimming pool in the old town site of Richland, down in Howard Amon Park. It was built very close to the river. And it was small, and it was not a safe pool, because it transitioned water between the river and the swimming pool. When the river was high, it leaked like I sieve. So it had to be replaced. There's things like that, just innumerable-- Bauman: How large was the health department? How many employees are we talking about? Reisenauer: There were probably-- well, there's also with the health department, they had the school nurses that were—there was probably seven, eight school nurses. And there were like three sanitarians, and the health officer. Bauman: And what was your job title after you graduated college and came back? Reisenauer: Sanitarian. That was the job title. Bauman: And so when that transitioned to being an independent city, right? Reisenauer: Yes. Bauman: What did you do at that point? Reisenauer: The health department was turned over to Ben Franklin County Health District. I left the health department, because they had the personnel. They had hired personnel into their department to take over. I moved out into the area as a chemist, and worked with the geochemistry outfit out there. Wells, drilling new wells out there. Tracking contamination through the wells, of radioactive contamination and stuff like that. Bauman: And so where would these wells drill, then? Reisenauer: Excuse me? Bauman: Where were the wells drilled? Different places on the site, or--? Reisenauer: Oh no. I'm talking about the wells out on the Hanford project, for the facilities out there. And we did a lot of soil chemistry work, along with that. Soil chemistry, soil physics. Bauman: And you said you would sort of measure a contamination also, as part of your work? In the soil and water, or--? What? You measured contamination? Is that one of the things you did, also? Reisenauer: Well, the contamination out there was radioactive. But a great deal different than tracking contamination for the wells in the city. Bauman: So how long did you do that, then? How long did you work as a geochemist? Reisenauer: The job transitioned from geochemistry into actually the groundwater modeling area, where we were doing—we built computer models for the movement of groundwater contamination throughout the [INAUDIBLE]. Where's the water moving from, and where's it move to? And how much contamination is being carried along with it? We developed these groundwater models, such that we were starting to apply them through-- when Battelle took over, we started moving this type of thing into-- looking at county and problems and things all over the United States. I modelled groundwater movement in Brookhaven, New York, upstate New York, Nebraska, Florida, all over the United States. But it all started here. Bauman: And did you find significant contamination of groundwater? Reisenauer: Oh, yes, as far as-- it'd go through the soil down here. Nothing significant that I know of ever moved to the Columbia River. It stayed pretty close to the production plants out there. There's still a lot of that going on out there now. Bauman: So did you work in different areas of the site, then? Reisenauer: Yes, yes. Bauman: Just measuring different places on site? Reisenauer: Yeah, I started out there in 200 West area. But then when I moved out of there into the 300 area, my office moved downtown, up in the federal building, and then back out here to Battelle when Battelle buildings were built. Bauman: I want to go back to when you came here in 1950 as a student. What was the town of Richland like at the time? How would you describe the place? Reisenauer: Well, it's kind of still like a frontier town, somewhat. Everybody that was here had come from somewhere else. People were very, very friendly, because they didn't-- came here and not-- everybody was sort of new. The town site, of course, was being run by General Electric. Everything-- you've probably heard that story before. You can never tell from one day to the next what you're going to be doing the next day. You could plan, but you couldn't continue your plan most of the time because something else would crop up. Bauman: And when you first came here, what sort of housing did you have? Reisenauer: Well, when I came in '50, I lived in a low-level wooden barracks with the construction workers near the Camp Hanford army camp. And when I moved into town, I was in one of the two-story barracks buildings. Because I was single at that time. And shortly after, well, about September the next year, I acquired one end of a ‘B’ house. Which, I got married that year, so I acquired in-town housing. Bauman: Was there much to do here in Richland in the early 1950s? Reisenauer: What we did in the 1950s-- I had a very large backyard behind the house. And when I started having children that was the main playground in the neighborhood. But the different organizations around town, like the medical division and production, some of the other places like that, had ball teams, softball teams. We had softball teams, we had volleyball teams. There was not a whole lot to do, unless you made it up yourselves. Of course, I did a lot of fishing and stuff like that, hunting. Bauman: So Hanford was a place where-- a lot of security was a part of working at Hanford. Did that impact you at all, in terms of your work? Reisenauer: Oh, yes. I had a clearance for moving around out in the area, what they call the forward area. And I had my badge and my pencils and all that sort of thing, if I get into radiation zones or something like that, I had all the-- Bauman: Did you ever have to wear any protective clothing for safety, in terms of certain aspects of your job at all? Reisenauer: Very seldom. One or two times I would get into that type of thing. Bauman: And so how long did you work at Hanford then? When did you-- Reisenauer: 39 and 1/2 years. Bauman: So '89, '90, somewhere in there? Reisenauer: What? Bauman: So 1989, 1990, somewhere in there you retired? Reisenauer: Yeah, I'm 89. Bauman: No, I mean, what year you retired? Reisenauer: What year did I retire? I retired in '88. But I stayed on with one of the subcontractors for another year and a half, two years. Bauman: And you started working for GE. What other contractors did you work for? Did you work for Battelle? Reisenauer: Just Battelle. [INAUDIBLE]. Battelle took over the Hanford laboratories. I went with Battelle. Bauman: So for a good part of the time you were working there, the focus was on production. And at some point, that started to shift to less production, and then cleanup, I guess. Did the shift in mission impact your work at all? Reisenauer: Not really. I was far enough away from the production that we continued doing just exactly the same. Just right on. Bauman: President Kennedy came in 1963 to dedicate the N reactor. I wonder, were you there that day? Do you remember that at all? Reisenauer: Oh yes. Yeah. Bauman: And what do you remember about his visit, or that day? Reisenauer: Well, I could take part of the family out into the area. It was a huge crowd out there. Bauman: I wonder, what was the most challenging aspect of the work that you did at Hanford? And maybe what was the most rewarding part of what you did? Reisenauer: When I was working with the health department, just keeping the day-to-day things that had to be done this day for that day, because you couldn't really plan tremendous-- very far in advance as to what you're going to be doing. And when I was working with the geophysical part of the-- the geochemistry part of there was developing the mathematics and the computer programs to be able to track water movement, and the contamination. That was a brand new area just being developed nationwide. And we built the first groundwater models ever heard of in the United States, to be able to do that work. Bauman: Did the technology change over the years, in terms of-- Reisenauer: Oh, yes. Bauman: --measuring that sort of thing? How did that change? Could you describe that at all? Reisenauer: Well, being able to incorporate the large amount of data that's necessary, and to develop the technique to get the right kind of data that's necessary for that. For instance, one of the last jobs I did was to develop a groundwater model for an area in the middle of Nebraska. A naval ammunition depot had been built there. Covered an area of about 75 square miles. And the soils and area were quite similar to the Hanford project here. So my models were very applicable to that area. But when I went and looked at the area to find out whether-- they knew they had explosives like RDX and TNT and degreasing agents that they'd contaminated into the groundwater. And the idea was, where's it moving, how fast is it moving, which way is it going? Trying to just to gather that data. And one of the hardest parts was trying to develop a computer system back there to be able to run it. [LAUGHTER] Bauman: Were there any events or incidents, things that happened during your time working at Hanford that really stand out to you? Reisenauer: I guess I'm not quite clear as to what you-- Bauman: Like if there was anything that happened-- it could be something humorous, or something that happened during your time working there that just has always stuck in your mind as a really unique thing that happened while you were there. Reisenauer: While I was working in the chemistry lab, doing some testing on some of the waste, the old PBP process, we were looking at every batch of waste that came out of there. I was working, trying to get an analysis about a strontium that was being put out to the groundwater, or put out with all the old cribs. I'm using the fuming nitric acid in this process. A bunch of samples that were radioactive in the hood. And while I was by pipetting some of this from fuming nitric acid into these test tubes, one drop of that fell off and hit a cellulose test tube that was in the hood. I had instant fire. Radioactive samples in this hand, fuming nitric acid in this hand, and a fire in the middle. What do you do first? [LAUGHTER] Bauman: Put the fuming nitric acid back there. You put the sample down here. Then you take care of the fire. [LAUGHTER] Reisenauer: One very few humorous incident-- in that same laboratory, one of the other chemists was trying to analyze a particle-- particle analysis on some well samples, dirt samples. And one of these required putting a spot-- well, they say, 10 or 20 grams of soil-- putting it into a solution of essentially vinegar. And then he was going to shake them overnight on this shaking table. This shaking table was built like a rotary. And the border would force it one way, and the clutch would give out. And the spring would bring that back, so it would rock back and forth. You got to shake this all night. He set it all up. We were just ready to move out of the laboratory, and catch the bus into town. We were just checking ourselves out. This thing was shaking away just fine. And all of a sudden a spring came loose. This thing is started around like a centrifuge. And it started throwing those bottles, this small bubbles, all over the lab. He had 24 bottles on that thing. And we were down behind the benches, ducking bottles. When the final, last one finally came off, I says, now what do we do? He says, we go home and clean this up tomorrow. [LAUGHTER] Bauman: And no one got hit by any flying bottles? Reisenauer: No, nobody got hit by flying-- there was only three of us in the lab at that time. Bauman: As you look back over your, what'd you say, 39 and 1/2 years working at Hanford-- how would you overall assess your time there? How was it as a place to work? Reisenauer: Well, it was a very pleasant place to work. Early on, we had a lot of freedom in how we approached things. And you can point out where things needed to be done, and follow up and try to get funding for those particular projects. And usually you didn't have any trouble doing it, because there was so much that we needed to be known that wasn't known. Bauman: Is there anything that I haven't asked you about yet, in terms of your work [INAUDIBLE] for the health department, or working as a geochemist, or any of the things you did there that we haven't talked about yet that you'd like to share, or think would be important to share? Reisenauer: I can't think of anything. We've pretty much covered most of it along the way. Bauman: Well, I want to thank you very much for coming in today and talking with us. I appreciate it. Reisenauer: Yeah, well, I hope I contributed a little bit to your-- Bauman: Thanks for that. Reisenauer: --your project. <a href="https://youtu.be/4eyjWy-hwng">View interview on Youtube.</a> Years in Tri-Cities Area Date range for the interview subject's experience in and around the Hanford site 1950- Years on Hanford Site Years on the Hanford Site, if any. 1950-1988 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Andrew Reisenauer Subject The topic of the resource Hanford Site (Wash.) Richland (Wash.) Nuclear waste Nuclear waste disposal Description An account of the resource Andrew Reisenauer moved to Richland, Washington in 1950 to work on the Hanford Site. An interview conducted as part of the Hanford Oral History Project. The Hanford Oral History Project was sponsored by Mission Support Alliance on behalf of the United States Department of Energy. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford Oral History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/06/2013 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this oral history should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for this item. Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. The Hanford Oral History Project operates under a sub-contract from Mission Support Alliance (MSA), who are the primary contractors for the US Department of Energy's curatorial services relating to the Hanford site. This oral history project became a part of the Hanford History Project in 2015, and continues to add to the US Department of Energy collection. https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F8b36bf3f96a36d6f03be61d76aa1a43c.JPG e6c57e88700e3daf112882bfe107728a https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fe858263aff645c79e7a9c2b67dd4702b.mp4 eceb2621daa76c475cbce2aad1d28218 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Documenting African American Migration, Segregation, and Civil Rights History at Manhattan Project National Historical Park (MAPR), Hanford Subject The topic of the resource African Americans; Oral History Description An account of the resource A National Park Service funded project to document the history of African American contributions to Hanford and the surrounding communities. This project was conducted through the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystems Unit, Task Agreement P17AC01288 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 9/1/2017-9/1/2019 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For permission to publish or for more information contact the Hanford History Project. Relation A related resource RG2D_4D AACCES Oral History Project Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG2_8 Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewer The person(s) performing the interview Robert Franklin Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Andy and Shirley Miller Location The location of the interview Washington State University - Tri Cities Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Robert Franklin: Okay. All right. My name is Robert Franklin. I am conducting an oral history interview with Andy and Shirley Miller on June 26, 2018. The interview is being conducted on the campus of Washington State University Tri-Cities. I’ll be talking with Andy and Shirley about their experiences living in the Tri-Cities and/or working at the Hanford Site. And for the record, can you state and spell your full name for us? Start with— Andy Miller: Andy Miller, A-N-D-Y. M-I-L-L-E-R. Franklin: Okay. Shirley Miller: And Shirley Miller, S-H-I-R-L-E-Y, M-I-L-L-E-R. Franklin: Great, thank you. Shirley, let’s start about talking about your life before Hanford and the Tri-Cities. Where and when were you born? Shirley Miller: Where and when was I born? Franklin: Yeah. Shirley Miller: Well, I was born in Kansas. Franklin: Okay. Shirley Miller: In Pratt, Kansas. Andy Miller: In 1929. Shirley Miller: Uh-huh. Franklin: How did you hear about the Tri-Cities? How did you come here? Shirley Miller: My husband got a job. Franklin: Okay. For--? Shirley Miller: Who did he work for? Andy Miller: General Electric. Shirley Miller: General Electric. Franklin: And what year did you move out here? Shirley Miller: Oh, God. Andy Miller: It was right after your wedding date. Shirley Miller: Oh, I can’t remember. Andy Miller: In 1951. Shirley Miller: 1951. Andy Miller: And you want to tell him where you met Dad? Shirley Miller: Where’d I meet him? Andy Miller: Uh-huh. Shirley Miller: Where’d I meet him? Andy Miller: In college. Shirley Miller: Oh, in college. Andy Miller: At KU. Shirley Miller: At KU, okay. Franklin: What were your first impressions when you came to Richland? Shirley Miller: That it was a bare town. Franklin: That’s pretty fair. And where was the first place you stayed after you arrived? Shirley Miller: The first place? Franklin: Yeah. Shirley Miller: Well, probably in the hotel, and then I went to a place they gave us to stay in. Franklin: Where—what kind of place was that? Shirley Miller: Wasn’t that a little house? Andy Miller: The prefab. Shirley Miller: A prefab? Andy Miller: You know what street it was on? Shirley Miller: No, unh-uh. Andy Miller: Snow Street. Shirley Miller: Oh, Snow Street, okay, it was on Snow Street. It was right across the street from the school. Franklin: Oh, okay. Andy, was that where you were born, or is that where your parents were living— Andy Miller: I was born at Kadlec, and I went from Kadlec to the prefab. Franklin: And what—do you remember the address of the prefab? Andy Miller: It was right across from Marcus Whitman. I think it was 512. Shirley Miller: 512. 512 Snow. Franklin: Okay. I used to live on Stanton. That’s where I stayed when I first moved here, yeah. That’s a cute little neighborhood. So what was the hardest aspect of life in this area to adjust to? Shirley Miller: Oh, you asking me? Franklin: Yeah. Shirley Miller: What was the hardest part--? Andy Miller: What did you miss the most about Kansas? What was the hardest thing about living here? Shirley Miller: Well, I— Andy Miller: It was hard on your asthma. Shirley Miller: I mean, just the difference of a town like this, that was just built from different houses. I mean, it was a different type of living. Franklin: Mm-hmm. Okay. Shirley Miller: I mean, not having different homes. Yeah. Franklin: What did your husband do for General Electric? Shirley Miller: He was an engineer. Franklin: Engineer, okay. And, Andy, you said you were born—what year—you said you were born at Kadlec. What year were you born? Andy Miller: 1953. Franklin: 1953, okay. And how long did you stay at the house on Snow? Andy Miller: We moved to a ranch house on Cottonwood in 1958. Franklin: Okay, that’s also in Richland? Andy Miller: Yup, and it was also one of the government houses that was built right after Hanford was constructed. Franklin: Okay. So when did you—Shirley, when did you first become involved in the groups like the NAACP or CORE, Congress of Racial Equality? How did you become involved with trying to help the African American community? Shirley Miller: How did I come--? I don’t know, how did I? Andy Miller: Well, Nyla Brouns. That’s where you met Nyla. Shirley Miller: Yeah? Andy Miller: And Randy Jones. Shirley Miller: Randy Jones, uh-huh, Randy Jones, okay. It was Randy Jones, I lived next-door to her, yeah. Yeah, I lived next-door to Randy Jones. And I went to meetings and became involved. Andy Miller: Randy was an African American, married to her husband Herb, and they had two children. So our families became social friends and Rindy was one of the African American leaders in the city of Richland. Shirley Miller: Mm-hmm. Andy Miller: And she worked in Pasco. She helped get CORE started and was very active in the NAACP. Franklin: And CORE stands for Congress On Racial Equality. Andy Miller: Congress Of Racial Equality, I think, yeah. Franklin: Congress Of Racial Equality. Okay. Do you remember what year—either of you remember what year that would’ve been, around? Andy Miller: I think it’d be about ’62 or ’63. Franklin: Okay. What were the primary activities of CORE and the NAACP in the Tri-Cities? Shirley Miller: Hmm. Trying to find houses for people. Is that one? Andy Miller: Uh-huh, yeah, that’s what you’ve mentioned. Franklin: What were the major civil rights issues for African Americans at Hanford and in the Tri-Cities? Andy Miller: Well, I think Mom just mentioned the housing issue. And she actually has a good story about helping the first African American family move into Kennewick, because up until that time, Kennewick did not allow African Americans to live there. Shirley Miller: Yes, and we worked on that. Andy Miller: You want to tell him what you did with the Slaughters? Shirley Miller: No, what did we do? I mean, tell me. You— Andy Miller: You were just telling me, you remember when the Slaughters would call for a house to rent? And they were told, no, what would you and Dad do? Shirley Miller: Oh, yeah. Then we would call up and ask, and they would say, yes, and then we would call back. Andy Miller: And who else did that? Nyla? Shirley Miller: Nyla, oh, because Nyla did it more than I did because she’s better on the telephone than I. Yeah. Andy Miller: So they would—because there was no written ordinance, but it was a practice. So what would happen is the Slaughters would respond to an ad and they would be refused. Then Mom and Dad and Dick and Nyla Brouns, they would then call the same people and they would be offered the ability to rent the house. So that put a lot of pressure. They actually did file complaints. The law wasn’t as good as it is now, but there was some legal leverage and finally the Slaughters were able to find a house in Kennewick to rent. Franklin: Okay. Yeah, we interviewed John Slaughter early on. Andy Miller: Good, good. Franklin: And he told me—he mentioned this part of his civil rights history. That’s excellent. Who were other important leaders of civil rights efforts in the area? Andy Miller: Do you remember some of the other people you worked with? There was Robert and Evelyn Jackson. Shirley Miller: Yeah. Andy Miller: And Robert was a lawyer who worked for what was then the AEC. Shirley Miller: Oh, they were very important. Andy Miller: Yes. And do you want to tell the story that Robert hit home for us some of the background of how Robert was able to go to law school? Shirley Miller: By sitting in the back of the room. Andy Miller: Not in the back of the room. In the hallway. Shirley Miller: In the hallway, okay. Andy Miller: Yeah, Robert was admitted to University of Virginia Law School by court order. But he had to sit in the hallway because the law school would not sit him in the room. They had said they couldn’t be in the same room with white students. So he had to—they would leave the door open while he would listen to the lectures. And then after graduating, he came out here where he got his first job. So he was—and him being a lawyer made him a leader. He lived in Richland, but we had—you worked with a lot of people. Iola James, do you remember her? Shirley Miller: Mm-hmm. Andy Miller: And do you remember some other people that lived in Pasco that you worked with? Shirley Miller: Oh, I can’t remember. Andy Miller: Okay. But it was a combination of professionals who lived in Richland and then with other African Americans who lived in east Pasco. And then you got to know people like Wally Webster. Shirley Miller: Mm-hmm. Very definitely. He was the leader. Did you talk to Wally Webster? Franklin: We are talking to Wally Webster in about less than a month. He’s coming over from the west side for a family reunion. Shirley Miller: Good. Franklin: I’ve talked to him on the phone, though. I’ve talked to him, and we’ve talked to Webster Jackson. Andy Miller: Yes. Franklin: And we’ve talked to Pastor Albert Wilkins. Shirley Miller: Yeah, he was very active. Franklin: And talked to Dallas Barnes. Andy Miller: Mom was good—they still have dinner together with Dallas and Lozie. Franklin: Oh, okay. We wanted to kind of—we’re closing in on the end of the interview project, but I don’t know if we can kind of round out—we wanted to get some of the experiences of allies of the civil rights effort to round everything out. You know, why people would get involved to help others at a time when there was a lot of violence directed at African Americans and certainly a lot of resistance towards— Shirley Miller: Well, it was only the fair thing to do. Goodness. Franklin: Yeah. Yes, that’s true. Were there ever any tensions between the professionals in Richland and the residents of east Pasco, as to, like class tensions within the movement? Andy Miller: Do you understand what he was saying, Mom? Did sometimes people in east Pasco resent or be suspicious of the African Americans from Richland? Shirley Miller: Right, yes. Franklin: How did that play out? Were there any manifestations of those tensions? Any disagreements or violence? Shirley Miller: I think there was, not violence but disagreements. Kind of anger at each other. Not anger, but— Franklin: Kind of a dislike or— Shirley Miller: I think. Andy Miller: My memory from what Mom and Dad told me was that there were frank discussions. Shirley Miller: That’s a better word. Andy Miller: But they never got angry at each other, and there was always a working-together coalition. But there would be suspicion and sometimes some resentments that would be expressed. Shirley Miller: That’s right. Andy Miller: But there was never—at least from what Mom and Dad have told me over the years, there was never a fracturing of the movement in Tri-Cities. They stayed united. Shirley Miller: Yes, yes, there was never a fracture. Franklin: Did each city—you mentioned housing in Kennewick, and I know that for east Pasco, a lot of the civil rights effort was focused around things like street improvements, right, and water and sewer, and employment. Did Richland have any unique civil rights challenges? Because—was housing an issue? Was it similar to the other cities, or was there something different about Richland? Andy Miller: Yes. Mom, did you want to tell him about when you were on the Richland Human Rights Commission and your work on the fair housing ordinance? Shirley Miller: No, go ahead. Andy Miller: No, do you remember? Shirley Miller: No, unh-uh. I remember working on it, but I don’t remember any action. Andy Miller: Well, certainly, Mom talked, and I do remember, is that there was housing discrimination in Richland also, but more on the individual home owners basis. Shirley Miller: Yeah, that is definitely true. Andy Miller: And when you first were on the Human Rights Commission, when you first went to city council, were they for it at first, or were they against it at first? Shirley Miller: Well, I don’t think they were for it at first. But they were later. Andy Miller: So, Mom and I think—was Mr. Mitchell on the Human Rights Commission? There were some other people on the Human Rights Commission. Shirley Miller: He could’ve been. Probably, because he was so active, yeah. I can’t remember. Andy Miller: But you remember working to get—in Richland was I think one of the first cities to adopt a fair housing ordinance in the Northwest. Franklin: Okay. That’s great. Andy Miller: And thanks to Mom—and it was a coalition of whites in Richland and African Americans that were on the Human Rights Commission and they worked together to pressure the city. Franklin: Great, great. What were some of the notable successes of the civil rights activities in the Tri-Cities? Shirley Miller: What? Franklin: What were some of the successes of the civil rights efforts in the Tri-Cities? Shirley Miller: I don’t know what that— Andy Miller: Well, I mean, what are some good things that came out? I think part of it is, you had a lot of the marches. Shirley Miller: We had good marches. Andy Miller: And do you remember what the marches were for? Shirley Miller: No, what were they for? I remember the marches. Andy Miller: Well, I think it was during the time that Dr. King was working. Shirley Miller: Oh, you’re really going back far. Franklin: Yeah. Andy Miller: That’s what they wanted to know about. Do you want to tell them where the marches would start when we would go to Pasco and have the marches? Shirley Miller: At the park in Pasco. Andy Miller: In east Pasco. Kurtzman Park. And where’d we go after we left Kurtzman Park? Shirley Miller: We’d march across the bridge and through the town— Andy Miller: Through the underpass. Shirley Miller: Underpass. And then we went up usually to where that other park was and what building is that? Andy Miller: The courthouse? Shirley Miller: Uh-huh, the courthouse. Andy Miller: And then we’d go back to Kurtzman Park. Do you remember what kind of reaction we got sometimes on those marches? Shirley Miller: Well, negative, sometimes, yes. Andy Miller: From people that would drive by? Shirley Miller: Yes, uh-huh. Andy Miller: What would they do? Shirley Miller: I mean, not—down. Andy Miller: And would they ever wave anything? Shirley Miller: A flag, yes. Andy Miller: They would—my memory was that you would have people driving by and yelling obscenities and waving a confederate flag. Shirley Miller: Yes, oh, yeah! That was the main—yeah. The confederate flag held up. Andy Miller: And that is why I never understood people who talk about confederate flags being a heritage. Because my first experience with a confederate flag was that it was used as a hate symbol to try to intimidate African Americans and whites with them during these marches that were there to support. Another memory I have is the marches back then, and I was only probably about ten, but the marches back then had a different atmosphere than marches that people go on today. We would get pep talks about the types of things that may happen, that people are going to try to goad us into violence. And I remember one African American woman, she was older, coming to me and specifically saying, there’s going to be people to try to get you to yell back, or try to do something and back. And I think she really focused on some of the younger white boys, to making sure that we would not undermine the march. So I just really remember being impressed with the strength. Shirley Miller: Yeah, that’s good, you have the better memory. That’s good. Andy Miller: And another thing that—when he’s asking about things that made a difference is, do you remember the Elks? Shirley Miller: Yeah, I remember the Elks. Andy Miller: And what did we do with the Elks Lodge? Shirley Miller: We picketed. Andy Miller: Because? Shirley Miller: Oh, they wouldn’t let white people in. I mean, not—they wouldn’t let black people in. Andy Miller: Mm-hmm. And back then the Pasco Elks was—I mean, some people said it was a private club and shouldn’t—they should be able to decide who should be members or not. But what Mom and Dad were upset about and everybody was upset about is, at that time in Pasco, so much of the power structure of the community groups—the Hanford groups would all meet at the Pasco Elks Club. Shirley Miller: And then blacks weren’t welcome to go in. Franklin: Right. So thereby excluded from— Shirley Miller: Yeah. Franklin: From the power structure of the community. Andy Miller: Right. And so, Mom, what did—what happened, were you and Dad invited to other functions, like political functions and community functions at the Elks Club? And people invite you to dinner at the Elks Club? Shirley Miller: Yeah, but we didn’t go. Andy Miller: Right. And you lost some friends over that. Shirley Miller: Yeah. Andy Miller: And you always say that—that one march that we talked about one time picketing, who was there when you were picketing? Shirley Miller: I can’t remember. Andy Miller: Dad’s boss. Shirley Miller: Oh, yes, uh-huh. Franklin: Jeez, wow. He was—you were picketing at the Elks Club? Andy Miller: Dad and Mom were picketing an event that was being held at the Elks Club. It was a community event. And I know that Dad and Mom came back—they never backed down, I want to emphasize that—but I remember Mom and Dad came back and Dad was told by a lot of people he worked with that he had hurt his career by picketing at the Elks Club. I think that his— Shirley Miller: Yes, he was. Yeah, he was told that. Andy Miller: Yeah, but his boss later talked to him about it, and I think that it ended up being a positive experience. Of course, the Elks Club, I think though it may have been legal action, they ended up discontinuing their policy. Franklin: Yeah. Well, I also heard about an incident in Kennewick where some Richland High students—I think, was it Norris Brown that told me this? I’ve heard so many stories now that—where there were a group of Richland High students who weren’t allowed to go to a teenage club, because there were a couple black students with them; the black students were excluded. Do you have any memory of that? No? Okay. Andy Miller: I don’t, because Norris is probably about ten years older than I am. Franklin: Okay, yeah, yeah. That makes sense. Okay. What were some of the biggest challenges, or the—I don’t want to use the word failure, but some of the biggest—some of the harder things to get accomplished with civil rights, or maybe even failures, things that were tried but weren’t—never fully addressed? Shirley Miller: What was that? Andy Miller: Well, he was wondering, what were some of the biggest challenges? Like, what were some of the hardest things you worked on in the civil rights movement? Shirley Miller: Well, my memory isn’t just— Andy Miller: Well, I think that— Shirley Miller: Housing was one. Andy Miller: Yes. Because even at the end of the civil rights movement, did blacks—did they really, were they able to live in Pasco except east Pasco? Shirley Miller: No. Andy Miller: That was something that I think that you—at the meetings that you guys let me go to, was a big issue for people, that that was not an easy thing to get done. As opposed to now, where I think the certain demographics are there in Pasco, located, but not anything like there was. Shirley Miller: Oh, your memory’s so good. Andy Miller: Well, I’m mainly remembering things that you told me. Shirley Miller: Okay. Franklin: Yeah, you guys are both working well off each other. So I think that’s good. You probably wouldn’t have as much to remember if you weren’t there with him. Andy Miller: Right. That’s right. And I think the school is—Whittier School. Remember Whittier School, Mom? Shirley Miller: Yeah, and it was definitely segregated. Andy Miller: And was Whittier School, were the facilities as good as the other schools in Pasco? Shirley Miller: What? Andy Miller: Was Whittier School as nice as the other schools in Pasco? Shirley Miller: No, unh-unh. Andy Miller: And that was something that you and Nyla and Iola James, the Jacksons, something that you worked on. That was not, I don’t think that was easy, from my memory of you talking about that. And finally, Whittier School was closed, is that right? Shirley Miller: Mm-hmm. Franklin: Where did the students—did the students then get bussed out to other— Andy Miller: I think they were dispersed, and I think that there was issues about the lack of fairness, the way that was handled. My memory, just being told of the time, was Whittier School was closed, but then that wasn’t an instant solution, because the way they were dispersed and everything was not fairly handled, is my memory. Franklin: Right. What about—were you involved with the redevelopment, the Urban Renewal, in Pasco? Andy Miller: I think he’s talking about Art Fletcher. I think he was involved in some of that. Franklin: Yeah. Were you involved in that as well? Shirley Miller: Went to meetings, but not as a leadership. Franklin: Okay. Shirley Miller: He did that. Franklin: He was a big—he was the—who was Art Fletcher? Andy Miller: He was an African American in Pasco. Shirley Miller: Yeah. Andy Miller: And I think he was on the city council, and he actually authorized, I think, or helped create some self-help projects and Urban Renewal. Shirley Miller: Uh-huh, he was very active. Andy Miller: But I do remember, speaking of tensions, I think that—I don’t think the approach he was taking was not universally advocated by a lot of the African Americans in Pasco. And I think there were some disagreements. But the people you’re talking to would have a better handle on that. I think Wally Webster was the first director of the Community Action Committee. Shirley Miller: He was very active. Talk to him. Andy Miller: He’s going to talk to him pretty soon. But I think he replaced another CAC director. And there was some controversy over that. Shirley Miller: I can’t remember anyway. Andy Miller: I think Pat Cochrane was the prior director. Shirley Miller: Oh, oh, yeah. And he—yes, we wanted him rather than Pat Cochrane. Andy Miller: Yes. And then Art Fletcher later on became involved in the Republican party and ran for lieutenant governor and he actually got a high job with the, I think, HEW in Washington, DC. Franklin: Right, under the Nixon Administration. Andy Miller: Under the Nixon Administration, that’s correct. Franklin: Yeah, I’ve heard lots of people have mentioned that, oh, he went on to be in the Nixon Administration. How did the larger national civil rights movement influence civil rights efforts in the Tri-Cities? Shirley Miller: I think it influenced but not—what do you think? Andy Miller: I think you’re right, influenced. A lot of the marches that we went to in Pasco were to support what was happening in the South. Shirley Miller: Uh-huh, definitely. Andy Miller: Like after the bombings on— Shirley Miller: Oh, yes, they were, too. Andy Miller: And to build support. They also—and I do remember Mom and Dad talking, and they certainly understood, but CORE changed its emphasis during that time on a national level. Shirley Miller: And CORE became much more active locally after that. Andy Miller: Yes, CORE did. And then later when CORE changed is that CORE then became more of a thing, that CORE was more of a group for African Americans, as opposed to African Americans and whites. And that—you and Dad talked about that here. Shirley Miller: Mm-hmm. Andy Miller: Whereas NAACP remained more of an integrated organization. Is that—my memory right? Shirley Miller: Right. Franklin: So CORE became kind of more exclusive then, or they— Andy Miller: I want to emphasize that Mom and Dad never felt upset with the local CORE leadership. Shirley Miller: No, unh-uh. Andy Miller: But I think there was an acknowledgement that while NAACP continued its traditional approach, that CORE really wanted to foster leadership among African Americans and so they could be frank with each other and work on that, which reflects what CORE was doing on a national level at that time. Franklin: Right, right, right. Thank you. What was different about civil rights efforts here, compared to the national civil rights effort? Shirley Miller: I don’t know. What did you think? Andy Miller: Well, I mean, we were not down in the South. We certainly didn’t have police dogs break up demonstrations, and there wasn’t probably some of the blatant things that happened in the South. Shirley Miller: Oh, not at all. Andy Miller: No one was—there were no bombings or no killings here. So that was certainly different, though there was pushback. Mom, do you want to talk about some of the phone calls you got back then? Shirley Miller: What do you mean, the phone calls? Andy Miller: When you would go to a meeting in Pasco or go to a protest in Pasco, what kind of phone calls you would get later? Shirley Miller: For me to stay home, because I wasn’t a member of Pasco. Yeah, I had that. Franklin: Wait, who were the phone calls from? Shirley Miller: People in Pasco. Andy Miller: But did they tell you their name, or were they just telling you kind of anonymously to stay out? Shirley Miller: Anonymously and some would say where they worked. Franklin: Oh. Shirley Miller: Like I work over in east Pasco, or I work here. Franklin: These were presumably white people calling to harass you to tell you to stay home and don’t get involved? Shirley Miller: Mm-hmm. Franklin: Yeah, wow. Did that happen a lot? Shirley Miller: No, but it happened some. Enough to bother me. Franklin: Yeah. Was there any kind of way you could report that, or was it just something that you had to face, endure? Shirley Miller: Yeah, I didn’t report it to anyone, other than other people in the group. Franklin: Right. Andy Miller: But I think the consensus was there would be no point in reporting it, is that right? Shirley Miller: Mm-hmm. Franklin: Just kind of look the other way? Andy Miller: Right. Franklin: Did your husband or your father ever face any reprisals or anything from his work in civil rights? Any like job or, with his employment or anything? Andy Miller: I do remember a story that when one of his bosses retired that he was told that he may have been named president, if it wasn’t for his wife causing all these problems in Pasco. Shirley Miller: Oh, yeah, I remember that. Andy Miller: But Dad—I want to emphasize, Dad ended up being promoted to executive vice president of United Nuclear and so he had professional success. But I think there was—he received some pushback at work. Shirley Miller: Yes, there was pushback at work. Andy Miller: But Dad always discounted it and said it didn’t bother him. Is that a fair--? Shirley Miller: Right. Franklin: Oh, that’s wonderful. When you came here, and when you grew up here, Andy, what did you know or learn about the prior history of African American workers at Hanford? Andy Miller: You know, I—well, we knew that most African Americans, when they were brought up here, had to live in east Pasco. So we had that understanding. Shirley Miller: Yes, that was very, uh-huh. And it was very true. Andy Miller: But I will say that CBC’s had a recent exhibit and there’s been some writings on books, and I will say I learned a lot of that, the real history of African Americans in the Tri-City area for the first time just a few years ago. And coming from my family, it shows, if I wasn’t as aware as I should’ve been, people in the Tri-Cities just don’t want to talk about it. And I think you still see some of that now. People—there’s still a reaction of, why are we talking about what happened 60 years ago? Shirley Miller: Yeah, that’s definitely true. Andy Miller: But it just—it wasn’t discussed as much 50 years ago as clearly it should’ve been. Franklin: Yeah, I’ve heard that same kind of thing. Luckily not when I brought up this project, specifically, but—actually, I did hear that in a meeting of an organization I belong to, the B Reactor Museum Association. An out-of-town member who was wondering why we were focusing on all this. Andy Miller: Right. Franklin: All these black people, when whites made up the majority of workers anyway, so we should be focusing on them, was something like the comment. I’m wondering—well, I have a follow-up question to that question about African Americans at Hanford during World War II and after. From your perspective, what were their most important contributions in the areas of work, community life and civil rights? Shirley Miller: What was that question again? Franklin: From your perspective, what were African Americans’ most important contributions in the areas of work, community life and civil rights? Shirley Miller: Oh, I don’t know. What do you--? Andy Miller: Well, I think he’s just saying, what makes you the most proud? I think, Mom, weren’t you always impressed—I think you were equally impressed by the people you met in east Pasco and the professionals in Richland, as far as showing a lot of leadership and courage— Shirley Miller: Yeah! Andy Miller: --in trying to integrate the Tri-Cities. Shirley Miller: Uh-huh. Andy Miller: And— Shirley Miller: Gosh, these are so questions of olden time. Franklin: Yeah, that’s the conflict in doing oral history, is that we often don’t think to start asking these questions until a long time has passed and we want to really know what happened. Shirley Miller: Gosh, I got stuff in my hair. Franklin: Because we don’t think it’s history when it’s happening, and then when we realize we need to get it, it’s often—that’s why I really appreciate you sitting down with us. Andy Miller: I do have a memory, too, of—especially African Americans in Richland, I think were held to a different standard sometimes. They all had to be successful and perfect behavior. And you talk to some of them and their parents, it was acknowledged that I could do something, and an African American student could do the same thing, and the reaction was not going to be the same. And I do remember comments and things like that. So I think there was a lot of pressure, especially on African Americans in Richland going into school. There weren’t that many, and it seemed like, and often many of them talked about, being on display at all times. Franklin: Yeah, that—people have alluded to that, but I don’t think have stated it quite as succinctly as you did. Although maybe they wouldn’t have wanted to—that certainly seems—one of the things that’s come across, especially a lot of the Mitchells and the Browns were told, you know, you got to just be the best student you can be, and turn the other cheek and things like that. Shirley Miller: I can imagine that, and they acted that way, too. Andy Miller: Yes, and Duke Mitchell was two years ahead of me in high school, and he was. He was one of those people everybody in the high school looked up to. He was, I guess, kind of perfect. And he got a scholarship. He went to Air Force Academy, I think. Franklin: : Yeah. Andy Miller: But I think, it’s nice that he’s come back and he’s leading a lot of the efforts now. But he was kind of an example of somebody who—if there was a double standard, he always met it. But I always looked at him and thought about some of the pressure he was under all the time. Franklin: Yeah, I would imagine so. Shirley, did you ever work at Hanford? Shirley Miller: Yes, I worked at Hanford. Franklin: Oh, and what did you do? Shirley Miller: Well, I was not a professional. I was kind of a— Andy Miller: File clerk? Secretary? Shirley Miller: Yeah. Franklin: What time period was this? Shirley Miller: I can’t—what time period? Franklin: Yeah, what— Andy Miller: Was it before I was born or after I was born, or both? Shirley Miller: Both. I mean, I had to quit because I was pregnant with you. Franklin: Oh, okay. Andy Miller: And she came out here with a master’s in counseling and biology from—she got her master’s in KU and a master’s from Northwestern, and the only job she could get here in the early ‘50s was as a file clerk. Shirley Miller: [LAUGHTER] Franklin: That’s saddening but not surprising. My grandmother had a PhD from Cornell in molecular—in biology, and never worked professionally because no one would hire her to do a man’s job in the ‘50s and ‘40s. Andy Miller: Right, yeah. Shirley Miller: Yeah. Franklin: Yeah, that doesn’t surprise me. Did you ever use your degree in any way? Did you ever have professional work? Shirley Miller: Did I ever get professional work? Franklin: Yeah. Shirley Miller: I don’t know. I think that I did, didn’t I? Andy Miller: Well, you ended up owning a bookstore. An independent book store along with a couple other women. A very successful business. Shirley Miller: Oh, yes. Andy Miller: So she used her skills in that. Franklin: Where was that? Shirley Miller: In Richland. Andy Miller: Uptown Richland, called the Book Place. Franklin: Oh, okay. Interesting. Andy Miller: And you worked at a college instructor for a while, too. Shirley Miller: Uh-huh. Andy Miller: At Central Washington. Shirley Miller: Mm-hmm. Franklin: Oh, great. Okay. Let’s see here. I’m just trying to figure out what the rest of my questions fit. Did you participate in many social events in east Pasco or in the African American community, like cookouts or Juneteenth or things like that? Or was your involvement mostly with civil rights? I mean, were you close with African American families? Andy Miller: Yes. Mom, he’s just talking about sometimes we’d just go into Pasco just to have like a barbecue. Shirley Miller: Yeah, uh-huh. Andy Miller: And sometimes it’d just be completely social. Shirley Miller: Mm-hmm. Andy Miller: And then in Richland, the same thing? Shirley Miller: Yes, right. Andy Miller: And then what would happen when you were living on the river, what would happen when you would extend the invitation to African American families? Shirley Miller: I would have sometimes objections that people didn’t like me to have African Americans swim in the river next to us. Andy Miller: Yeah, at the time we lived on—well, Mom still lives on Ferry Road which is about half a mile south of WSU Tri-Cities. So, live on the river, and back then, it was different. There was a little swimming beach down there. And Mom does remember—not many of the neighbors would confront her directly, but they would talk about her a lot. And didn’t understand why she was bringing African Americans to north Richland. Is that a fair--? Shirley Miller: Right, fair. Franklin: And you actually got complaints about them swimming on the beach in the river? Shirley Miller: Yeah. But they quit, too. But I kind of quit, too. Franklin: What was the objection? How would they harm the river? Did they ever explain it to you, or was it just a--? Shirley Miller: Just a—it was never like a harm that they basically—no, unh-uh. But it was probably the color of their skin. Franklin: Right, they didn’t want them in their space. In their white space. Andy Miller: It made them feel uncomfortable, I think. And people didn’t feel like they could go down there and swim in the river when there were African Americans there. And I want to emphasize, not all the neighbors—Mom and Dad had neighbors that were strong with them and all that. It was some of them who usually would forward the complaints. I don’t think it was direct complaints. But then Mom and Dad had neighbors who stood up for them, too. Franklin: That’s good. Did you attend church? Andy Miller: Yeah, we went to Central United Protestant Church. Franklin: Okay. Did you ever go to any of the traditionally black churches in east Pasco? Andy Miller: Yes. And that was an experience. And I remember—Mom, remember the first time I went? Because our church was you were silent for the entire hour. And I just remember being stunned within three minutes. It was exciting, I mean, the back and forth, and the enthusiasm. And sometimes we would go to church for a specific reason: they would have a specific service. I know they had one when Dr. King was killed. But then sometimes there’d be a reason that we’d be invited by a family just to attend church. Certainly different experience. Franklin: Did the church play— Andy Miller: Morning Star Baptist was— Franklin: Morning Star. And New Hope, as well. Andy Miller: New Hope, mm-hmm. Franklin: Did the church play a special or different role in the African American community as compared to the white community? Shirley Miller: I don’t know. Andy Miller: Well, people talked about the churches. Shirley Miller: Yes, uh-huh. Yeah, they talked about it, yes. The churches are more of an important part to them. Andy Miller: Yes, and sometimes, some people, some of the African Americans in the civil rights movement did not see eye to eye with ministers on certain issues. Is that right, or--? Shirley Miller: Yeah, uh-huh. I can’t remember all of this. Franklin: : A lot of the civil rights movement came out of the churches, right? Andy Miller: Right. Franklin: A lot of the ministers— Shirley Miller: Yeah, the ministers played an important role. Franklin: Was that the same in the Tri-Cities as well? Were some of the folks prominent here, were they also prominent church people? Andy Miller: Well, yeah, I mean, you mentioned Reverend Wilkins. He was certainly prominent here. Shirley Miller: Yeah. Andy Miller: And a lot of the events happened at the churches. And the churches, a lot of times, formed the base of the— Shirley Miller: Yeah, I think the church were kind of the leaders, yeah. Franklin: So many of the African Americans that came to the area migrated from the South that we know. Andy Miller: Especially Texas. Franklin: Especially Texas, right. Do you recall any traditions or community activities that people brought from the places they came from? Andy Miller: Do you remember any Southern traditions or anything, Mom? Shirley Miller: No, I don’t. Andy Miller: I don’t, either. Shirley Miller: But there could easily have been. But I can’t remember. Franklin: That’s okay. Let’s see here. We talked about—I think we talked pretty much about the rest of that. I just have a couple, like a couple large questions. How did you feel at the time about working near or on—your family working on the development of nuclear weapons? Shirley Miller: How did I feel? Franklin: Yeah. Shirley Miller: I accepted. Was I proud? I don’t think so. But I think I just accepted it as a part of the workforce. Huh? What do you say? Andy Miller: Yeah, I think— Shirley Miller: I think my husband was proud. Andy Miller: And— Shirley Miller: He was definitely proud. Andy Miller: And he was active in the B Reactor Museum, later on. They certainly talked about the effects of the nuclear bomb and the effect of the atomic bombs in Japan. But on the other hand, the other side of that is how many people would’ve been killed if not for the bombs. Shirley Miller: Yeah, that was definitely— Andy Miller: Probably was not talked about in Richland as much, but it certainly was talked about in family. But my dad always also maintained that no one made him work there. So he understood the role of nuclear weapons during the Cold War and as just part of the foreign policy. Franklin: Right. How do you feel now about that experience? Kind of looking back on the Cold War and looking at the environmental restoration that has to be done? Andy Miller: Well, Dad always talked about the safety and the waste issues and I know that he reflected there’s a—there’s some things that he wished they had done differently, but he also was proud of some of the things that they did do. That was an important issue to him. But I think that Dad would be—Dad was very progressive in his political views. Shirley Miller: Yes, he was a very strong democrat and active in the party. Andy Miller: But I think he would be irritated at times when people would try to impose late 1990s/early 2000s values on people who were living in the Cold War at the time. And I think he did not know that maybe certain revisionist history does not really take into account the actual climate with what the Soviet Union was doing at the time and some of the political decisions that were made. Franklin: Sure, sure. What do you think is the most important legacy of the Hanford Site? Shirley Miller: The what? Franklin: The most important legacy of Hanford. Shirley Miller: Oh, I don’t know. Well, do you have an idea? Andy Miller: Oh, I think—people can certainly argue with this—but I think Hanford can be proud of helping end World War II. I think that’s an important legacy. And the Cold War, the work that Hanford did in the Cold War may have prevented more wars during that time period. Shirley Miller: Okay, that’s— Andy Miller: Given how the Soviet Union was then. And I think that certainly people would say that perhaps the environmental impact of some of the—when the reactors were being rushed into production, is that better care could’ve been taken of that. And then also I think the benefits of turning the emphasis from weapons to peaceful energy use— Shirley Miller: Yeah. Andy Miller: --N Reactor—Dad was very involved with N Reactor, and he was very proud of the peacetime use of nuclear energy. Franklin: Were there many Manhattan Project employees that were still around when you moved here, Shirley, or when you grew up here, Andy? Shirley Miller: Any what? Andy Miller: He was wanting to know if people who were here in the 1945, when the Manhattan Project was done, if they were still here when you and Dad moved in the ‘50s and were still here when I was growing up. Shirley Miller: I think so. Andy Miller: Yeah. Dad talked very—Dad moved here in ’51 and he really admired a lot of the people, admired the brilliance of a lot of people for getting that accomplished. Shirley Miller: Yeah. Andy Miller: And he always talked about how smart and how hardworking they were. Shirley Miller: Yeah. Franklin: Did you know any African American Manhattan Project workers? Andy Miller: You know, my—I don’t think my dad made a distinction on that in his telling. I do know that Dad was friends with a lot of people working, because I know that—as I became an adult and came back to the Tri-Cities after law school, many, many times when I was out doorbelling or meeting people, I ran into an African American who would say, are you Norm Miller’s son? And they’d say, well, you know, Norm Miller was one management guy who made me feel comfortable. So Dad had a relationships like that. I don’t know if they were here during the Manhattan Project or not, but I know that Dad had made a lot of friends at Hanford. Shirley Miller: Yeah. Franklin: That’s great. Shirley Miller: I can’t remember. Franklin: What would you like future generations to know about working at Hanford and living in Richland during the Cold War? Shirley Miller: Hmm? Andy Miller: What would you like people to know, like, your grandchildren? What would you like them to know, what it was like to live in Richland in the ‘50s and during the Cold War and Dad working at Hanford? Shirley Miller: Well, I hope not much different than someone living in Seattle. But I would like them to know that, but I mean—wouldn’t you say so? Andy Miller: Yeah, I want to say, I certainly think we need to debate what happened at Hanford and nothing should be immune to that, but I’m actually, I’m proud of the work that my father’s generation did-- Shirley Miller: I am, too. Andy Miller: --at Hanford. Especially given the realities and that the main decisions were made by the leaders. And that Hanford is a viable institution going. There were certainly many unique aspects. None of us who were going to school in Richland at the time, none of us had grandparents living around. Mom and Dad—Mom has talked about the social life being different. Everybody in Richland at that time tended to be young, professional couples. And that’s why they had so many bridge clubs and stock market clubs and— Shirley Miller: Yeah, that’s right. Andy Miller: A lot of social activities. Franklin: What is a stock market club? Shirley Miller: A stock market club? Franklin: Yeah. Shirley Miller: Well, you basically get the group together and decide to watch stocks to buy. And if they make money or not. And someone makes better choices than others, and they say, oh, good, Mister. Andy Miller: There were no extended families, so like Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners were always not with family, but they were with couple friends that Mom and Dad had. That was our traditions. And that was one thing, I think, that was different than most people’s experience growing up. Because everybody was thrown into this new city together and they had to make everybody together. Shirley Miller: Yeah, and we had many friends. Andy Miller: You did. And that’s one reason you got involved in the civil rights movement, is you said you also saw some of the African Americans that were neighbors and that Dad worked with that you thought were treated unfairly. Shirley Miller: Yeah, right. Franklin: How so? What would he say about their treatment at work? What sparked that? Andy Miller: Oh, I think the obvious one was the housing that we already talked about, that was a big issue. And that a lot of businesses in the Tri-Cities would not hire— Shirley Miller: Not hiring people is one of the things. Andy Miller: And then there were still social issues. I think that there were certain unfortunate incidents that happened at schools with African American children. Shirley Miller: Yes, definitely. Definitely. Andy Miller: You would hear about that. Franklin: What kinds of incidents at school? Mostly in Pasco or anything in Richland? Andy Miller: Oh, I think in Richland. Shirley Miller: In Richland, too. Andy Miller: The use of the N-word, the taunting, things like that. Shirley Miller: Mm-hmm. Andy Miller: And Mom and Dad, I mean, they didn’t put pressure on the kids, but they certainly wanted us to be on the lookout for anything that happened. My younger brother got in a fight after one of his friends was called the N-word, and he got in trouble for getting into the fight. The kid who used the N-word did not get in trouble. So there were issues like that, but I think those were common to our entire country, not just to the Tri-Cities. Franklin: Right, right. I guess, though, it’s important for people to know that that is a country-wide issue; it wasn’t a Southern issue. Andy Miller: Right. Franklin: It was very much an issue in the North and in the West. My last question is kind of a round-up question. Is there anything else you would like to mention related to migration, work, segregation and civil rights and how they impacted your life in the Tri-Cities? Andy Miller: Is there anything else, Mom, you can think of with having African Americans move here and largely being forced to live in east Pasco? Anything else we haven’t talked about in the interview so far? Shirley Miller: Other than I think we were made more aware of it than the people who lived back in Pratt, Kansas. Franklin: How so? Shirley Miller: Huh? Franklin: How so? How was it compared to here to Kansas? What was different? Shirley Miller: I don’t know, I mean, I’m— Andy Miller: Well, in the North, you certainly had a segregated town of east Pasco, or at least part of it. Shirley Miller: Yes, uh-huh. Andy Miller: And that wasn’t the experience of a lot of other people who came here from the North. Is that right? Shirley Miller. Uh-huh. Yeah, that’s— Franklin: Were there any African Americans that lived in Pratt? I don’t know much about the size— Shirley Miller: Segregated. Franklin: Oh, it was—Pratt was segregated? Andy Miller: But not many very families lived there. Shirley Miller: And not many families. Andy Miller: It was a small farm town. Shirley Miller: But they had a little different school—I mean-- Andy Miller: A swimming pool. Shirley Miller: A swimming pool? They didn’t use the same swimming pool as we did. Andy Miller: Mm-hmm. Franklin: Did it surprise you to find segregation in Washington State? Shirley Miller: Yeah, uh-huh. Richland didn’t have segregated swimming pools. We all used the same swimming pool. Franklin: Right. But Pasco was kind of de facto segregated, just by where people could live and what jobs they could have and when they could go to Kennewick. Oh, we didn’t ask you about that. The sign that was on the bridge, do you recall the sign that was on the bridge, the old green bridge leading into Kennewick? Shirley Miller: No, unh-uh. Franklin: To Pasco. Andy Miller: We’ve never seen a sign, and over the years we’ve heard the debate whether or not there was a real sign or whether that was something said—certainly, just based on the experience helping the Slaughters, there was no one living in Kennewick and there was certainly attitudes, but I’ve just heard different debates whether or not there was an actual ordinance in place, a real sign, or just something—that’s a research project. Franklin: Me, too. No, we’ve spent a lot of time trying to track it down, whether it’s—certainly, yes, certainly there was that attitude. The attitude was very plain, but whether there was a physical manifestation of it remains to be seen. Yeah, we’ve still—we were hoping to uncover that in this, and I don’t know if we’re any closer. But we’ve documented the attitude, so that gives us something. Well, if there’s nothing else, I just want to thank both of you, Andy and Shirley. I want to thank you for coming out and sharing your history with us. You know, your history as an ally and everything, so thank you very much. Andy Miller: Well, thank you! Franklin: I appreciate it. Shirley Miller: Thank you! Franklin: Okay, awesome. Hanford Sites Any sites on the Hanford site mentioned in the interview General Electric N Reactor Years in Tri-Cities Area Date range for the interview subject's experience in and around the Hanford site 1951- Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Andy and Shirley Miller Subject The topic of the resource Hanford Site (Wash.) Richland (Wash.) Civil rights Civil rights movements Discrimination Segregation Human rights Description An account of the resource Shirley Miller moved to Richland, Washington in 1951 and was involved in local civil rights movements. Andy Miller was born in Richland, Washington in 1953. A National Park Service funded project to document the history of African American contributions to Hanford and the surrounding communities. This project was conducted through the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystems Unit, Task Agreement P17AC01288 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford Oral History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/26/2018 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this oral history should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for this item. 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This oral history collection was done in partnership with the National Park Service under Task Agreement P17AC01288. https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fc4211ec6a53281a6318043beb7f6bf4d.JPG cdd2118310627db7445aa6f6790e0c89 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F1bd3aca714e3e33a9ea3bebd16a631ae.mp4 622c42fc03f7b13d72bae927f5091fb8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Post-1943 Oral Histories Subject The topic of the resource Oral histories with residents about the Hanford area during and following the Second World War Description An account of the resource Oral histories with residents about the Hanford area during and following the Second World War Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Victor Vargas: Yeah, we should be good. Robert Franklin: Ready? Vargas: Yeah. Franklin: Okay. My name is Robert Franklin and I am conducting an oral history interview with Ann Roseberry on January 25th, 2017. The interview is being conducted on the campus of Washington State University Tri-Cities. I will be talking with Ann about her experiences growing up in Richland. And for the record can you state and spell your name for us? Ann Roseberry: Yes. Ann Roseberry. A-N-N R-O-S-E-B-E-R-R-Y. Franklin: Great. Thank you so much. Tell me how you came to Richland. Roseberry: Well, I was born here. Franklin: Okay. Roseberry: I was conceived here. My folks met after the war. Dad had been active in the Air Force and came here to work for GE. Mom was recruited by General Electric, so she came out from Chicago. When she got here, he was a personnel manager for GE, and he gave her her first day orientation, and promptly asked her out to dinner. So that was 1948. Franklin: 1948. Roseberry: Yeah. Franklin: I was going to say that probably wouldn’t fly with the human resources department nowadays. Roseberry: I’m fairly certain not. So they married in 1950, and I was born in 1951. And just grew up here, yeah. Franklin: Okay. And where did you live? Or where did your parents live in Richland? Roseberry: Okay, they lived at 710 Stanton, which was a precut. Stanton is a little two-block street that runs perpendicular to Lee. So we had a two-block walk to Marcus Whitman Elementary. Franklin: Mm-hm. Yeah, I live on that street, too, as you know. Roseberry: Yeah. Franklin: So what was it—so you, then, would have been about seven when Richland was privatized. Roseberry: Yes, yeah. Franklin: So what do you—what can you recall about those—your early childhood or those early years? Maybe from your own experiences or what your parents told you about that early Cold War era, government-owned era of Richland? Roseberry: Yeah. Well, in regard to the 1958, I remember Mom and Dad talking about showing me a piece of paper that they were buying the house. As a seven-year-old, it wasn’t terrifically meaningful to me, but I understood that it was to them. That same year, my youngest sister was born and we added a room onto our house, the precut. So those actually have more primacy in my recollection than the thing that meant more to Mom and Dad. Franklin: Sure. Roseberry: But I do remember that. And I probably, at the time, said—because children do—oh, how much does the house cost? And Mom would have replied, we don’t ask those questions, dear. So just one little example of a culture of secrecy that I’ll—yeah. We—I guess my elementary school years, in some way were both peaceful—the idyllic, small town family life—but punctuated by the air raid drills, where we would get under our desks or go out into the hall and line up against the hall in a sort of a crouching position. Or now what we would call pose-of-a-child in yoga. But as flat on the ground and as taking up as least space as we could. Franklin: Mm-hm. Did you ever do the kind of drills with the evacuation routes, where the families would drive out to a spot in the desert? Roseberry: Yeah. We did once, but the school children were bussed. So as we were—I actually have a fairly strong recollection of that, because it was terrifying. That I was alone on the bus. And I remember counting on my fingers, where’s Mom, where’s Dad, where are my sisters? Trying to sort of get a mental picture of where they were. Because even though we knew it was a drill, we were in a bus by ourselves being driven somewhere. So, we never went out as a family in our car. Franklin: Okay. Roseberry: Yeah. Franklin: What did your mother do for GE? Roseberry: She came out—her training was as an x-ray technician. So, she came out and—I won’t get all the timing of this right, but at one point, she worked for early Kadlec. And then went out to the Project and she was x-raying samples. What they were samples of, I’m not clear. But samples. But inanimate samples. I remember her talking about her work environment and that the badges, they were also radiation detectors and would indicate when the human body had had enough. But she said that she also had frequent x-rays of her hands. And she said that—the term was hot—hot hands—when she had hot hands, it meant that she had had enough radiation and she had to not do that work for a while. So. Franklin: Radiation from the handling the samples, or radiation from the x-rays? Roseberry: I think from the samples. There are a lot of things where—we were raised in a culture of don’t ask questions. So often, if I would have asked a question, she would have said, well, they were samples. And that would have been the end of the discussion. So, rocks, pieces of equipment, I don’t know. But something that for some reason she was x-raying, but they would have been giving radioactivity, yeah. Franklin: Hmm. Do you know where your mother worked on the Site? Did she talk about the Area? Do you know if she worked at 300, 200? Roseberry: I don’t know. When Dad was out onsite, he was at 200-West. Franklin: Oh, because he was still personnel manager at that time, or--? Roseberry: Well, I don’t think so. When we would ask him what his job was, he would just say a manager. And that’s really all I know. In probably the last maybe 10 or 15 years of his working career, he was transferred into the Federal Building. And what he said then was that he was writing or editing technical reports. And he did have a master’s in English, so that’s credible. But I don’t actually know that that’s what he was doing. In the earlier years, it was just, I’m a manager. So questions like that, that a child would ask, we were given an answer and we just accepted the answer. Franklin: Sure, sure. Did he have any other technical training, besides a master’s in English? Did he have any training that would fit to be more site-specific? Like, production-specific? Roseberry: I don’t think so. When he was talking about the later years and technical reports, he made the comment that scientists and engineers, their work often needed editing by someone who had a better understanding of the English language. So—and he was a published author; he was a skilled writer. So all of this is very credible to me, but I just don’t really know that he was doing that from the ‘50s through the ‘80s. Franklin: What kinds of work did he publish or write? Roseberry: Fiction, primarily. Fiction. He had a book that came out right before Pearl Harbor, Bobbs-Merrill, and he had just started on the author promotion tour when Pearl Harbor was bombed. So pretty much the next day he went and signed up and served stateside in—it was then the Army Air Corps, because he had had an injury. And almost literally to his dying day, that—he felt embarrassed that he hadn’t gone overseas. He felt that he hadn’t really quite done what he should, because he hadn’t been overseas. But then after retirement, he published a couple more fiction books and wrote some family histories, but mostly it was—he was a fiction writer, yeah. Franklin: Okay. You mentioned that your mother talked about her work environment. Did she ever talk about the gender makeup of her environment, or her experience of a woman working out onsite? Roseberry: She talked about a couple of men who she worked with right in her unit. And very warmly. Very—it clearly was a comfortable work environment for her. I’m interpreting from what she said that they were older than she was. She was in her mid-20s and very cute. But a very modest woman. Raised in the Midwest, small town in Iowa. So her comments came across as if they were avuncular or fatherly to her—warm, but not anything uncomfortable for her. Yeah. So that’s about all of her comments. I know she was back and forth between Kadlec and the Site during those years. She would have worked roughly from 1948 to 1951. I was born in March of ’51, and possibly she had to quit work before that because she was working with radiation. Franklin: Are you the oldest? Roseberry: I’m the oldest. Franklin: Okay, so after you were born, she stopped working to be your full-time— Roseberry: Yeah. There were three of us, so she stayed home until the year I turned 13, I believe. And then she went back to work part-time x-ray at the Richland Clinic, which is no longer a clinic. But—and then she worked through until retirement. Franklin: Okay. Roseberry: Yeah, yeah. Franklin: Can you tell me about growing up in the prefab neighborhood? Because it’s slightly—from what I understand they’re slightly different than the Alphabet House neighborhoods in terms of not only the character of the houses but the income levels of the residents. Roseberry: Yeah. We were—some of what I will tell you, to give a caveat, is my recollection. And I was a child at the time, so I had my own lens. But in our particular neighborhood, which is to say the one block, every person who lived in that neighborhood had a family member employed at the Project or at the Site. And in those years, it was all the men. The women were home. So across the street was an electrician, next door was Hanford Patrol, next door the other side, was—I don’t know what he did; I know he was a craftsworker. So in our block, all the other families were crafts families, except for ours. That was a very strong distinction, was—you were management or you were the crafts. And what I was told was that in our part of town, there was a conscious desire to mix within a neighborhood so that there would be some management people and some crafts people. In the block up, where you live, we didn’t know as many people. One of the high school teachers lived there at the time. It was close enough that we were allowed to trick-or-treat there. But we—within our own block, we were in and out of houses and borrowing a cup of sugar, and that kind of thing. But it was a very small one-block neighborhood for us. Franklin: Interesting. How long did your parents live in that house? Roseberry: Mm. From 1950 until 2013. Franklin: Oh, wow. Roseberry: Yeah. My dad died at the end of 2004. And Mom stayed in the house until 2013. She had a series of falls. And after the last one, she said, I think it’s time for me to move. So we got that to happen, but—and she was—she had three other friends from the early days who at that time were still living in their homes. Only one with her husband; the other women had been widowed. But for her, this was not an unusual situation, that you would move into a house and you would live there your whole life. At some point, when I was in late elementary school, I know that Dad got a promotion at work. And this would have been before 1958. And so at that time, he was offered the chance to move to a different neighborhood to what would have been considered a nicer house. I remember our talking about that, and I just spoke right up and said, well, I don’t want to move. I like my school. I like my neighborhood. And so he didn’t accept the move. And I don’t remember now where it was. I just remember that to me it seemed really silly. Well, this was our house. Why would we move? This was home, yeah. Franklin: Do you know if the—you had mentioned that separation between trades—crafts people and managerial. Do you know if that ever caused any tension with neighbors and things like that? Roseberry: Yes. Not in our neighborhood, not among—this was a neighborhood where in the summer, Dad would cook hamburgers outside on the fireplace he built, and the neighbors would come over and have hamburgers. Or they’d come over and have watermelon, or they’d come over for the fireworks. So none of that happened there. But in the school environment, very much so. There were times where it would come up within the schoolroom. And fairly laterally, I want to say the early ‘60s—at any rate, there was a significant strike out at the Project and another one threatened. That was the time I remember most clearly that there were enough people out on strike that management were being placed in various locations. So Dad was driving a bus during that time. The buses came right into the neighborhoods, so he had a half-a-block walk to get the bus that took him to work. And I remember very distinctly getting into it a little bit with another girl. So—might have been fifth grade—I don’t remember the year, but there were lines drawn. Because her father was in the crafts and he was also—had some position of responsibility in one of the unions. And we didn’t fight, and we weren’t enemies, but we were just never close again. It wasn’t—this discussion happened and the lines were drawn, and we never quite managed to get back across again. But there were some neighborhoods—there were some neighborhoods in the ranch houses where the mix of people who lived there was such that, yeah, it was an issue in the neighborhood. In one case, a family—the same family where the father had quite position of responsibility, and the neighborhood lived across the street from a family where the father was a high-ranking PR person for the Project. And you felt it. You felt it; it wasn’t fighting, but it was tension, I mean—yeah. Franklin: Sure. Do you remember what that series of labor movements was about? Roseberry: I do not. Franklin: Okay. Roseberry: I do not. And I wish that—because the memory is so clear, I’ve wished that I’d gone back to research it to find out what it was. I remember Dad saying that his concern or management’s concern was that this would be a disruptive enough situation that we would lose—we would no longer have federal funding. And so the other thing that’s unclear to me now is, the strike would have been against the contractor. But of course, all of the contractor money was federal money. So there was real concern that jobs would be lost. I do remember that. Franklin: Did you ever—given that up until Richland was privatized, you had to work for Hanford to live in Richland—did you ever lose friends or notice people—had people that you knew that left during that time because they lost their jobs at Hanford? Roseberry: No. And that is a really interesting question to me. I don’t remember ever losing any friends for that reason. And I don’t remember until high school that families were moving in from some of the other secret cities or Savannah River. I remember a family coming in from Savannah River. It isn’t that it didn’t happen. I don’t remember it, and there was no one in my close circle who left. And I really don’t remember much influx. My high school years would have been ’66 to ’69. And there were several families that I remember then. Franklin: Did you go to Richland High School? Roseberry: Mr. Franklin, that would be Col High. Franklin: Col High. Sorry. Roseberry: That would be Col High. This is essential for accuracy. Yeah. Marcus Whitman, Carmichael, and then Col High. Franklin: Col High, right. You’ll have to forgive me. Roseberry: I do forgive you, but I will correct you, of course, because this is so important. Franklin: Point taken. Would that be the Col High Bombers? Roseberry: Yes, that would be the Col High Bombers. Franklin: Okay. Roseberry: Yeah, yeah. Franklin: And how long—then did you leave Richland shortly after graduating? Roseberry: Mm-hm. I left in the fall of ’69. I went to Cheney for my undergrad degree, and went through in three years because I had two sisters behind me. Then went to Michigan for my library master’s and then came back and my first job was in Yakima. So— Franklin: I’m wondering if—you may have been too young for this next question, but I’d like to see what—if you remember. You know, Richland, up until the mid-60s or late-60s was primarily, almost exclusively white. Roseberry: Yes. Franklin: Due to housing restrictions on African Americans and other minorities, they had to live in East Pasco. And although African Americans were employed by the Hanford Project, they couldn’t live in Richland— Roseberry: Houses—right, right. Franklin: --at that time. So I’m wondering if you could speak to that, having observed—or if you observed discrimination or any civil rights attempts to address it. Roseberry: Yeah. So in elementary school, at my elementary school at Marcus Whitman, there were two African American families who had children in the school. In second grade, I had a birthday party, and I’d invited people from school. And I remember this very clearly. We had added on the living room, so we’d set up card tables in the living room. And I had invited my friend Kathy Baker. And she didn’t come. And I remember going to the front door watching for her, and wondering why she wasn’t coming to the party. The Baker family is African American. Her mother is still here, Mrs. Baker. I remember—and I asked Mom, why didn’t Kathy come to the party? And in some way, Mom would have said, maybe she didn’t feel comfortable because she’s—in those days, we would have said Negro. And that wasn’t disrespectful. Sorry, I remember this really clearly. And it just made me so sad. She was almost my best friend, and she didn’t feel she could come to my birthday party. My folks were very—whatever opinions they might have had to the contrary, we were raised that race was not an issue. It was not a matter of discussion; it wasn’t—it was an irrelevant thing. I look back now—hold on, I’ll get hold of myself. I look back now and I think of family names that we would have heard. But in our family, nobody ever said, this name tells you that their family came from Russia or Ireland or Germany or—that was not a—we didn’t know to make those connections. It just wasn’t discussed. So, the issue of race was, it just, it wasn’t present in the way we were raised. I didn’t really question in grade school that there were only two families. When I got to junior high, as it was then, I remember two Hispanic families being added. That was at Carmichael. And I may be forgetting somebody. By high school, another African American family and a Chinese family. But at one time—and I’m not sure I could do it right now—but I counted that in my growing up years, we had nine families of color in Richland. So we had some African American families, one Chinese family, and I think maybe by high school three Hispanic families. But I didn’t know that was unusual. I just didn’t know that was unusual. Franklin: Sure. The children—the African American children that you went to elementary school with, they were allowed to live—the family was allowed to live in Richland? Roseberry: Mm-hmm, yeah. The Bakers lived over—it’s an area of town just on the other side of Duportail. I’m so bad with directions. There was a little market there, Dietrich’s Market, that’s now Minute Mart or something. But they lived in that neighborhood. And I think Mrs. Baker is still in the family house from those days, too. Franklin: Oh, wow. Roseberry: Yeah, mm-hmm, yeah. Franklin: Great. Thank you. Do you remember any later civil—like, any of the later civil rights actions in Kennewick and Pasco, or did you not—have you not connected much with— Roseberry: I was not—no, I was not connected. We didn’t really have any family friends in Pasco or Kennewick. One exception, a friend of my dad’s in Kennewick on Canal Drive. But the world was very small. You knew people from school, where parents of other children—more strongly in elementary school of course, and then you knew people from your church. And in the people I knew, everybody went to church. Everybody belonged to a church and they went to church. And so we belonged to Central, to CUP. So, that’s how I met children from other parts of town, because I would meet at church. But we didn’t—in the early days, very actively encouraged to stay in Richland. Shop in Richland, go to a doctor in Richland. Not go out to dinner in Richland because there really weren’t many options. But you lived in Richland, you did your business in Richland, and you socialized in Richland. After 1958, I suspect the message wasn’t quite so strong. But still strong. Franklin: Probably because it had been ingrained. Roseberry: It had been ingrained, uh-huh. And there was still—even after Richland re-formed as a First Class City, all of that secrecy and deliberate attempt at isolation was still very present. Because we were in a very strong part of the Cold War. So the secrecy did not—and the fear—did not go away once Richland re-formed as a city. But no, I was unaware of those. In high school, a man named Duke Mitchell, who has come back—homecoming king? Anyway, one of those dances where someone is king and queen and there’s an election, and he was. So in some ways, you could say that this community was not— Franklin: And I’m sorry, who was this? Roseberry: Duke Mitchell. Franklin: Is that CJ’s son? Roseberry: CJ’s oldest, yeah. Franklin: Okay. Roseberry: So he had a very strong position of leadership in the high school. Liked and respected. I couldn’t really answer adequately about how it felt or how it was. I can report that, yeah, he was held in acclaim. He was class president, too. I—once I left, I left. I just remember strongly that he was very well-liked and respected. And certainly one of the first things I did when I came back to Richland to be the library manager here was to look him up and say, I need you on the library board. But he could speak to that better than I can. Franklin: Okay. Did you ever feel—you talked a bit about the duck-and-cover drills that made you kind of feel the fear of being separated. What about later, as you grew up and entered adolescence or early adulthood and knew more about what was being produced at Hanford. Did your feelings toward—what were your feelings toward Hanford? Did they change at all from when you first found out about what was being made there and--? Roseberry: I never went negative. Partly that is because my dad was—even postwar, he felt that the work that was being done there was patriotic. He still felt that it was protecting the United States. A personal characteristic of his was loyalty. So, he would have valued, in a patriotic way, and defended the Project until the day he died. So that did not occur for me. And I was never afraid in a way that you would be about something that you could do something about it. When we were very young, and maybe into pre-adolescence, I remember that he would try to teach us from the ground what planes were overhead so that we could identify them. Because it was, plane: Russia is going to bomb us. That was our default response. I got as far as being able to distinguish between a small plane, like a Piper Cub, or a B-52, or a jet. I never got—but even those distinctions, if you were—I’m the eldest. I was, I mean, day one, take care of your sisters. So I’m out on the street with my sisters, maybe walking over to the school grounds to play, and a plane goes overhead. And first I look up, try to decide if they’re in danger or not, and then look down, okay, there they are; they’re safe. And it’s not something that woke me up in the middle of the night, or I had emotional problems with. It was just part of where we were. And, again, how did we know that that wasn’t everywhere? So, learn to distinguish. But it was actually pre-adolescent. It was third grade, and we were being taught about the half-life of plutonium. I would say that my strengths have always been on the verbal, not the quantitative side. But even in third grade, I could do the numbers on that and realize that no amount of duck-and-cover was going to save any of us if we were—nuclear bomb fell. But that was, for me, a little bit like, huh. Okay, well, maybe we’ll get bombed, and maybe we won’t. So it wasn’t a fear moment; it was like, hmm, do you guys think we can’t do these numbers and figure it out? But it was really more a moment of clarity than fear. And we just never—living in Richland and reading only the local paper—although Mom and Dad always subscribed to the Spokesman Review, so we did have a paper that wasn’t local. Lots of magazines. But having very limited even television access, news like that just didn’t show up here. And it just—if we weren’t hearing it at home, and we weren’t hearing it at school, we just wouldn’t have heard anything anti. Really, the first time I kind of went, oh, people are upset about this was at Cheney, so that’s late ‘60s, early ‘70s. I took a class called environmental geography. Anyway, one of the field trips was here to Hanford; another was to some of the bunker silver mines in north Idaho where there was, in fact, damage from something that was manmade. And so then I started getting it. But not here. Not here. Franklin: Thank you. Did the neighborhood or Richland change perceptibly after it became a First Class City to you? Did you notice any changes? Roseberry: Mm-mm. Not to me. Franklin: Did the fabric of—or I guess, did the fabric of the neighborhood change while you lived there after it incorporated? Roseberry: Very little. I think that from 1951 to 1969, on our side of the street, the house at the corner of whatever that is and the house at the corner of Stanton and Lee, those houses had changed out once in 18 years. I don’t think any of the others had by the time I left to go to Cheney. In the mid- to late-‘70s, there were some deaths on the street and some houses changed out. But I think just those two. And those were precuts, the much smaller house. So the one up by Lee, that changed out pretty quickly. They needed a larger house. And the one on the other end, it was retirement or something. But only those two, yeah. Franklin: When did you come back to Richland? Roseberry: I came back on May 15th of 2006. That was my—I got here on May 14th. I threw stuff in my car, drove to Mom’s, unloaded the car and started that Monday. And May 16th—I remember it very clearly because May 16th was the day of the bond election for the new library building. And it passed. So those dates are just really clear for me. Yeah. Franklin: Right. And since that time you’ve been working at the Richland Public Library. Roseberry: Mm-hm, yeah. Franklin: Tell me about your involvement in promoting Hanford history and that kind of thing. Roseberry: Oh! Okay. Well, I really started with meeting Ron Kathren—Dr. Ron Kathren. He has been, for a long time, a library supporter. And I met him on May 16th—the evening of May 16th. The polls had just closed; it had been declared that the bond had passed, and we were walking out to the parking lot together. And I offered him a carrot, my go-to snack, and he accepted. So pretty much it was friendship at first sight. And he started coming into the library and just chatting with me. He’s an excellent teacher among other things. And there was something about his love of Richland and the value he places on the scientific work that had been done here that just—it created or it caught a spark in me. And then I just started thinking about it more and thinking about my parents’ generation having been pioneers of a sort. And this is no disrespect to the people who were here farming at all. But they left the Midwest, the East Coast, and they came out probably on trains and got off to a desert that had no trees. They moved into tents, or if they were lucky, trailers, and then barracks, essentially—dorms. They did work that they had no idea what they were doing. And in the early days, they couldn’t tell their families where they were, what was going on. They just seem extraordinarily brave to me. So the environmental situation that they had to deal with—against—and the work they were doing created this bonding among them that is really phenomenal. They feel that at some level they all care about each other, still. Because they were on this great adventure and venture. Then the more I learned about the science and technology and creativity and innovation that went into that, I just got fascinated. Just got fascinated. And the people who made that choice and stayed, they have a strength that I think is uncommon. And they were—we now look at that and we talk about the effects of an atomic bomb and nuclear waste, which—I’m not stepping away from that. But for them, to have been doing something that they thought was not only very important but maybe vital to the survival of the country. If you can just understand that mindset. I just admire them very much. And they’re a generation that did not complain. Did not complain. You still—no matter how much you probe with my 92- almost 93-year-old mother, she will not complain. She will not say anything bad or—she just won’t. And that’s very, very common among her friends. So I just—I think the combination of the science, but also the creativity that fueled that science, I think that’s what it was. Just started fascinating me. And I also, as a librarian, I understand that the kind of history we have here is singular. We’ll find similarities with Oak Ridge and Los Alamos, but there are three secret cities in this country. Arguably three secret cities in the world. We’re not regular. And I kind of started embracing being weird and finding the ties that we do have with those other secret cities at every possible level: the level of education, the fact that we still expect our garbage to be picked up in certain ways, that we are used to a very sturdy, robust infrastructure—we just have a lot in common. It seemed to me from a history point of view that there was some pretty important history stuff. As the public librarian part of my job—not just my interest, my job—was to collect the stuff, to protect it, to wait for WSU to be ready to have the Hanford History Project, so we could have a real, live, professional archives. And I don’t know, it just—somehow out of respect and admiration, it started being important to me. Franklin: Great. Roseberry: Yeah. Franklin: What would you like—I think you’ve already covered this somewhat, but I’d like to ask it again. What would you like future generations to know about living in Richland during the Cold War and what was done here during the Cold War? Roseberry: Wow. Respect the science. Respect the creativity. Respect the strength of the people who were here. I might say plan ahead. One of the stories Dad told was—so, context. We were in Portland. My husband and I were living in Portland, and each year in Portland, Nagasaki Day is not celebrated, but noted. Franklin: And why is that? Roseberry: The people draw chalk outlines of bodies on the ground in memory of what was left after that bomb, that there would be sort of a—just a charred outline on the ground, because the body had been so thoroughly incinerated, that’s all that was left. Franklin: Sure, sure. I—sorry, but why Portland? Or why does that happen? Is there a special reason? Is it like a sister city relationship? Roseberry: I don’t know. I just—from having lived in Portland for 30 years, I would say, that’s just Portland. I don’t have a good—I don’t have a good answer for that. Franklin: Sure, sure. I was just wondering if there was a deeper connection. Roseberry: Not that I know of. Franklin: Okay, sorry. Roseberry: But at any rate, Mom and Dad were in town, and we were walking, downtown Portland in the city hall area. Dad asked what they were, and unthinkingly, I told him the truth. Never seen him so angry. Never saw him as angry as that. He was saying, we were saving lives, we were saving American lives. Very, very, very angry. When he calmed down a little, I said, you know, people are concerned about the waste, Dad. This aside, there’s a legitimate concern about the nuclear waste. And the reason I laugh, you’ll understand, is he said, well, for Pete’s sakes. They only built those tanks to last 20 years and look how long they’ve lasted! So for future generations, I would say, maybe a 20-year tank for nuclear waste when we already understood the aforementioned half-life—maybe add that element into your future planning, yeah. So, yeah, I mean, 20 years, the life of radioactive material: not a really good match there. Franklin: Some disconnect, perhaps, between science and then the administrative side of-- Roseberry: Exactly, exactly. Franklin: --of legacy waste commitment. Roseberry: And the difference between getting federal funding to, in their hope, finish a war, end a war, and in their hopes, defend the United States, and—oh, huh, yeah, well, now we want to fund something else. We don’t want to fund this. So it’s pretty big picture, but, yeah. Franklin: Oh, hey, we’re going to need a lot more money for many hundreds of years to come to manage the— Roseberry: Right, yeah. Franklin: Yeah, that’s a tough sell. Roseberry: it’s a tough sell. It’s a tough sell. Garbage cleanup. It’s a tough sell. Franklin: Yeah, it is. Everybody wants it, but nobody wants to do it. Roseberry: But nobody wants to do it. So, yeah, I guess, not a question I’ve thought about, but probably that’s what I’d say. Franklin: Great. Is there anything that we haven’t covered that you wanted to talk about? Roseberry: I don’t know. I have said—maybe a little bit about the hierarchy in Richland, because from a point of view, it has the worst of a military reservation, an academic community, and a company town, where in those environments, at some level hierarchy is all. So even in the later years—I think this is changing—but the division, if you will, between management and crafts or the trades. I think, I hope, that Richland has grown so much, benefitting from people who weren’t born here, that some of that is being mitigated, but—and feel free to eliminate this if it’s in somebody else’s story. But GESA Federal Credit Union was GE Supervisors’ Association. And my dad was one of the founders of that. I have his passbook; it’s number four. But it was only for supervisors, period. Period. So about a year later, I think—I think GESA was founded in 1954, I think. At any rate, approximately a year later, HAPO was founded. So if you were not a GE manager, you could still join a credit union. And now both of them are very, very strong, very community-minded. But lines like that were drawn. And there were some sort of informal, unspoken rules about what kind of car you could drive, according to your status at the Project. And so my dad, not being a scientist or an engineer, was maybe sort of middle. So we had—growing up we had Dodges, kind of a medium. And then, at one point, I was gone, but he got another promotion and he and Mom bought an Oldsmobile, because that was okay. Whereas when I was in grade school and junior high, that—there were people above him in the hierarchy who drove Oldsmobiles. And so that—there’s some big car stuff in this community that sometimes is at the base of—people who weren’t born here or grew up here, they observe things, but they can’t decode them. And there’s no way in the world they would ever be able to decode them. The other thing where there was a hierarchy—and I don’t know that I really have an opinion about it—but certainly, in second grade, I remember actively and clearly, we were given standardized tests. So starting in second grade, we were tracked, according to what they called ability. So in second grade, we took the Stanford-Binet, which was considered a measurement of IQ. And so the result of that, partly, was that even though when I graduated high school—that would be Col High, yeah—I graduated high school, 676 people in the graduating class, but I only really knew a fraction of them. Because even in grade school, we were ability-tracked. That continued through junior high and certainly at high school, there was advanced this and honors this. The focus on academic ability—very, very strong here. So I think for children who were perceived to fall into that, you could not have had better college prep. You could not have. We—my first formal researched-with-citations research project was in fourth grade. We were writing from very early on. We were being taught research skills from very early on. And when I left and went to Cheney, I found that that was not the norm. So the school system here is very, very focused on that. And I benefited from it; my sisters benefited from it. So, I just—I have this niggling sense that that could have been improved or fine-tuned, but because I benefited from it, I wouldn’t be a very credible voice on that. But the whole concept of hierarchy: just so strong here, yeah. Franklin: And you think still to this day? Roseberry: To a certain extent. I think more so in the people who are still here who were here in the very early days. Which now would be the ‘50s, because I think most of the people who would have gotten here early ‘40s to build the Project, they’re gone. And the people who arrived just post-war, like my folks, they’re dwindling, you know. They’re dwindling. But the people who came early-ish, I mean strongly in the Cold War era, like in the ‘50s, a little bit. Because that was the Project environment. Franklin: Right, and there’s a real difference to authority, too, among those. And kind of a—one thing I’ve noticed is a belief in corporate benevolence, and that you’ll be taken care of with—the hard work and things will be rewarded in a corporate environment. That struck me as more present here, I think, due to the nature of the contractor relationship. Roseberry: I think so, I think so. That—so for that generation, they had world-shaking events, okay? My folks lived through the Depression. My folks both were of an age to understand what Pearl Harbor meant. But I might suggest that my generation, the Boomer generation, had the first conviction that there was not only not corporate benevolence, there was not government benevolence. The World War II generation, they were patriotic. They were responding to those calls from President Roosevelt. My generation, particularly here, learned very early that, um, duck-and-cover wasn’t going to work. That there remains a question, many questions, about the assassination of President Kennedy. That the Vietnam War was not exactly about protecting democracy. So I agree. There’s more acceptance, respect for an authority figure, yeah. Franklin: Yeah. Roseberry: Yeah, I think so. Franklin: Even—you mentioned some big events and kind of betraying of trust. I’d like to ask you about how you think maybe people’s reactions to the Green Run fall into that. Because that happened pretty early on in ’49. But a purposeful release of dangerous material that seems to be accepted by the community as something that happened and maybe shouldn’t have, but did nonetheless. But to outsiders is shocking. Roseberry: It’s shocking. Franklin: And a betrayal of trust, because it’s not a corporate—it’s the government. It’s supposed to be— Roseberry: Right, yeah. And I did not know about that until after I came back in 2006. Franklin: Oh, okay. Roseberry: None—information about the Project, any of the science, any of the politics—not in the Richland school system. Not there. And in our family, not discussed. Ever. Ever, ever. So I did not know that. Franklin: Sure. I forgot to ask: did you go to see President Kennedy? Roseberry: Yes. Franklin: Or did your family go to see President Kennedy? What was your—what do you remember about that day? Roseberry: Okay. So, it was very hot and windy and dusty. And we were out in the middle of the desert, okay? However, we were just thrilled beyond any belief. He was—and just my family—but he was a beloved president. People did trust him. They followed him. People—I don’t think during his presidency, you would ever have heard him referred to as Kennedy. It always would have been President Kennedy or the President. Always, always. And partly that was then. But he, as a person and a president, people liked him, they cared about him. Here, we were so—we so completely understood that we were isolated, that that was on purpose, that for someone that important to come here was just—it was amazing. It was just amazing. And we were just thrilled. We all had to submit a security clearance paperwork. Mom just handed to me the papers for my youngest sister who was about seven, yeah. So I remember filling this out—no, she wasn’t even seven. She was more like five, she was more like five. So I filled it out, and there was a space called Membership in Subversive Organizations. And, you know, I thought about—I took this really seriously, and— Franklin: And that was a voluntary thing that you would fill out, or that’s--? Roseberry: No, we would not be allowed onsite. Franklin: No, I mean, that was a form given to someone to fill out, so they would trust that you were being honest about your membership in a subversive organization? Roseberry: Right, right. Franklin: Okay. Roseberry: And I put in that, yes, the only organization she was part of was the CUP Sunday school. But she was a member of that organization. But, I mean, what, to express rye amusement at the vagaries of life, but filling out a security clearance form for a little tiny girl, but we did, and we took it seriously. So we went as a family—I think I got off track, but we went as a family, and it was a big deal. But it was windy, and the wind was blowing up the sand. And it was hot. And the helicopter came in and blew up more sand. But, no, we were just thrilled. Just thrilled. The most important, the most famous person we had ever seen. And, oh, it was big. It was big, yeah. Franklin: Cool. Well, did you have anything else you wanted to add? Roseberry: I can’t think—you know, Robert, I could go on for a long time, but that’s—you’ll talk to other people and they’ll either confirm or deny, and— Franklin: [LAUGHTER] Roseberry: But you know, so much was family-centered. And then your school and then your church. Those were the circles. Oh, I guess just one other note and then you should probably just turn the equipment off, but—I don’t know if you’ve heard this or not, but Richland did not appear on any maps or on any road signs. So that piece of understanding that we were secret and that the government didn’t want people to be able to get here, they didn’t want people to know where we were or what was going on. That was—there was just sort of this combination of you just sort of accepted it, and then you’d say, hmm, I wonder why that isn’t true of Pasco and Kennewick. But even a question like that, the answer would be, well, Richland is different. Franklin: Yeah. Roseberry: Yeah. Franklin: Well, thank you Ann. I really appreciated your talking today. Roseberry: You’re welcome. Oh, I’m really happy to. I’m sorry the Kathy Baker story got me. Franklin: No, it’s okay. I appreciate it. Roseberry: But you know, it’s funny, we were so young, but I just remember I just kept going to the front door, watching, where’s Kathy? Where’s Kathy? Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 01:09:01 Bit Rate/Frequency Rate at which bits are transferred (i.e. 96 kbit/s would be FM quality audio) 317 kbps Years in Tri-Cities Area Date range for the interview subject's experience in and around the Hanford site 1988-2006 Names Mentioned Any named mentioned (with any significance) from the local community. Bobbs-Merrill Dietrich Mrs. Baker Duke Mitchell Ron Kathren Kennedy Kathy Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Ann Roseberry Description An account of the resource An interview with Ann Roseberry conducted as part of the Hanford Oral History Project. The Hanford Oral History Project was sponsored by the Mission Support Alliance and the United States Department of Energy. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hanford Oral History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01-25-2017 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this oral history should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for this item. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 Date Modified Date on which the resource was changed. 2018-31-1: Metadata v1 created – [A.H.] Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. The Hanford Oral History Project operates under a sub-contract from Mission Support Alliance (MSA), who are the primary contractors for the US Department of Energy's curatorial services relating to the Hanford site. This oral history project became a part of the Hanford History Project in 2015, and continues to add to this US Department of Energy collection. 1954 Clinic Cold War General Electric Hanford Houses Kennedy Kennewick Los Alamo Los Alamos Market Organization Organizations River Ron Kathren Savannah River School Sun War https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F28b964a1a3d91527803d29815ddf6391.docx 73e70c30f75e0edafaf3f44fa06b8829 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Latino/a Oral History Project Subject The topic of the resource Oral History Description An account of the resource An ongoing oral history project focusing on the history of the Latine/Latino community of the Tri-Cities, Washington area. Previously known as the WSU Tri-Cities Latinx Oral History Project headed by History faculty Robert Bauman and Robert Franklin. Hanford History Project made the decision in 2024 to use Latino/a instead of Latinx as the former more reflects the grammar and practical use and identification of Spanish speakers. We know that one term will not encompass all those identities. For example, Latine, a gender neutral pronoun and product of the queer Spanish community, was considered for use but we use Latino/a to reflect the prevalence of gendered pronouns in the Spanish language. However, we would like to acknowledge that the discourse around which term to use is complex and evolving. Every person has the right to use the term that captures who they are and that feels the most welcoming to them. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this oral history should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for this item. Language A language of the resource English; Spanish Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewer The person(s) performing the interview Robert Bauman Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Artemo Benitez Solano Location The location of the interview Washington State University Tri-Cities Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound 00;00;00;00 - 00;00;34;01 Robert Bauman My name is Robert Bauman. and I am a history professor here at WSU Tri-Cities. And we are conducting, oral history interview today. And it's Artemia. Artemia. Benitez Solano, is that correct? Okay. On July 20th, 2023, and the interview is being conducted on the campus of Washington State University Tri-Cities. So, if you could tell us about, when and why you decided to leave Mexico and that that process and how that came about. 00;00;34;04 - 00;01;02;21 Artemio Benitez Solano Okay, cuando you tenia ochoa anos tenia, un Como do that. una Como esta esperanza de Benita aqui Ortego porque yo we are muchos cantos Meredith Kevin Young al de temporada de del campo. 00;01;02;23 - 00;01;14;24 Translator (Yesenia Montes) Okay. So when I was eight years old I had a few doubts and hope, about coming here to work in agriculture with you. 00;01;14;27 - 00;01;33;15 Artemio Benitez Solano E? S s Esperanza with creciendo. Cuando in the three contortions. Mi vecino eta el k de la gente. Ortego. 00;01;33;18 - 00;01;45;15 Translator (Yesenia Montes) And that hope just kept growing about till the age of 1516, when his need for his neighbor helped cross some. 00;01;45;18 - 00;02;09;05 Artemio Benitez Solano EOP block Como vecino cuando tendria circuitry de se anos. Ella. Hey yo, can you have any con la la temporada del campo Emily Horne no, Joe has going to Papa tengo no yo tengo el permesso. Papa. 00;02;09;08 - 00;02;36;19 Translator (Yesenia Montes) So when he was 16, he talked to his neighbor and asked him if he could come work the season, in the agriculture fields, and his neighbor said, no, he was too young. And his parents didn't have permission, so he said no, that he had gotten his parents permission. 00;02;36;21 - 00;03;01;05 Artemio Benitez Solano He looked below Pennzoil. Those bases in Mexico. Okay, boy, esta nos vamos in no mess. Nos vamos a nomas easy to. Yeah. One. No Vamos. Then maybe Ozuna. He maybe ho mente. 00;03;01;08 - 00;03;16;10 Translator (name needed) Okay so he had talked about his talk to his neighbor and they decided that yes he would bring him. And a month later he gave him a he gave him a date. And then they resumed to set. 00;03;16;12 - 00;03;37;28 Artemio Benitez Solano EO a long term e of Consul Connell. You may be ho tengo cuanto papa necesario ya you me papaya medio permiso. Nos vemos. And then in a in del bus. 00;03;38;00 - 00;03;55;00 Translator (name needed) Okay. So then the date came and he had said that he wanted to speak with his father, and he said it wasn't necessary, but his dad had already given him permission. And so he just his neighbor just said, they would see each other at the bus stop. 00;03;55;03 - 00;04;16;22 Artemio Benitez Solano Maybe came a me ropa, if you will, in the station del bus in park and noona Mukilan those pantalones those committees. He said all the, dinero. 00;04;16;25 - 00;04;27;22 Translator (name needed) Okay, so he had told them to pack his bags, and he packed a backpack with two pairs of jeans, two tops, and no money. 00;04;27;25 - 00;04;58;25 Artemio Benitez Solano And he even was a solid cuando me papa Emilio on the bus. There we go. And I would go. Pedro! My papa Bernardo, the. They said me porque Los senora con el eran sus amigos. Mi papa him papa duo were with that in this area. You go. 00;04;58;27 - 00;05;19;06 Translator (name needed) Okay, so, he had finished packing. He was about to leave and his father asked him, where are you going? And he said to Oregon, and there is a few people coming back. And they were his father's friends. But his father was embarrassed to say that his son was leaving to Oregon. 00;05;19;09 - 00;05;50;18 Artemio Benitez Solano When we papa go see stubby and say, okay, give us a day to spare, please let me go another. This is Necesitas to to work today. Nacimiento. You know, say this in me pub. Pero me papa Diego and una bicicleta DC Agora la bicicleta e la casa e market. They talk to Nacimiento. 00;05;50;20 - 00;06;12;13 Translator (name needed) Okay, so his father, his father asked, what paper work he was bringing. And he responded with none. And then his father said, you need your birth certificate. And so his father had arrived on a bike and told him, take the bike, go home and ask your mother for your birth certificate. 00;06;12;16 - 00;06;22;15 Artemio Benitez Solano He even eat tomatoes in el bus to, a la Ciudad de Mexico. 00;06;22;18 - 00;06;28;21 Translator (name needed) And from there he took the bus to the, to Mexico City. 00;06;28;24 - 00;06;30;06 Robert Bauman Okay. 00;06;30;09 - 00;06;34;13 Artemio Benitez Solano So we got to the store where we stopped. Thank you. King. 00;06;34;16 - 00;06;46;11 Robert Bauman Okay, so then, how does the rest of the journey unfold from there? From Mexico City? How how do you get to Oregon. 00;06;46;13 - 00;07;00;09 Artemio Benitez Solano When yo tengo familia in Nevada de Mexico e e nada in Serbia. Kilo vanilla. 00;07;00;12 - 00;07;07;13 Translator (name needed) he had family in Mexico City, but nobody knew that he was on his way there. 00;07;07;16 - 00;07;33;26 Artemio Benitez Solano Me amigo. Mira. Si. No, a k l k measles. Firebaugh. Médico. Kill. Cuba. Yeah. Ellos gastos de me pueblo hasta origo. Either. Okay. Jump. I'll. Yes. Como sakala dia. 00;07;33;29 - 00;07;52;27 Translator (name needed) So he had a friend there who had told him that he would pay for his ticket. And from everything from his town to the city, and he felt like he had won the lottery because it was. 00;07;53;00 - 00;08;09;07 Artemio Benitez Solano Pero si no somos de de la ciudad de México, Tijuana. Hello. It was. See, most cuatro. Yes. 00;08;09;09 - 00;08;15;21 Translator (name needed) So they took the bus from Mexico City to Tijuana and they took about four days. 00;08;15;23 - 00;08;24;27 Artemio Benitez Solano The road e the Tijuana and. Yeah. 00;08;24;29 - 00;08;27;11 Translator (name needed) And in Tijuana that's where the nightmare began. 00;08;27;16 - 00;08;28;21 Robert Bauman 00;08;28;23 - 00;08;34;12 Artemio Benitez Solano 00;08;35;02 - 00;08;36;19 Artemio Benitez Solano she just continued. 00;08;36;26 - 00;08;43;29 Robert Bauman Yeah. Yeah. So you have no mind. No. This is really. 00;08;44;02 - 00;09;04;19 Artemio Benitez Solano Me amigo SLK Caruso and real Grupo. See your as soon. Su mano de su amigo ba q Camille q Tanya k k. 00;09;04;22 - 00;09;07;12 Artemio Benitez Solano Montenegro. Mr.. 00;09;07;14 - 00;09;25;29 Translator (name needed) So this friend was basically his friend basically crossed first and she was basically, as he explained, kind of his right hand where she would help. He would let him know, like feed him. And he was basically his eyes. 00;09;26;02 - 00;09;36;02 Artemio Benitez Solano Around Grupo de, they kin say todos sedang, senor. This Duran. 00;09;36;04 - 00;09;37;04 Robert Bauman In in. 00;09;37;04 - 00;09;46;06 Artemio Benitez Solano Luna. So they DC say Tainos kin say medio. 00;09;46;09 - 00;09;57;00 Translator (name needed) So his friend led a group of 15 adults and he was the youngest, about 15.5, 16 years old. 00;09;57;02 - 00;10;22;16 Artemio Benitez Solano No, no, no. Plateau de Cruzar Pedro de War. The Buna mother, Stuart okay. Two boys. They. Know. So are they know that to be wrong. El uno, uno de la Clara. El patron. 00;10;22;18 - 00;10;42;23 Translator (name needed) So his. He wasn't as lucky because, as they were crossing somebody told on him and basically let the officers know that he was the leader. And then he got caught. 00;10;42;25 - 00;11;12;29 Artemio Benitez Solano Todos. No. That to are on e. Army may separate on in in those who were not in those they may notice. He told me San Miguel was going you know the this pero yo tenia DCC sons yo no sabia qué pasando you. No. Not any. They are k kilo k. Thank grab. So. 00;11;13;02 - 00;11;39;02 Translator (name needed) Okay so they were all held captive. not whole captive but they were taken into custody and they were separated. He was separated into the juvenile old which is a younger, and the others were into the adult. And he couldn't wrap his head around how or what, how big of a deal this was being in the juvenile. 00;11;39;04 - 00;11;46;16 Artemio Benitez Solano No somos Tijuana, no charro. Pero nada mas. Ivana. I really saw. 00;11;46;19 - 00;11;52;13 Robert Bauman Involved. Okay? Just because it looks funny when you see it back, I know it's hard to think of it that way. 00;11;52;18 - 00;12;19;08 Artemio Benitez Solano No registration part. Tijuana. I mean, no me when me when they see estaba yo me por qué era me not even a Yamaha. No se Como la your faster algo ghetto mother position then not do that. 00;12;19;11 - 00;12;36;14 Translator (name needed) Okay. So they had been taken back to the Juana and they were going to take him. Well, they were going to leave him there and they were going to call, the foster system to let him stay. 00;12;36;17 - 00;12;52;20 Artemio Benitez Solano Pero a read a story to record the official case Johnson gave, or no a nino se VA conoce con su grupo. Nope. Y aqui solo. 00;12;52;22 - 00;13;10;01 Translator (name needed) he just remembered that there was an officer by the name Johnson who had stated that, no, he wasn't going to stay there. He was going to go, back to Tijuana with the rest of the group. Okay. 00;13;10;03 - 00;13;36;16 Artemio Benitez Solano So no nos estamos algo. Tell estaba nos perdido. No sabia no no se viendo said. Pero con nosotros iba una Romano de me amigo. me vecino el el hermano del kill Javier venido. 00;13;36;18 - 00;13;54;21 Translator (name needed) When they got to the hotel, they were lost. But one of his friends, one of his friends brothers was there. and he had already been through that process. He had already been there. So he kind of helped lead. 00;13;54;24 - 00;14;16;17 Artemio Benitez Solano And el hermano contacto mas in Los Angeles. But are muchos amigos, contacto una amigos thing in Los Angeles in this particular situation, he Los amigos like that on him. 00;14;16;19 - 00;14;29;17 Translator (name needed) So he got into contact with a few friends. He had two friends in Los Angeles, and he talked to them about what was going on, and they ended up helping. 00;14;29;20 - 00;14;38;16 Artemio Benitez Solano E la curiosities k uno de Los conocido enemy. Otro vecino. 00;14;38;18 - 00;14;48;01 Translator (name needed) And he thought it was curious that, one of the guys that helped him was also a neighbor. 00;14;48;03 - 00;14;54;13 Artemio Benitez Solano ETA et al. Where el esposo. They make other. 00;14;54;16 - 00;15;02;03 Translator (name needed) So he was the husband, his sister in law. 00;15;02;05 - 00;15;14;26 Artemio Benitez Solano He and in a nutshell, are those de la manana stubborn taekwondo. La puerta del hotel can see one porque todos nosotros. 00;15;14;28 - 00;15;24;01 Translator (name needed) So our night. It was about 2 a.m.. They were knocking at the door, because they were coming for them. 00;15;24;03 - 00;15;30;10 Artemio Benitez Solano S con console, Senor. So this to me was mas when a sweat. 00;15;30;12 - 00;15;40;25 Translator (name needed) And with those people, with the contact. they had much better, Look. 00;15;40;28 - 00;15;55;02 Artemio Benitez Solano Do we most el proceso, the the Juan de Los Angeles fueron did. But as the as. El dia de Los Angeles. 00;15;55;04 - 00;16;06;03 Translator (name needed) So their journey was a three day journey where on the third day they arrived, in Los Angeles from Tijuana. 00;16;06;05 - 00;16;27;13 Artemio Benitez Solano You see the casing marinating? No, nosotros. They. CF when in. La place. Kubo. They. 00;16;27;15 - 00;16;30;21 Artemio Benitez Solano Come for the past few days. 00;16;30;23 - 00;16;32;13 Translator (name needed) Just here. 00;16;32;15 - 00;16;43;14 Artemio Benitez Solano In la equipo de un nino de DCC anos de Pablito. The. 00;16;43;16 - 00;16;49;24 Artemio Benitez Solano The Cinco familias. Hijikata Alessi de Los Angeles. 00;16;49;27 - 00;17;06;24 Translator (name needed) So he would like you to for us to imagine, a young boy, arriving to Los Angeles, a little boy from, small town of about 50 families. 00;17;06;26 - 00;17;11;21 Artemio Benitez Solano E to Angeles. Como. 00;17;11;23 - 00;17;25;29 Artemio Benitez Solano Depends a lot on Miss buscando trabajo E. 00;17;26;01 - 00;18;49;13 Artemio Benitez Solano Sorry. Okay. 00;18;49;16 - 00;18;50;04 Artemio Benitez Solano Dropping out. 00;18;50;11 - 00;19;41;11 Robert Bauman You know, it's like. Take your time. There's no rush. Understand? 00;19;41;13 - 00;19;53;19 Robert Bauman Okay. 00;19;53;22 - 00;20;10;00 Robert Bauman So Los Angeles would have been a very different place. Yes, yes. Huge city. Yes. I wonder if you could talk about how long were you in Los Angeles and, before you went to Oregon, then. Okay. 00;20;10;03 - 00;20;24;21 Artemio Benitez Solano Do we most in Los Angeles? Circuito Dumas, Como buscando trabajo? Como es business con vecinos. Q estaba. 00;20;24;23 - 00;20;31;05 Artemio Benitez Solano Uno de Miss Bessie. Nos. Nos acaba camina todos Los dias. 00;20;31;07 - 00;20;48;01 Translator (name needed) So I was in Los Angeles for a month looking for work. with all of the neighbors and friends and group. And his neighbor would take them out to walk every single day to look for work. 00;20;48;03 - 00;20;59;10 Artemio Benitez Solano Porque el blankie, el blanket yo tengo vecino el or the El Vecino original trabajo. Jesse Corado. 00;20;59;12 - 00;21;10;20 Translator (name needed) So he had his original plan with his neighbor, the one who helped him cross had already finished. 00;21;10;23 - 00;21;24;02 Artemio Benitez Solano It. You know, the hero buscan trabajo aqui o this blessing Como pueden. 00;21;24;04 - 00;21;41;12 Translator (name needed) So they were told, they had to find a job then or right there, or they would have to basically figure it out on their own. 00;21;41;14 - 00;21;49;00 Artemio Benitez Solano Due to the journey. De la Esperanza. Okay, you gotta go. 00;21;49;02 - 00;21;59;12 Translator (name needed) He. I never lost hope of finding a job in Oregon. Heading, getting to Oregon this year. 00;21;59;14 - 00;22;10;10 Artemio Benitez Solano Toledo got me. Me, Esperanza. The hunter test for the SS. 00;22;10;12 - 00;22;19;26 Translator (name needed) Since the day I left home, my hope was to be able to pick strawberries. 00;22;19;29 - 00;22;39;13 Artemio Benitez Solano Were not. Whoa, whoa. Milagro. Okay. Are you going? Otro conocido hablo communist. Si. No. The cong mis amigos de Los Angeles. Okay, k Korean veinte trabajadores. They sing or they go. 00;22;39;16 - 00;22;53;12 Translator (name needed) So one of his, neighbors had spoken to his friends and, told them that somebody in Oregon was needing 20 pickers. 00;22;53;15 - 00;23;08;28 Artemio Benitez Solano And as the head on a una semana Western listos. Necesito veinte Elmo's. Ademas, Como desea says. 00;23;09;01 - 00;23;20;29 Translator (name needed) So they were told to, that they would be there in a week and to be ready they need because they needed 20 pickers and there was 16 of them. 00;23;21;01 - 00;23;32;16 Artemio Benitez Solano A yo pensé you know, they go, por qué si kid and Bantay e solamente somos. He says, seguro q ahi. 00;23;32;18 - 00;23;42;27 Translator (name needed) I thought to myself, I'm already in Oregon because they needed 20 and there was 16 of them. He had already made it. 00;23;42;29 - 00;23;53;18 Artemio Benitez Solano In East we don't know fueron dos qué fueron Los Angeles. 00;23;53;20 - 00;24;10;06 Artemio Benitez Solano Man. And they have an Lincoln Continental cada uno no existing and they, they Como Lincoln Continental or Centeno maybe you can. 00;24;10;09 - 00;24;24;26 Translator (name needed) There was two, two guys who had, the continental Lincolns who said 89, wondering if you know what it looks like if you imagine. Oh yeah, I eat. 00;24;24;28 - 00;24;36;05 Artemio Benitez Solano I can somos logics and nossos carros. Says, you know, when it was el rumbo, the Oregon. 00;24;36;07 - 00;24;43;06 Translator (name needed) All 16 of them were able to fit into those two Lincolns, and they were on their way to Oregon. 00;24;43;09 - 00;25;13;14 Artemio Benitez Solano Otra sorpresa nos cayo cuando iguanas cuando en las montanas de Oregon estaba la nearby. This is the alto e u e Gilman b k says so we are we stolen away. Okay, so la Esteban se Randolph freeway. 00;25;13;16 - 00;25;33;28 Translator (name needed) There was another surprise on the way to Oregon. passing the mountains. He saw three inch, three inches, three feet of snow. And he was so surprised because he had never seen this. And he thought to himself, what is this? 00;25;34;00 - 00;25;51;07 Artemio Benitez Solano Cerrado. El freeway e todo el al lop in in the State Patrol. The little stubborn poniendo Los Rosalia inos where they seal ustedes Calabria nabbing cruzar. 00;25;51;09 - 00;26;04;04 Translator (name needed) So the freeway was being closed and State patrol, was there. And I told them that they had to go up to the other side around because nobody was going to cross. 00;26;04;07 - 00;26;34;18 Artemio Benitez Solano We're not el al policia iba the un cara otro diciendo les cases per se pueden cinco de si sodas mientras limpia bungle freeway, pero me amigo dijo bueno Los young man handle is better. Take care, mother Lajos e Betty otra base freeway. Vamonos. 00;26;34;20 - 00;27;07;22 Translator (name needed) So, the police officer was going to each car and letting them know that they had to basically park because they would have to wait five hours until the freeway was cleared and the two drivers had been speaking to each other, and they had said that they were just going to wait a little longer for the police officer to go into the other vehicles, and they were going to try again and just go through the freeway. 00;27;07;25 - 00;27;26;23 Artemio Benitez Solano E esa where una otra. A road K they are in a car. Venia. Esta these sandos and el jello porque todos tabaco krdo. 00;27;26;26 - 00;27;38;04 Translator (name needed) That was another mistake because as they were going driving through the freeway, the car kept sliding on the slippery freeway. 00;27;38;06 - 00;27;56;21 Artemio Benitez Solano Pero giga digamos digamos could you Samuel Montanez e cuando Sabah no sin and Eugene, Oregon el manager said just what going. 00;27;56;24 - 00;28;11;10 Translator (name needed) So they kept driving to the freeway and, across the mountains. And once they were in Eugene, Oregon, Oregon, they were told that they had arrived in Oregon. 00;28;11;13 - 00;28;20;18 Artemio Benitez Solano The whole system was in Oregon. Pero no Stamos in that in Portland, per te VA knows no one knows a Portland. 00;28;20;21 - 00;28;28;20 Translator (name needed) They had arrived in Oregon, but they were not yet in Portland, is what they were told. 00;28;28;22 - 00;28;37;13 Artemio Benitez Solano Digamos, oh. Digamos a Portland. 00;28;37;15 - 00;28;48;09 Artemio Benitez Solano Enos J how in Rancho is tying Hillsboro? 00;28;48;11 - 00;28;57;11 Translator (name needed) So they arrived to Oregon and they were taken to a ranch called Boy Hillsboro. 00;28;57;15 - 00;29;09;15 Artemio Benitez Solano Yeah. Ethan Empezamos a trabajar por un cuarto tiempo. 00;29;09;18 - 00;29;23;03 Artemio Benitez Solano K Aparicio, owner mano a mano K severe have a needle e k this Aparicio por dos anos. Nosotros no Saviano on estaba. 00;29;23;05 - 00;29;39;23 Translator (name needed) So once they were at the ranch they, she had found seen a brother of his who had left two years prior and they hadn't heard back from him. 00;29;39;25 - 00;29;52;29 Artemio Benitez Solano On own Senor Médico to to witness de la familia Benitez chosen by your. 00;29;53;02 - 00;30;10;25 Translator (name needed) So a man approached him and asked them what family he was from and his, kin that he knew somebody, he knew where his brother was. And let him know that his brother was in New York. 00;30;10;28 - 00;30;16;23 Artemio Benitez Solano Cuando hermanos supercluster, Bango. They go. 00;30;16;25 - 00;30;39;16 Artemio Benitez Solano El estado by your. Porque yo tengo mucha familia aqui toda me familia until they come near you. Tengo familia in New York. En todo me primos. Mysterious. Mucha familia de Los. They me a pedo. We need. This is in New York. 00;30;39;18 - 00;30;56;25 Translator (name needed) So, when his brother found out he was in Oregon, he was surprised because he. They have a lot of family in new Jersey, a lot of cousins. And, they were heading me. 00;30;56;27 - 00;31;17;12 Artemio Benitez Solano Amir might not be no conmigo e eight to be more empezamos a trabajar. You in El mundo es de este anos de San Jose mas grande de cayo e y empezamos a juntos. 00;31;17;14 - 00;31;28;22 Translator (name needed) So his brother met with him in Oregon and they started working side to side with each other. And that's when they began working together. 00;31;28;24 - 00;31;50;20 Artemio Benitez Solano Pedro. Yo, they cuando digo. They go, you can be me. See, there's totalmente yo yo yo venir other campo de la fuerza. Pero Joel, you got go. Cambium is plan is totalmente that you trabajar el campo. Yo mas grande de. 00;31;50;22 - 00;32;11;08 Translator (name needed) When he arrived to Oregon he had, an idea of what he wanted. He wanted to pick strawberries. But once he was in Oregon, his ideas, his what he wanted completely changed. He wanted something more. He didn't want to work in the field. 00;32;11;11 - 00;32;34;00 Artemio Benitez Solano Todos Los race hermano. Medicine. No, El campo. Not el campo. Por qué es es lo vamos a hacer porque no somos meaning yes. No store. Somos campo. No campo. Pedro job. Now they go. And you know campo. 00;32;34;02 - 00;32;58;19 Translator (name needed) So his family, his brothers had told them to to not think that way, to work in the field because that's what they knew. That's what they were good at, he said. Looking back at his childhood, that's basically all they did field work. and he didn't want to do that. And he wanted. 00;32;58;21 - 00;33;22;25 Artemio Benitez Solano The Hillsborough no more Vamos para para Saint John. A Sunday at Mass in the in Portland. Huge burrow is up. What are the Portland common outside the city? no vimos dentro de la vida Como es otros otros amigos e episodio lo bueno. 00;33;22;27 - 00;33;39;18 Translator (name needed) From Hillsboro, he moved into Johnson, which is like, more into the city and then from there he. And being in the city, they that's where all the good stuff began to happen. 00;33;39;21 - 00;34;14;01 Artemio Benitez Solano Even I campo de las cuatro de la manana. Nos levantar cuatro la manana e Sabah no salas Dulce de la tala. Jigawa nos uma Barnaba nia ropa Olympia uma busca trabajo IBA. You may require mucho, una de gruchy pequena can you iba con el dicha no hito trabajo? 00;34;14;04 - 00;34;37;19 Translator (name needed) So he'd get up at two in the morning from two in the morning to 2 p.m.. He would be working in the doing field work, and right after that he'd go back home, take a shower, get ready, and there was a small grocery store where he would visit, and he would always talk to the owner and ask him to hire him. 00;34;37;21 - 00;35;02;29 Artemio Benitez Solano In El Nino de Siena. Does my roving. No, let me go. Ya tengo de Shinobi anos de say in cinema two two. Lee Sentia hota permiso. No! Let me go. No lo tengo these two permiso. It trabajo. UN permiso de disinhibition. You are so much easier to anos. 00;35;03;01 - 00;35;28;12 Translator (name needed) The owner would tell him no, that he wouldn't hire him because he was too young. And he's. He replied with no, but I'm 19. And he said the owner had replied with but come back when you have, a license or permit or something that tells me that you are 19 or at least 18 years old. 00;35;28;15 - 00;35;48;06 Artemio Benitez Solano Estaba anos viviendo nosotros todos a new era. No, say it was we. We are not told. We are not in Apartamento. They don't recommend us. Todos Los ninos tenian and three treinta is quaintance yo Tania Pena, he says. 00;35;48;08 - 00;36;06;04 Translator (name needed) So he was living in an apartment of two bedrooms with about 12 adults. They were all between the ages of 30 and 50, and he was only 16.5. 00;36;06;07 - 00;36;41;28 Artemio Benitez Solano It also passo por un ano después de un ano. See CMOs muchas applications until, say, until no can Como resume in nada this or antes de nos applications a mano y las el trabajo. He is an he semen muchas hicimos muchas la mayoria de me hermano con Los amigos. Yo this data yo. No, I mean no one. 00;36;42;00 - 00;37;06;11 Translator (name needed) So that was their living situation for about a year. And they he would go apply for some jobs. But since there wasn't resumes back then, they would have to fill out paper locations and drop them off. But that was mainly his brother and his friends because they were all over the age of 18. For him, it was a little more difficult. 00;37;06;13 - 00;37;44;17 Artemio Benitez Solano UN de Gregory, Somos de trabajo del campo. Total stubbornness in Abajo. The, in the in Nasrallah e vamos under your mother. The the, McDonald's Kuku Papa and those this is. Pero door sedan senoras e e nunca trabajar. The new restaurant Y cuando Yaman dijeron queremos dos trabajadores e todo saber uno otro. 00;37;44;20 - 00;38;07;08 Translator (name needed) So, one day there, they received a call while they were all at their apartment. And it was from McDonald's asking for two workers, and every adult that was in that room looked at each other, because none of them have had ever worked at a restaurant. 00;38;07;11 - 00;38;35;21 Artemio Benitez Solano E un unknown, muchacho. They would not. But they cinco anos dijo yo, we are in quimica conmigo. Not in Quito. Me hermano diseno nosotros no y contigo. No. Two. No, they 2000. We pequena they go. Yo boy, this thing. Bueno. No kidding me. They say Vamos. 00;38;35;24 - 00;38;57;29 Translator (name needed) So 33 year old had said I'll go. And nobody he asked is anyone else coming? But no one responded. And then he said, I'll come with you. And he looked at him and he said, no, not you. And then, he said, I'll come with you. So then he's like, oh, okay, come along to Taiwan. 00;38;58;02 - 00;39;35;16 Artemio Benitez Solano And digamos, digamos el, and McDonald's is a McDonald's around, solo venue. on the new privado, El Sol and Vista Ajo, you and me with senor me, me, amigo e el el senor de the un saying you the aqui cannot believe. is espanol El nino muy poquito. 00;39;35;19 - 00;40;00;19 Translator (name needed) When they arrive to the restaurant McDonald's. since it was a private owner, private owned McDonald's, the owner is the one that basically had the interview with them. He tried speaking Spanish, but he couldn't really speak too well. And that's how the interview went. 00;40;00;21 - 00;40;05;05 Artemio Benitez Solano In Mexico, when they say. 00;40;05;08 - 00;40;27;13 Artemio Benitez Solano El the training to El to trabajo between in and muchacho they say no sé porque you had a musica yadong in a si el mucha chico when they saying that we have a chance. Una semana. Do you say. 00;40;27;15 - 00;40;51;27 Translator (name needed) So? He looked over at the 33 year old and he said, okay, you you have a job. But I looked at him and he said, I don't know about the young ones, but since he said that he was shy, he was a little quieter. So it was a lot more difficult. But the owner ended up saying, it's okay, I'll give you a week. 00;40;52;00 - 00;41;30;23 Artemio Benitez Solano De nos nos. Rio de la Sokcho de la la la noche a trabajar. E yo yo me matera. They had el campo e trabajar in a restaurant area. You know, Campo, a restaurant one, don't they? and McDonald's have a campo de de las cuatro. La manana. Allah Allah. Una de las dos ye. And al McDonald's. De la soto al has dosi. 00;41;30;26 - 00;41;53;13 Translator (name needed) So he shifts where from 8 p.m. to midnight and he didn't want to work in the field anymore. So. But he continued working. He worked from 4 to 1 and then he would work, McDonald's from 8 to 12. 00;41;53;16 - 00;42;11;07 Artemio Benitez Solano Después de ahi debemos. Muchos muchos cambios me amigos I go rely on make yo trabajar con. 00;42;11;10 - 00;42;27;24 Artemio Benitez Solano Cada Vecchio iba al McDonald's yo demostrar y yo that me me calida or me? In today's the. 00;42;27;26 - 00;42;31;16 Artemio Benitez Solano Inca de trabajo. 00;42;31;19 - 00;42;48;11 Translator (name needed) him and his friend continued working there, but they had moved his friend and he kept working there. But every single shift he had there, he tried to demonstrate his capability and his interest in working there. 00;42;48;14 - 00;43;23;13 Artemio Benitez Solano Is to be eat, eat in El tiempo del campo. Yes. Estaba cuando un poquito. Yeah. Compassion manager. Yo yo make me me premier Coachella K tenia un us una Canada and we made you después me co-chair. Hasta un Pyongyang. Groening can you talk with reporters? Evie. Yo, Salia, buscar mas trabajos. 00;43;23;15 - 00;43;41;11 Translator (name needed) So we kept working. McDonald's and us a year, year and a half later, he was able to buy his own car and he would drive it to go find other employment. 00;43;41;14 - 00;44;02;21 Artemio Benitez Solano Me, segundo trabajo, even country. They. They bus boy. They limpia miss us in the restaurant. Little Puerto kid three yellow Recuerdos. The Yamaha long. 00;44;02;23 - 00;44;16;27 Translator (name needed) So the second employment and the second job was first boy at a restaurant and right near the airport. Still remember his name. 00;44;16;29 - 00;44;42;25 Artemio Benitez Solano El mismo tiempo. El mismo tiempo universal viendo de puesto en el McDonald's. El ano link abajo John waiter your cuando el McDonald's. You had a common dishwasher. Pero Como el trabajo de la ganas de trabajo had massive yo para casi neto de. 00;44;42;28 - 00;44;51;17 Translator (name needed) Where as as his. When he first entered working at McDonald's, he was a dishwasher and the owner saw. 00;44;51;20 - 00;44;56;21 Translator (name needed) His capabilities, his interest and his, you know, him. 00;44;56;21 - 00;45;00;11 Translator (name needed) Being a hard worker, he moved him up to be a, cooker. 00;45;00;13 - 00;45;42;09 Artemio Benitez Solano Like cook e cuando iso paso behind the hill, Campo de campo quedo Torres a trabajo en el restaurant del Puerto e Utrgv Harbor. And then and then McDonald's. Cambiar on May cambiar on the the. Then and maybe or the de las de las dos de villa until de las dos Como on say says and then Russia or Yemen and. 00;45;42;11 - 00;46;00;14 Translator (name needed) At this point had already left the field. He was no longer working there. He was working McDonald's from his shift was changed from 11 to 6 during rush hour. And then he kept working, the restaurant near the airport. 00;46;00;16 - 00;46;31;11 Artemio Benitez Solano And the restaurant. You travel. How about the city? City? Maria? dos de la gnocchi. E Como siempre yo siempre cada abajo. Hasta siempre debajo trabajo. Siempre trato de lo lo mejor 4K. Pues European. Qué said cuando uno trabaja. No, no K casa lo mejor. 00;46;31;13 - 00;46;50;13 Translator (name needed) his second job the restaurant he worked from 7:30 p.m. to midnight and he thinks that, every job you have, you have to try your best and do the best. And that's what he's done today. 00;46;50;16 - 00;47;22;26 Artemio Benitez Solano E después and then McDonald's and puesto sube. the course in narrow sube. Frank Connors el antes suitable right through microphone aqui giorno and escuela. You know, you're not pretending in escuela. Not them. You're not una classy here. Solamente. They low you see you the in the middle trabajar aqui. 00;47;22;29 - 00;47;43;10 Translator (name needed) So as he moved up from Latin cooking up to the drive through. And then he had his microphone. He didn't go to school. He didn't for English. He didn't learn English. He all of the English he knows was working with people and. 00;47;43;13 - 00;48;08;22 Artemio Benitez Solano E el mismo tiempo viendo puesto en el McDonald's driver's window. Puesto nel el restaurante. They the busboy. You get the, waiters. Esta macedo in el restaurant even may or may, may cambiar on banquets. fiestas badass. 00;48;08;25 - 00;48;25;10 Translator (name needed) So as he moved up at McDonald's, he also moved up, the restaurant. He went from busboy to waiter to planning for being, and it paid for him. 00;48;25;13 - 00;48;33;29 Robert Bauman And about how long did you then work at McDonald's and at the restaurant? 00;48;34;02 - 00;48;43;23 Artemio Benitez Solano those simple trabajar al mismo tiempo. Qué siempre. You have to wait until they kill me, Calzada. You simplemente two way Dorsey Terrace. Trabajo sul tiempo. 00;48;43;26 - 00;48;49;15 Translator (name needed) E cuanto tiempo trabajo. And those those restaurants. 00;48;49;17 - 00;49;00;20 Artemio Benitez Solano And then McDonald's European. So Cubanos tres cuatro anos Ian and Shiloh and el resto dang dos anos. 00;49;00;26 - 00;49;02;28 Robert Bauman 00;49;03;00 - 00;49;06;26 Translator (name needed) So he basically for 2 or 3 years. 00;49;06;28 - 00;49;25;08 Robert Bauman Yeah. Right. Yeah. at what point then, because we talk about when you moved from Portland to the Tri-Cities, you were married, right? And did you at what point when you there did you meet your wife? 00;49;25;10 - 00;50;00;10 Artemio Benitez Solano You may say, aqui otra vez la loteria. And then mcdonough's cuando me suppose I. Miss your, your tenia trabajando Como una uno dos anos. And then my. And then McDonald's. Cuando Diego un una muchacha Alta. Weather con soup lo medio cafe. Yo tener una uno Amiga. Si, senor. That's good thing the enemy acquired. Cuanto the owners to see? 00;50;00;12 - 00;50;10;04 Artemio Benitez Solano Where did you see you eat? Una senora? 16 the young unos cuarenta three anos. 00;50;10;06 - 00;50;40;07 Translator (name needed) So he won the lottery there as well? She was about. He was working at McDonald's. He. There was a tall, black, not blond, but like light. She was brunet. He walked in and he had some friends, some workers. They were about 40 years old there. And, she she walked in and he saw her. 00;50;40;10 - 00;51;14;22 Artemio Benitez Solano A few trabajo I had. I g go trabajar in la manana, you know, la vida mucho porque you have an el dia trabajo in la manana. UN dia men with money. Una is cuando yo la Kenosha. Image amigas la senora Kenosha. Maybe you must be ESA mucha in San Miguel. Maybe here on a se gusta la mucha mas grande. 00;51;14;22 - 00;51;18;00 Artemio Benitez Solano They get to. 00;51;18;03 - 00;51;47;03 Translator (name needed) So he she arrived there, looking for a job and she. But then she began working there. But she worked mornings and he worked the rush hour. So one day he was switched to morning. And his friend, we're telling him that the. You know, you like her, you like her. And then they told him that she was a little older than him. 00;51;47;06 - 00;51;48;25 Translator (name needed) Was it mas Alta? 00;51;48;27 - 00;51;50;29 Artemio Benitez Solano Must be. Must get the. 00;51;51;01 - 00;51;53;04 Translator (name needed) She was older than him. 00;51;53;07 - 00;52;28;04 Artemio Benitez Solano E m is a mega lady here on air. He was high to be most, Certainly most ever stay there if you must know. We also know Ricardo Q tiempo Queen was nervous. Pedro. Jorge. Siempre. Concentrate on me. Trabajo siempre tabaco. you know qué? And ademas said yesterday in Sunnyvale. Queria seguir mas. Are you okay? Yes. 00;52;28;06 - 00;52;31;22 Artemio Benitez Solano Seguida. Lando. Mars. 00;52;31;24 - 00;53;06;06 Translator (name needed) So he ended up taking her out. they went out a couple times. he doesn't remember how long they were together. But he does remember that when, while he was with her, she did always think about his job because he wanted to, you know, go up in life and have a better, better job. 00;53;06;08 - 00;53;07;17 Artemio Benitez Solano The, 00;53;07;19 - 00;53;14;17 Robert Bauman Oh, sorry. I was just gonna say she had brothers here in her family here in the Tri-Cities at that point. Right here. 00;53;14;20 - 00;53;29;12 Artemio Benitez Solano no, no, no, that time, I think, this después the su familiar siempre trabajar in construction and you said you'll be in Portland E Vivian in Vancouver. 00;53;29;14 - 00;53;31;06 Robert Bauman 00;53;31;08 - 00;53;41;04 Artemio Benitez Solano Yes. Okay. there was no no required cuanto most mmo con su familia. 00;53;41;06 - 00;54;02;07 Translator (name needed) So her family has worked in construction and since he was in Portland and they were in Vancouver, he does remember how many times they went out. But at a certain point she took them to meet his, to meet her family. 00;54;02;10 - 00;54;31;22 Artemio Benitez Solano I, not safe. Well, not otra dessa por k. Muy given me. But indeed, on your last familia, Danny Wallace. Pero suva su familias mas Como Dillingham muy especial. 00;54;31;24 - 00;54;47;09 Translator (name needed) So he that he took another surprise when he met her family because he thought all families were the same. But when he met her family, she knew that there were special. 00;54;47;12 - 00;55;15;02 Artemio Benitez Solano Do we must soon Toshi Barrios may present Super Pam a present. Tosa mama su said my nose todo yeah, yeah, yeah. If we most, There if we must know. Because Yahi. Yes, they. Ate, Ate. I'm, 00;55;15;05 - 00;55;42;05 Artemio Benitez Solano Mas muchos tiempos hunters. Pero yo yo también Jose estaba concentrating ng and buscar must trabajo if you're simply a. Yeah. Yeah we're not European so Cheetos getting mucho tiempo juntos yoga stim no mucho pero yummy. Pure idea that Ella también. You yum. Buscar mas trabajo okay. 00;55;42;07 - 00;56;14;11 Translator (name needed) So he met her mom, her father, her siblings. And from that point on they became a couple. And she really wanted to spend lots of time just like all couples do. But he doesn't think that he spent as much time because he was also he was also he was always concentrated on finding a job or like finding a better job. 00;56;14;13 - 00;56;52;02 Artemio Benitez Solano Yeah, he he said, Como parenthesis. Como una? break the I asked the q nacio me nino porque. No, no. Como comida. Bedouins are contar. They say punto. I don't did not hear me. Nino. So e yeah. Visao tiempo e e to be want nostro nino. If you say todavia, i.e. they are. 00;56;52;04 - 00;57;08;09 Artemio Benitez Solano I had the here McDonald's. McDonald's halfway. Yeah. Can you get your style? style tapas porque there right through there from Konrad. Thank you for the store manager. 00;57;08;11 - 00;57;28;11 Translator (name needed) Okay, so then he went on to say that, you know, he was with his wife, and then they had their son, and from there he was still working at store, and he just kept, going up hills at the front. And then a store manager. 00;57;28;13 - 00;57;52;17 Artemio Benitez Solano They had McDonald's. He todo. Yeah. You are very, otro trabajo in el downtown Portland. and then city parking. But yeah, about your, About carros de Los trabajo in those edificios. Estaba listo dejar el restaurant también. 00;57;52;20 - 00;58;09;04 Translator (name needed) So he left McDonald's and started working downtown. And Portland has like a valet parking, area. And then from there, he was also planning on leaving the second restaurant he worked at. 00;58;09;06 - 00;58;30;28 Artemio Benitez Solano An El restaurant. No. Maybe Hawaii. Porque yo Como dos anos dos anos. But do you see pasado mas de dos anos in those anos? Your siempre mercado del mais de llano Etna. Muchos premios. Okay, maybe here don't Q no me fuera. 00;58;31;01 - 00;58;44;23 Translator (name needed) So at the restaurant they were they didn't want him to leave because he had one so many employee of the month, employee of the year awards, and they were trying to do all they could to keep him from leaving. 00;58;44;25 - 00;58;53;06 Artemio Benitez Solano Pero lo mismo siempre yo queria algo mejor. I go major in here. Okay? You rando gente. 00;58;53;08 - 00;59;05;18 Translator (name needed) So he did continue to walk more. And so he was told that UPS was hiring and. 00;59;05;20 - 00;59;32;20 Artemio Benitez Solano Contact we. Yeah. Nice. So. Yeah. Nice. Entonces you. Yeah. No tenia until yo tenia preocupacion miedo abajo. Pero es una Giuliano tenia preocupacion miedo. Yo iba qualche lugares. Give me gusto up trabajo real ups e y appliqué e me me sit on me in vista. 00;59;32;22 - 00;59;58;12 Translator (name needed) So before he had always had fear or he wasn't as confident to approach these employment and ask for a job. But at this point he didn't fear, didn't he had the confidence enough to go anywhere and seek employment and ask for employment. And he was given, an interview with I. 00;59;58;15 - 01;00;21;09 Artemio Benitez Solano so cuando trabajo an in Los hermanos de Misano de se model patrol series. E cuando se murong la me senora casi todos Los dias. This seeing a desire to do it to posso mood and say para car. 01;00;21;12 - 01;00;45;08 Translator (name needed) So while he was working, he worked on UPS for about an hour now a year. So a year. And while he was working there is when her wife's brothers moved to the tri cities, and they called her every day. And told her to move down with her husband. 01;00;45;10 - 01;01;12;15 Artemio Benitez Solano Yo yo siempre pensé can miss me. Another aqui yo for the kilo entrada la construction porque toda so familia as hermanos primos. Todos yo no sabia a contradiction. Pero cuando yo no idea antes pero cuando yo soup de construction. Mientras muchisimo. 01;01;12;17 - 01;01;35;25 Translator (name needed) So at first he thought that his wife wanted him to go into construction, but he didn't even know what construction entailed or what it was. So once he found out and was like explained what they do and like in the can in construction, he said he became very interested in it. 01;01;35;27 - 01;02;05;08 Artemio Benitez Solano Lo pensé lo pensé poco porque you yiadom digamos job in this video, yo e John Kerry. a ladder construction pad or yo siempre, we, And then and then futuro the they mean iho senora la. 01;02;05;10 - 01;02;21;19 Translator (name needed) So he didn't really he thought about it, but he thought of himself as a city boy. And he did say that he always thought about his wife and his son's future. 01;02;21;22 - 01;02;51;27 Artemio Benitez Solano As a comic convention that he may dijo vamos a ver it the to see this most concern. Mano nos vamos he de helpless boy. but at that may we need your, tri series concert. Your memo de concert. Mano escondida por un nos as messages. Bebe conejos. 01;02;51;29 - 01;03;10;27 Translator (name needed) So his wife convinced him of coming down to visit. And then after that, he eventually moved down for a month with her brother and the sister in law, and lived for a month. 01;03;10;29 - 01;03;35;22 Artemio Benitez Solano In concert. Mano a mano es mare Kaya Como today's Cuatro annual Mallorca. Moving on. Buddy is going on. Buddy e. Ahi de the foundation. Hasta la terminado. 01;03;35;25 - 01;03;53;19 Translator (name needed) So he started working alongside his brother in law, who's a really great man, 3 to 4 years older than his wife. And they did everything from foundation work to all finishing touches. 01;03;53;21 - 01;03;58;14 Robert Bauman And, is this like residential construction, commercial. 01;03;58;21 - 01;04;06;16 Artemio Benitez Solano C residential hacemos puro residential. None of the commercial. No puro residential. 01;04;06;18 - 01;04;08;15 Translator (name needed) So it's all residential? 01;04;08;18 - 01;04;15;04 Robert Bauman No commercial. And then so you you and your your wife and son moved in 96, 97. 01;04;15;04 - 01;04;42;06 Artemio Benitez Solano And when are you okay? You move. They come. Those masses e e la vision me. That they de la uno author and mano there you they Are you ho e una todo lo q tenemos he Debian is unger mano de la la. You don't have todo noone you ho e se ve no Eric. 01;04;42;06 - 01;04;43;14 Translator (name needed) We're lucky. 01;04;43;17 - 01;04;47;03 Artemio Benitez Solano And then no and no. 2030. 01;04;47;06 - 01;05;03;08 Translator (name needed) So 97. He had called his wife and told her to ask for, brother to help her rent a U-Haul and fill it up with everything they had and drive down. 01;05;03;10 - 01;05;31;01 Artemio Benitez Solano Train to duplex in Marshall Street and Richland. Joe. Me me senora amigo. Alex tenia Como nano, but I assume. E todo lo trabajar con mano. Yeah. Buscando ho and noon and noon. 01;05;31;04 - 01;05;47;20 Translator (name needed) So his son Alex was one years old, and, he would work every day with, his brother in law. And his wife ended up finding a job at a gas station. 01;05;47;23 - 01;06;08;26 Robert Bauman So you mentioned earlier that the tri city sort of reminds you of where you grew up in Mexico. how how did you find the tri cities in terms of as a place to work, as a place to raise a family? 01;06;08;29 - 01;06;18;26 Artemio Benitez Solano It's muy es muy comodo. Es muy, 01;06;18;28 - 01;06;35;00 Artemio Benitez Solano Como libreria muy seguro. Es muy seguro. Aqui e todo esto una no I trafico otra vez. No antes Oleta. Yes. Diferente. 01;06;35;03 - 01;06;47;16 Translator (name needed) So it's very comfortable very safe. And he says the no traffic. Well at least at first there is no traffic. 01;06;47;19 - 01;06;58;20 Robert Bauman Yeah. More now than that. Yeah, yeah. and then so you've worked in your whole time here in the Tri cities, construction with. Yeah. 01;06;58;22 - 01;07;24;01 Artemio Benitez Solano See you. El tiempo construction trabajo me those, Joey e e de nos trabajadores de me otro lado. Me el mas grande de in el mejor de la familia. And you start, so to say, they used to bang in Longview and use Costa Rica and Longview. 01;07;24;03 - 01;07;53;11 Translator (name needed) So at first they, him and his brothers in law worked for his other brother in law, which is the oldest brother of his wife. And his basically who it was a I think long mill where they constructed and like their main office before working with this place throw a whole going to also you know. 01;07;53;13 - 01;07;58;27 Artemio Benitez Solano You know el kuno mas grande de es el bueno de la compania de la compania. 01;07;59;00 - 01;08;02;15 Translator (name needed) so the oldest is the owner of the company. 01;08;02;18 - 01;08;16;29 Artemio Benitez Solano E ya empezamos a trabajar de todo el tiempo. Yo tengo navia, yo quiero gigaton al nivel. Questa mas grande. La compania. 01;08;17;01 - 01;08;38;15 Translator (name needed) So once he started working with his brothers in law and saw how they basically did everything in the construction, he thought himself that he wanted to be like his brother in law. He wanted to be at that level. 01;08;38;17 - 01;08;56;26 Artemio Benitez Solano But hey, poor Uno, no recuerda uno cinco anos satanas con el pero la compania de me kuno UK. Just to buy listo. You say un una propuesta me kuno. 01;08;56;28 - 01;09;19;13 Translator (name needed) Yeah. So he worked with his brother in law for six years for the company, and then he, he sent here, he showed his brother in law and kind of, like, not an offer, but an idea of the sort. 01;09;19;16 - 01;09;54;28 Artemio Benitez Solano Yeah, yeah, yeah. Porque Joe simple make considerable. Well, not always say you may consider one bueno trabajadores todo he maybe he don't. Eaglehawk New York. I sell me propio negocio in construction e you know, maybe he don't know two things con nosotros they got no yo quiero I said Como independent me here on Nardi say see independent. He said peerless el trabajo. 01;09;55;00 - 01;10;18;07 Translator (name needed) So he said that's when another nightmare began. Because he had showed them the offer he wanted to create his own business, but they had basically shut down the idea and said no, that if he wanted to continue and do that, he could he would lose his job. 01;10;18;10 - 01;10;45;21 Artemio Benitez Solano Pero Jonasson you yeah. Kenosha muchos in that in the drama de construction. You know Kenosha. No me familia familia Zayas. But he most amigos todos. Yeah Kenosha. You'll see. Oh boy said went on k sus amigos de ellos siempre main trabajar con Dios. 01;10;45;23 - 01;11;06;26 Translator (name needed) So at this point, he had already known he had a lot of connections within the construction world. He had a lot of cousins and friends of his wife's family, and he was known for being a hard worker and working alongside with them as well. 01;11;06;28 - 01;11;31;20 Artemio Benitez Solano He may be here now. Okay. No. As to compania pero not trabajo con nosotros esto. Para me Teddy grace mas grande de okay. No yo quiero me compania. Yo quiero said Dwayne de me compania. 01;11;31;23 - 01;11;49;14 Translator (name needed) So they basically said okay, you can go on and do that or and lose your job, or you can just stay here and we'll give you a raise. But he didn't want to raise. He wanted his own company, his own business. 01;11;49;16 - 01;11;53;00 Robert Bauman And so about when was this that roughly. 01;11;53;02 - 01;11;59;20 Artemio Benitez Solano Two those meals Cinco those meals says see. 01;11;59;23 - 01;12;01;22 Translator (name needed) 2005. 01;12;01;25 - 01;12;02;19 Artemio Benitez Solano Yeah. 01;12;02;22 - 01;12;05;17 Robert Bauman And so you started your own company at that point. 01;12;05;19 - 01;12;50;15 Artemio Benitez Solano But me come companion el dos mil cinco. Those mil says, pero cuando me compania way uno maybe you uno the the problemas but does it tomar trabajo. Pero me me song Como. Europeans okay. No, no song LLC no serious symptoms in la familia. Maybe he don't see no tiene hockey pero we on. Maybe he don't. Okay. This to compania two was a Finnish word para nosotros. 01;12;50;18 - 01;13;22;08 Translator (name needed) Okay. So he said it was difficult for about half for years finding work. But he doesn't think his. Well his brothers in law aren't bad people. They just really they look they care for their family. So right after they told them about him losing his job, they they went and they told him that he would do the finishing touches for them. 01;13;22;10 - 01;13;45;15 Artemio Benitez Solano S cuando se yeah me compania the iem trabajar conejos es una companion muy grandi and using. And today the owner's circuitry wants to send out yo yo yo yo todo la carpinteria. Yo so soy carpenter. 01;13;45;18 - 01;14;04;27 Translator (name needed) So his. They have a really big company. So they do about 6080 houses a year. And he does like the carpentry aspect of it. So he says he's, he's a carpenter. 01;14;05;00 - 01;14;26;23 Robert Bauman so one question that I've been asking people that we talked to is sort of the impact of Covid on themselves, family, community. and so in what ways did Covid impact, your work or or did you see any impacts in the community or so? 01;14;26;23 - 01;14;39;27 Artemio Benitez Solano See, see more on the in in a selection. Especially in those, in those orders. Get the order. 01;14;39;29 - 01;14;49;25 Translator (name needed) So really big branches construction was affected during Covid specifically those who get paid by the hour. 01;14;49;27 - 01;15;12;22 Artemio Benitez Solano Nosotros Como compania. Si. No I don't. Pero no more. Good. Yeah. No mucho Como trabajadores Puerto de por qué. Cuando no tiene un negocio. Uno siempre B para el futuro e necesito. No ahora. 01;15;12;25 - 01;15;37;21 Translator (name needed) He said not for him. Not we didn't really expect as an hourly employee. More like saving money for the, you know, future for any specific. Occasion that would happen and any time he would need money. 01;15;37;24 - 01;16;08;28 Robert Bauman You know, so one last question for you, and that is, so you been here for going 25 plus years? so you talked about the traffic change, more traffic. I'm curious of, you know, especially in terms of the Hispanic community, sort of changes maybe you've seen in the time since you moved here in the 1990s. 01;16;09;01 - 01;16;17;28 Artemio Benitez Solano muchas m eastern. Muchas in, sentido, the. 01;16;18;00 - 01;16;48;22 Artemio Benitez Solano Nosotros somos laws de la talvez no otro single molecule para Los padres K Como yo. Given the most the del pueblo e una familia aqui e tenemos e horse e tal base Como not not tenemos not tuvimos educacion in me pueblo. No knowledge, no list. Hemos la. 01;16;48;25 - 01;16;54;09 Artemio Benitez Solano La educacion correct de nuestros hijos. Aqui no todos unos. 01;16;54;12 - 01;17;27;20 Translator (name needed) So being from a small town, he thinks that as a parent, not all parents, but some that since they he is from a small town and the education is very limited, he doesn't have as much education. But coming here to the United States and having children and, giving their children the correct education or the education needed. 01;17;27;23 - 01;18;02;28 Artemio Benitez Solano Yes. You mean machine. Okay, Los cambios k aqui and and and tri series song. Como Los Los papas. No no se me open opinion can always damos when educacion nuestro seahorse. Your son knows k I think can be a, a la sfida ING bueno for them in my la forma. 01;18;03;00 - 01;18;20;19 Translator (name needed) So in his opinion, there are those parents who don't give them like a good education. And so it can go both ways. Either can cause good changes for the city or bad changes. 01;18;20;22 - 01;18;39;17 Artemio Benitez Solano Me amigo or me Vecino tengo medici. They they very indigenous. Edu Carlos Como nos edu nosotros eBay e various kittens. We una sweetheart segura. E when. 01;18;39;20 - 01;18;56;22 Translator (name needed) So his friend neighbor says, they should let them educate their kids. And that way they would have a good safe city. 01;18;56;24 - 01;19;23;29 Artemio Benitez Solano Pero eso not Sally uy es muy. Diagnostic. Como esta soy, Pedro. La vamos mucho Alberta a seahorse Jimmy Como yo me. In my opinion do we de nos algo k no Livia Ramos. Tanta libertadores seahorse. 01;19;24;02 - 01;19;44;21 Translator (name needed) So in his opinion a lot of liberty a lot of freedom is given to. De I mean to children or kids. And that in his opinion he wouldn't give as much freedom. 01;19;44;23 - 01;19;58;10 Robert Bauman I think those are the questions I have for you. Is there anything that, I didn't ask you or that you didn't get a chance to talk about, that you would like to, mention or. 01;19;58;12 - 01;20;24;27 Artemio Benitez Solano No. No, we can do second, once you have a chance. Next time. I have a song. I have a song. 21 year old, I hope. And she don't give in there, but I have a song. 20. Well, you know, he's studying, what? He's studying computer science. And he told me, hey, soon I get a job, and soon I make a big money. 01;20;24;29 - 01;20;32;18 Artemio Benitez Solano And I hope and you don't get to all. I mean, go hiring somebody. Can you, write you a book? 01;20;32;21 - 01;20;34;29 Robert Bauman there you go. Yeah. 01;20;35;02 - 01;20;58;04 Artemio Benitez Solano Hey. I'm being I'm being writing a little way before I forget, you know, because I think the older you get forgetting. Right? So sometimes in my free time, I'm in. Right? Things like, you know, when I leave the time and things, things like this. So many things. So see here we're hopping, you know, see here. We made that thing. 01;20;58;07 - 01;21;02;10 Artemio Benitez Solano I mean, I can just show hang by that. That's great. 01;21;02;10 - 01;21;05;18 Robert Bauman And that's also you can share it with your children. 01;21;05;22 - 01;21;20;24 Artemio Benitez Solano Yeah. Yeah, that's pretty much my goal. I like to, you know, in the future. See, she get kids, you know, say he's grandpa's life or whole story. Yeah. 01;21;20;27 - 01;21;44;19 Robert Bauman Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. Well, thank you so much for being willing to come in here and talk to us and share your story. Life story is really interesting. I appreciate it. and, Yeah. no problem. And thank you. And Liz, thank you. And for for suggesting it, I appreciate that. Thank you very much. And and it's great to meet you and. 01;21;44;19 - 01;21;56;28 Artemio Benitez Solano To me too. Yeah. And like you say, we, we bcba, you know, any time, any just, you know, like, like you say we I want company. I can take it. Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 01:21:57 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Artemo Benitez Solano Subject The topic of the resource Oral History; Latin American; Hanford Site; Richland, WA, USA Description An account of the resource Artemio Benítez Solano was born and raised in a small rural town in Mexico, where from an early age he dreamed of coming to the United States to work in agriculture. At sixteen, with his father’s reluctant permission, he left home with little more than a backpack and traveled by bus to Mexico City and then to Tijuana, where he crossed into the United States with a group of migrants. After a difficult journey through Los Angeles and Oregon, he found work picking strawberries near Hillsboro before eventually moving to Portland, where he held jobs at McDonald’s and local restaurants. In the 1990s, Benítez Solano settled in Washington’s Tri-Cities region, where he worked in construction alongside his brothers-in-law and later founded his own company. Over his decades in the United States, he built a family and contributed to the growth of the local Hispanic community. Reflecting on his life, he expresses pride in his children’s education—especially his son studying computer science—and hopes that his story will inspire future generations to value hard work, family, and perseverance. View the oral history on <a href="https://youtu.be/kt-MH4xHKLg">YouTube</a> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hanford Oral History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford Oral History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 20, 2023 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part, or all of this oral history should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for this item. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Ffd781828edeb2314000be5b7ce99cbe5.JPG 3e6d729eb90dd295e216a22a0d75d903 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Documenting African American Migration, Segregation, and Civil Rights History at Manhattan Project National Historical Park (MAPR), Hanford Subject The topic of the resource African Americans; Oral History Description An account of the resource A National Park Service funded project to document the history of African American contributions to Hanford and the surrounding communities. This project was conducted through the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystems Unit, Task Agreement P17AC01288 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 9/1/2017-9/1/2019 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For permission to publish or for more information contact the Hanford History Project. Relation A related resource RG2D_4D AACCES Oral History Project Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG2_8 Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewer The person(s) performing the interview Robert Franklin Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Aubrey Johnson Location The location of the interview Washington State University - Tri Cities Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Robert Franklin: My name is Robert Franklin. I’m conducting an oral history interview with Aubrey Johnson on April 9th, 2018. The interview is being conducted on the campus of Washington State University Tri-Cities. I’ll be talking with Aubrey about his experiences living in the Tri-Cities. And for the record can you state and spell your full name for us? Aubrey Johnson: My full name is Aubrey, A-U-B-R-E-Y, Lee, L-E-E, Johnson, J-O-H-N-S-O-N. Franklin: Great. So, Aubrey, your parents came here, right? They brought you here as a small child? Johnson: Yes, my parents moved here in 1946, April the 2nd. Franklin: Where were your parents from? Johnson: They were from Mississippi. Franklin: Is that where they moved here from? Johnson: No, they moved from Mississippi to California, and then they went to Portland and worked in the shipyards. Just up at the end of the war they then moved here after they heard about the Hanford Project in order to gain employment. My mom, she worked at the cafeteria and my dad, he ended up working on the railroad. Franklin: Oh, okay. Johnson: We lived in various places. I can remember my mom telling me that when we first got here, not having a place to live, we stayed in the kitchen of a pastor, Reverend Stewart’s house for a while. After they got employment and stuff, we moved into a trailer. And eventually, we bought a little small house, and we lived there for a few years. In 1948 they moved it down to the property they would live on now at 705 South Douglas. It was a shotgun house. I once asked, well what is a shotgun house? It’s where you walk in the front door and you can look straight through and right out to the back door. There was no rooms to the side. In there, there was a bed on each side of the wall, there was a heater in the middle of the floor and there was an ice box. There was no running water, no bathroom or anything like that. I stayed there until ‘49 and I went to Mississippi to stay with my grandmother. And I stayed down there with here for a year and then I moved back here to Pasco. That’s when I started going to kindergarten and going to school. Franklin: Where were you born? Johnson: I was born in Vancouver, Washington. Franklin: Vancouver, Washington, okay. And were your parents living in Vanport, do you know? Johnson: I think they were living in Vanport, because I know my mom talked about it all the time, Vanport, Bagley Downs, and I’m sure that was the area that they lived in, the Portland area. Franklin: You mentioned your dad working on the railroad. Was he a railroad man by trade or was he just kind of-- Johnson: He was a railroad man by choice. Franklin: Railroad man by choice? Johnson: Yeah, any job that you could get, that’s what you took and you took whatever you could get first. Franklin: Right. What do you know about your parents’ lives before they came to work at Hanford? Johnson: I really don’t know a whole lot about it, for me to see it because I was a baby, but my mom, she would tell me stories about her living in the South and the wages they had to work for. She’s like, son, I remember when I worked for ten cent an hour. I worked for twelve hours and made $1.20 for the whole day. But you could do a lot with $1.20. She told me about when they were sharecropping and lived on the farms with her parents and stuff like that. There were 16 children in her family and so it was really hard for them having so many. It was basically farmers. You had to just try to scratch out a living the best way you could, especially when you don’t own your own place. It’s almost like you are an indentured slave. You’re in that situation. One of the things that impacted me as a kid is that they never broke even. It was almost even, so they kept you there on the farm. So if you were trying to move or go somewhere else, it’s like you’re still owning. If you own somebody something then you can’t leave. And so that was the situation until when she got to be 16 years of age and then she got married and took off and left the South. My dad, he had told me he worked in restaurants and various places, and different type of work. They lived on a farm, also, in Mississippi. And you know, the struggles and stuff that he went through living there, and how hard it was. But the good part of it was that they lived in the country. So, the racist thing was there, but they wasn’t impacted with it like the people was in the city. That was a good thing. I think my growing up, as a child, I wasn’t taught to be racist. So in our house it wasn’t talked about until I got to be about 14 or 15 years old and my mom she would tell us about the things that I just told you that happened to them, et cetera, et cetera. When I started going to school, there was only three kids in our classroom that were of color, and two of them were Oriental, and myself being black. We all played together, we laid on the floor and took naps together, et cetera. You find in kids, there is no racism until it’s taught to them, we all got along really well and so I didn’t see that. Living where we were living at, there were Caucasian people that lived on the next block up from us and over, which I went to school with and we all got along really well and it was a good thing. I didn’t start seeing the race issue until I got in junior high school. One of the first things I saw is when they had a dance that we all attended. And it was probably about maybe eight or ten black kids that went to the dance, and the rest was Caucasian. And all the Caucasian kids stood over on one side of the wall; black kids stood on the other side of the wall. After dancing with the three or four girls that was there, I attempted to ask a Caucasian girl if she wanted to dance, and she said, no, not now. I said, okay. I turned around and walked back where the other kids was. When I turned around and looked, she was dancing with a young man of her own kind. And it’s just kind of like, well, why she didn’t want to dance with me? You try to reason out in your mind as a kid, well, maybe that’s her boyfriend. But it wasn’t her boyfriend because of who she was. I couldn’t understand why it was that way. When I went home, I told my mom about it. And she said, well, you know she is probably forbidden by her parents. They don’t want us to intermingle because they are afraid that you boys are going to get interested in them, and this will result in interracial relationships, that’s the reason why it’s that way. I still couldn’t really understand it. I had a friend, his name was Nolan Bench, I went over to his house one day to play. His dad came from Texas. We were in the house, and we were playing around, and his dad come home and he looked, and he looked at his wife and he looked at us and says, what do you got them kids in here for? We just looked at him, and his wife says, you leave those kids alone, let them play. When I went home I told my mom about it. And she said what did he say? I said, he said, what are those—the N-word—kids doing in here? And I told her, his wife said, you leave those kids alone, let them play. My mom told me, she said, don’t pay no attention to him, you go back over there and play. The next day, me and Nolan Bench, we were good friends, I went back over to his house. After a while his dad got so he’d come home and he wouldn’t say anything to us. We just kind of grew up together until actually after we got out of high school and he went in the military. When he came back from the military, he told me his mom had passed. And he said, Aubrey do you want to go see my dad? And I said to myself, what on earth for? I said, well yeah. We went over and his dad was living right below the Blue Bridge in the trailer court that they had there. When we walked in his dad was sitting over in an easy chair. He had this big head, no hair on the top and just prickly hair sticking up on the side. He said, Dad, he say, you know who this is? His dad looked at me and says, no. He says, this is the little kid that used to come over to the house when we lived over in east Pasco. He stood there and looked at me for a minute. I guess he was trying to realize who I was. And then all of a sudden he stood up—which I thought was a giant of a man—but now, mind you, I’m six-three-and-a-half. I look at this guy and he’s only probably about five-nine, but he still had that big head. He says to me, he says, you know, I’m really sorry that I treated you kids the way that I did. That just really warmed my heart. Found out that he had cancer and shortly thereafter he passed. And at some point he realized how he had impacted his kids’ lives, and our lives by being the way that he was. So he was just, I figured, trying to reconcile in his mind, wow, I did a bad thing. Because at some point, we got to realize the things that we do and be accountable for them. As we get older, we can look back on hindsight and see what we should’ve did different, and I think that was the kind of thing that he had there. There were a few other incidences with a friend of mine as far as racism. North Beech in east Pasco, Caucasian people lived up there and I heard that there was a covenant for them not sell to any black people. Wehe Street was a street that ran north and south, and you could go North Wehe and go all the way through to the Dietrich’s city dump disposal. Anyway, my friend Mickey Donnell asked me, hey, Aubrey, do you want to go over to my house and play? I have a swing set. Well, I had never seen a metal swing set in somebody’s yard. We had like a wood swing set, and he had like the metal ones at school. I said yeah. We walked up Wehe Street and then we walked across the field and went in his back gate. We were there playing probably for 45 minutes or so and he heard his parents coming home because when they closed the gate, it was one of those metal gates, and clank! He says, Aubrey, you got to go! I looked at him and he says, run! I went out the back gate and I ran over to Wehe Street and then I walked on home. So the next day that I went to school, I asked him, well, what happened? He said my parents were coming home and you wasn’t supposed to be over there. I said, well, why did I have to run? He said if you made it all the way over to Wehe Street without them seeing you, then they wouldn’t know if you had been over there or where you had been. I’m like, wow, that’s odd, that we played at school every day. But then that kind of showed me the racism that was there with his parents and stuff. Because now I’m beginning to be aware of the racial issue at this time, because this is like ’57 or ‘58 as we are getting older. It was just a bad thing to try to live through. I’m going to fast forward. I’ve been out of school 55 years. And this will be my 55th year class reunion. I’ve never gone to any. I was talking with a friend of mine through Facebook and I told them, well, do you know I’m going to go to my first class reunion this year? I told them, you know the reason why I never came? He said, why? I said, because when I was going to school, because I wasn’t a jock, I didn’t have that many friends, I said, kids never really socialized with me that much. I said, so if they didn’t socialize with me then, why do I want to go and look at them now? I just thought within myself, is that you can’t hold yourself back with grudges and all the rest of that stuff, or thinking how it was then. You got to look forward to how it is now. I said, I’m just going to go and take a good look at all of them and see what they look like. And there were a few that I was good friends with. And I’m hoping that they’ll be there and haven’t passed on. There was this one guy that I was really looking forward to seeing, and he died here about three weeks ago. Dave Balfour. And he and I were real good friends as we grew up. His dad worked at, and he did also, at Pasco Clothing when it was in Pasco. But I just want to just see what they look like and stuff. So I had talked to this one guy and he said, man, last time I went to a class reunion it was like going to an old folks’ home. I’m like, really? He said, everybody is broke down and really bad. It just kind of amazed me, because look at me, I’m 73 years old and I’m still holding on pretty good. People are like, you don’t look like you’re 73. Well, I’m not trying to look like I’m 73. You try to be the best that you are, at what you do, and you try to look as good as you possibly can while you’re doing it. It really makes a big difference. Franklin: It does, yeah. You’re the same age as my dad and he’s—sorry, Dad—he’s in rough shape. Because he didn’t take care of himself. Yeah, it does, the way you take care of yourself plays a big role. Johnson: Exactly. It’s like my father-in-law told me about forty years ago, or longer than that because I was 22 years old. He told me, he says, I want to tell you something. I said, what’s that? He said, don’t stay up all night every night. He said, if you take care of yourself when you’re young, yourself will take care of you when you’re old. And with him saying that, I stopped going out, staying out all night long. Because as a youngster, that’s what I did; 19, 20 years of age, like 3:00, 4:00 in the morning, you come home and then have to get up at 7:00 and go to work. And go to work all day and you’re half dead. Those were words of wisdom that I just grasped. I said, well, I know how to do that. I’ll go out on Thursday night, on Friday night, I’ll go out my wife and I, and on Saturday, and on Sunday I’ll go to bed so I can get a rested up for Monday to go to work. With that, I think it made a big impact on my health. As I begin to get older, I didn’t have all the aches and illness a lot of my friends did and stuff, because when I look at a lot of them, they—bad shape. I’m not trying to brag, anything like that; I’m just blessed to be able to be still holding on. Franklin: That some good advice. Good to heed it when you’re young enough to actually make good use of it, too, that’s pretty smart. What part of Mississippi where your parents from? Johnson: My dad, they came from right outside of Jackson, Mississippi—Florence. And my mom, she came from Lyons, Mississippi, L-Y-O-N-S. And they lived on Mr. Pillar’s Plantation. See, I don’t know what his first name was; his first name was always Mr. Pillar. You know what I’m saying? My dad’s parents, Willy Johnson and Charlotte, they had their own farm and stuff. Franklin: Did they sharecropping or did they have their own? Johnson: No, they had their own farm. They may have had sharecropped before, but they had their own farm. Franklin: Your parents were pretty young when they left Mississippi? Johnson: Oh yeah. Yeah, like I said, at like sixteen years old, momma like, hey, I’m getting up out of here. Franklin: What was the pull factor? You said they went to California and then Oregon/Washington, what brought them out there? And how did they find out about the opportunity? Johnson: Okay, well, it was a better way of life. I’m sure that they had heard on the radio about the work and stuff that was going on out in Arizona and California. And so you want adventure, you want to get away from the -ism from the old way that it is and go out and see what’s new. Whether you can make it or not, you feel that you can. As you move, and I’m sure that they didn’t just make one stop; they made a lot of stops along the way and they probably worked a little bit over here and made some money so you could move forward to the next place, and the next place. I heard a lot of my mom saying, well, yeah, we worked in Arizona there for a while and then we went to here, we went to there. I remember her mostly mentioning working in California at the shipyards, working at the shipyards and she says, well, I was a scaler, I didn’t know what a scaler was, but what you’re doing is you’re taking a chipping hammer and you’re knocking the slag off of the welding and stuff. My dad, he was a welder in the shipyards. So she said, yeah, you’d go down in those tanks, but you go down in the bottom of the ship where they are doing all the welding and stuff at, and you work for long hours down there. You come out and get a breath of fresh air and then you go back down. When they ended hearing about—the shipyard, after it closed, I think it was during the period that they had that explosion, because I know she was saying that they were living in California, I forget what they—it was right there out of Antioch, California, Vallejo area, and it was a shipyard or ammunition dump and it blew up. Port Chicago, that’s what it was. Then they moved to Vancouver, Bagley Downs or somewhere in that area and worked for a few years. When the war was over, everybody was hearing about this Hanford Project and they were building the mechanism for the bomb, and hey—well, it was just before the war was over—let’s go out there. In ‘46, I guess that was right at the end of the war, that’s where they came to, was out here at the Hanford Area. Then, like I said, moved to Pasco and working in the cafeteria and my dad, he went to work on the railroad and that’s where he worked at for a while. You’re kind of a jack-of-all-trades. You just have to have a confidence level and say, I can do it if anybody else can. Such as myself, I’m a welder by trade, I drove truck, I drove a motor grader for years, I’m a cosmetologist, I had a restaurant, Aubrey’s Barbeque in Pasco, I was a furniture mover when I was down in California, I’ve been a laborer, I’ve been an inspector on a rock gravel equivalent and condensate tests and stuff. I’ve been well-rounded in doing a whole lot of different things. Whenever a person—hey, can you do this? Even if I couldn’t do it, I said yeah. Because they’re going to give you some instructions or they going to show you the way they want you to do it. It gave me the opportunity to get in there. So I’m sure my parents did the same thing. Hey, can you do this? Yeah! Well, come on over here, let me show you how to do it. And then they show you what to do and that’s the way you do it. Because everybody want you to do it their way. If you were a dressmaker and you went to work for a seamstress and they say, can you make this? Well, sure I can. Well, this is the way I want you to do it. They’re going to show you how to set up the mannequin and they want you to do it just like they do it. Even though the results would come out the same, they want you to do it their way. Franklin: That is pretty confident. What kind of education did your parents go through? Do you know the highest grade they achieved? Johnson: Mom, she had a third grade education. Franklin: Oh, wow. What happened after third grade? Sharecropping? Johnson: Well, that’s what she was doing. Mom told me, she said—I didn’t ask the question at the time because I didn’t know the question to ask—how old she was when she completed the third grade? Okay? She wasn’t eight years old; she probably was twelve or thirteen, or fourteen maybe when she completed the third grade. Because I remember her telling me that she was one of the oldest kids of the family and she had to help take care of her brothers and sisters and stuff. She says, when I went to school, she say, I had to catch a turn row, and I’m like, well, what is a turn row? She say, when you came home from school, you had to work all the way down that row picking cotton, or hoeing or whatever you was doing. When you get to the end, you turn around and you work your way all the way up to the road, then you go home. She said we only went to school for like maybe two or three months of the year, because during the spring and the summer time and stuff we had to hoe the fields, cultivate the fields, pick the crops, and there wasn’t much time left for school. Because you were trying to make it so that you had a living. And having a big family, it made it a lot easier, but then there was more mouths to feed and stuff. She said, well, you know, son, when the Depression came, we never really knew it was a depression. Because we had food to eat. We didn’t have no money, but we had food. I’m like, wow, that’s really amazing because the people that lived in the city, they couldn’t grow food in concrete so they had to wait for some kind of assistance, for a kitchen or something. You see pictures of them standing around burning barrels and stuff and everybody trying to figure out where are they going to get their next meal. But in the South, they had food and little or nothing of anything else. She said, well, we made cotton sack dresses. I’m like, well, what’s a cotton sack dress? The sack that they got they seed in, they would take it and cut it up and make dresses out of it. It was the ingenuity that they had with no education to be able to make stuff. And like mom said, she worked in a dry cleaners for a long time, and she say it was like a sweat shop. It would be so hot in there, no air conditioning or anything like that. You was in there washing clothes, you had to do a steam press, ironing clothes all day long. She said, I would be so tired that I work sometimes twelve hours a day, and I would be so tired at the end of the day until I couldn’t go to sleep. I’m like, that’s pretty doggone tired, to where you’re so tired you can’t go to sleep. And I’m like, wow. My dad, I didn’t really get to know him that well, because him and my mom didn’t stay together and he left at an early age. So I didn’t get a chance to reunion with him until in the ‘70s and I got a chance to—so my whole childhood, basically kind of missed being with him. And then as he got older, there wasn’t much conversation about the way that it was; it was about the here and the now and moving forward because we had to try to live as quickly as we could, and try to have camaraderie before he passed. He lived in Michigan and I lived out here. He had a pacemaker—I don’t know if they were excuses or what, he’s married again to another lady and stuff. Everybody is running interference, because they’re afraid that you trying to get something. They want to keep all their time. It’s just like, if you have a children by your first wife and you have a children by your second wife, your second wife really don’t want you interacting with your children from the first marriage, because you take away from this. So that was kind of the feeling I got from that as a young man and I look at it. He said, well, son, let me explain to you, see what happened. I’m like, you know what? Let’s not worry about the past; let’s just move on. So I didn’t really get a chance to learn any history about him, or how it was, or how his experience was. I stayed with his mom and dad a little over a year, we were little kids out in the country. I can remember telling my friends, yeah, I remember we didn’t have no car. We had to go to town and when we went to town we went to Jackson, Mississippi a couple times we were in a horse and a wagon. He says, aw, you weren’t in a horse and wagon! You’re not that old! I’m like, yeah, I may not be that old, but I’m telling you we didn’t have no car, that’s all we had, was a horse and a wagon. It looked like it took forever to get to where you was going. My sister and I, we would hop off the wagon and we would play and run along the road, the horse was walking so slow. Then we’d hop back up in the wagon. We went to church, horse and a wagon, we went to the store, horse and a wagon. And talking with my cousins, they tell me that the same store is still there that we went to back in—when we were little kids, in the early ‘50s. I said that’s amazing, and the same old church, they kind of renovated it a little bit, but it’s the same old church, right across the street from the cemetery. And I don’t know what the name of that corner is, but-- I was being told, like, my uncle he was 102 years old; he died two years ago. And my dad, he was 89 when he passed. And the year before he died, our conversation was, I sure hope I live to be old as you is when I die. And he looked at me and said, I’m not dead yet. I said, that’s what I’m saying. If you lived to be 100, I hope to live to 101. I didn’t know that my dad had cancer. And he died the next year. I didn’t know he had died of cancer until the year after he was dead. I went back to Michigan to visit with my stepmom and she asked me if I wanted to go to the hospice house where he had been. I’m like, hospice house?, in my mind. We went and it was a new establishment and I met the people that was there and his nurses, et cetera, et cetera. Once we got home, then I said I didn’t know dad was at the hospice. She said, oh yeah, she said when you came out here, they had moved him from the hospice house home. So he was basically at home so that he could die. I was talking to him on the phone the week before he died, and he dropped the phone and I heard the silence and I asked my stepmom, I’m like, Mom, is Dad all right? She said, aw, your daddy done sit here and he dropped the phone. I say, is he okay? She said, well, I believe they’ve been running some tests on him and stuff, but they haven’t said what was wrong with him, blah, blah, blah. But she wasn’t telling me the truth. I said, maybe I should come up there and see him. And she says, if anything happens to him, I’ll let you know. I said, I don’t want to see him when he’s dead; I want to see him when his alive. And the same week I got there on a plane and I got there on a Monday and I stayed until Thursday. And I came back home, and I told her before I left—because when I got there, I could see that he was in bad shape. I said, if he dies anytime soon, I’m not coming back up here. And he died that Saturday, two days later. I’m like—kind of blew me away and she kind of got an attitude. Well you coming? I said, I told you I wasn’t coming back up there. This is my thing. My memory of my dad, seeing him sitting on the living room with his silk pajamas on, with his legs crossed, I don’t see him dead. I see him alive. And in my mind, that’s the memory you have as your last memory, and that’s my last memory of him. And I can see him right now. When she said, could you help me take your dad to the bathroom? And I got up and I helped walk him to the bathroom and she could took him in there so he could do whatever he do, and then he came out and said your daddy want to go lay down because he’s tired. And that’s when I knew the condition that he was in, but I didn’t know that he had cancer. Until the next year. That’s neither here nor there. Just—knowing about my dad and trying to give you a sense of not really knowing him. My mom, she remarried and I was raised basically by her husband for a while, and when they separated, it was just me and her and my sister. We just made it the best that we could as kids. I didn’t get a chance to go and do stuff like other kids so much, because my mom, her thing was, because of lack of education, was work. Son, you got to go to work, son, nothing comes to a sleeping man but a dream, get up and go to work. I wanted to go and play. So my work was come home, we had chickens and ducks and stuff, you come home and you feed them chickens and them ducks and you give them some water and then you go out there and water that garden. You go out there and hoe them weeds off of the yard and we had a pretty good-sized place. For me it wasn’t go play, it was go work. That is what she instilled in me, is work. Now, my sister was completely different. Oh, sister, she’s so smart and it was like, education for her and she ended up going to college. But for me it was just like a struggle. When I came home from school, I’m like, Mom, look! I got a C on my paper! And she’d look and say, aw, son, I don’t have time to look at it right now. Just lay it over there. I’ll see it later. It made a real big difference, because my mindset was that she really don’t care. If you don’t have that positive encouragement, it doesn’t push you to be better than what you are, you know what I’m saying? It was like, as I grew up, I thought that I didn’t have the ability to really learn, so I was very manual. Just show me how to do it and I can do it. But the thinking part of it—I didn’t think that I could think the process all the process through. I didn’t realize that I was as smart as I was until I went to school to become a cosmetologist. You got to understand and learn “hyponichium,” how to spell it, the definition, [UNKNOWN], et cetera. My friend told me, you got to burn a lot of midnight oil, you got to do a lot of reading. Now, it’s really hard to read a word that you don’t even know how to pronounce it. I was, I think, 43 years old when I went to cosmetology school. I would ask so many questions until the instructor told me, Aubrey, just write them down on a piece of paper and then I’ll answer them. Because you’re holding up the class. I was as old as my instructors and for me it was like, wait a minute. I paid $3,000-something to go to school and it was through a rehabilitation class where I got my back hurt. I’m coming down here to learn. I’m not gay, I’m not a woman, so it’s going to be harder for me to get the concept, because I don’t see it in my eyes the way that a woman sees doing another woman’s hair. So it would be just like, me doing like, oh, yeah, well, I see it’s just like this. You know? I don’t see that in my mind. So you got to draw a picture, or if I see a picture then I can emulate what I see. But you know what? I didn’t let that hold me back. Man, I would stay up and read and read. I got some little tapes that one of my instructors gave me and he says, take this home and put your headset on and listen to them. I’d put them on and go to sleep with them on. The next morning it would be as clear as a bell. I graduated with a 97-point-something average when I got out of beauty school. And then I started my own business. I was able to do that, it was the hands on and being very manual, gave me the opportunity to learn it. [off-camera voice]: Are you guys doing an interview? Franklin: Yup. [PHONE RING TONE] Franklin: Man, interruption city. Johnson: It is what it is. My phone over there doing its thing. Franklin: Oh, it’s fine. Yeah, usually people know if the door is closed— Johnson: No big deal, because you’re going to edit it anyway. [LAUGHTER] Franklin: All right. When you went back to Mississippi, I kind of want to—how was Mississippi different from Pasco when you went there? What was remarkable to you? Johnson: For me, going there, because I was so young when I went back, is that I was free. That’s how I felt when I went there, because we was out on the farm. It’s like, I didn’t see Caucasian people; I just see our family and our family friends would come over. It was just like, the first time that I saw a truck, to know that it was a truck, it was a guy sitting up on the hood of it, and he had two horses hitched to it and he was pulling it down the road. I’m used to seeing a wagon. So when I look and I saw that truck being pulled like that, I’m thinking wow, that’s amazing. I’m four years old and to me, it’s like, is that the way it’s supposed to be? When I started seeing cars, the only cars that I’d seen down there in the country—because we lived way back off the road—was the mailman would come down and put mail in the mailbox and then they would leave. But people rode horses. I just didn’t see it, being there, it was freedom and we was out on the farm, and we were kids and the only thing that we had to do was harvest eggs and just play. Out here, I had ate some pills and stuff and I had gotten poisoned kidneys. And I was in the hospital up at Our Lady of Lourdes. I can remember this just like it was yesterday. They had me and this Caucasian kid in the same room and my bed was on the same side of the wall, but it was first when you walked in the room, his was behind mine. He had a little whistle that was a motorcycle policeman and when you blew it, it had little balls in it and they would spin around the wheels. So I walked to the edge of my bed and he was over there blowing the whistle and I stuck my hand over and he gave it to me and I blew it. Now, imagine this, I’m three years old—people say, oh, you can’t remember back then, but I can remember this as well as I’m looking at you sitting over there across that room. When his mother came, she demanded that they move me or move him out of the room. Because she didn’t want him in the room with me because I was black, I’m sure. And that whistle that I was blowing, she snatched it out of my hand and grabbed her kid up and then that’s when she made her demands and stuff. That was my first part at racism. After I got to be in my upper teens to look back and see how it was, that’s the reason I make the statement of, man, I was free. Because I was free from—just that one incident that I can remember even there may had been some more. When we would go to the store, my mom would tell us before we went, don’t put your hands on nothing. Don’t touch nothing when you got to the store. When we went to the store, we was forbidden to touch or do anything. We were just there with her and that was it. Like she had told me, she said when they went to the store, when she lived in the South and say she wanted to buy a dress. You couldn’t put it on and try it on. You just had to know your size. And if you took it home, it was yours, because no one wanted to try a dress that you had put on. Nobody knew you had put it on except for the store proprietor. But that was one of the conditions that they had. So it was just little things like that, after I got of age made me aware of how it was, their living in the South and how prejudice started to become—like I said, I wasn’t taught to be, but then I heard about it and it just really didn’t stick in my mind until up in the ‘60s. When the ‘60s came, then I was really aware, because I had started really paying attention, I had heard about Emmett Till getting killed down in the South and different stuff. When my grandad died, my dad called up and he said, well, Papa died. I want you to come down here and go to the funeral. My mom took me and she said, son, do not go down there to Mississippi. I said why? She said because I’m telling you, them people will kill you. Because firstly, they know you’re not from down there. And you are not going to be saying yes, sir and no, sir, and all of that, she said, so don’t go. I didn’t go. I just heeded what she was saying. Because Papa died in ‘69 and the revolution, basically, what you want to say, of racism and trying to go to school, get education, the Jim Crow, sitting at the back of the bus, the freedom marches and all of that. They was killing black people like you wouldn’t believe. And a lot of it you didn’t really hear it on the TV, the bad side of it. Every now and then they would show you people strung up and stuff like that. She wanted to make sure that I wasn’t one of the ones that was in that situation. Without making a sound too horrific. She never said, you have to hate white people because of what they doing to us and blah, blah, blah. My sister told me, you got to love them to death. And if you love them long enough—the same thing that Martin Luther King preached—pretty soon we will get over it, and be able to live as one person, instead of being so divided such as we are. I hate to say it, but I’m going to say this—in my mind, the only reason that racism is so alive, is because the Caucasian people are afraid that we are going to do them the way that they did us. And you can hear them, I watched a segment on TV a few weeks ago and this guy was saying that, well, black people are inferior, and the Oriental, they’re first, and we’re second. Our numbers are getting so small until they’re going to take over, and we are the superior race. And blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, and all this superiority stuff that they trying to beat into your head because they are afraid. And there is no reason to really be afraid. Because the first thing, black people are god-fearing people, and they love God, you see, because it would be hard for me to do something to you, unnecessarily, unless you were trying to do something to me. Because I’m afraid of what God is going to do to me. You know, that’s just like going to the church and stealing. I’m not going to do that. That racist thing is getting worse by the day. And it’s like they’re reliving the past, all these guns, and shooting people, and police brutality, et cetera. Those were the things that was happening back then. And now here it is the reoccurrence of the same old thing, and it’s almost like it’s okay to go out and be brutal when you see they shot a guy 17 times, well, why didn’t you just shoot him in the leg? Well, we got to neutralize, is the word, we got to neutralize. If we neutralize it, we just kill it, and we done with it. You know what, if you kill it the person won’t have a chance to view his opinion. Well, he had a cellphone in his hand. Well, I thought it was a gun. But he’s dead. It’s so that it’s okay, and people allow it, so it just keeps getting worse and worse and worse and worse. And you’re just like, what is it going to come to? It’s the bad side of life that you wouldn’t want everybody to pick up a gun and start shooting and killing each other. That wouldn’t make sense. But, see, to me, out of fear, the people that’s in power will create a war in order to remain in power. And we see that happening with China, Russia, the ones that they empower, they impose they will up on other people. And they will start a war in order to maintain that power. It’s kind of the sort of thing that we’re doing here in the United States, is trying to maintain the power by advocating all this racist stuff that they got going on right now. We need to get out of that and just learn that we all need each other to be able to live together in peace and harmony. That’s the way it was designed for us to do. It wasn’t designed for all of that. Franklin: Out in the country in Mississippi, do you remember, was it pretty segregated out there or was it mostly black folks that lived out in the country where you were? Johnson: It was mostly all black people that lived out there where we were. There was one Caucasian family that lived down by where our mailbox was, but I hardly ever seen them. Like I said, we were quite a ways from the road and stuff. But it was mostly black people. Now, when you went to Jackson, where my aunt and stuff lived, that’s where the segregation was. Because now you in the city, and the city is where the Caucasian people lived. It’s just kind of like, say, east Pasco: it’s a rural area. So at one time, it’s where all the black people lived, over on the east side. And all the Caucasian people lived on the west side. If you didn’t have a reason to be over there, there was no reason for you to go over there. We lived in the country and the only time that we went to the city was to go and visit my aunt and her family and then we in turn left and went back to the country. So I didn’t get a chance to really see that racist thing. I was just a little kid, so I didn’t see it there. Franklin: Right, I was just trying to build a comparison, I guess. Johnson: I understand. Franklin: I want to ask you about the life in the Tri-Cities. How would you describe life in east Pasco growing up? Johnson: We was a village; we were a family. That was a highlight of my life, living in east Pasco until the ‘70s when it was Urban Renewal came in and removed, replaced. I mean, everything to me was east Pasco. At one time, there was four groceries stores in east Pasco. There was a dry cleaners and there was Kitty’s Grocery Store, the East Side Market, there was the Tin Top and there was JD’s. There was two night clubs, there was Norse’s and King Fish separate club. I think there were probably about eight cafés: it was Squeeze-in Diner, Bobby’s And Rays, Haney’s Café, Big Mikes, there was a café at the tavern, there was Belgian’s Pool Hall, there was Avery’s Café, there was a little record shop. It was like everything, basically, that we needed was in east Pasco, other than—we went uptown to buy clothes and stuff like that. For east Pasco it was just like a family. My mom would say, son, you be at home before the sun go down. I mean, be in this yard. And she could yell and I could hear her for like three or four blocks away, and then I would head home. All my friends and stuff that I basically went to school with, all of us black kids—because they were doing busing—once we got off the bus, we all walked home together, we played together, we threw rocks, we rolled tires. It was a lot of fun growing up out there, I hated to see it when Urban Renewal came. Because what it did, it removed the black people from the little shacks, they call them, the little homes they had to the projects. And then we lost everything that we had, because all of that was gone. It was just kind of a bad situation. It was supposed to be in the name of interests, the self-help co-op. Art Fletcher, I think, was the guy that came there that just pushed that over on us. We had no representation. When they got ready to open that corridor to Big Pasco, they wanted to grab A Street—not A Street, Oregon Street. That’s a throughway from the freeway all the way to the river. Well, black people owned all that property from the railroad over. When I was growing up, we always heard that railroad property is worth no money, okay? So when this redevelopment come in, it wasn’t redevelopment; it was was reclaim. They came in and the city—you had to sell it. They gave you nothing for it. I was talking to this lady the other day, her mom owned a block of land. I asked, how much did your mom get for that block of land? She said $18,000. There were no representation, so whatever the city said this is what you get, this is what you take. There was no negotiation. That broke down our whole community, because from Main, Front Street all the way over to Elm Street was all black people lived all through there. When they took half of it away up to Wehe Street and made an industrial area, you couldn’t go down and buy any that property six months after they bought it for the same price that they bought it for. The price had escalated so much. It was just a travesty, because it was basically, probably a couple thousand people that lived there and they built a housing project. And I can remember there was only two families that lived there that wasn’t black. There was one Hispanic family and one Caucasian family. I don’t know what the capacity was, but the whole Arbor Elm Project was filled with black people. What happened is that the few dollars that they gave you, you ended up moving somewhere else if you didn’t move in a project, out of state, out of town. And slowly our little community just broke down to where it was nothing. Now when I look at it and you say, well, what’s over there on the east side? Nothing. There’s no restaurants, there’s no pool hall, there’s no taverns to go to—even though I don’t go to taverns anymore. But there’s just nothing, everything was broke down. But as a kid growing up, they can feel—we’d go over there and play baseball me and our friends and stuff, we could go to each other’s house and eat. It was like you was everybody’s kid, because everybody knew each other. If I went over to Sonny Boy’s or Leroy Milton’s and he was out there raking leaves, his mom would say, Aubrey, you go get a rake and you go out there and help him rake them leaves up. Or, you kids come in here and eat. That type of thing. It was just really a lot of camaraderie and playing and just having a lot of fun as kids and stuff. We would go over to the railroad and shoot pigeons when I was a kid and stuff. That was one of the things that the boys did, we raised pigeons, bring them home, kind of doctored them up and stuff, the ones that we didn’t kill. The ones we killed, we’d come home pick them, clean them, and eat them. People would say, you’re eating a pigeon? Well, that pigeon was pretty good. It was a lot of playful times and I had a good time living in east Pasco. I wouldn’t change nothing. And just thinking of it, I moved from Pasco and I went to California seeking a better life. Man, I’m thinking about all these things that I’m going to do and talking all about how great California is, and I moved to Los Angeles and I lived down there in the rat race. I moved from Los Angeles up to Vallejo, California and I stayed there for a while. But let me tell you something. I couldn’t wait to get back to Pasco. And when I came back, like I said, I got two houses. I didn’t live on the west side; I moved back over on the east side. And I’ve had the opportunity, countless times, people like, hey, you want to sell your property? They send you stuff in the mail telling you about how much your property is worth and we’ll buy it, so and so want to buy your property. Franklin: You’re talking about the property in east Pasco? Johnson: Property in east Pasco. I get that all the time, right now. I’m not going to sell that property. That’s kind of like my heritage. My mom gave it to me, I’m going to pass it on to my daughter and I’m going to try to her, don’t sell it, keep it, because this is part of your heritage. And I tell her the stories about when I was a kid being raised up, so that she can pass them on to her kids. Because that’s her history, my history. I didn’t get my history, because I was out of a divided family. My mom worked two jobs and so she had very little time to spend with sitting down, talking to you. Franklin: Where did your mom work? Johnson: She worked out here at the cafeteria at the Hanford Area when she first came here. Other than that she worked at the Hanford House, she worked there for years as a dishwasher. She worked at Top Hat as a dishwasher. Franklin: Where’s the Top Hat? Johnson: It was in Pasco, across the street from the old post office, was the Top Hat Restaurant, that was the name of it. She worked there for years. She worked cleaning house, doing day work for different people. And pretty much as a kid, that’s what she did. She’d get up in the morning and get us fed and we had to walk to the bus and go to school, she got in the car, she drove, she went and did her day job cleaning house, she left that job and went to the other job. She washed dishes and she would always have a night job, and she’d get home at sometime 12:00, 1:00 in the morning. When I got in high school a lot of times I would go out and help her when she worked at the Hanford House, up here. I can’t think of the name that it was called before then, it’ll probably come to me later, but it was some other establishment that it was called, she worked there. Franklin: The Desert Inn? Johnson: Desert Inn, that was it. Franklin: I wasn’t sure as to when that stopped being—we have old photos of it in the ‘50s, like mid-‘50s, and it’s still the Desert Inn. It’s that transient quarters. It looks kind of like an L or like V. Johnson: Right. They added on to it now and upgraded it and made it look good, but it was the old Desert Inn, that was it. I could remember in high school, I would go there and she would call me like, son, I need you to come out here and help me. Because they would have a banquet and they would get dishes from it says Chinook Hotel, wherever that was from, towards Seattle, anyway. And they would have barrels of them, and she would have to run them through that manual washer. And what she would do is I would scrape them and put them on the racks and she would take two hot towels, and she would catch them when they were coming out. Then we would take them and put them in the barrels. And then all them pots—because at nighttime she had to have everything washed for the morning. I’d go out there, I didn’t get paid for it, but sometimes we’d be there ‘til 2:00, 3:00 in the morning washing dishes and washing pots, and I had to come home and go to school. Franklin: I was a dishwasher in a steakhouse for about a year and, yeah, it was rough. Washing dishes is rough. It was rough, rough work. Johnson: I know. People that never did it don’t realize how much work it is, you know what I’m saying? Franklin: You’re really one of the most important people in the whole place. No one wants to—you can’t eat on dirty dishes, can’t cook in dirty pots, but yeah, you’re also the bottom of the totem pole. Johnson: That’s right. Franklin: Yeah, that’s always the way it is with those kind of jobs. You’d mentioned earlier that you worked a lot in your spare time, right? You tried to play, but you worked a lot? Johnson: Yeah, I worked a lot. Franklin: Yeah. Do you remember any particular community events growing up in east Pasco? The reasons the community would come together? Johnson: Bible school. Bible school, that was one of the big things that we looked forward to in the summer time, as an event for us all to come together. The baseball games we would do, the school would have what we called wingdings and they would-- Franklin: I’ve heard of that before. Johnson: Wingdings? Yeah, it would just be like a little school carnival that they would have within the school, and they’d have a sheet up. And then they’d have the thing called Fish and you’d have a little pole, you’d stick it over and they had a clothespin on it and stick something to it. They would have cakewalks, where you’d walking around in a circle and they had musical chairs, basically what it was. It was always that coconut covered cake over there that I wanted, and so I tried to position myself so that I would be the last one to sit down in the chair so I could be the one to pick that cake. It never worked out though. Other than that, it was really no events that I could really think of. Bible school was probably the biggest one. Because back then most of the kids went to church. Franklin: Yeah, I was going to ask you if you attended church. Johnson: Oh, yeah. Franklin: Which church did you attended? Johnson: I attended Morning Star Baptist Church. I was baptized in 1956. Franklin: What role did the church play in the community? In the African American communities in general. Johnson: Church was the cornerstone of the community. Basically, everybody pretty much went to one of the churches that was there. And for us kids, it kept us out of the streets, because that’s what we did: we went to church. We would have Junior Mission one night, choir rehearsal one night, we’d have Bible study one night. Then on the first Sunday, we would go out of town or we would go to different churches and stuff, if we were in the choir and sing, it was like an all-day event. You’d get up in the morning and go to Sunday school, you go back home and eat, church starts at 11:00, you do church, you get out of that at 1:00, and a lot of times they would have a visiting church that would come and we’d go back to church at 3:00. It was like an all-day deal, for going to church. But it was a lot of fun for us kids because it gave us the chance to be together. When we would go to Bible study they’d have you looking up scriptures and stuff in the Bible. And then the one that got the most they would put a star. They had this big thing and they would put a star for achievement. So it kept you interested in doing that kind of thing. The preachers of the community and stuff, it is like, they were responsible for the flock. Just like, you got in trouble, say, with the police or something wasn’t going on right, the church always had your back. They’d go down and, hey, what’s going on, or what’s happening here? We need to be able to attend to the situation. Is this person being treated correctly? The church was just like the pillar of the community and it was always the backbone for the black people. Like I said, we lived in a house with Reverend Stewart which was the Pastor of Morning Start Baptist Church. It started in 1945, and we lived with him in ‘46. Like I tell them, I know if my mom lived in the house with a preacher, we had to go to church. [LAUGHTER] You know what I’m saying? So I look at it, when I go to church right now, even though there’s a few people that’s older than I am, like in their 90s and stuff, they haven’t been here all their lives. And I’m probably one of the oldest members of that church, Morning Star Baptist Church, because we lived with the preacher, so I know I was going to church when I was just a baby and as a kid, and got baptized in ‘56, and been going there ever since. And still go. Franklin: What other churches were important to the black community? Johnson: Well, they had the Saint James Methodist Church. And the thing was that we all kind of visited each church. Because whether you were Methodist or whether you was Baptist, it was still kids that played together, and all the churches came together. So if there was any type of a movement or anything, it was just like everybody was together. It wasn’t so much segregation. Like right now, they have Morning Star Baptist Church, they got New Hope, they got Greater Faith. Now, we got three Baptist Churches and you got just enough people would fill up one. See? But it’s all divided. And then there’s Ephesus Seven Day Adventist Church, there’s Saint James Methodist Church and then they had another church that was over on the east side, I don’t think it’s black anymore, I think it’s—Hispanic took it over. But anyway, back then it was Saint James Methodist Church and it was Morning Star in the early ‘50s and then later on they built New Hope and then later on they built Greater Faith. But we were all kind of like together. It wasn’t the separatism like they have now with the churches. One church feels like they’re better than the other church or the members don’t want to go and participate in the other church. I kind of hate to see that because I discuss that a lot, one church got a real good choir, okay, and so when they have an event, a lot of people got to their church and enjoy their music, so forth and so on, their program. The other church over there have a program, the people from that church don’t participate. It would be better if all three churches at least one Sunday out of the month could come together and be just one church. It’s like the bureaucracy go, everybody worried about their dollar. If you can get the money thing out of your mind, and say each Sunday we will all meet at one different church and all the collection that we take in will go to that church. And then the next time we’ll go to that church, and the next time it’ll go to that one. Because everyone wants to have it. Just like living here in the Tri-Cities, why do we need to have three city governments? Because each one wants to be able to get their money and so we got the mayors over here and the city councils over here, and at Kennewick they got theirs, and then Richland got theirs. But it’s all basically geared to the dollar, so we are going to split it all up so we can split it up this money. I got it, I’m going to keep it, I’m not going to let it go. Franklin: You mentioned the housing situation when you moved, first you stayed in the kitchen of the pastor of Morning Star. Then you lived at a shotgun house, right, until ‘48? Johnson: Yeah, I think it was ’48, that’s when my mom and they bought that little shotgun house that we had and they moved it from, on Oregon and Butte Street down to Douglas and Butte. They bought some property there from a guy, Eldon Wallace. I think my mom told me they paid $300 for it and we bought three lots, and they set that little shotgun house up on it. We, as kids, went to Mississippi. When we came back from Mississippi, I can remember this guy named J.O., J-O, probably his name, that’s what they called him. He was a carpenter and he added on to that shotgun house two bedrooms. But there was no bathroom. There was a faucet over at the corner that we got running water from. Franklin: Did you have an outhouse for the bathroom? Johnson: Yes, we did, we had that up until 1956. We had an outhouse. Franklin: Really? Johnson: ‘Til 1956. Because I can remember being in the sixth grade, because the kids would tease us at school about us having that outhouse and we had to go out there and use it. They would go to the yard and poke you in the back with sticks and stuff. We didn’t have a bathroom in the house up until then. Franklin: It took a while for east Pasco to get the sewer connections and things. That was one of the major complaints that the black community had in east Pasco with the city was the lack of water. Johnson: Right, the lack of water, the lack of sewage before they put it down on our street. There was Elm Street, which was one of the major throughways through there now, and then our street and the next street over. Some people had a cesspool. Unfortunately, we didn’t. We had to dig our own waterline and they dug it and it came from the Methodist Church down to our house so we could have water. Like I said, it was just a faucet and you go and turn it on, it was cold water and then you boil your water. I can remember being a kid where I had to take a bath in a tin tub. And they would boil water and pour it in the tub and then run some cold water and put it in there for you to cool it off. Franklin: How did your mom do the cooking and cleaning? Johnson: Well, had a stove. At first they had like a little small stove and they would boil water on it, they would set pots on it and cook on this little old stove that sit in the middle of the floor. I called it a heater, because that’s what it did, it heated and they cooked on that little stove, it was just with an iron on top and it was real small. Franklin: Do you remember what it used for fuel? Johnson: Coal, we used coal. My dad worked at the railroad and so they would bring sacks of coal home. Because he had to attend to the boiler over there, and so he would just get him a sack, bring it home and throw you some coal up in there and would get it nice and hot. It was a warm little old place, I can remember that. But that’s how they cooked until, I think probably around ‘51. My mom got a real stove and we had a propane tank sitting there and so then we had a real stove. We still didn’t have hot and cold water. Franklin: How would your mom wash dishes and clean? Johnson: In a pan, boil water, pour it in the pan and wash your dishes in the pan. And then have another pan rinse them off and dry them off, stack them up, because we didn’t have no counters—I mean we didn’t have no cabinets and stuff like that. They had just like a countertop they had made out of wood and you just put them over there and put a towel on top of them. It wasn’t like you had no six- or eight-piece setting, you just had like three or four plates and you had a few pieces of silverware. You just made do with what you had, the best way you could. Franklin: How many siblings did you have? Johnson: It was just my sister and I. Franklin: Are you the oldest? Johnson: I am the oldest. Franklin: Okay. Who else lived in your community? Were there many families with children or extended family, like grandparents? Johnson: There was quite a few kids lived in the community. Yeah. There was a lot of people living in the community, as a matter of fact, kids, and some had quite a few kids. I don’t remember a lot of people living with extended families as far as their grandparents, because most kids lived with their parents. But I’m sure there were some that did, but I just couldn’t think of them right off the top of my head. Franklin: Sure. Do you remember when Kurtzman Park was established? Johnson: Oh, yeah. Franklin: How important was that to the community? Johnson: To the community, Kurtzman Park was kind of like a volunteer-type situation. Of course we didn’t have a park. And so when that was put in, it even brought our community together even more because of the camaraderie that they had they built the Kurtzman Building. I can remember them putting in the trees around the park and help dig the lines they had around there for water. When we were kids, Mom would tell us, go down to the park. We’d go down there and play, so it was like a safe haven. I remember there was a lady across the street, Big Irene, and the Butchers lived over across the street. Then there was California Street was a street there that nobody even know about, probably, anymore, and Wehe, they intersect. And they intersect right in front of the park and there was a row of houses there and I could probably name you everybody that lived in those houses. We would go there and we could stay there all day long and our parents didn’t have to worry about us, because that was a safe haven and that’s where all the kids would go. So it was a very important place for us. When we had our little meetings and stuff, we would have them there in the Kurtzman Building. Hey, we’re having a meeting on voting or whatever it was, and we would go up there to the Kurtzman Building. That was before they put that Martin Luther King stuff in, in the latter years. It played a real big part because I played there for years as a kid and then after as an adult, Kurtzman Park still was a big thing for me. We’d go down there, and they’d have Juneteenth, and the Fun Day, and baseball. Franklin: I was going to ask you about sports, activities and events, and Juneteenth was what I was going to ask you about. When do you remember that, first participating in that, or that first happening? Johnson: Oh, boy, now that’s something I should really know because I am on the Juneteenth Committee. [LAUGHTER] I interact with them all the time and doing stuff right now. But that was probably somewhere in the mid-‘60s, Vanis Daniels, I think, was one of the--Senior was one of the persons to get that Juneteenth thing started here because they were from Texas. Franklin: What does Juneteenth mean to you? Johnson: It was when the black people got their freedom. We supposedly got it when the Emancipation was, but we didn’t get it when the Emancipation was. They didn’t make you aware of it and so that was a celebration for us. It’s like when you say the Fourth of July. The Fourth of July don’t hold anything for black people. That wasn’t our event, but Juneteenth was. What it is now is a time where it used to be everybody would come together. People that has gone and moved away from the Tri-Cities—Chicago, New York, California—man, when Juneteenth came, everybody would come back to town and just all enjoy each other and be together. They’d have gospel events, then they would have the food and the singing, they’d have baseball games. It was something for the whole week that children and people could participate in. It wasn’t just a one-day event; it was a week event. They’d have roller skating, they’d have baseball, they’d have basketball events. It would play up until that Sunday. That Saturday was the big day, and then the day after it was just like everybody would go to church, and that was the end of it. Franklin: You mentioned Vanis Daniels, Sr. was a big—responsible for bringing that here, you said, because they were from Texas. Is that particularly a Texas event or was it celebrated most strongly in Texas? Johnson: I think there was more than a Texas event. And the reason why I say that is that—the little history that I know about Juneteenth, see, Texas was one of the last states to get their freedom because they wanted the black people to stay in the South. Keeping you sharecropping and doing work and stuff. And the ones that had left and had went to Texas, well, they were trying to keep you going back to the South, so they didn’t tell you that the Emancipation had happened, so that you didn’t know. So you went back. But once they found out, that’s when they got their freedom. So they say that Texas was the last state that they got their freedom from the slavery act, at that time. I think that’s why we focus so much on Texas. And when the Daniels helped got that going up here, and they’re still kind of, over that Juneteenth thing, is that they brought it from Texas. And that was the awareness of it, because if you had lived in Michigan, then I’m sure that you didn’t know that much about it. It’s like living there and that’s what it is. I should really know a lot about it because, like I said, I’m on the committee, but I’m sure that’s what it was. Franklin: And there’s still that celebration every year? Johnson: Oh yeah, every year. I tell you, we’re gearing up for it right now, matter of fact, on the 21st we’re having a fundraiser barbeque, which I’ll be cooking over at Saint James Methodist Church. It’ll be sold at the people at the community and we hope to be able to raise a lot of money to help put on a lot of the events and stuff and bring new stuff. And we can do a lot of recognition for people that’s been instrumental in the community growing and give trophies, and plaques, and stuff for the kids so that they can have games and so forth and so on. Franklin: Can anybody come and eat your barbecue? Johnson: Anybody. Man, that’s what we really try to get in. Franklin: Because I really love barbecue. Johnson: It’s not just a black thing, it’s for everybody to come, we have a parade and all of that. I think they’re trying to incorporate some other people with their parades and stuff so that we could get the Caucasian people interested in it. See, this is like that old stigma stands behind east Pasco to where it’s like, man, you don’t go over there, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, and all this negative thing. Franklin: I heard that when I first came here. Johnson: Anybody can come to east Pasco, man, and when we’re having that event, we welcome everybody to come. Come over and buy some barbeque, and they sell catfish and all kinds of food, man. They even have some Hispanic vendors and stuff that was there, so that we can all enjoy together. Because that’s the kind of thing we can all have camaraderie and come together because we can sit down and eat together. Franklin: That’s true, yeah, food is great. And I wanted to ask—that kind of segue ways very nicely into my next question—do you recall any family or community activities, events or traditions, including sports and food, that people brought with them from the places they came from? Johnson: Music. Franklin: Music? Johnson: Music. Franklin: Yeah, what kind of music? Johnson: Blues. There was blues and gospel, one of the two biggest things that we got and most of that originated in the South. They brought it out here and it was like—the blues to me, when I hear it was like the cry for freedom, it was like the slaves in the field, they be singing that downhome blues. It was a cry for freedom, they was telling their story the way that they felt. When it came out here it was just kind of like it was a big thing. It wasn’t jazz—jazz was in the city—but out here it was the blues and then gospel music was another form of cry for your freedom and your love of God where you get into the spirit of. The blues, you get into the spirit. Because if you got a sad—you and your girlfriend just broke up, and things not going right and somebody break down and start singing one of them more downhome blues. [singing] I lost my baby. Lord, what am I going to do? And here you sitting over there and you and your woman just broke up, it makes you feel real sad. And now you kind of reflect on your situation and it makes you think, wow, what can I do? Because now you want to try to rekindle what you just lost, bring it together. And it was through those cries of the blues and stuff that made you do that. So music was one of the most instrumental things that I saw. Franklin: Were there any notable bands, venues, in east Pasco that you remember or musicians? Johnson: I really don’t remember any black people that was—Jesse Cleveland and a few guys, they had a little band. There was a couple—James Pruitt and some of them guys did a little stuff at church. But there was bands that came to Pasco, I remember when Ike and Tina Turner came through Pasco and Fats Domino, they came to Pasco when I was a kid and played music. There were outsider bands that came in, but we really didn’t have any bands that I can think of. There could’ve been some older people that had bands, because I didn’t get a chance to participate. My mom kept me at home pretty good until I was about 15 years of age, so I didn’t get a chance to see and participate. But after I got to be grown, it was Maurice Wallace and a few guys from Seattle would come here and play and he was raised here in Richland. Johnny Guilory, he had a little band with a few guys and stuff, he came from Spokane, they would come down and play at Jackson’s Tavern. That was pretty much it for the bands that I can remember, other than that it was mostly gospel music and stuff, and that was being in churches. Franklin: What about food? Did your mom cook southern food, soul food, did she bring that with her? Johnson: Yeah. I was raised on that. I was raised on it, and my cooking experience—and I think that I’m a pretty good cook—is that she would always tell me, boy, come here and stir this pot. I would say, why I got to do it? How come my sister don’t have to go and do it? And she would say, you might get a wife don’t know how to cook. You come here. She made me learn how to cook. And I’ll tell you the truth: I am a good cook, and a well-rounded cook. That was like fried apple pies and stuff, I haven’t had a homemade fried apple pie in I don’t know when. Franklin: Sounds really good. Johnson: Oh, man, they are. And it wasn’t like when you go to the store and you get this little teeny fried apple pie like this. Man, the fried apple pie Mom would cook, they would be that big and I mean they would be full of apples, big turnovers and stuff. Man, that would be so good. Or sweet potato pies. She could really cook good. My niece, Tansy, she can cook one that taste just like my mom’s. Chicken and dumplings, I cook some really good chicken and dumplings because I cook them just like my mom. At my church there’s different events that we have, the pastor’s anniversary, the church anniversary, et cetera, and they’ll say, well, Aubrey what are you cooking? And I’m thinking in my mind, why are you guys always asking me what am I cooking? I don’t see any of these other guys up here cooking nothing; it’s the women that bring other dishes. But then I try to treat them to some of the dishes that my mom made for us when we were kids. And I can remember, I did some chicken and dumplings. I did a roast pan, one of those turkey roasts for them. Man, they like to ate themselves to death. And everybody was sitting and they were saying to themselves, who made these chicken and dumplings? Somebody said, Aubrey did. I’m over there sitting and eating on them, gloating for no glory. Man, these chicken and dumplings taste just like the ones my mom used to make, and they went on. After that, every time they have an event, Aubrey, are you going to cook some chicken and dumplings? I’m like, no, I’m going to cook something different because I want you to get a taste of all the different things that I know, and I don’t want to be held down to where I got to cook chicken and dumplings every time in this event. We’re going to have the church anniversary here in a couple weeks, and they get up on the signup sheet and they’re already, Aubrey are you going to cook chicken and dumplings? I think I’m going to go ahead and cook some chicken and dumplings, yeah. Franklin: What other types of food would your mom cook, teach you how to cook? Johnson: Oh, man. Collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens. She cooked roasts and potatoes, a lot of rice dishes and stuff like that. She made a lot of sweet dishes, bread pudding, rice pudding, chocolate cakes—which I didn’t like because I don’t care for chocolate—coconut cakes, peach cobblers, just stews. It just depends on what time of year it was and we ate a lot of vegetables. When I say peas, like, purple hull peas—I cooked some Sunday—black-eyed peas, crowder peas, we had speckled butter beans, we had lima beans, we had corn, we had collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, we had squash. There was just a variety of stuff, but it was vegetables. A lot of chicken, very little pork, and very little beef. It was chicken, chicken. Right now, I’m a chicken person; I don’t eat a lot of beef. Franklin: Well, because chicken was, at that time— Johnson: A staple. Franklin: And one of the least expensive, right? Johnson: It was the least expensive, it was a staple food. We would raise 100-and-something head of chicken a year, and we would kill them when they got of age and took them and put them in the freezer. We had chicken all year long. We would go to the river and we would fish, and so then we would have fish. It wasn’t because we were so poor that we couldn’t buy beef, we just didn’t eat a whole lot of beef, you see? Like, I don’t eat a whole lot of beef, I don’t care for steak and stuff. Number one, beef has got to rot in your stomach. When you eat a piece of beef, it’s got so much connective tissue until it probably take about three days for the acids and stuff to eat it up. Chicken, you can take a piece of chicken and you could do it like this here, and you can crumble it, so it don’t take very long for it to break down. Fish, of course, you know that breaks down really fast. And then you get all the nutrients and stuff that you’re supposed to get from it. Firstly, I don’t think—our body wasn’t designed to eat meat anyway. We’re supposed to be like eating vegetables and fish. All that beef and stuff, it’s just too hard for you to eat. A lot of black people, they raise hogs. I used to buy a hog every year, after I got up in my 20s, and I butchered myself and put it in the freezer and we’d eat pork chops and pork steaks. But then, when I started having high blood pressure, it was like, well, okay, you can’t be eating all that pork. So I couldn’t tell you right now when the last time I ate a piece of pork, like a pork chop or a pork steak or a pork roast. I ate a piece of bacon the other day for the first time in probably over a month. I haven’t eaten any—I eat a piece of sausage every now and then when I go to my girlfriend’s house, but I don’t eat a lot of it. But now chicken? Man, I had some chicken tacos the other day, my daughter, she baked some chicken the day before yesterday. And so eat lot of fish and eat a lot of chicken, and we eat a lot of vegetables. Franklin: What about sports? Were sports important to you growing up? Were there particular sporting events the black community was really involved in, or any teams? Johnson: Baseball. Baseball was one of the most sporting events that we were involved in and stuff. They would have, like I said, out of the park, Juneteenth, that was one of the highlights was the baseball games that they had. As a kid growing up, we played baseball on every vacant lot that they had in east Pasco that we could get on as kids. It wasn’t so much like playing tennis—I learned to play tennis when I got to be an adult. Basketball, well, I never had a basketball hoop. So I tried to play at school, but my mom was always like, well, you come home so you could do this work and make sure that we have food and stuff. That wasn’t something that I got a chance to participate in. And plus I probably wasn’t that good anyway, because everybody can’t be a Michael Jordan. You have to do what you do, for me it was work. Franklin: Too true. Were there opportunities available here that were not available where you or your parents came from? Johnson: Yeah, most definitely. Because in the ‘60s when Equal Opportunity came, it opened up the doors so you could get into apprenticeship programs that they had out here, so you could make more of an income. And then the job market opened up so that you could have better jobs and stuff. It was a lot better out here, to be able to get an education, to go to school. Because you know in the South—my mom told me about when they went to school, she said half of the books wasn’t there because the books that they got were the books that the Caucasian kids had had. Then they tore pages out of the books and stuff, so that’s what you had to learn from, was the hand-me-down stuff that was no good. You’re only as good as your teacher, and if your teacher don’t have the facilities and the stuff to teach you with, then you’re not going to be able to get that much of an education as far as the books and stuff is concerned. Some kids, depending on where they lived, they were fortunate and they got a chance to get a good education. A lot of times where it started off with is like their parents were working for some Caucasian people that had kids, they played together and so they got a chance to read the books that those Caucasians kids had. But then when you’re living out there in the country and stuff, you go to the little country school and when the city, or the county, whoever was giving you the books, they weren’t really trying to keep you—get you to have a good education. Because they wanted to keep you so that you couldn’t read, you couldn’t write; then you could always be taken advantage of. That was the thing for education. Out here, is that we got a chance to go to school, I got a chance to get the same opportunity as education as a Caucasian did, I got a chance to read the same books that they did. I had some very loving teachers when I went to school out here, I didn’t see real prejudice thing from my teachers and stuff. Most of them were young, and the one that sticks out of my mind more than any teacher I ever had, her name was Esther Day, she was my first grade teacher. Mrs. Day was a mother figure to every child that went to school with us, especially black children. Because she was the type of teacher that would, well, Aubrey, what is it about it that you don’t understand? And she’d take and put her arms around you and she’d hug you. It made you want to do better, to learn more, just because of the way that she treated you. Franklin: Was she black or Caucasian? Johnson: She was Caucasian. I didn’t have any black teachers when I went to school out here. They were all Caucasian teachers, but she was-- Franklin: For your whole educational-- Johnson: Whole educational thing. No. It’s just trying to emulate what you see, there was no black teachers out here, there were no black lawyers. So how could I want to be a lawyer when I didn’t see any black people being in that role? If I had been older when I left the South, then I probably would’ve seen some of that, but me just being a little kid, I had to emulate what I saw, and I didn’t see that. My dream was always to be a truck driver, run heavy equipment, to be a police officer or a beautician, and I got to be all of them except for the police officer. Franklin: Yeah, I wanted to ask about that, kind of diverting form childhood here, but you mentioned a couple times. What was it about cosmetology that made you want to go into that? Johnson: It was a gift. It was a gift from the man above. When I was a kid, I’ll say at the age of seven, and I remember very well, the girls were wearing poodle skirts, saddle oxford shoes, and I had to comb my sister’s hair. She was a year younger than I, and I would pull her hair back into a ponytail and then they’d take and tie a ribbon around it. Man, I thought that I could make that bow better than anybody that I knew. I think that was my first introduction into doing hair. When I got to be about 13 years of age, a friend of mine, Leslie Williams, his parents had a TV and you would see different entertainers on there and they had the finger waves in the men’s hair and stuff. I remember this friend of mine, Robert Orange, he had to put a process, which was straightening his hair and he asked me if he wanted him to do mine. So I’m like, well, yeah! I came home one day from school and went over and he did it. When I came home my mom was so mad with me. Boy, what you put that stuff in your head for? Are you losing your mind? What’s wrong with you? We wanted to have the DA ducktail like some of the movie stars that we had seen, Elvis Presley, when they slick their hair back and they had like the greaser with the little thing in the back, they call it a DA. Anyway, I got so that by the time I was 17 years of age and wearing my hair straight like that, in the process, I took and I started making finger waves. I could finger wave it and I got so good that I could close my eyes and I could see it, and I would comb it, cross my head, I’d go back and forth and I’d end up with a horseshoe in the back. When I went out and people would see me, like, man, where did you get your hair did at? I said, I did it myself. Ah, there’s no way that you did that! I’m like, yeah, I did, I did it myself. And so then it was like, well, do mine! $7, and you buy your own stuff. They went out and got them a jar of Posner’s, or Ultra Wave or we used Easy Off. Anything with lye base in it would straighten your hair, right. They’d come over to the house and I’d put it on them and we’d be out in the yard with the water hose, and washing it out of your hair. Because we didn’t know nothing about neutralization and stuff like that. So it’s a wonder any of us had any hair, because the chemical didn’t stop working, we just washed it, we didn’t even have sense enough to shampoo it afterwards. I would finger wave their hair and I’ll tell you, one guy told me, he said, man, you added many finger waves in my head until it made me seasick. [LAUGHTER] That was my introduction to it. As time went on, I always had that interest in that. So by the time I got 18, 19 years old, watching TV and 77 Sunset Strip, and you would see everybody in Malibu, California and all that. To me, that was a means of being around a lot of women, was doing hair. That also gave me a big interest in wanting to do hair. As I had said earlier, I had to go to work, and so when I went to work, it wasn’t like I could go to school to learn how to do hair. But I would freelance and do different people’s hair all the time to make a little extra money. There was a friend of mine had a beauty salon, he said, man, why don’t you come work for me? And hey, you can come in here and you can work and blah, blah, blah. When I got off work, working for the county, I was so tired I didn’t feel like going and doing—I would just do it on the weekends just for myself. And I always kept that interest. When I was like 43 years of age, I got my back hurt when I was working down in California, moving a piano. So they gave me a rehabilitation. What do you want to do? And I thought to myself, I want to be a beautician. And the guys said, well, why do you want to be a beautician? I said, because that is something that will be here forever. Because women are always going to get their hair done. See, I didn’t want to be a barber. I’d have to do like four or five heads of barbering to make the money that I could make off of doing one woman’s head. That was the interest. Then I was pretty good at art, being creative. I got so after I completed my course and started doing hair, and then when people would allow me the opportunity to create, I could do my thing on they heads. People are so used to just cloning, they want the same thing all the time. So it’s really hard to, hey, why don’t you let me cut your hair? Especially with black women. Like, hey, I grew it out this long, I’m not going to let you cut it off, because it took me too many years to grow it, right. And I’m like, well, just let me cut so I could—so they are afraid to let you be creative and do something, until you find one person that will let you do something and everybody well, I didn’t know you could do that. I’m like, well, yeah I can do it. I’ve been doing hair for 27 years. You didn’t think I learned nothing? It’s just that you don’t get a chance to experiment the things that you know how to do and create new stuff, because people are so used to being afraid of getting their hair cut off and stuff. That’s how my interest came was from my sister and then it was something that I always knew that would be wanted and needed. And then it allowed me to be around a lot of women. And right now is that I enjoy being around women. Because women don’t talk about stuff that men talk about. I listen to they problems and it just goes in one ear and out the other one. I’m not interested in a bunch of junk that guys talk about, because it is always the same thing, it’s about women. See, women are more intellectual. They would talk about stuff that makes sense. They would be sitting there and well, hey, Aubrey? And you get to be just like a place they can drop they problems. And what we do is we sit down and try to solve the problems of the world. And they’ll just like, well, what do you think about so and so and so and so and so, and I’m like, well, you know, I don’t know. What do you think? I throw it back on them to get they views and to see where they think about stuff that is happening. And women are smarter than men anyway. I like being around women. Earlier? It would have been all about having a bunch of girlfriends. But you’d have a bunch of girlfriends but you wouldn’t have no money. I got smart to that. My thing was, you don’t date your clients, because you won’t have no money. You just have your girlfriend and the other is just about getting paid and be done with it. I enjoyed it, it’s been good to me. Franklin: You still do hair? Johnson: Oh yeah, I go out to—I got some clients and stuff, especially, I like the old people. They can’t get out, they shut in, and they’ll give me call, hey, could you come over and do my hair? And I’ll go over and do their hair at they house for them. That’s a blessing for me that God enabled me to be able to do it, because they are so thankful to you. Because they wouldn’t be able to get it done otherwise. So, yeah, I enjoy doing it. Franklin: That’s really sweet. In what ways were opportunities here limited because of segregation or racism? Johnson: In the work place. I worked Franklin County Road Department for 13 years. I started off with the survey crew. I was the first black person that worked on the road department. And I’m going to tell you, I call it natural hell. It was like, I always got the worst job dumped on. I can remember the first. The first day that I worked on the road department, and engineer, Pat Thompson, he said, hey, you want to work on the survey—I mean, I had just left the survey crew because the job had ended. He asked me, he said, do you want to work for the road department? And I’m like, well, yeah. He said, okay, well, come to work Monday morning. So Monday morning I went to work and he took me out to Chiawana Park, and he wanted me to dig a ditch, me and this other guy that had just had got hired, Bruce Sanders. The ditch was probably form here to that wall over there, so I’d say maybe 40 feet. So what we did was measured the ditch. We’ll start in the middle work to the end. You got 20 feet; I got 20 feet. That’s being fair. Every time I would turn around and look, he’s sitting up on the side of the ditch smoking a cigarette. I’m like, man, we never going to get done with you doing that. When I got done doing my 20 feet of ditch, he wasn’t even halfway. So I walked down to the river and I threw a few rocks in the river, and I was walking back up the hill and the engineer drove up. It was around 1:00. He says, what are you doing? I said, well, I got done digging my half. He said, I didn’t hire you like that. I hired you to work all day. I said, but we took half the ditch. I said, if he would have gotten down there and dug the ditch just like I did instead of smoking cigarettes all day, he’d’ve been done. He said, I didn’t hire you like that. I hired you to dig a ditch. And I said, well, then if I have to dig the whole ditch, take him with you and I’ll do it by myself. He put him in the car and took him with him, and I dug the rest of the ditch. And about 4:00--because we got off at 4:30, he came back and picked me up, and I was done. I worked patching holes in the roads and stuff, me and this guy, Amos Whitmore, this old guy. I did that for a long time and then I started driving truck. I can remember asking them repeatedly, when am I going to get truck driver wages? Oh, you haven’t learned how to drive the truck yet. I’m like, okay… And I’m driving dump trucks and we’re hauling gravel, and spreading gravel, and so forth and so on. About four or five years passed and I’m still saying, when are you going to give me truck driver wages? And it’s still the same old story, well, you haven’t learned how to drive the truck. All right, well, I’ll have to go down and talk to the engineer or I’ll have to go talk to your supervisor. It’s always a put-off. We had a meeting with the county commissioners and the meeting was pertaining to how we got our funding for the road department. They put a pie, and we got so much from gasoline taxes, we got so much from this, we got so much from that, et cetera. When they got through explaining how the pie was cut up, they said, is there anybody in here have anything else that they want to discuss? Basically, what they were talking about is about that pie and how that money was cut up. Well, I stood up and said, well, I do. Everybody turned and looked at me, my coworkers, supervisors, engineer and the county commissioners. I said, how long do you have to drive truck before you get truck driver wages? I said, because I’ve been driving truck now for about five years, and every time I ask when am I going to get truck driver wages, I always get put off. And I don’t understand why it is, because everybody else that drive truck getting truck driver wages. That was the end of the meeting and I left and went back out to the shop. And my supervisor comes out and says, well, Aubrey you didn’t have to do that. I said, I don’t see why I didn’t. I said, they asked a question and I said, yeah, that was the answer—I answered the question that they wanted me to give—well, no, they wasn’t talking about that. I said, I understand what you saying. But I wanted them to know that—why I couldn’t get truck driver wages. About an hour later, the engineer came out. So evidently the county commissioners went to talk to him and he said, well, you’ll get truck driver wages on your next paycheck. I noticed one day, my supervisor, he says, hey, Smokey, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. I kind of turned and looked at him, because first I’m wondering, like, who is he talking to? He says, hey, Smokey, I want you to go over there and do so and so and so and so and so. I just went over there and did what he told me to do. I’m thinking in my head, why is he calling me Smokey? Because, see, there is nothing black on me except for my hair at the time—which I don’t have nothing now—because I’m paper-sack tan. Okay? It’s got to be a word of -ism or racial slur but it’s okay. But, see, the thing to me was, I didn’t want to make a big issue about it because I wanted that job. Now here is something now that I got to swallow this and go on along with the program so I can maintain this job, because it was hard enough to get. I had been putting an application after and application. I think that I had worried Franklin County so much. Because every day, I would go up to the Franklin County and I’m like, do you got any openings today? No, not today. I went so much until they finally told me, you don’t have to come up here every day. We got your phone number; if we got an opening, we will call you. Believe it or not, I got a phone call on a Saturday asking me to go to work for the survey crew. And it was only going to last about six weeks. They were building SR-16, a road up out of Mesa. And I worked on that until the completion and then I went over to working for them. But that was one of the kind of bad issues for me because I had to live with that, and pretty soon it just got so that I just let it roll off my back, okay. I can remember working out on the Road 32, 36, 38 in that new housing area off of River Haven, and they were putting in these oil streets. Now we got a tanker truck with the oil spouts running off the back of it and it’s shooting tar out onto the ground at 440 degrees. In order to keep the tar from getting on the curbing, they had me and another guy to walk along with a sheet of ply board. He had one end with the rope and I had the other end with the rope, and we kind of drug it along the edge of the ground and kept even with the truck so that they nozzle was right in the middle, you see. They’re squirting the tar there and it’s not getting on the curb in that River Haven area. The next day, my supervisor says, well, you know, Aubrey we’re going to have Theo to go down there and do blah, blah, blah, blah. And what they did is they took the rope and they nailed it to one end and nailed to the other end. Now, you take this and put it around your neck, and you carry this plyboard along the edge of the curbing, and I’m walking up on the edge of the grass, carrying it on the curbing. But this is the ironic part of it, the nozzle from the spray truck was right in the middle of the board. And when they hit the ground, where does that steam—it’s going to come back up. Man, I would have so much tar on my face until my eyelids would be stuck open. Because you’re getting that mist that’s coming up off the ground. And then you get so far down the road, you get down to where the curbing is and I would take diesel fuel on a rag and then wipe my face with it so I could get it off of my skin. And that burned your skin a little bit and stuff. But it’s just little stuff like that, that I had to endure in order to keep that job. And I can imagine—which I never heard them make any ridicule, laughing and going on. But when I’d go in in the evening, I would take off my shirt and I’d be out there, man, and I would have tar all over my arms and stuff, on my face, and get it off. No one never said a thing, but it was always was that same old thing. Whenever there was a demeaning work or anything to be done, it was always, hey, Aubrey. Come over here and dig this ditch, come over here and do that. Me and a guy, we was out unloading cross-ties off of a truck. We were building a fence out there at Chiawana Park. I remember, he would catch one end, I’d catch the other end and we’d throw them on the ground. Another guy driving the truck along. He drops the doggone thing on my finger. Finger fills full of blood, right, aching like you wouldn’t believe. It was this finger right here. And he says, aw, you’re just being a cry baby. He had this sharp knife, he took it and drills a hole in and it let the blood out. Well, when the blood popped out, then the pressure went off and it quit hurting. So we kept throwing cross-ties. The next morning when we went out there to go do it, they sent him to go do something else. Well, Aubrey you can throw those cross-ties off by yourself. You don’t need him. So that’s what I had to do, unload that whole truck by myself with the cross-ties. You see, it was like I had to strain to do it. And I was a pretty good size fella, nice and strong, and stuff. But it was a strain trying to drag them things off of there and then drop them right beside the hole and stuff. When it would have been just as easy with a guy, got it done much faster with two people doing it. Instead of saying—what I’m saying is, I always got the demeaning jobs working for them, and I worked for them for 13 years. I finally managed to get truck driver wages and then later on I got to run motor grader. And as my supervisor says, he said, boy, you’re the best in the business. Because I learned how to do stuff on the motor grader that most people couldn’t do. I could do it backwards. My supervisor, he would look and he had been a motor grade operator and he says, I don’t see how you do it. I said, well, see, it’s real simple; but I would never tell him. See, you got a level in your butt if you know it. So if you’re going down the road, and the road tips and your body is go over this, your body equilibrium always is going to keep you sitting straight up. Even though the road is set like this, your body is going to tip back the opposite way, you understand? And so all you got to do is keep your body sitting straight up all the time. So whether its tipped like this, your body just want to keep it set, so the machine is tipped over, so you’re still keeping the same cut. To me it was simple, so if I’m going backwards, say, like, we’re fixing a crosscut, I’d push across the hole, pick the mobile up, drop it on its side and then I would just drag it backwards. So if the machine started to tip this way, I would push over to this side and raise my body back up. So I could do stuff. And he says, well I’ve never seen nobody do it like that. But I never did tell them how to do it. They would always come and get me. They had one guy which was the lead operator and we were building the new road. Hey, Aubrey, I want you to run first and let him run behind you. And, boy, he would be so mad. Because my supervisor say, you go straight; he goes crooked. He wants the shoulder of the road to be cut straight. So I’d get in that thing, and what I would do was I’d look down the road and I’d pick out a fixed object and just head to it and just keep it between your legs. That would keep you going straight. And he’d be doing like this here. He would go and so it would be crooked. It was a lot of stuff that I had to go through working for them. It showed me the bad side of a person in a good way. I learned that you have to go through a lot to get a little bit. Now that I’m at the age I am, I can look back and I can see all the bad stuff. What I try to do is not to duplicate what I see. That’s why I say, there is so much hatred in the world, and for no reason that it is, other than just ignorance. People have to learn how to get over it and start doing better by everybody else. Because I wouldn’t want the same thing to happen to them that happened to me. So why would I do the same thing that happened to me to them? You don’t. Seemed like that should have been a lesson that should have been learned a long time ago. It’s like—I hate to hear this term, illegal aliens. See to me, an alien is somebody come from outer space. Why can’t they just be illegal immigrants? But it’s a demeaning word that’s used when all of us was immigrants to this country. I mean, I was born here, but this is not originally where we came from. We all migrated here one way or the other, by force or by choice. Everybody wants some of the horn of plenty. That’s what this is, the horn of plenty. That’s why everybody wants to come to America. And so, it’s like, I got it, you want it, you can’t have it. By all means, it’s like, keep everybody out of it that you don’t want to have none of it, and the ones that’s here that want some of it, you try to deprive them of having it. It’s not a good thing and it’s racist, for number one, and it’s bad. I don’t know how people can live with themselves at the end of the day when they go home. Do they ever think about it? And they’ll pray to the same god that I’m praying to. And I wonder, do they ever think about the consequences of their actions? And if someone did the same thing to them that’s being done, how would they feel about it? You know. Franklin: What about your parents’ work, education, I’m thinking specifically about Hanford. How long did each of your parents work out at Hanford? Johnson: Well, my mom, she worked there, probably like two or three years, until they phased out that area. Because I can remember in the ‘50s, she was still working out there in the Hanford Area, in the cafeteria. She did dishwashing, waiting on tables and stuff like that. Like I said, I was so young until, I really didn’t get a chance to really hear a lot about what she did. I know she married a guy named Eddie Gix and he worked out there. I can’t remember—he wasn’t in engineering, because he didn’t have that kind of education—he worked in the machine shop. So he had to get some type of formal training from wherever he had worked at before, or whatever he did, he was shown how to do it and then that’s just what you did. Franklin: This would’ve been your stepfather? Johnson: Yeah, Eddie Gix. Franklin: Was he Caucasian or black? Johnson: He was black. Franklin: How long did your father work for Hanford? Johnson: He didn’t work for Hanford. My father he worked for the railroad. Eddie Gix, he worked for Hanford, and my mom she worked out there at Hanford. Franklin: How old were you when your mom married Eddie? Johnson: She married him in, probably about ‘49, ‘50, probably about ‘50, ‘51 somewhere in there. So I was real little, yeah. Like I said, my dad, see, he left. Franklin: Oh, right. So, Eddie, you were close to-- Johnson: Yeah, I was real close to him. As a matter of fact, I even carried his name until I got into high school. I went into school as Gix, Aubrey Gix, G-I-X. Some of my friends, they see me right now and they’ll say, aren’t you Aubrey Gix? And I’m like, yeah, that was the name I went through in school, but I’m actually a Johnson. That was my dad’s name, and that was my birth name. But Eddie Gix was the person that I could emulate, that I cared about. Having a step-parent is the one that do the most with you, it’s the one you care the most about. Franklin: How long did Eddie work at Hanford? Johnson: I don’t know, actually, how long he had worked there, because I believe he was probably working there before him and my mom got together. I’m sure he was. But until, probably about ‘54, ‘55, five or six years somewhere in that period that he worked there. Because in, oh, probably about ‘56, somewhere in there, that’s when they separated. What happened is that he was working on the dam by then down at The Dalles. And he came up missing, so everybody thought—because they did a search for him and everything—thought that he had fell off in the water and had drowned, but he hadn’t. He had took off and went to Chicago. We found out, oh, probably about fifteen years later, he got in contact with one of our friends, my mom’s friends. He looked in the phone book and he’d seen their name in there and he called them and then they got in contact with my mom and then she was in contact with him. He had left and went to Chicago and stayed with his sister and did whatever. I didn’t really ask a whole lot of question about why or what or what he was doing. All I know is he was gone. By then, my mom, she had moved on. So she was just taking care of me and my sister, the best that she could. She didn’t have a husband. She finally got married in the ‘70s, yeah, the latter part of the ‘70s, she finally got married again. I don’t know what happened to that marriage, because I left and went to California. When I came back, that was over. I don’t know whether they was compatible, or if she was mean and talked too much, or what the situation was, you know. Franklin: Could you describe any interactions you or your parents had with people from other parts of the Tri-Cities area that stand out to you? Johnson: My mom, she was kind of a private person, so we didn’t really visit a lot. She had a couple friends that she visited with that I looked up to. Other than going to church, we didn’t really interact that much with other people because she worked two jobs, so she was too tired to really interact. We went to church. She didn’t go every Sunday, because she was trying to fix something to eat for us, and she’d just be tired. Franklin: Mm-hmm, oh, yeah, I can imagine. Johnson: She had, Aunt Etta Bee, was one of her best friends who—that’s what we called her, Aunt Etta Bee—her and her husband, and they lived down the street and they were best friends. They would go back and forth to visit with each other. We would do the boat races, that was the big thing, the Water Follies, back in the ‘50s and ‘60s. We would go to that every year; that was a big event for us. Watch those boats go down at Sacagawea Park go back and forth. They were doing like the circuit, it was the little hydroplanes; it wasn’t the big stuff they have now, the unlimiteds. Your pen not working? Franklin: Oh, yeah, I guess. Oh, there it goes. Johnson: Oh, okay. Franklin: It’s got plenty of ink, I just haven’t used it for a while. I wanted to ask you, where did you go to school? Johnson: I went to school, grade school at the naval base, that was my kindergarten. I went to Whittier School for a couple years before going over to Longfellow and then back to Whittier School in fifth grade, fourth, fifth grade. Then over to Emerson school, sixth grade, and then to McLoughlin, and then from McLoughlin to the high school. I got ran over working for the Franklin County Road Department. I got my foot crushed and so I got rehab and I went to CBC and I took, I think it was about a year-and-a-half, and I took a welding course. I went to school at night and completed that and got a certificate of welding, a certified welder. That was basically my schooling, was right there, just right there in Pasco. Franklin: How did segregation or racism affect your education? Johnson: It didn’t give me anyone to emulate was number one. Because there was no black people there with a higher education, that I knew of, to really want to emulate. I heard about this guy called, I think his name was Duke Washington, and he had went to college. CW Brown and Norris Brown, they were basketball players for Richland Bombers, and that was in ‘50s. There wasn’t nothing about academic subjects that made me want to be anything of a lawyer or a doctor, or anything like that so it didn’t really impact my education. Racism, it didn’t really hold me back from getting an education, because you could’ve went to school. But there was nothing there that enhanced—I didn’t hear about a lot of stuff when I went to school, that the other kids heard about. I’m sure that they never told us about going to college. That wasn’t a thing that I heard about, going to college when you get through with high school. It was just like, try to go to high school and get a high school diploma so that you can go and get a job working in various work forces out here in the area, or getting into an apprenticeship program or something like that. Franklin: That’s a really good way to put it. You were able to get one, but the structure of it was one that, you didn’t have role model—no role models, there were no successful blacks for you-- Johnson: No, there wasn’t. I think there were a few older guys, I think Tom Jackson, it that was his name, he used to be a school teacher when he was down in Texas. I didn’t know nothing about him. Joe Jackson, he was the first black mayor of Pasco, and he was a city councilman, and he was a dear friend of mine until dying here just a year ago. Franklin: Yeah, I’ve been trying to talk to his brother-- Johnson: Webster? Franklin: Webster, he’s been very reluctant. I shouldn’t say that on camera, but I’m going to have coffee with him this Friday. So hopefully, we’ll-- Johnson: Yeah, they just live right there on the same street, so Joe, he and I, we’d go down and sit there and solve the problems of the world, we’d sit and talk about different stuff like that. He was a person of higher education, but he was an engineer. By the time that I was aware that he was an engineer, it was like, I was up in my 20s. It’s just like saying, hey, I want to be an engineer. Well, what is an engineer? There wasn’t nothing that was in school, to me, that set apart that was something that I wanted to do. To me, I was like manual. I need to get into something that I can use my hands with, to be able to do. Franklin: Right, because your parents worked, your friends’ parents worked. Johnson: That’s all I saw, was work. Franklin: Yeah, yeah. That makes sense. Kind of on the flipside of that, who were some of the people that influenced you as a child? Johnson: Heh. Phew. Now that’s a hard one there. Because, like I said, there was really no big influence that was there for me. And I guess, maybe watching TV? It was just, I just didn’t see it. For me my influence was just work. When I would pass the truck lines and I would see diesel trucks out there, I was intrigued, like, man, I would really want to drive one of those. Well, up here it was ran by Caucasian people, so it was my thing just to be able to get up in it and see what it looked like. I worked for a guy named Hezza Thompson. No, his name was Ezra Thompson, and he stayed out here by Connell and he was a farmer. A friend of mine and I, we were just looking for work and we was passing by his farm. I’m like, hey, let’s go down and see if he got something we can do. So we did and he looks around and he says, well, I got a bunch of tumbleweeds out there. He says, you boys can go out there and cut them. And I’m like, yeah, okay. My thing was, never ask a man how much he’s going to pay you if you want a job. Just go and do the job and get paid whatever he give you when get done. We went out there and we was cutting tumbleweeds until when end of the day came, he says, I’ll tell you what, why don’t you come back tomorrow. I came back the next day and went out there. And he raised Hereford cows, bulls, and we went out there and did some more tumbleweeds. He asked me, he said, well, I got a fence I want to build. He says, you want to come out the next day and I’m like, sure. So I went out there the next day and he had a diesel truck out there and it was loaded with posts for fencing. He said, you know how to drive that truck? I said, yeah. [CHUCKING] He says, well then just go ahead and unload it, he says, and when you get through unloading here, just drive it down a ways and then unload. Because it was on a flat bed. I’m like, yeah, okay. Of course it has instructions right up there in the truck. All you got to do is just put in one gear and I knew how to drive a stick-shift, a manual. I got up in the truck and I looked up there and I kind of read it, because he was gone. And then I figured where it said air brake and then I pushed it—pssssheeeew--the brake went off and then I put it over in first gear and pulled my foot off the clutch—rrrr—and just kind of walked along, like, man, I would just really like to drive this on the highway, because I want to get out of just one gear. So that right there was intrigue for me, just to be in that truck. I worked all the way until the end of the day, until I got down to the end of the line. That was my thing with the truck. I would see different guys out on bulldozers and I’m like, man, I would love to just run one of those bulldozers to get on it. I never did get a chance to get on a bulldozer or a tractor, anything like that. So it was just trucks. When I got the opportunity to go into trucking, that’s what I did. I drove truck, and I drove truck for years. When I was moving furniture I drove truck down there, in Northern California for about four or five years. That was my thing, just being the guy thing was driving the big truck, do the big rigs and stuff. I got on a bulldozer—I worked for George Gant. He had his own construction stuff. We was out doing the fairground, we did that over in Kennewick, the center part of it. It used to be like a dump site and we leveled all that off and made it to what it is now and he had this big D9 Cat he had rented. He said, do you think you can handle that? And I’m like, well, yeah. I jumped on it and I was driving, I drove maybe one pass with it. When I backed up, it took so long to get from point A to point Z, to push that load of dirt that you had in front of it, I was done. I backed it up and I got off of it and I went and got back on the motor grader. Because you could see your quick results. That was just, you move a whole lot of earth at one time, but that was too slow for me so I never want to run a bulldozer after that. Franklin: You mentioned bussing and I just wanted to know, was that bussing of the integration bussing kind, or did you just catch the bus to go to school? Johnson: It was the integration bus. That was the ideal thing is to bring the kids from the east side and the black kids to the west side in order to bring the kids together. Because they brought kids, Caucasian kids, et cetera, from the west side of town over to integrate and went to Whittier School. There was black kids going to Whittier and then there was Caucasian kids that was raised in the area that was there and then from out of town and we went back and forth. That was something that I went through was the bussing at that time, back and forth. Franklin: How long did that go on for you? Johnson: All the way up to high school. Franklin: What do you remember about that? What was it like to go to school with kids who weren’t in your neighborhood, and to leave the confines of the neighborhood? Johnson: You know, let me tell you a short story. A bulldog will hunt if he like you. He’s not a hunting dog, but he will hunt if he like you. So is that, when I went to school with kids that was outside of my neighborhood, I was as I am to you. Just like you’d say I’ve been knowing you all my life. I interacted with the other kids, and the kids liked me so well until I had a few friends that I brought home with me to spend the night. And I went and asked their parents, hey, Jerry wants to come and spend the night with me, you think it’d be okay? Well, if it’s okay with your parents, it’s okay. They came and spent the night with me and we went to a wingding and stuff, and it was just like the time of his life, the times that we spent together and there was a few kids that were like that in school. But up until I got into junior high school, it was that we were all as one, everybody just played together, we had fun together—there was really no really racial issues with the kids. They parents was probably racist, and I didn’t really go to their houses and stuff. It’s just like, there was no reason for me to go to the west side because I didn’t live over there. So I basically stayed over in my own neighborhood and did my own thing. But I went over to the west side to go to school with the kids, and when that was over with, I went back over. Whatever they views was at they house, I didn’t get a chance to see it, I didn’t hear it, because when they came to school we were just all kids playing together, going to school together and having fun. When we got into high school, I think that was at the time when kids got to be promiscuous as girls and stuff. They were afraid of the interracial thing, not having to be around those boys. I mean boys, period, and then especially the black boys and stuff. Because you want to not have that interracial thing, and so it was almost something that was forbidden. At school we kind of associated a little bit but not a lot. That’s why I was saying about going to the reunion, is that I didn’t socialize with those kids when we went. It was kind of like—shh. Standoffish-type of a thing when you got on the one-on-one. But as long as we was sitting in the classroom, it was okay. But outside of the classroom, it was a different thing. I remember going to a parade downtown and the girls that were on the float was throwing candy. And all of us kids from school, we’re all just standing out there and we are running and grabbing candy. Some candy fell on my feet, and me being the dummy, I said, ooh, look! And when I did that the kid that was standing next to me jumped down and picked it up. And I’m like, well, hey that’s my candy! And he said, no, I picked it up. It’s mine. But they gave me half of it. That made the connection with us kids to be closer, even though I’m sure at their homes, their parents probably told them something that was completely different. My mom told me, she said, don’t bring them to my house if you can’t go to their house. And she was talking about girls. Not no boys—girls, Caucasian girls. She said, do not bring them here if you can’t go there. She was instilling in me a racist-type scenario, because I knew I couldn’t go to their house and so I didn’t bring them to my house. Let me tell you the story. I remember we had went to a teenage club, was called Avery’s. And there was a couple girls that would come over on the east side and go to the club. One was Ginger Frohlich and this other girl, her parents—what was her name? Anyway, it was this other girl. And we were just friends, we weren’t dating or none of that kind of stuff. I had a car. And this one girl, she asks me, she said, let me drive your car. We’re in high school and I’m about 17 years old and I’m like, okay. We were driving the car and I remember we went down on Oregon Street and when we got down to the corner of A Street and turned on A Street, we were getting ready to go to her house. And the police the police was coming up the street. She had her lights on bright because you flicked the lights before you dim them, that’s when the dimmer switch was on the floor. And I told her, I said, dim your lights. And she said, what? I said, dim your lights. So she stepped on the dimmer switch, the police makes a U-turn, and he comes and he pulls us over. He asks for a driver’s license, she showed it to him and stuff. She had just turned 18. I was still 17. His question was to her, what are you doing over here? Because it was on the east side. And she says, well, I was over here at the teenage club and I was on my way going home. He says, okay, you get there right now. And this is in Pasco, okay, and I’m going to follow you home to make sure that you get there. We’re driving on and she was living on 14th. Janet Khan, her dad owned Khan Construction. When we crossed Sylvester Street, they lived in a duplex right down the street, a duplex. When we got to the house, their parents were standing out in the yard with their bathrobe on. Meanwhile she says, just before we got to her house, she says, where do you guys want me to drop you guys off at? And I said, what do you mean, drop us off? Because you’re driving my car. You’re not dropping me off nowhere. She said, oh my god, what am I going to do? We pull up in front of the house and meanwhile the police gets out and their parents is walking over. They had called to the dispatch, the dispatch had called their parents and—okay. They didn’t read her the riot act or none of that when I was there, because once she got out of the car I just slid over in the driver’s seat and it just pulled on off and went on. But then that made me realize that she didn’t want her parents to know that she had been over there on the east side, socializing with us black kids. That just kind of put a wedge between the camaraderie that we had. At school we could be one way, but then when we wasn’t at school in the private sector, then it was a completely different story. And it was kind of a bad thing but, hey, it is what it is. Franklin: Did you ever have any relationships with any Caucasian girls, growing up? Johnson: Oh yeah. After I got older. Franklin: After you got older. Johnson: Yeah, after I got older, I did. I had a relationship with a Caucasian girl, matter of fact, she’s an attorney now. But I didn’t have many. Matter of fact, I didn’t have many relationships with girls, period. Because my mom, she made me stay at home. So I was in my 30s before I had a relationship with a Caucasian girl. But my mom she always made sure that I was at home, working and doing stuff like that. Something that was kind of like—I want to interject it, that I hadn’t even thought of—she had (?) because we used to go swimming a lot in the summertime and that was to keep us active and doing stuff, and basically not getting into trouble or doing stuff that the other kids may do. We’re at the swimming pool, your parents know where you’re at, they don’t have to worry about nobody kidnapping you, or doing nothing to you, and then my mom would come and pick us up. I often wondered, after I got in my 50s—my mom would take us to the Pasco Carnegie Library. And we would go over there, and we would read books, and we joined the book club. A few years ago, I was at the Pasco City Hall and they have the showcase with memorabilia and different stuff in it, and I’ve seen this paper that was in there. It was on the celebration of x amount of years the Carnegie Library had been there. But when I started reading it, and it was saying that a library book club that they had back in 1957 or somewhere in there, and then it started naming off all these kids that had participated and completed. I saw my sister’s name and it said Elaine Gix, because I told you that we were going under Gix name. And when I saw that, I said, well, my name got to be in there. When I read down, got almost to the bottom of it, there my name was. I was so excited until I started yelling, there’s my name! And this guy walks up and says, where? I’m like, right there, that’s me, that’s me! Because I had completed that. The point that I’m going to make with that, the parallel of this is, that every day my mom would take us to the library. Of course, we didn’t want to go to the library; we wanted to go and play. And back in those early days, man, I’m talking about hot. See, there wasn’t all these trees around here to absorb and put off oxygen for it to be cool. It was like a 108, 110, 116. I mean, there was days when it was 120. It was hot. My mom would always say, you can’t go outside and play because you’ll get sun stroke. So she would take us to the pool. And then she would take us the library. You know what, I was in my 50s, if not in my 60s when I realized why she took us to the library. It was so they had air condition. We didn’t have to be out there in the sun. So the days that we didn’t go to the pool, we went to the library. At our house, we didn’t have no air condition. Until up in the latter years and we got an old swap cooler and it was so humid. Then she would be there to try to cook and stuff and she would come and pick us up at 5:00 in the evening and bring us home so that we could eat. When I thought about it just a few minutes ago, the things that they did to ensure that we had a good simple life, that you don’t even think about. And you know what, it was just amazing that I even thought about that. It was really good to be a kid, being brought up then. I learned how to be visual at that age because I never got a book that was all words. I always got a book that had pictures. I could look at a picture, and a picture’s worth a thousand words. After you completed reading a book, you had to go and give an oral report to the librarian of what you read. She would take the book, and she would be thumbing through it. Man, I could be so precise about what I read in the book, but I absorbed part of the writing of what I read, but it was the pictures that told the story. Because I’d always get a book that had pictures in it. It told the whole story for me. That was why I was so amazed when I saw my name, because then it reflected back is that, how I made it through that. And you had to read a total of maybe 20 books within a month’s period of time. That was a lot of reading. Now, my sister, she could read so fast until the teacher would tell her, slow down. Because, boy, it was just like—prrrrrr. Franklin: I loved doing the reading club when I was a kid, too. It wasn’t because of the AC, but, yeah, my mom would us out of trouble. Go down to the library and do the summer reading program. Johnson: It was basically the same. Keep us out of trouble, and to me, it was the air conditioning because we didn’t have no air condition. And I’m a lot older than you, so you probably had AC in your house and all of that, so it was just to read. I’m sure that had something to do with it because they were trying to figure out how they was going to make it so that it would be easier on us. Because she would always say, I don’t want you to go through what I went through. You need to learn how to do this, this and that. And for my sister, it was like, you need to get an education. But me, son, you need to get out there and do this. Son, you need to get out there. She made sure that I had to be manual. Franklin: It was still important, though, for her to—going to the library was an experience that she wouldn’t have had as a kid. So, practical reasons but also important—yeah. Johnson: Exactly. It’s just like going to school to be a welder or a plumber, everybody is not able to go to CBC or to a college and get a master’s degree. But I mastered my skill. I have mastered being a cosmetologist. I know the theory of it, I have years of hands-on, I am a master at what I do. When I went to school, I could show my instructor stuff that they would just sit there in amazement and like, wow, how did you learn that? A lot of stuff, I created myself, like doing finger waves and stuff like that. And I still do them, and good at them. I could show you some pictures on my cell phone. Anyway, it was just, impacted my life so much of the little simple things that had happened growing up as a kid that I really didn’t think about until after I got to be older, to see the things that my parents had to go through in order to make sure that I was able to take care of myself. I think that was the whole idea. And my mom could look at me and say in her mind, he’s not going to be the one that goes to college and gets no degree. If he can just learn how to do something to where he can take care of himself and put food on the table and put clothes on your backs—that’s all they were really looking for then because everything was simple. It wasn’t like living in a $300,000 house when you could live in a $20,000 house and be perfectly comfortable. Because in a $300,000 house, all you got is just more bills, you know? And you got a certain level of expectation that goes along with it. You got to keep it in a certain condition and all of that. There’s only three things you’re going to do in any house, I don’t care how big or how small: eat, sleep, use the bathroom. You can do that in a cardboard box. [LAUGHTER] Seriously. Franklin: Yeah. So I wanted to ask—since your mom, for a small time, worked out at Hanford, and your stepfather worked at Hanford, I wanted to ask, what was your reaction, or what do you know about your parents’ reaction to learning that they had kind of worked at a site that was crucial to the development of nuclear weapons? Johnson: That was something that was never discussed. Matter of fact, I don’t know whether they even really realized what Hanford was doing, when they were doing plutonium and all of that—because I had heard that they had built the mechanism for the atomic bomb and all this different kind of stuff—that they really realized what they were doing when they were working there. Because I heard just recently when they came and that a lot of guys, black people were doing the cement work and stuff for these reactors and all of that, and they was going down there and digging holes and doing different stuff and they wasn’t told what detriment that that was having on their body. And, hey, later in 30 or 40 years you’re going to have cancer. They wasn’t told that, even though the government knew it. But it was like, hey, we got to get this work done, we got to have somebody down here to do it. So, who are we going to get to do it? And that’s just the way that it was. I don’t think that it was something that was discussed; it was just a job. You didn’t really realize what you were doing. One of the things that really upset me with this Hanford thing is, because I know of a lot of people, black people that ended up with cancer. Man, it took them forever to get any money out of that, when the Caucasian people had been getting paid all the time. And you go to the doctor and then you’d send all your research papers and stuff back, and then they’d say, well, you need this, or you don’t quite have all that together. And it was years, and years, and years, because there was no awareness there. There was no person that was really reaching out from Hanford to make you aware of the moneys and the stuff that they had out there for you to receive. A lot of times, I think people was already dead. And then they family members or somebody didn’t tell you, hey, your dad died and he died from cancer; you probably need to get into contact with them out there to see if there’s any moneys that you are due because of his death from working in that. It took them 20, 30, 40 years. I know John Mitchell, he just got his money and he was in that plutonium incident that they had out there. Before he died—I think he’s been dead maybe five or six years or something like that. And he just got paid. And he was in it back in the ‘50s. It’s like totally ridiculous. To me, I don’t know if you want to put it on say, being racist, but why are we so uninformed as black people about the benefits and the conditions of where you at? Why are you putting me in harm’s way? It just—pfff—it kind of just blows my mind. Another thing I want to touch on, I had brought a couple of things that I had did. They were just like this one right here. I was one of the persons that—and I’m going to let you read it—that help formulate and start it—I was the first Acting Secretary of East Pasco Better Development Association. I did an interview with a reporter. As you read down, Aubrey Johnson said, blah, blah, blah, blah as we went all the way down, okay? And it just behooved me that when they came out that weekend and we were out doing the cleanup, is that they took a picture of the Caucasian person, which was the president, to show that we were out there. Why didn’t you take a picture of all of us out there cleaning up? You understand what I’m saying? And to me it’s like, we want to put the captain at the helm, and to show it. When I mentioned it to him, he said the same thing to Dennis. He says, I don’t know why they put my picture on there, why they didn’t put everybody’s picture on there that was out there doing the cleanup. And it takes the emphasis off, in my mind, of what it was all about. And it goes on, well, Aubrey Johnson said, blah, blah, blah, blah, and he was a person that helped start this thing and yadda yadda-- Franklin: They also misspelled your name, is it A-U-B? Johnson: A-U-B-R-E-Y. Franklin: Yeah, they also misspelled your name. Johnson: [LAUGHTER] Like my daughter told me, she said, Dad you get no credit. And I’m like, yeah, honey I understand how that is. Franklin: Yeah, they spelled it A-B-R-E-Y. I almost missed it for a second, because I was like-- Johnson: Yeah, who is that. And they misspelled it and they mispronounced it. And I don’t know why it was, always when I was growing up, I heard them say, well, what’s your name? I’d say, Aubrey. And they would say, well, do you have a short name for that? I’d say, yeah. Aubrey. Well, they’d say Ay-brey. I’m like, what it is about your hearing that you can’t hear Aubrey coming out of my mouth, where you’re trying to make my name be everything else except for Aubrey? Franklin: It’s not really an uncommon name. Johnson: It’s not. Franklin: You’re not the first Aubrey I’ve ever met. Johnson: Yeah, and it’s a Southern name, Aubrey. Yeah. So, I don’t understand why people-- Franklin: What did you know or learn about the prior history of African American workers at Hanford? Johnson: Would you repeat that? Franklin: What did you know or learn about the prior history of African American workers at Hanford? You mentioned a bit that you knew that they had built some of the reactors and poured the concrete. I’m just wondering, were you ever interested in learning or did you ever take it upon yourself to learn about the contributions of African Americans at Hanford? Johnson: I know a lot of them were scientists, because I have a some of my friends that are scientists that work out there for Hanford, engineers and stuff like that. But I never really talked about them—I have a nephew that works out there and he says, well, I work on the Star Wars project. It’s stuff that they do that they don’t talk about, you know what I’m saying. It’s kind of held in secrecy, so you don’t get chance to really ask a whole lot of questions about a whole lot of things that they do. Other than doing the manual part of, oh, I run the copy machine, I work for the Federal Building, I do this and I do that. It’s just menial things. But as far as them being able to tell you exactly what they did, a lot of it was held in secrecy, and so they couldn’t tell you. Not only that, I didn’t have a whole lot of interest in it, so I didn’t ask them a whole of questions about it. It’s like, even today, the only thing that I’m glad of is that I didn’t go out there to work. Because I’m telling you man, I see a lot of my friends with cancer that’s all of a sudden. And I mean young guys! Some of them are younger than me, and women, cancer, And where are they getting it from? They got it from out there. Franklin: What do you think is the most important legacy of the Hanford Site? Johnson: It brought a lot of work here to the area, it opened up the doors so that pretty much anybody could get a type of job. Even though you started off at the bottom as being a custodian, and kind of like, if you stayed there long enough you might be able to work your way up to a management part of it. If you was—a lot of the black people that’s here that’s in scientist and managers and stuff like that, mostly came from other areas, Savannah River, different places like that to come out and fulfill the needs of the scientists and stuff like that. But there wasn’t homegrown to go out there and work. So it’s like the basic person, if you get to be a manager or you got a BA degree and you could go to work, you might make it up to be a manager. But if you don’t have an interest in scientist, or if you’re not in drafting, or engineering, you’re just a basic hands-on scheduler or whatever, it pays good money and it gives you the chance to have a better living condition, better home, more money to spend for yourself and for your kids. Franklin: What were the major civil right issues for African Americans at Hanford and in the Tri-Cites? Johnson: Civil rights. Civil rights in Pasco was—I remember one time we had a march over in east Pasco. And we marched all the way downtown. I think it was in the latter part of the—no, it had to be in the—see, I was working for Franklin County Road Department, started work there in ’66. So it had to be probably about ’68, somewhere right in there. I think if you research it you’ll find that someone set a tree on fire up there at Volunteer Park. But we had a march from east Pasco and someone had set a cross over there at Whittier School and set it on fire. And we marched all the way downtown, and we was chanting, We Will Overcome the conditions that they had. And it was basically an outcry for the whole United States of America, because it was from the South. Some of the same conditions that they had in the South depriving you of the economics, the fair housing, all of that was things of concern. When they did that east Pasco—not east Pasco development, but the co-op, and the reclaiming that area and they built the housing project. Oh my, I’m getting lost here in my thought because there is a point that I want to make, is that, my thought is just gone on that one right there, because there was a point that I wanted to make about that and it was during that period of time. Oh, I know what it was, is that, when they came in and bought your houses, they gave you a little bit of money—so what they did, my mom had a little house, a little shot gun house that my mom had bid on. They gave her x amount of dollars for the house, but we kept the land. And so what we did, we built another house which is the one that is there now. The contractors that they had to do it, as far as I’m concerned, they didn’t have no inspectors or they just didn’t care. Because the houses that they built was half-built, it wasn’t built right. They guy that puts in the patio door is either put in backwards, because the screen should be on the outside not on the inside. That door should’ve been over here. But you wouldn’t walk in from this end because you’re up against a dead wall. So they put it in anyway. Or like the dishwasher, they put it in and there was nothing for it to bolt to except for the little edge that was about a quarter strip wide and they put two screws to hold that in there and what is the vibration going to do? Tear it up. So my mom never did use it. She’d wash dishes in the sink. Because it busted that. And I was like, Mom, they’re not doing that right. Now, son you’re just—just leave that alone now. They know what they doing. Since she was from the South, never having a voice, she didn’t want to really complain a whole lot about the construction of the house. But I didn’t live there, and I’m looking at it being done. And I’m like, Mom, they’re not doing this right. I’m not a carpenter, but I mean some stuff you can just see. It’s like, in our hallway, if you put a sheet of ply-board, you don’t carry it into the living room and then cut it. You could look up there and you’ll see this long piece of ply-board go across like this and back, sheetrock. Then there’s an edge where that protruded—that should’ve been cut off flush at the wall and then the next sheet of ply-board going all the way across it, or sheetrock. Why they did that and how they could get away with it, I don’t know. I went to put a ceiling fan in in the kitchen. Well, you know what? When I went to screw the screws in, there was nothing to screw them into. Because it had to be a hole this big and the light fixture sit over here on the side, and all that was over there was like tape and they had puttied over it. When I went to put in the screws, it just went straight through into nothing, no sheetrock. It is like, the ceiling fan is there, but you can only use the light. Because if you turn it on, it does like this. Franklin: Oh my gosh. Johnson: I didn’t take it down; I just left it, but I don’t use it. Stuff like that it. It just half-done. And the inspectors for the city allowed it to happen, because they didn’t go behind them and check what they was doing. I think that they gave the bids to all these private contractors to do stuff looking for the federal government to ensure that it’s being done right. But the city government is contracting it out and then Bob Smart, he built all those houses over there and they was all done wrong. There was one house, I heard, that got burnt down because they wasn’t doing it right and so they had to go back in and redo it. They burned it down during the era of the black movement, with the Black Panthers and stuff. To make them redo it. Stuff like that, it just irritated me to no end. And as I got to be an adult, and I’d go down and I would look, and I would say stuff to my mom. And she would say, you know, son, just leave that alone. I don’t want to make waves with. Franklin: Was there a local Black Panther organization here? Johnson: They came from Seattle. Franklin: They came from Seattle. How long—did they come and set up shop for a while or would they just come over from-- Johnson: They would just come over. They came down and recruited a few people from the Tri-Cities area that was interested in getting involved. But there was no big movement over here. It was kind of like a hush-hush-type situation. Because if you can’t get a big movement of people involved and you only got maybe ten people involved in the Black Panther, then you really don’t have no Black Panthers. Franklin: Were they welcome in the community? Johnson: Well, yeah, of course. Because, see, Black Panthers—people look at it like, the first word associated with it is black. It makes you think that it’s something that’s bad. But they wasn’t, they wasn’t bad people, they were trying to get equality. Where you could see something was indifferent or something that wasn’t being done right, they would voice their opinion about it. Because we were so held back from our views, as soon as you had a peaceful organization trying to get something done, all of a sudden the government would paint it as bad organization. And it would make everybody think that these people are really bad. The name of Black Panther, they associated with Huey Newton down in San Francisco. What they were trying to do is to help the people rise above the poverty level. They was distributing food, they were doing medication, they were doing doctors and all that. But how did they paint the picture? They painted the picture like it was a bad organization of people. But then once they got to be so big and then when the government come in and tried to remove you through force, hey, there was a person that you had to reckon with, because they fought back. That’s what they don’t want. They don’t want you to fight back. They want you to do everything in a peaceful manner, but they are the ones with the guns that come near you. In Philadelphia, when they burned that, blowed up that whole city block of people just to try to get a few people. That’s the government that is doing that. That’s why I say, there is no win because they got the Air Force, the Army, the National Guard and the Marines. How are you going to win? There is none. So we have to learn how to sit down and discuss it, just like we’re doing, and figure what it is that we can do to get rid of it. I had a friend of mine who said, well, hey, man, why don’t you get involved in the politics or different stuff so that you have a voice? I was like, man, I ain’t interested in that. I was young, and I ain’t interested in that. Don’t nobody want to listen to me. It’s just like, oh, he’s just babbling on, he’s just a radical. If you say how you feel about something in one way, or you show your indifference about the way that things are done, it’s like, if it’s not somebody else’s idea, if you ain’t going along with them, then they don’t want to hear it. The Black Panthers, if it had been enough young people that was involved and organized, I think we could’ve gotten a lot better situations here during the ‘60s. And if we had had a voice or some educated people here, we wouldn’t have gotten taken advantage of, of our properties and stuff that we had, we would’ve got the top dollar for it. Just like, right across the street from where I live, they took some of those same houses that they had to move—they either tore them down or you had to move them. There were some people that had a little bit of money, they bought some of them old houses and moved them over across the other side of the fence and set them up and then lived in them or rented them out. So if they was good enough for you to move them over there and live in, why they wasn’t good enough for them to be over here? But they wanted that industrial area, because they have that corridor all the way to the river, and they got it. They just redefined and reclaimed. Franklin: Yeah. What about the NAACP? Was there a functioning NAACP here? Johnson: There’s not a functioning NAACP now. With Dallas Barnes and Joe Jackson, and his brother, Webster, and I, and a few people, we talk about it all the time trying to get people recommitted and let’s getting that started again. But it’s really hard to, because young people don’t see the struggles that the older people, such as myself, went through to have equal opportunities and stuff like that. There’s no safeguards that we have. The young people don’t see it, so they don’t really understand it and the old people are dying out. So there’s no one to carry that on. When I was in California, I was involved with the NAACP, and my girlfriend and I and stuff. And so there was like job opportunities. There was a Safeway store that people had complained about putting the applications, they didn’t get a job or stuff like that. We had some Caucasian people that was affiliated with us, so we had them to do is some of the black people had put in the application and then we had some of the Caucasian people went down and put in the application. Weeks later, the Caucasian people got hired, but the black people didn’t. So now we got something that’s valid, you understand. So what we did is we boycotted that store. The black people in the community just didn’t go down there and spend no money. We was out there marching with our signs and it was hurting they business so bad until they were like, wow, okay. We’re going to hire three people to work in the butcher shop or blah, blah, blah, blah. So it ended up getting some black people jobs. The NAACP was really good for, as far as I was concerned, job discrimination in various forms, or a lot of times with your employer. The only thing that I saw that was negative to me about the NAACP is that if it didn’t go national, it was really hard to get something done on the local level. To me, that was a negative thing, because you know what? A small concern of yours is worth all the weight in gold to you, but to them, it’s not a big issue. And I don’t feel that you’re being represented the way that you should. When you have to take your concerns to the national level and then they got to view it and see if it’s something that they want to get involved in, to see if they want to help you with that situation. Franklin: Yeah. I wanted to ask, so you talked about local issues, what actions were being taken in the ‘60s and later to address the local civil rights issues? Johnson: We had meetings at a few churches, where some of our black leaders would come together and we would discuss, trying to take a group of people, our church leaders and stuff—like I say, Boise Cascade, and they wasn’t having fair practices as far as hiring and stuff. Voice your issues with them as far as trying to get black people hired out there. The thing was, now you got to go through the employment office to be able to get hired. But now, if you have Caucasian people that’s running the establishment—and I think it was Floyd and Jerry Frasier was working there—you can’t hire black people just because you’re black. See, it was just like when they voted in president Obama. The black people had the illusion that, hey, we got a black president, man, we are going to rise above, he going to be able to do this and that. But the bureaucracy—because he got to get with the Congress, with the Senate, the House of Representatives, and everybody is so bent on trying to keep you from doing as much as you can until you really don’t get the chance to do the things that you could. The black people are now saying, here a few years ago, well, he did nothing for us. Well, it wasn’t so that he did it for us; he did it for everybody. He made it so that no child should be left behind. You have the opportunity, if you could keep a C grade level, then you would be able to go to school, go to college, and you won’t have to pay for it. They’re looking at getting a piece of the rock in their hand just for themselves, but they’re not looking at the big picture. The big picture is that you got to do it for the mass. It’s like asking the question, what did Martin Luther King do? He did it for everybody so they have equality, instead of just for the black people; he did it for everybody. That was the thing here and with our black leaders, the few that we had, was trying to see that we had the opportunity to get good jobs. When they was profiling, you’d go in and you’d have to put down there, the first thing when you put in the application, are you Indian, Native American, Island Indian, they have all these different, black, blah, blah, blah, blah. How do I know that when you see that I’m a black application, you take it over here and drop it in the garbage can or run it through the shredder? The economical thing, it said that you got to hire so many black people on this job in order to fit a quota. So in that period of time, it made it so that you may have 100 Caucasian people working, but you got to have at least ten blacks. That’s 10%. So you have a quota that you have to meet. How do we know that quota is being met? We don’t know. Until you go out and see how many people’s been hired since that point. But now you had 100 people to put in an application, why wasn’t there more? We all put in application for the same job. It should be first come, first serve. Especially for menial work like being a janitor. It’s like, how many janitors did you have, how many people did you have running the Xerox machine? So you kind of had to have somebody to oversee what they were doing, and those were the groups of people that were doing that in order to make it so that it wasn’t being profiled in that way. Because it was very negative. Franklin: Who were some of the important leaders of civil rights efforts in the Tri-Cities? Johnson: Reverend Bill Wilkins; Magee, and I can’t remember what his first name was; Art Fletcher; Tom Jackson, that was Joe Jackson’s dad; Franklin D. Noah, he was an educated man and he was very boisterous, went to city council and different stuff like that. It was even on a smaller level that we had a few people that was, could kind of help out with that civil rights movement. James Pruitt, he was very instrumental. He was a liaison between the police department and the community. Reverend F. A. Allen, he was a pastor at Morning Star, and I know he was one of the spokespersons for some of us as black people. And I’m sure there are some others, I’d have to really think, from the top of my head I don’t remember if C.J. Mitchell was affiliated with it, but I’m sure that he was with the movement. Franklin: What were some of the notable successes of the movement? Johnson: Well, the successes was Kurtzman Park, the job opportunities that we had. Housing, it opened up the doors so that we could buy houses in Kennewick. Which I know you done heard about they didn’t want any black people there anyway. So it kind of opened up that door. I won’t say a whole lot for Richland. I remember when it was just a few people, C.J. Mitchell, the Browns and the Rockamores, when they first bought houses out here in Richland. That movement, that era, opened up the door for us to move up and have a better way of living and better housing and something for our kids to be able to not go through, that’s already been set in place for you. Franklin: What were some of the biggest challenges? Or failures, or kind of things that weren’t solved? Maybe things we’re still struggling with. Johnson: You know what? Since I’m not really in the workforce, I don’t know if it’s the work, but I’m sure that a lot of working conditions at Hanford in particular, is like, I know of several people and this is what I was told, they say, well, we’re going to phase out your job. But I want you to train so-and-so and so-and-so how to do it. So now you actually are losing your job, but you’re training somebody else to do your job. Why would they need you to train somebody else to do what you’re doing—and this is a black person now—and you’re going to give the job to somebody else? What you do is you change the title of the job and then you give it to somebody else, of course you’re doing the same thing. You can say that you phased it out, and now you have to go somewhere else and look for a job. I heard that in several instances from different people that was working out here in the Hanford Area. That’s what they did. The thing that really got me is, with one person it was like almost at the point of retirement, and all of a sudden it’s like, we are going to phase what you’re doing out. If you don’t have the amount of years that it take you to be able to get your full retirement, you got to figure out something else in order to be able to get it. And you got to work back for the government. If there is no government job for you to do, you just kind of, your dream of being able to sit down and do nothing, you end up having to go back to work somewhere else. I’ve seen a few people that do that. I’m like, I don’t understand it you worked out there for all those years to retire, and now you got to go and work somewhere else? Something is wrong with that picture. Franklin: Yeah. Do you have any memories of—you would have been very young, but I wonder if you heard about the Hazel Scott case in 1950. Johnson: I heard about it, as a matter of fact I read about it. When she came, she came to the bus station in Pasco and she tried to eat at the lunch counter. And they refused to let her sit at the lunch counter and eat. She complained about it. I believe that I read in the history that she was married to a Caucasian person. You can probably google that because I had time when I was like, just a couple, two or three months ago, I was telling somebody about it. [PHONE RINGTONE] That’s my girlfriend. Franklin: She’s like, where are you? Johnson: Yeah, are you done yet?, is more likely. Franklin: Did you get abducted by these guys or something? Johnson: Yeah. But that was something that my mom had told me about, her being there and stuff. Because what really got me is, I always wanted to eat at that lunch counter when I was a kid. We would go to the bus station and I would go downtown and get papers from the Tri-City Herald. I’d get ten papers and we got a nickel a piece for selling them. 50 cent was a lot of money for us little kids. And we would go to various places to try to sell these newspapers. I’d go by the bus station and I’d see that big lunch counter in there and stuff. When you go in, there was never no black people in there, there was always Caucasians, and they’d always turn and looked at you. And not only that, even at Woolworth’s, it was the same way. When you went in there to sit down at that lunch counter, the Caucasian people that was in there, they wasn’t used to seeing blacks sitting next to them, eating. So they’d turn and look at you and it made you feel somewhat indifferent to where you’re, hey I’m not going back there anymore. So it was kind of a—[PHONE RINGTONE] Would you please quit? [LAUGHTER] Franklin: Were you directly involved in any civil rights efforts? Johnson: Not really involved, but I participated in the march that they had. That was about as much as I could do, or making people aware, or talking with the black people that was my age and giving them my view about stuff that we need to be trying to do to change ourselves. That was my thing, was trying to keep people motivated, and telling them the things that I think. See, because me, since I wasn’t being raised racist, when I hear somebody saying something that’s racist, then I would try to show them the difference. You don’t need to do that, well, why don’t you do this, do that. Then they’ll make it even better, because now it’s, like a friend told me, if you can educate one person on how not to be racist, he’ll change 100 people. Because he’ll go back and say, hey. Have you ever heard this before? A Caucasian guy walks over to a black guy and he gets annoying—and I’ve had this happen, I’m going to give you a scenario. A friend of mine and I, we went over to the Cowboy Club over on Kennewick Avenue, over in Kennewick, that’s what it was named at the time, I don’t know what it’s named now, because that’s when I used to go to the tavern. Since I was kind of a western-type dude, I used to ride horses and all of that, I had boots on, my hat, my duster and all my gear; my buddy Johnny Mock, he had on his stuff. We went in and we sat down and the bartender came over and gave us a beer. Everybody was looking at us like what are they doing in here. We sat there drinking our beer and stuff. So pretty soon one Caucasian dude, he got up and walked over and says, hey, how you doing? Well, pretty good, how you? My name is Bill. What’s yours? My name is Aubrey. He extended his hand; I shook his hand. Then he just made this little trivia talk. And I told the bartender, I said, hey, give Bill a beer. Man, let me tell you something, when that conversation ended we was best of buddies. You know what he did? He went back and told his buddies, he all right. Next time we went over there, people didn’t look at us the way that they had looked at us the first time we were there. Because they were afraid of the unknown, but because he got educated just that quick, you understand, and he’s like, man, they’re all right. I hear Caucasian people say all the time, man, you’re different than the other people. And I say to them, what other people do you know? Because you’re trying to make it different, but what you’re doing, you’re stereotyping off of something you seen on TV or something that you heard. Because evidently you haven’t interact with enough black people to be able to see what their views is, to see how they feel about the situation. And we all feel, and pretty much bleed the same. We all want the same thing. It’s just that you got it and I want it. That’s the only difference there is. But once you get to know me, you’ll say he’s really a nice guy, he’s not as radical as I thought that he was. But I can be. Yeah, I can be. If you’re doing something to me, brother, you better believe I’m going to put it on you as best I can. But because you don’t see that side. When my friends, when I would hear them saying stuff that was negative or that it was going to be detrimental to them, I’d say, no, you don’t want to do that. This is the way to do it and then you don’t have to deal with that problem. And then it’s like, whoa. That was kind of my thing, as far as the black movement is concerned, is educating your friends that’s around you to emulate what you’re doing. Don’t do what’s expected of you; do something that is totally different, and then you catch everybody off guard. And then they’ll say, wow, he is different than what I thought. I didn’t realize people was like that. And I get that all the time from people. I’m very outspoken about whatever it is. If you don’t want to hear it, don’t ask me. If you don’t want to hear the truth, don’t ask me. Because I’m going to tell you just like it is. Franklin: How did the larger national civil rights movement influence civil rights efforts here in the Tri-Cities? Johnson: It made us aware, because we were looking on the media down South and in Detroit, Chicago, Michigan, and New York. We got a chance to hear a lot about Malcom X, Andrew Young, Abernathy, Revered Martin Luther King, and all the things that they were doing trying to get equality, in all the places. Even though there had been black people in New York area since back in the 1800s that was prosperous, when they redefined the area, when they first came in I think it was 98th or 99th Street, somewhere in there, they came in and they tore all that out in order to be able to build the high rises and all of this and that. The black people was musicians, you had your doctors and your lawyers—and I didn’t know that back then until I started doing a little research on it—to see that we was well-represented back then. When I started looking at the movement, I started seeing the movement in the South. Then I looked at the same movement that was happening, that was in New York, up in that part of the area in the North. The difference was, Martin Luther King was preaching peace; the Black Panthers was, if you do it to me, I’m going to do it back to you. That was the difference. The Black Panthers wasn’t willing to take the head beating, the dog biting, the water hoses and all the rest of what the people in the South had tried to endure through a peaceful movement. That was the difference that really impacted me, because I had two views to look at: a peaceful view, and a positive-negative view. Out of the positive-negative, don’t allow it to happen to you, then it won’t happen. But if you allow it, it becomes a condition. Such as my telling you about the guy calling me Smokey, my supervisor. If I hadn’t been so feared of my job, I could’ve stopped that the first day that he did that. Then he either had to let me go or he wouldn’t’ve did it no more. It’s like looking at the positive out of it and so it’s a positive-negative situation. Franklin: From your perspective and experience what was different about civil rights efforts here, compared to the national effort? Johnson: We didn’t have a big enough movement here; we didn’t have enough people involved. We had too many older people that was afraid. They brought the South here with them. Don’t make waves, just go along with the program, go along to get along. Then the younger people had more of a radical view, and I among them, that is I’m not going to let it happen to me. That was up into the ‘60s, I started feeling like that as far as getting beat up and that type of a thing, is like, that’s not going to happen to me. Franklin: Did it ever happen to you? Johnson: No, sir. No, I never did get beat up, none of that, I never was in no fights, I never was in no fights at school. I kind of missed all of that. Most of the kids didn’t mess with me because I was pretty big. I mean I was skinny and tall, but I was pretty big. I think I got into one fight in junior high school and man, after that was over with-- Franklin: What were your experiences like—did you ever go over to Kennewick, because I’ve heard a lot about—I guess what I want to ask specifically about is sundown laws and the sign. I wanted to ask you if you ever had any experiences with that. Johnson: I never saw the sign. I heard about the sign. The only time that I went to Kennewick, I can really give you some views on that, because I can remember as a little kid my mom took us over to the Roxy Theater that was over there. That was in the daytime, at a matinee, and then we were out of there. I didn’t know nothing about no out-of-there-before-dark. But I can remember in probably about, let’s see, I was in high school, junior high school, probably about ’60, somewhere in there, you still couldn’t live there. It was a Caucasian lady and I can’t remember what she had did, but she had to go to prison, and she had a black lady, name was Martha Walker, I believe, that worked for her. She gave her her house and I can remember it was next to Colers’ grape field. Because I can remember we were going to the grape field—you know what, it might’ve been even in the ‘50s that that happened—they burnt that house down so that no black people could live over there. I can remember, my sister was married to a guy named Dave Dumas and he was—we went over to the dojo that they had over on Kennewick Avenue, which is a karate practice. And when the karate practice was over, we were driving back out of Kennewick, and we were in a Volkswagen and the police pulled in behind us. I told Dumas, I said, man, the police is behind us and he said, yeah, I know. I said, well, make sure you don’t be speeding because you don’t want to get no ticket over here. We were coming out of the highlands, going down and we were going to go down and go on over the overpass and come back into Pasco. We got right to the top of that hill where that church is. The police put his light on us and pulled us over. He comes up and asks for his driver’s license, he shows it to him and he looks all in the car. My sister was sitting in the back and I was sitting in there and him. He asked him, he said, what are you pulling me over for? He said because you was driving too slow. And he says the only reason I was driving under the speed limit is because I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t speeding so you wouldn’t give me no ticket. The officer said, well, what are you doing over here? And he says, well, I just came from karate practice. He says, well, I’m going to tell you something, don’t let me catch you over here no more. And he turned around walked back to his car and we got out of Kennewick. The only time that I can remember going over to Kennewick other than that, we went to the Highland Theater Drive In. And you know where that was, as soon as you get up there, right there on Clearwater, across from Vista. And man, we would go to that theater and then we were out of there. We would go to Sander’s Field was where we had baseball games and when we got through doing baseball, we were out of there. But it wasn’t like, go over there and hang around. Something that I reiterate, you didn’t live over there, so there was no reason to be over there. It wasn’t like, hey, I’m going to go over here and just joy around over here in Kennewick at nighttime. But it was that I found that the police didn’t even want you over there in the daytime. Even since back then, I’ve been pulled over in Kennewick, and get a negative attitude out of the police. Because when he pulls me over the first thing I say when he walks up to the car is, what’s the problem, officer? Do you have your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance? I’m like, I do. And I get it and I give it to him. And I want to know, again, what is the problem? Well, I noticed that your taillight is out or you didn’t give a turn signal; it’s always some negative misdemeanor crap. And I’m like, okay, well, let me check it and see. I flip on the turn signal and the turn signal is working, the brake light is working. There’s really no reason for him to pull me over than just to see who I am and get my information, so in the event that he see me over again, he knows who I am. Because he really don’t have no reason for stopping me and then let me go. I’ve had that happen right here in Pasco, not only in Kennewick. But in Kennewick I was just, as a kid and as a young adult, I knew, as they say, your place, and I knew it was not in Kennewick because I had no reason to be over there. I stayed out of there because I didn’t want to have no problem with the police, period. Franklin: Makes sense. Johnson: Yeah, because the police is the higher authority. And whenever he says something, that’s what it is. A friend of mine and I had been out in Richland one night. This is in the late ‘70s and he had this beautiful black Cadillac, four-door Brougham, with the gangster white walls and all of that and we were coming out of Richland. And I told him, Columbia Center Boulevard, that overpass, I told him, I said, make sure you’re not speeding because the police always sits up under here and you won’t see his car until you’re right up on him. Because it sits in a shadow. He said to me Aubrey Lee, I’m not speeding. I looked over the speedometer and he’s going 60 miles an hour. Sure enough, State Patrol. The State Patrol gets behind us. He didn’t pull us over; he just followed us. When we got about halfway of the distance between the bridge and that overpass there, at Columbia Center Boulevard, because it wasn’t Ely, because it wasn’t built then, he put his light on. My buddy Charles said, man, I don’t know why he turned his light on because I’m not doing nothing, I told him, I said, well, you better stop. He said, man, I’m not going to stop, I ain’t thinking about him. I’m not doing nothing. He just kept on driving. Next thing I know, I see State Patrol coming from the other direction, coming from Pasco and he comes up to where that little turnaround is. He turns around in the turnaround, and so I’m telling him, I’m like, man, you better stop. I said, because you don’t want no problem with these police. He says, but I’m not doing nothing. I said, man, just go ahead and stop. Then he finally pulls over and he stops. The police pulls up behind him, State Patrol, and then there was a State Patrol behind him. Both of them get out of their car and they’re on each side of the car. He says, what’s the problem, officer? Give me your driver license, registration, and proof of insurance. So he gave it to him. He goes back and gets on whatever, and he calls in to find who he is or whatever information he needs and he comes back. He says, what are you pulling me over for? And he says, you were speeding. And he said, no, I wasn’t speeding. He said, yes, you were, because I have you on my radar and it say you were speeding. So then I spoke up and I said, no, he wasn’t speeding. I said, that’s not true, because, I told him, I said, make sure you slow down because the police is always sitting up underneath this overpass, I said, and he told me he wasn’t and I looked at his speedo and he was going only 60 miles per hour. I said, so he wasn’t speeding. He says, yes, he was, because I have it on my radar that his going over 60 miles an hour. He asked him, well, how fast I was going? Officer said, you were going 80 miles an hour. He said, I wasn’t going no 80 miles; I wasn’t going but 60. Now here is this argument. So I tell him, I said, man, don’t even argue with the man. You know how fast you was going; just wait until you go to court. He said, why would I sign a ticket, accepting a ticket for going 80 when I know I wasn’t going that fast? He said, when I go to court the judge is going to look at the ticket and see where I signed it and that’s what it’s going to be. The officer said, well, I’ll tell you what, you’re going to have to sign this ticket now. If you don’t, I’m going to take you to jail. So he said, I’m not going to sign the ticket. He said, if I write the ticket for $70, would you sign it? He said, no, I’m not going to sign it, because I wasn’t going over the speed limit. We hashed back and forth, back and forth. Charles got frustrated and he drove off and the police is right behind us, man, the lights is going like you wouldn’t—I’m like, man, what are you doing? You better stop, I say, because you don’t know what these police are going to do. Finally, I talked him into stopping and the officer came up and he wasn’t irate about it. Why did you drive off? Because, he said, man, it’s frustrating. You’re trying to force me to sign a ticket saying that I was going 70 miles an hour, when you said I was going 80 at first, when I was going the speed limit. He says, I’m not going to sign that ticket. The officer told him, well, when you go to court, you have the opportunity to explain to the judge what he situation is. He says, but, see, that’s not fair. Why would I have to go to court to explain a situation when I didn’t sign a ticket saying that I was going 70 miles an hour when the judge is going to hit the gavel and I got to go and pay for it? And he says, well, that’s blind justice. And he signed the ticket and then we left and went on about our business. When time came to go to court, he said, I lose more money—because he was an ironworker—I lose more money going to court than what I would missing work. So he says it don’t make sense for me to go to court, because it’s saying already I’m guilty, because I signed a ticket. And I’m like, yeah, that is kind of messed up. The judge is not hearing nothing that you’re saying. Anyway, he went ahead and paid the ticket so that he—as far as they was concerned, he was guilty and he was guilty anyway when he signed it. It’s kind of a bad thing and I talked to a person and he says, well, it’s not an admission of guilt. It says down at the bottom of the ticket that it’s not an admission of guilt. But if you sign it and accept it, who do you think the police are going to believe, you or them? I had the same thing happen to me out here in Richland. Edward Ash and I had went to the river shore back in the day. I went there to get a drink and the guy that was there, he was dancing back and forth, a little fat guy and he didn’t pay any attention to us standing at the bar. I didn’t yell at him, hey, I want a drink, and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. I just told him, I said, man, come on, let’s go. We got in the car and we saw Rayford Guice and Ray Andrews and they said, man, where are you going? We’re going to go down here to the bowling alley and they had some super good hamburgers with the egg on it and all of that. You know, let’s go and have a hamburger. And it’s probably about 11:30 at night. We left out of there and we were crossing Swift. And I look down the street and I saw the State Patrol coming from where the Federal Building is. And now he’s about a block from the intersection. The light changes, just as I pull off, this guy is trying to beat the light, so he turns in front of me making a left-hand turn. So I stop right in the middle of the intersection. The guy behind me had pulled off behind me, so when he stopped, now I’m trapped in the middle of the intersection. And here the police is, now he’s about half a block or less. So then I went ahead and crossed the intersection. As soon as I cross the intersection, he throws his light on me. He pulls me over, gets my license and all of that, and he asks me, had I been drinking? I told him, no. I said, I haven’t had a drink. I said, I went down there to the club to get a drink, as I said, and I didn’t get served, so we were going to get something to eat. He says, okay, I want you to do a sobriety test. I want you to hold your head back and put your finger on your nose and all this different crap; I did that. Then he wanted me to walk backwards up the incline of the sidewalk in that crack; so I did that. Then, he says, well, I’m going to have to write you a ticket. I said, what are you writing me a ticket for? He said failing to yield the right-of-way to an officer. I said, but I didn’t—you didn’t see that guy that turned in front of me? I said, he forced me to stop in the middle of the intersection. I said, I couldn’t back up, I said, I only had the choice but to go across the street. I said, I saw you when you was down at the Federal Building. That was two blocks away. I said, why in the world would I pull out in the front of an officer when I’m seeing you down there? He wrote me a ticket anyway. When I went to court, officer wasn’t there. And the judge asked me how I did I plead; I told him not guilty. And so he says, well, we going to have to get him in, and so I probably stayed in court for a couple of hours before they finally got in touch with him and he came. They had the officer to get up and tell his story. He said, well, yeah, he failed to yield the right-of-way and I was blah, blah, blah, blah. Then he had me to get up and tell my story. And I told him just what I told you. I said, I saw him down the street, I went to cross the intersection, I say, and just as I start crossing the intersection, this guy was trying to make a left-hand turn and actually he ran the red light. I say, he turned right in front of me. I had to stop, I had no choice. And now I’m like in no-man’s land in the middle of the road; I said, the only choice I had was to go ahead and go across the street. I said, the officer was far enough down the street, there was no danger to him. He says, well, do you have a witness to that? I said, I sure do! Because Edward Ash that was with me was there. He says, well, you better get him up here. So he got up and told the same similar story, which was true. And so then he says, well, I guess I have no choice but to not find you guilty. I said, well, I sure appreciate that, your honor. But tell me this, since it cost me to lose a day off of work, am I going to be reimbursed for being off of work? And he told me, just like that other man had said, well, that’s blind justice. He hit the gavel, telling me to get on—he didn’t say get out of here; he just hit the gavel and the case is over, you can leave. That’s no fair, because I told the officer, please, don’t give me no ticket, because I wasn’t doing anything wrong. So what’s up with that? It’s just like, did he not want to be wrong? Was he being racist? Because racists exist in every place that you go; it’s not just in Pasco, it’s not just in Kennewick, it’s not just in Richland; it’s in Eltopia too, it’s in Sunnyside, it’s in Prosser. I’ve been in Yakima as a teenager and had police to pull us over in the ‘60s and the ‘50s. The question is, what are you doing over here, and don’t let me catch you over here no more and stuff like that. We was afraid to drive our cars over there. We would borrow our parents’ cars or somebody else to go back up there. Because we were interested in them young ladies that was up there. And you had to go right through Union Gap and it was always in the Union Gap area where you got pulled over the majority of the time from the police. It’s not just a situation that’s here in the Tri-Cities; it’s a situation that’s everywhere. And we have to learn how to get beyond that so we can all live here together, because we’re all dependent on each other. It just doesn’t make sense to me. And I’ve lived long enough to where most stuff I could just let it slide off my back and just continue to go ahead and do my thing. I don’t have to interact with you if you don’t want to interact with me and I’m perfectly fine with that. And if do, then, hey, we okay. Franklin: How were your experiences in other places different from the Tri-Cities? What kinds of work, housing, and social opportunities were available to you? Johnson: Well, I won’t say Los Angeles, because when I went to Los Angeles, I had a friend of mine that owned an apartment building, which I managed for them. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law, they owned an apartment building, had a 28-unit apartment building. So I worked for them managing their apartment building and stuff like that. I went to Dominguez Institute when I was down there, and had took a welding course, because I wanted to be an underwater welder. Until my instructor told me, he says, do you realize how much carbon and stuff that’s going to be in your nose when you’re down there in a bell? I’m like, no. He said, well, do you ever blow your nose when you get through welding and all the soot and the carbon coming out? I’m like, yeah. He said, well, it’s going to be way worse. So if I were you, that would be something I wouldn’t do. And he was like, as you say, a soul brother, but he was a white man. And whenever I seen him, and I still say it today, he says, what it is, what it ain’t, what it be like, bro. [LAUGHTER] I thought that was so cool. That was the thing that he told me. And I said, well, I want to be an underwater welding. He said, no, Aubrey, you don’t want to do that. I’m telling you that these are the conditions that you’re going to be doing. And if you’re going to do anything, just go and get you a job, but you don’t want to do that. He was a person that had my interests at heart. I really liked that. Like I said, I worked for my brother-in-law and my sister-in-law when I was there. When I moved to Vallejo, California, I had a girlfriend that was well-established and she was involved in politics and stuff, and she was retired at an early age and so I lived with her for a while. And then I went to work for a moving company, Cozy Moving and Storage. And I drove truck, moved furniture, until I got my back all racked up moving a piano. Because they never did want to fix their junk and stuff, and like, hey, you need to fix that truck, you need to do this. I was driving a diesel truck and the passenger’s seat actually had a metal band that you band boxes with to hold the seat to the floor. And when you stop, the seat would do this, rock. I told my supervisor, I said, you know what? If I ever have an emergency where I have to slam on them brakes real hard, if that band busts, that guy is going to go through the windshield. That guy drove that truck over a year in ‘65 and they never did fix that seat. And all they had to do, they could either weld the frame to the thing that was on the floor—well, we don’t have to time to fix that, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. It was always one of them old kind of excuses. It was like, your value really wasn’t worth anything to them, other than moving their furniture and getting stuff done. When I finally hurt my back moving one of them pianos just like that, the upright. Me and another guy, we got it tipped back bringing it out of a storage vault and then he let it go. It had that strain on my back and my hand was on that thing, I couldn’t even turn that loose. And I had to raise that piano back and it messed up three of my vertebrae, my L4, 5, 6 and my lower lumbar. I ended up moving because my mom was sick, I went through the state industrial deal, and I went to beauty school and that. But down there, I don’t know if it was a black thing, I don’t think it was; it was hard to find a job, it just took a long time, especially when you relocate from one area to the other area. Like I said, girlfriend she was well-established, so she had a nice house and all of that so I didn’t really see the poverty thing in LA. I very seldom went over to the east side in Watts or over in Compton. The few times that I did go through there coming from school, you could see a lot of the destruction that had happened back in the ‘60s, where the buildings and stuff was burnt down. They didn’t go back in and redo it. They had built a project stuff, because I was looking for them to reclaim that whole area. Because that area used to be really central, was really popular back in the ‘30s, and ‘40s, and the ‘50s. It had night clubs and theaters, et cetera on it. When it got burned down, I thought to myself, they will come back in, and an urban renewal type situation will come in and buy all of this vacant land along the strip and then redevelop it, which is maybe something that’s coming in the future. I don’t know what’s happened to it since I’ve left, those are the things as far as housing. The police—psssh, was murder on you in California. I tell you, they had Chief Daryl Gates’ battering ram. That was his thing. They even had a song out about him. The police was extremely hard on you. I had an officer to pull me over—as a matter of fact, I was going with a Caucasian girl at the time. And I won’t say it was just because she was in the car with me. Even with the black police, is the thing that got me. He’s got, his co-person is this Caucasian police officer. I said, is he trying to be extra hard on me because she’s in the car with him, to show her, hey, I’m equal on black people such as I am, on anybody else? Because he had no reason to pull me over. And he says, well, where are you going? No, he says, where are you coming from? I said, I’m coming from home. He said, where do you live? I said, I live at 4044 Gelber Place, which was right up the street. He says, here on your registration, it says that you live in Washington. I said, well, yeah, I do. He said, I just asked you where you live. I said, well, listen, I got to live somewhere. I said, I’m down here going to school. So it don’t require me to change my driver’s license or registration as long as I’m out of the state every 90 days, I said, I go back home and then I come back. He made me prove to him that I was going to school, which I had my welding gear and all my credentials and stuff was in the trunk and I showed it to him. When he got through looking at that, the thing that surprised me, he told me—and it’s a black officer, now—don’t let me catch you back over here, because if I do, that car is going to belong to me. I said why you’re going to take my car? He just turned and walked away and got in his car and drove off. But I tell you what, every time I left the house, man, I was looking for him. Because if he had impounded my vehicle for whatever reason it was, it was going to take an act of congress for me to take it out and money. Because all they got to do is move it and take it over to Inglewood, and I’m living over in the Baldwin Hills area—I don’t know where it’s at. Because LA is build up in different precincts in the city and stuff. So if you’re over in Compton, they got a whole system over there, if you’re in Inglewood, they have police station over there, and if you’re in Baldwin Hills, they got a police station on there. In different areas, depending on—they can shift you around, they shift your stuff around. So you just can’t say, it’s going to be there. So if it’s there for four or five days and they charging you $35 or $45 a day to get your car out plus the initial towing fee, suddenly it costs you $200 or $300 for no reason. Anyway, I hate to just babble on, but it’s just—to answer the question, it’s like that, and most of the people was living in, in LA, was the jungle. And all the black people that had moved in to all these real nice apartments that the Caucasian people used to live in. They had moved out into the Valley and that was being bought up and renovated in a real nice area. The other people was, like I said, over in Watts and Compton. I never really went over there so I didn’t really have a chance to see what that was like or their project. Franklin: I just have two questions left, kind of big reflective questions. What would you like future generations to know about living in the Tri-Cities during the Cold War? Johnson: The contributions that we as black people made, to help build up, and the sacrifices to help build this project out here. Because we did a lot of the basis for the reactors and stuff. We poured the floors and did all that hard menial work. Not saying that Caucasian people couldn’t do it, but it was a lot of back-breaking work that you had to get in there to do. Then you had to do the rebar and all of that. It was kind of like we were black gold, in essence that we were very important to the contributions that we made and it probably would’ve taken a lot longer to do what we did. You don’t take a mule to the Kentucky Derby. He can’t outrun the thoroughbred. So it’s just like me and the guy that is digging the ditch. I dug the whole ditch, because every time you look around, he got a cigarette in his mouth. I could out-work him on any given day, because it was something that I had to do, because I had the motivation, because I was trying to be able to put food on the table, I had to pay rent. With him it was like, oh well. He had somebody that was looking out for him; I didn’t have nobody looking out for me. For our future generation, they need to know the contribution that we had, and why we had to work so hard. It wasn’t just to put food on our table and clothes on our backs and for shelter. We had to work hard because that was all that was there for us to be able to do. We was the mule for that generation. When they didn’t have tractors, we had to go out there and plow. They didn’t have enough strong-backed people to get in there and do it with a song in their mouth and in their heart. You go to the resource that you have. They recruited, from what I’ve heard, and what I’ve read over the past, they recruited black people from the South to come here and work out there in the Hanford Area. That’s how a lot of them got out here, was through that. And then some came, and then they would go back home, or call back home, or write back home and tell them how good it is. Hey, man, check it out, I’m making 65 cent an hour. Man, that’s more money than I ever made. I’m only making 25 cents an hour out here. I’m going to send you $10 and you get on that bus and you come. So they’d leave their family, they’d come out here and they work, and they make up enough money to send back and get their family and then they’d move out here. Franklin: Is there anything else that you would like to mention related to migration, segregation and civil rights and how they impacted your life in the Tri-Cities? Johnson: Something that we don’t want to have to go back through. I hope that I’ve helped lay the foundation and the black people that gave contributions, too, to where if you read the story, you don’t have to experience it, it’s like listening as someone else. My friend told me at one time, he said if you listen to what I’m trying to tell you, you won’t have to experience it, so just take my word for it. That’s what I did. When I bought my first house on 17th, I had just got a settlement from Franklin County when I got my foot crushed and I think they gave me $4,000 or something like that. And my friend which was an older man, he told me, don’t take your money and spend it on buying a car. He say, go and buy you a piece of the rock. I looked at him and I said, what is a piece of the rock? What are you talking about? He said, buy you a piece of America. I said, what do you mean? He said, go and buy you some property or buy you a home. He said, because that car is going to depreciate in a few years and won’t be worth nothing. He said, but that house or that land will appreciate, and it will always be of value to you. The longer you keep it, the more value is going to go up. His last words was, take my word for it, so you won’t have to experience not doing it. Because I already did and I’ve laid the groundwork for you, so just take my word for it. I looked at him for a while and then when I got my money, I took half of it out and went and bought me a car and then I took the other half of the money and I went and bought me a house. Let me tell you something, I still own that house and I just said, thank god for that. Because I see so many of my buddies that don’t have a house and they’re still paying rent. That was in ’72. I’m like, wow, that was the best piece of advice that I could ever have had, from a person that already went through getting to where I want to be. So for the young people that’s coming along, I hope that they’ll be able to realize the sacrifices and stuff that everybody did, so that they can have it much better. With my daughter, I try to educate her all the time about how it was so that she can see how it is, so that she can move along and take advantage of all the advancements that’s at her fingertips. And for her to educate her children, so that they can move along and get better chances in life, so that they don’t have to go back through the struggle that they went through. God forbid if things continue to go the way that it is, is that we will regress, the whole United States of America. Let me say this before we discontinue or get done. I had went to the Caribbean on a cruise, my girlfriend and I. I think Jamaica and they were showing us all these plantation—rum, places that they had. We didn’t see any of the cane fields and all that kind of stuff, but they showed these old plantation rum factories that they had, and how they had the channels for the water to go through them. And you can actually walk into them and see all of that. The guy that was giving us the tour, he started laughing and then he says, you know, when we want comedy, we watch the news of the United States. That’s the comedy to us, and he started laughing. My girlfriend’s daughter told him, she said, listen, we’re not here to hear that. We’re here for you to be a guided tour guide and just tell us about what we’re seeing and what we’re going through, and what it was, et cetera, et cetera. We don’t need to hear that. And with saying that, the United States right now is the laughingstock of the whole world. Everybody is looking at us when they used to look up to us. And it’s that we have got to make a change. And if you see something that is being done wrong and you don’t do something about it, you are as much of the problem as anybody else. As we become adults, we all know the difference between right and wrong. It would be wrong for me to do something to somebody that’s not done anything to me. Those are the things that I tried to instill in my daughter. Because the rest of my kids—well, all of them are grown, my daughter, she’s 27, will be 27 on her birthday. But I try to instill that into her so that she won’t have all that negative stuff to look at. She have nothing but positive stuff. She wanted to be a veterinarian when she was going to school. Love animals and still do. And I would tell her all the time, now, this is what you do. All those Caucasian kids that you’re going to school with that want to be doctors and stuff, you take the same classes that they take. And that’s going to be your guidebook to get you into college, to where you’ll be able to be that veterinarian. Because you’ll have taken all the required courses. Because their parents know what classes for them to take, and they’re going to make sure that they get them. I don’t know. She was like, well, yeah, Dad, that’s what I’ll do. She was honor roll student and all that kind of stuff. She was right up the ladder until she got right at the end of high school. I don’t know what got I her or got in her mind, it’s just like, she lost focus. And it seemed like—you know, and I should know; this is what I think it was, but I don’t know. We were staying in 17th and all of her friends were Hispanic and a few Caucasian, and a couple Asian. Very few black kids. When she started going to high school, it was like a whole new world opened up for her, to be around the black kids and her being raised semi-white, and having a whole different outlook, and the culture is like, all this is new to me, and if it’s new, I want to do it, I want to be around it, I want to see what it’s all like. And it’s all fun and she’s trying to solve the problems for everybody else is that she let herself go lacking. So then she lost her vison, and once she lost her vision, then being a veterinarian is something that just flew out the window. I’m like, wow, I say, that’s too bad. We got to stay focused on what we want to do, don’t let nobody deter you from doing that. You got to have somebody to help you along the way to put you in to the things that you need so that that vehicle will get you to where you want to go. She’s doing okay now; she just started a new job today with Charter College as an intake counselor. She’s doing okay. She was working for T-Mobile as a consultant there, selling phones, and she did quite well with it. But with this job she wanted to work as hard, and she’ll make as much money, if not more. Because she was doing pretty good; she’s only 27 and she was making $50,000-something last year selling cell phones. But man, you look at all the hours that she worked for minimum wage. But then her commission check would be the thing to take her over the top and make her the money. The thing that got me is that—which I didn’t know much about it is that, out of the commission check, they take a higher percentage of taxes out of it. And I’m like, how do you know where your taxes is going with that? I mean, it’s on there, but how do you know? Okay, they take 8% normally and they’re going to take 10% or 20%. How do you know that they pay that 20% into whatever fund they said? They just put it on a piece of paper and tell you that. You don’t know. Is they taking that money and say, okay, we’re going to split this up between our managers over here and then we’re going to take this other 10% percent and put it into this fund over here? You really don’t know. So I encouraged—I said, you know what? You need to get in contact with the IRS and tell them, hey, they was taking out 15% of my money because I made x amount of dollars. Because it seems like you being double-taxed. Because the IRS is going to get you when you go into different tax brackets. So why is there a different tax on commission? I don’t understand it. It might very well be. But I just don’t understand—it’s almost like a double standard because you don’t really know what’s going on with your money. It just kind of like concerns me. I told her the other day, I said maybe it’s something that I need to look into for you. Because she is just kind of passive-aggressive, if you don’t do nothing to me, I won’t do nothing to you and, Dad, I’d rather let it go and not be bothered with it. Because you know what, I got another job now and no big deal. I’m going to make more money with them, you know, and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. I’m like, yeah, I see what you’re saying, but-- Franklin: Aubrey, thank you so much for coming and interviewing with us today. It’s been a wonderful interview. Johnson: It was very enlightening for me. Franklin: Excellent. Johnson: You can see I got the gift of gab. [LAUGHTER] Franklin: Yeah, no doubt. Well, thank you so much. <a href="https://youtu.be/wEZQwVvihkg">View interview on Youtube.</a> Years in Tri-Cities Area Date range for the interview subject's experience in and around the Hanford site 1946- Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Aubrey Johnson Subject The topic of the resource Hanford Site (Wash.) Pasco (Wash.) Kennewick (Wash.) Richland (Wash.) School integration Racism Segregation School integration Cooking Baseball Affirmative action Migration Civil rights Civil rights movements Description An account of the resource Aubrey Johnson moved to Pasco, Washington as a child in 1946. A National Park Service funded project to document the history of African American contributions to Hanford and the surrounding communities. This project was conducted through the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystems Unit, Task Agreement P17AC01288 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford Oral History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/09/2018 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this oral history should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for this item. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. The Hanford Oral History Project operates under a sub-contract from Mission Support Alliance (MSA), who are the primary contractors for the US Department of Energy's curatorial services relating to the Hanford site. This oral history project became a part of the Hanford History Project in 2015, and continues to add to the US Department of Energy collection. This oral history collection was done in partnership with the National Park Service under Task Agreement P17AC01288. https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F0e8ec1acfacc64c93a4185af1960afd1.JPG ba0753bebe4a5e9196d61a13dd7642d3 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F4deb5256e218f3c0425866921dafc55e.mp4 9c9701135b3936f46666e429fb158abd Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Post-1943 Oral Histories Subject The topic of the resource Oral histories with residents about the Hanford area during and following the Second World War Description An account of the resource Oral histories with residents about the Hanford area during and following the Second World War Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewer The person(s) performing the interview Robert Franklin Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Barbara Brown Taylor Location The location of the interview Clark Place in Moscow, Idaho Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Camera man: Whenever you’re- Robert Franklin: Ready? Camera man: We’re ready for you, yeah. Do your thing. Franklin: Okay, let’s, yeah, let’s go. My name is Robert Franklin. I am conducting an oral history interview with Barbara Brown Taylor on January 6th, 2017. The interview is being conducted at Clark Place in Moscow, Idaho. I will be talking with Barbara about her experiences growing up at the Hanford Site and her father’s experiences working at the Hanford Site. And for the record, can you state and spell your full name for us? Barbara Brown Taylor: Barbara Brown Taylor. B-A-R-B-A-R-A, B-R-O-W-N, T-A-Y-L-O-R, no hyphens. Franklin: Great, thank you. So let’s start from the beginning. How did you come to the Hanford Site? Taylor: In 1943, my father was hired from a company—wait a minute, take that off. In 1943, my father was hired to be the landscape architect in a new city. What an exciting thing for a landscape architect, what kind of an exciting job! We came from Illinois. I don’t know if he was the sole architect, but I do remember some of the things he did. That’s how I came here. Franklin: And how old were you when you came? Taylor: I was eight. Franklin: And so the city that you’re talking about, that would have been Richland? Taylor: Richland. Franklin: Richland, Washington. Taylor: And we didn’t know, of course, what it was. It was just a new city in the desert, had something to do with the war. Franklin: Were the Alphabet Houses being constructed at that point- Taylor: Yes. Franklin: Or did you arrive before—okay. Taylor: Well, he arrived in ’43. Franklin: Right. Taylor: The houses were being built. And my mother and brother and I lived on a farm in Illinois until my father wrote to us and said, the house is ready. So at that time, you signed up for a house, the men did the work there. As soon as it was ready, you could bring your family. It didn’t have any glass in the windows, but it was ready. Franklin: Wow. That seems like a pretty crucial component of— Taylor: My mother thought so. [LAUGHTER] Franklin: Yeah, especially with the winds that would blow. Taylor: Absolutely, absolutely. It was covered with dust. Franklin: So your father, then, would have worked with Albin Pherson, the head architect for the— Taylor: I assume so. He didn’t talk about the people he worked with. I never met another landscape architect there. He was very busy all the time, because he had a crew that supplied the grass seed and rented—not rented, lent out the lawn mowers and shovels and all sorts of things. As I remember him saying, there was an instruction sheet, which he put out. Somehow the government decided you couldn’t just have a city built on sand with nothing in the yards. Maybe you couldn’t keep people there. I don’t know the reason. But they hired these crews of men who worked on supplying the needs to do a lawn. And as I remember it, you had to have a lawn. If you couldn’t do it with what the city gave you free, then you had to pay somebody to put your lawn in. Because after a certain amount of time, you had to have a lawn. Franklin: Mm. Taylor: Not necessarily flowers, just you had to have grass. Franklin: You had to have grass. What other kinds of work did your father do besides planning out yards and lawns and things like that? Taylor: Well, he did that for churches and schools. There were only two churches, a Catholic church and a Protestant church. The government built two churches. That was it. And he would landscape those. Any public buildings that needed it—library—there were a few things like that. It was very sketchy and basic at the beginning. Franklin: Mm-hm. Taylor: So I think he landscaped whatever was there. I think that’s why they brought him. Franklin: Tell me about growing up in wartime Richland. Where did you go to school, did you go to church, you know, what was the atmosphere like there? Taylor: Well, I was eight. And we came here in June, and September was the first day of school. And I went to Lewis and Clark Grade School, which was right up the street of Locke. I lived on Casey Street in an A house. I walked up to school. And that first day, the teacher said, I want to know where all of you are from. Give your name and tell us where you came from. So one at a time, we got up, gave our names. I said Illinois. One of my new friends said New Jersey. Somebody else said Texas, somebody else said Colorado. And I thought at the time, I don’t think this has ever happened before. I don’t think the first day of school, people are from somewhere else. And I’ve always remembered that, how interesting that was to see all those new kids make new friends. When you’re a kid, as long as you’re with your parents and you feel love in a family, it’s great to have new adventures. [LAUGHTER] I don’t think my mother liked it at all! But, you know. That’s one thing. The first year, perhaps a little longer, but the first year, there were no telephones in homes. And as I recall, if the wife was going to have a baby, they would issue her a phone for the period just before she had the baby. So she could call the doctor, her husband at work, whatever. But the minute she had the baby, they came and took the phone out. [LAUGHTER] Franklin: Wow. [LAUGHTER] Taylor: And there was a phone that first summer on many telephone poles. The kind that just hangs up. You could go there and make a call, free. But you had to find one to do that, because there just wasn’t that accessibility to phones. Franklin: How would you know who to call? Would you get an operator when you— Taylor: You’d get an operator, of course. You always got an operator in those days. Franklin: Sure, and then they would connect you to another telephone on a pole on a different street? Or how would— Taylor: No, no, you probably wouldn’t get a call back. I don’t remember ever walking down the street and hearing a phone ring. [LAUGHTER] It was an out kind of thing. Let’s say you wanted to call your grandmother in Illinois or something. You might get to use it. Franklin: Oh, okay, I see. It wasn’t an in-town— Taylor: No, not really. I don’t think so. Franklin: And what did your mother do? Taylor: My mother was a homemaker, but she had been a registered nurse. And she went back to that when I grew up and was off to college. Franklin: And were your parents still in Richland at the time? Taylor: Mm-hmm. Franklin: Oh, okay. Taylor: Here’s the thing. I don’t think that the government intended to keep the city. As I remember, we were going to live there as long as we needed to. When the war was over, you’d all go back to wherever you came from or somewhere else. But they didn’t build that city to keep. The wood was not the best, the floors were pine and splintered. Those little prefabs—I didn’t live in one, but they were tiny. Franklin: I live in one. Taylor: So you know. Franklin: They’re very tiny. Taylor: You know what I mean. They were built out of cardboard—I mean plywood. Plywood was new in those days. And they built them so fast that I remember going to that school up the street, to Lewis and Clark, that first year. And there’d be one when I’d go to school, and when I came back there’d be three. Franklin: [LAUGHTER] Taylor: So during the day I was going to school, the men were slapping those things together. It was interesting [LAUGHTER] seeing, ooh, we have a new house, we have a new house. Franklin: What do you think your mother did not like about living—you mentioned that she wasn’t too happy about moving there? Taylor: Oh, she was from Illinois—they were. And Illinois is a green, beautiful state with woods. And Richland was sand. It was sand. So when we moved in, there was no glass in the windows, which they said they’d put in pretty soon. And the yard was all sand. My mother would look out the window with no glass in it, and almost cry. I was eight, and I looked out the window and saw the little girl next door playing in the sand in front of our house. And I remember yelling out the window to her, stop playing in our yard! Stop digging our yard! She was digging a hole in our yard. And my mother put her head against the wall and said, Barbara, we don’t have a yard! [LAUGHTER] Which was very true; we didn’t. As soon as the work really got going with planting the grass everywhere, I remember my father going out—there were things called tract houses, which had been there before the Hanford place was built. Some of them were abandoned, because the government had bought them. They were abandoned, and here were rose bushes and lilac bushes and things that people had had in their yards. Since it now belonged to the government, my father had permission to go and get them. And he would. He took his trailer and he went out there and dug them up himself and brought them in and put some of them at the libraries, and some of them at the churches, whatever. That was one reason we had nice shrubs. Because he would do that. Franklin: Where was your father stationed during those war years? Taylor: Where did he live? Franklin: Where did he work, where was his office, where did he work out of? Or was he just kind of a roving— Taylor: No, it wasn’t freelance in any way. There were government buildings. There was probably a landscaping building with a parking lot full of lawnmowers. One of his crew was in charge of the lawnmowers. They were probably locked or fenced or something. He had some kind of a building, maybe a hutment—I don’t know what kind it was. I didn’t see him at work. I saw the results of his work. Franklin: Yeah. Taylor: And he also had trucks and drove around in a truck and worked out of his truck, too. The crews, of course, did the work. He was the manager at the time, after he landscaped all the buildings and how they were going to look, ultimately. And he turned the papers over to his supervisors, and they did the work. Franklin: How did your father get started with landscaping architecture? Taylor: Well, at the University of Illinois, just before I was born, he graduated in the architecture department, which at that time had the landscape architecture program in it. So he really was an architect with a specialty in landscape architecture. He was just out of college in 1929 when the Masters Tournament golf course was being built. He was very fortunate to know a man named Bobby Jones who designed the—he was an architect, designed the Masters Tournament—built the course. And he hired a bunch of just-out-of-college men like my father. My father and mother had just gotten married. They went to Augusta, Georgia, and my father worked on that golf course. He did some of the—what’s that white part? Franklin: Sand trap? Taylor: Sand trap. Franklin: I’m not much of a golfer. Taylor: He worked on the sand traps, designing them. And had little models—plaster of Paris models. I wish I had one today, because we always had them around the house. Which my father had gotten when the thing was built. Then they didn’t need those anymore. So he had done that for a few years. By the way, the Masters Tournament golf course was built in 1929. My father told me the money to build it was in escrow. The people who had given the money to build this beautiful golf course had their money tied up in a way that the stock market couldn’t touch it. So that’s why they could build such a beautiful thing in 1929. Franklin: I see. Taylor: And ’30, I think. Anyway, that’s what he did. Then during the war, he had a harder time because who was landscaping anything? Not very many people. And he got a job with the government in the CCC program—he was a supervisor in Illinois in the woods where they had workers that were building roads and bridges and beautiful little stone—what do you call that? Well, stone bridges, I guess. And I remember those days, I was very little, like four or five. But I remember that he would take me to the woods and show me what he was doing. So he had that job, and that was a very steady job, because the CCC supported a lot of people during those days. That would have been the ‘30s. Then when the war came along, there were some military plants. One was at Kankakee, and we were there for a year or two, where my father was in charge of all the grounds for the whole plant. I think it was at that time that he was approached to come to Richland. Because they were building Hanford. And they had to build the city, even if they weren’t going to keep it. They had to build it. And hired him to do it. There weren’t that many landscape architects in those days. Franklin: Sure. Taylor: So I think the word must have gotten out that there was one available. Franklin: And how long—so your father, did he stay working for Hanford, for the government after the war ended? Taylor: Yes. A lot of people stayed. I don’t think that the government people understood the idea of a sense of place, where people make their home somewhere and they’re very reluctant to let go of it, even if it has pine floors and is not very up-to-date with everything. Their kids were now in school. They had a job. And it was far enough from the cities—some people liked that, and wanted to stay. It’s right on the edge of the Columbia River, which is one of the most beautiful places in the world. So, my father joined them and wherever there was a job that he could get—because he also had many drafting skills and things like that. There was also a program called the as-built program. I think that was in the ‘50s. But Hanford had been thrown up so fast that there hadn’t been good blueprints of what they did. They hired my dad to run a little office with lots of blueprint machines. And he and some other people would go out and look at the buildings and draw, you know, make sketches of what was really there. Franklin: Mm-hm. Taylor: The measurements and all that. And then the idea was now the government knows. Now the firetrucks can go to the right place. Because there were places nobody knew what they were, you know? Franklin: Sure. Yeah, no, I’ve heard of that program before. And, like you said, it was very necessary. Taylor: It was very useful, very useful. Then, about that time, 1955, ’56, people were building golf courses again. They hadn’t been all through the war. I don’t think there was one built—but I don’t know that. But they were building them, and Richland wanted to have a golf course and Kennewick wanted to have a golf course—just nine holes. And they hired my dad to design these. Interestingly enough, my father was very generous, and he accepted the jobs even though they weren’t going to pay him. They agreed to give him memberships in the clubs to cover what they should have given him for a salary. [LAUGHTER] Because that’s all they had to offer. And he wanted to see golf courses there. So he built one in Kennewick, and he built one in Richland. He also built Columbia Park, which is all along the river, maybe one of the longest parks in Washington. I don’t know. Franklin: Really? Taylor: But it’s very long, and it’s very narrow—some places only 20 feet. Franklin: Mm-hm. And when you say built it, he— Taylor: Designed it. He had a good arrangement there, because a lot of the woodsy part—he was very fond of Russian olive trees. And a lot of those were already there, all along the river. So all he had to do was built driveways and parking spots, camping spots, and smooth out the rough places. Make a road—because there’s a road the whole length of it. Franklin: Yeah, that’s a very widely used park in town. It’s a great park. Taylor: He loved doing that. I don’t know what they paid him for that. Much later, he built the Memorial Gardens, along the west edge of Richland, which is a cemetery. I have a picture in there of my parents. They gave them a pair of plots instead of paying them. Because they didn’t have the money to pay them. My father wanted a cemetery there. So, I think he was very generous. He was very community-minded. He was on the Benton County Planning Commission for many years. Encouraging parks, encouraging more and more landscaping and making it a more livable town. It needed to be kept up; the work that was done at the beginning needed to be continued, because there were a lot of people who lived there. And he could see the need for that. He told me once, if you live in a desert, you need twice as many trees. And I don’t think everyone agreed with that. Some of the businessmen thought, there’s some land; we’ll build on it. But my father hoped he could get parks in there. And he had to go through the council—Benton County Council—to get those parks approved. Franklin: Sure. How long—did your parents stay in Richland for the rest of their lives? Taylor: They did. Franklin: Okay. Taylor: They did. I wanted to tell you that my father died of liver cancer. And we always thought it was the plant. Because when he was in the as-built program, he had to go and inspect the buildings. And one day, he came home and told my mother that the little badge he had to wear had gone off. Lit up, made a noise, and that meant he had been overexposed to something. They had taken him into a safe room, made him shower, given him different clothes, sent him to the doctor. And within a year, he was dead. He had liver cancer. And he never drank. We knew it was not that kind of thing. Franklin: Sure. Taylor: And a lot of people had that happen. It hasn’t been added up, I don’t think. But there were a lot of people like that. Franklin: Sure. And what year did he pass away? Taylor: 1966. Franklin: 1966. Taylor: He was 64 years old. Franklin: Oh, okay. And you mentioned that you had grown up there and then eventually went to college. What year did you leave Richland to go to— Taylor: 1953. Franklin: Okay. Right. So I’m wondering if you could tell me a little more about growing up in Richland. Did you stay in that same A house for the time that you were there? Taylor: Yes, yes, until I went to college and got married a year or so later. My parents lived in that house. And then it became possible for residents to buy houses. Franklin: Right, in 1958. Taylor: They could buy the ones they were in and they could also buy ones nobody wanted. So they bought theirs. And they bought a little one on the other side of town as an investment, which they rented out. A lot of people did that. Franklin: Right, right. I wonder if you could tell me about what you remember about the coming of the commercial—like the Uptown and kind of how Richland transitioned a little bit after the war. To start to become more of a normal town, but still totally government-owned and controlled. Taylor: Yes, I can tell you that. I thought Uptown was great. There was a theater there! There were stores there, which we hadn’t had much of before. My father was very busy trying to get a park in the spot where that was. And writing things for the Tri-City Herald. And going to the Benton County meetings, trying to encourage a park in that spot. It was quite near a school and the school had a big yard. But there was George Washington Way, was right between where he wanted the park, where Uptown is. And the businessmen just, you know, they had the power and they got it. I always enjoyed it, because I was just a kid. I was in high school at that time. Franklin: Sure. Taylor: Didn’t realize how ahead of his time my father was. Because he loved trees, he loved building a better environment for people. Considered himself a conservationist. Also considered himself an urban planner, because that’s right in that—he didn’t have degrees in that. But I don’t know that there were degrees at that time. He just built on his education as he went along and did a lot in those fields. Franklin: Do you remember the day when people found out about what had been produced at Hanford, or what was being produced at Hanford? Taylor: Well, I was nine. Franklin: Sure. Taylor: What did I know? I was nine. I saw—we took the Walla Walla Union Bulletin paper. I was sitting on the front lawn, and the paper came. And said something like, the war is over. It was our bomb. Something like that. Franklin: Mm-hm. Taylor: And I looked at it. With my nine-year-old understanding, I thought, does this mean we’re leaving? Does this mean the end of Richland? Of course, I didn’t know. I remember that paper, I just don’t remember the exact words of the headline. My parents kept it for a long time, and a lot of people did—kept that newspaper that came out. And of course, I didn’t know what the place was for anyway, except something about the war. And we had lived at Kankakee, and that was something about the war. But my father didn’t seem like the kind of person that would be working in chemistry or in physics or anything like that. By the way, my father grew up in a Quaker family. Franklin: Oh. Taylor: And he was very pacifist. Franklin: Mm-hmm. Taylor: I think he would not have been in any kind of a job that had to do with hurting people. But he didn’t know what it was for. He didn’t know it was a terrible bomb that was being built. And he had a good job. I mean, coming out of the Depression, if you could get a good job, you took it. Franklin: Right, right, yeah. No questions asked. What do you remember about civil defense? Drills and things like that in kind of the early part of the Cold War? Taylor: Well, I remember getting under the desk. I don’t remember much other than that. Franklin: Did you ever feel any fear or anxiety about living so close to Hanford, something that might have been a potential target in the case of aggression? Taylor: No. I think a lot of kids might have. But my parents were not the kind to let us worry. And years later, my mother told me, Barbara, we didn’t know that America was going to win. We had no idea. We had been through the First World War, we had been through the Depression. We knew bad things could happen. And here was the country fighting on two fronts, two parts of the world. We were not having you worry. Because we never knew whether we would win. So we didn’t tell you much. When the newspaper came, we got it, we read it, we read the cartoons to you. You listened to Charlie McCarthy, and the Great Gildersleeve. All those humorous shows, Jack Benny. All those things that never touched on the war. Franklin: What about later, though, during the Cold War? When you would have been in high school or starting to get a little bit older and maybe hearing more about the kind of conflicts that the US was involved in? Taylor: Well, I did have an interesting situation. After I married, my husband joined the Army, because there was a draft. And his grades were not as high as they should have been. He was going to Eastern, to college—Eastern Washington College in Cheney. His grades were not as good as they could have been, so he decided to join. Because they promised him an electronics job. He didn’t have to a frontline military person. Franklin: Mm-hm. Taylor: And he wanted to be in electronics. So he joined in 1957. And our little boy was born in ’59. I went to Germany a few months after that. My father said, don’t take that baby over there. Because he had been through the Second World War and he knew how bad things could be. And there was a wall. Franklin: Right. Taylor: And there were all those things. And we were--I don’t know how many miles from the wall he was. And he didn’t want me to go. That was one of the few times I ever saw him cry. So we went, we stayed there two years, had a wonderful time going to places even though we didn’t have any money. But it was dangerous. The Army told us, you must keep several days’ worth of diapers, food, clothes, all your papers—you must keep them in one place. Because some morning, a truck may pull up in front of your house—an Army truck. And they’ll say, come and bring your things. And we had to get in the truck—they warned us this might happen—and we’ll drive to France. They had places of protection and more food and care for the children and all that. But it’ll be in France. Franklin: Sure. Taylor: If something happens with the wall. Franklin: Do you think your parents might have felt anxiety during the Cold War, living in Hanford in kind of a—I mean, now knowing what was being produced there and that it might have been a target for retaliation? Taylor: Well, they never said so. They never said so; they didn’t want to worry us. That’s the kind of parents they were. They protected their children. I think there were a lot of young people who had parents like that. I don’t remember anybody saying they were scared. Franklin: Sure. Taylor: They were busy going to school. We never felt like we didn’t have a future. Franklin: Did you ever come back to Richland? I’m assuming you probably would’ve come back to visit your family, but did you ever come back to live there again? Taylor: Yes, my husband and our children came back to live there for a short time when he got out of the Army, he happened to be—it was 19-early-60s and it was hard to get jobs. He got a job there inspecting pipes. The kind of pipes that had nuclear things going through them. And they were welded. He got jobs inspecting the welding. He didn’t like that kind of thing, and so he went on and did other things. He had a degree in industrial arts. He did some drafting for a while. And then he became a police officer in Pullman. Franklin: Okay. Taylor: So that’s how we ended up back in Pullman and raised our kids there. So I only went back to Richland a few years. Wanted to go back to Pullman. I really had a good time in college there, and I liked having a university. There wasn’t any Tri-Cities center at that time—Tri-Cities branch. Franklin: Sure. And then you mentioned that you worked at WSU as well. Taylor: 27 years, yeah. From 1967 to 1995. From 1967 to 1995, I was a full-time secretary at WSU. And felt very good about it. I loved working at a university. I went to school along with it, which was great because I had not quite finished college. And so I took a lot of classes. Franklin: Is there anything else that you’d like to—that we haven’t touched on, that you’d like to talk about? About your father or Hanford or Richland or your own life? Taylor: Well, Richland was a very safe place for children at that time. As I look back, I didn’t appreciate that. We could get on our bicycles and ride anywhere in town as long as we were home for dinner. We could go to friends’, we could go to school, we could be in summer programs. They always had summer activities for the kids. And I think a lot of the amenities that a city has, even though it was a small town—actually we called it a village. It was known as a village. But I loved that. The freedom. And now, of course, you can’t just tell a kid, just be home for dinner. But they did. I could go to the movies on Saturday. There were two theaters and they had double features all the time. I always felt free to do whatever. I think it felt safe to do that. Another reason might have been we were very middle class. I never saw a black child when I was in school. Franklin: Sure, because African Americans weren’t allowed to live in Richland. Taylor: They were not allowed to work there. I don’t think that was an open policy, but they didn’t. They lived in Pasco. Franklin: Mm-hmm. Taylor: And they were not really given jobs at Hanford. I didn’t know about different races. I was a child. It was a middle class town, and you had to have a job to have a house. Franklin: Sure. And everybody worked for the same employer. Taylor: Absolutely, at the beginning, they did. Everybody did. I remember my mother saying when they first moved there, rent was $27 a month. And it was an A house. $27 a month. Which was very reasonable for the time. Franklin: Well, that included pretty much full service, too, right? Taylor: I think so. Franklin: The government delivered coal and-- Taylor: Water. Franklin: Changed the light bulbs, and— Taylor: I don’t remember that part. I think my father probably would have done a lot of those little things, but— Franklin: Okay. Taylor: I think they probably would. But I remember the electricity and the water were included. Franklin: Richland has such a unique history of being this government constructed and owned town for 15 years. And I’ve always found it interesting to hear people’s experiences, like yours, about how safe and free they felt in a town that was so entirely unique in terms of its—like you said, it was middle class. Everyone who was there had a certain income— Taylor: Had a job! Franklin: They had a job. But the government also owned and controlled who could live in that community. So it’s a community of safety, but it seems to be of not the traditional freedoms that we associate with any other kind of community or anything like that. It’s always stuck out to me, in looking at Richland. Taylor: Well, perhaps an adult would see that. To me it was just feeling safe. Franklin: Sure. Taylor: I don’t know that I felt unsafe in Illinois. I was in the kind of family that were very caring, that always put our care first. I had very good parents. Franklin: I’ve had—a couple other times when I’ve interviewed people that have grown up in Richland, one thing that they’ve mentioned is that at some point they were struck how there were no old people, really. Taylor: Yes, yes. Franklin: And I wonder if you could talk—was there a moment when you realized that everybody was either children or young adults for the most part? Taylor: The only people who were there who were old were grandmothers and grandfathers who came to visit or lived with them. I mean, really. I was aware of that. Very much so. Franklin: And so did anyone in your extended family ever come to Richland to visit? Or how did you keep in touch with them, with that barrier there? Taylor: Well, in those days you only talked on the phone if somebody died. You didn’t call the family back east, wherever it was. Because it cost money. And you just didn’t do it. There were letters that you would write and then send one to one member of the family, and they would send it to another, and they would send it to another. In that sort of round robin thing. I knew other families that did that. But my grandmother—my grandfather had died young. My grandmother had no money. In those days, a woman might be a housewife, a homemaker, a farmer’s wife, and end up with nothing. Franklin: Sure. Taylor: No income, no savings. She had two daughters. So she would travel by train from Illinois to stay with my aunt for a while. And then to Washington to stay with my parents for a while. Franklin: Okay. Taylor: That was common in those days, that an older person would live with you. I had lots of people I knew whose grandmother lived with them, or grandfather lived with them. Or Uncle Joe who was just not quite right. Families took in family. That was not unusual. Franklin: Right, to have a multigenerational household. Taylor: Right. Franklin: Like that. Taylor: So I thought it was perfectly natural. And it was natural. I got to know my grandmother very well and learn things from her that I wouldn’t have if she hadn’t lived with us. Franklin: Sure, sure. Well, and a lot of families, psychologists and a lot of research points to that being very beneficial, too. Taylor: Right. Franklin: And it’s how most of the world lives. Taylor: She had no money, absolutely none. Franklin: Sure, sure. Taylor: My parents paid everything. Franklin: Because she wouldn’t have had a job. Taylor: I don’t think she ever had a job except butter and eggs. Franklin: Well, she worked, certainly, right, and probably worked very hard. Taylor: Oh, she worked on the farm, I’m sure. But it’s not the kind of work that was paid. And that would have been before social security. Because that started just about the time I was born. Franklin: Right. And even then, women got much less than men did. Taylor: And still do. Franklin: Yes. [LAUGHTER] What would you like future generations to know about growing up in Richland during World War II and the Cold War? And about the work that your father did? Taylor: Well, I think the jobs our parents had—especially fathers, because most women were homemakers. I think that meant a lot to kids. I wouldn’t say that it was a caste system, but I was very aware that a girl named Betsey had a father who was a doctor, and they had a nicer house. I don’t know how the housing worked, but all those number houses, they had one of the better houses that was a single-family house, and on a hill, and just nicer. And I was a little jealous that my family wasn’t that wealthy that they could have a better house. So that’s very normal for kids, I think, to be aware of where their family is in the scheme of things. Franklin: Mm-hm. Taylor: I came from the Midwest. I thought my parents were middle class, middle-educated. They both had degrees, but not graduate degrees. We lived in an average house. I was very middle. [LAUGHTER] I don’t know what else to say. But there were people who had a little more money. They were managers, they were doctors, they were professionals. And I think we were aware of that. And I think they were aware of that, the kind of cliques. High schools have those. Franklin: Oh, yeah. Taylor: You know, that’s all there is to it. There’s always going to be the athletes and the wealthier kids and the smarter kids and whatever. But I graduated from Columbia High School in 1953 as Barbara Brown. I loved high school. We had choruses, we had bands; we had various kinds of activities like that. And I was in the choir for four years and loved it. Just loved it. There was a teacher named Harley Stell, S-T-E-L-L. And it’s Harley. He was hired right out of college, about 1950, to start a music program, a vocal music program, and he did. Trios, chorus—I think it was called a chorus. And I sang with them and made some really good friends with them for four years. We sang at graduation. I’ll never forget that. Which was a wonderful experience. He added a lot to the school. Because music is an enrichment that students need. Franklin: Yes. Taylor: So they started with very basic classes. Just first to eighth grade, and then they kept adding these things. Which is what all towns do, but it was starting, as I was in high school, starting to be a normal town. And people stayed because this is where their roots were now. I think that was quite a shock to the government, that we wanted to buy our houses. We wanted to stay there. Franklin: Right, because like you’d mentioned earlier, the community was from all over the country. Taylor: That’s right. Franklin: And no one knew anyone else when they came. Taylor: But that’s a sociological fact. Franklin: Sure. Taylor: I think, as I said, a sense of place. A sense that this is where we are, let’s stay here and do the best we can with what we’ve got. Franklin: Right, right. Yeah, that’s really fascinating. Thank you. Well, I just want to thank you for interviewing with us. As someone who lives in Richland, I’d like to thank you for your father’s work— Taylor: Thank you. Franklin: For bringing green and trees and things to Richland. Because it helps break up the heat and the sage brush. Taylor: Well, it’s a pile of sand. That’s what it was to begin with. Franklin: Yeah. Taylor: We had terrible windstorms. We had a fire one year way out in the desert. And I remember that everybody—cars came through the streets and said everybody move to the east side of town, down by the river. Franklin: Wow. Taylor: That was frightening. Franklin: Yeah, I bet. Taylor: But this fire was going faster than a man could run. Franklin: Wow. Taylor: It was coming from the big hills over there, the Rattlesnake hills. It came pretty close. I remember that very well; I must have been ten, something like that. I remember that the wind used to cut your legs. Girls wore dresses then; they didn’t wear pants like they do now. Walking home from school, the wind and the sand would cut your legs. Little tiny cuts. And you’d feel like to go hide behind a tree, but you’ve got to go home. Franklin: Right. Wow. Taylor: And that was really painful. Franklin: I bet. Taylor: They said there was something called a jackalope out in the desert. Nobody ever saw one. Franklin: [LAUGHTER] Usually just taxidermists make those. Taylor: With big ears. [LAUGHTER] Franklin: Well, Barbara, thank you so much. It’s been a pleasure talking to you. Taylor: I want this to be about my dad. So please emphasize that. Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 00:46:41 Bit Rate/Frequency Rate at which bits are transferred (i.e. 96 kbit/s would be FM quality audio) 317 kbps Names Mentioned Any named mentioned (with any significance) from the local community. Albin Pherson Bobby Jones Harley Stell Years in Tri-Cities Area Date range for the interview subject's experience in and around the Hanford site 1943-1953 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Barbara Brown Taylor Description An account of the resource An interview with Barbara Brown Taylor conducted as part of the Hanford Oral History Project. The Hanford Oral History Project was sponsored by the Mission Support Alliance and the United States Department of Energy. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hanford Oral History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01-06-2017 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this oral history should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for this item. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 Date Modified Date on which the resource was changed. 2018-31-1: Metadata v1 created – [A.H.] Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. The Hanford Oral History Project operates under a sub-contract from Mission Support Alliance (MSA), who are the primary contractors for the US Department of Energy's curatorial services relating to the Hanford site. This oral history project became a part of the Hanford History Project in 2015, and continues to add to this US Department of Energy collection. Relation A related resource <a href="http://hanfordhistory.com/collections/show/27">Barbara Brown Taylor, Oral History Metadata</a> 1955 Bull Cat Cold War Hanford Houses Kennewick Park River School Street War https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F5d60f621ed71bb8fb9e36eb4f96e1bf3.jpg 4980023d65b093fc859ac27e01d16ac6 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fac378445f5aac9e3cbc9cb3473271efd.mp4 58d8f0045fb60ea72283768a50fb0a8d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Parker Foundation Oral Histories Subject The topic of the resource Nuclear science; Richland, Wa.; Hanford, Wa.; Parker, Herbert, 1910-1984 Description An account of the resource "The Herbert M. Parker Foundation collects valuable personal perspectives from key individuals who worked in radiological and environmental protection at the Hanford site in the early years of its development. Since 2004, student interns have recorded interviews from health physics and related science professionals. These historically valuable interviews document their personal experiences, observations, contributions and ideas. Several of the distinguished professionals who have spoken at the Annual Herbert M. Parker Lecture are also included. The videotaped interviews and accompanying biographical sketches will be made accessible to the public." See https://tricities.wsu.edu/parkerfoundation/ParkerHistory Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Ben Ramsville Description An account of the resource An interview with Ben Ramsville conducted by the Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F460bf0c069b1509c1f5405507db163db.JPG d96569e00082f37da75221e8187f7896 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F511064dbbb642366c99c1617861762f1.mp4 09d0aef4fe35ec11b9eb26e2b32c44dc Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Documenting African American Migration, Segregation, and Civil Rights History at Manhattan Project National Historical Park (MAPR), Hanford Subject The topic of the resource African Americans; Oral History Description An account of the resource A National Park Service funded project to document the history of African American contributions to Hanford and the surrounding communities. This project was conducted through the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystems Unit, Task Agreement P17AC01288 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford History Project Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 9/1/2017-9/1/2019 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For permission to publish or for more information contact the Hanford History Project. Relation A related resource RG2D_4D AACCES Oral History Project Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RG2_8 Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewer The person(s) performing the interview Vanis Daniels Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Benny Haney Location The location of the interview Home of Benny Haney (Pasco, WA) Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Vanis Daniels: Okay. Could we ask you your full name please? What is your name? Benny Haney: Benny. Benny Haney. Daniels: Okay. Mr. Haney, can you tell me when you arrived in the Tri-City area or in Pasco? Haney: In January ’44. 1944. Daniels: Okay. Did you come by yourself or did you come here with a group of people? Haney: No, I came with a group of people. Daniels: Who were the people that you came with? Haney: Charlie Harper. Daniels: Charlie Harper, okay. Did you have any relatives here in the Tri-Cities before you came here? Haney: No. Daniels: Approximately how old were you when you came? Haney: Around 21. Daniels: Where did you live before you came here? Haney: Kansas City. Daniels: Kansas City, Missouri? Haney: Yeah. Daniels: And before Kansas City, Missouri, where did you live? Haney: Arkansas. Daniels: Okay. Haney: Texarkana, Arkansas. Daniels: Texarkana, Arkansas. What kind of work did you do before you left Arkansas? Haney: After I left? Daniels: Before. Haney: Before? Daniels: Mm-hmm. Haney: The same thing you done. [LAUGHTER] He know what that was. [LAUGHTER] Daniels: Okay, but when you got ready to leave Arkansas, were you headed to Hanford, or did you go—well, you already said you went to Kansas City, but while living in Kansas City, how did you hear about the work at Hanford and Pasco? Haney: Charlie Harper, he was already here. And he come home for Christmas. I come back with him. Daniels: Mm-hmm. So, how did you travel when you came to Pasco? Did you come by train, car? Haney: Car. Daniels: And after you arrived here, where was the first place that you lived? Haney: What now? Daniels: Where did you live when you got here? Haney: Hanford. Daniels: At Hanford? Haney: Oh, overnight here and then went Hanford the next day. Daniels: Mm-hmm. [off-screen speaker]: In the barracks? Daniels: And was it in the barracks or at the trailer camp? Haney: Barracks. Daniels: In the barracks, okay. Were the barracks segregated, or did white, black and all live together, or did the blacks have their barracks and the whites— Haney: Oh, no, they’d bust up the men. They would separate the men when I got here. Daniels: So they would separate you when you got here. Okay. And when you got your job, from the barracks to work and back, what was your transportation mode? How did you get there, did they have buses? Haney: Bus. Daniels: So you rode on a bus, okay. What kind of work did they have you do out there? Haney: Labor. Daniels: Like digging ditches? Haney: The lumberyard. Daniels: Lumberyard, okay. Can you remember the name of the company that you worked for? Haney: DuPont, but I don’t— Daniels: DuPont? [VIDEO CUTS] [camera operator]: Okay, go ahead. Daniels: How did you feel about working at Hanford? Was it better than Arkansas and Kansas City? What I mean by that, how did the people treat you? Haney: The people did me all right. Yeah. Daniels: Did you work on a segregated crew? Was it all black or was it mixed with black and white? Haney: All black. Daniels: An all-black crew. Do you feel that your boss at the time stood up for you? In other words, did he—if you had a problem with, let’s say, a white worker, did he stand up for you? In other words, he didn’t let them mess with you while you were working? Haney: I had no problems. Daniels: What was the hardest thing you had to adjust to, coming from Kansas City to the Tri-Cities and living here? Haney: What now? Daniels: The hardest thing you had to adjust to? In other words, you came from Kansas City, which was basically a city, to Hanford, which is the country and dust and—well, there’s nothing here other than what you’re working for! I mean, how did you feel? Did you feel like that you would rather be back in Kansas City for the entertainment part of it, or— Haney: I did right then. Back in Kansas City right there and right then—there wasn’t nothing here. No nothing. Daniels: Yes. And did you—did they furnish any kind of entertainment or anything? Did they like bring singers or quartets or did they have dancers or anything for you? Haney: No. Daniels: None of that, huh? So, in your off time, like on weekends when you wasn’t working, what did you guys do? Haney: Well, right here at Hanford, nothing. We’d go to Yakima, on weekends, go to Yakima on the weekend. Daniels: Now, when you got to Yakima, did you have motels that you could live in? Haney: No, I didn’t go stay all night there, just go and come back. Daniels: I see, okay. Haney: There was girls in Yakima. Daniels: Okay, what did you guys do up there when you got up there? Haney: In Yakima? Daniels: In Yakima, yeah. Haney: I just sat around and talked. Have a little snort once in a while. Daniels: Well, all right! [LAUGHTER] Haney: That’s where the company was. There wasn’t no company at Hanford. Just the barracks, you go for bedtime, and you get tired of going there. The girls all liked that one place. [LAUGHTER] Daniels: Yeah, yeah! Well-- Haney: It was top-rated. Daniels: Now, when you got to Yakima and you was able—could you go in the tavern and sit down and drink? Haney: No tavern. Daniels: No tavern. Haney: It’s like a house. Daniels: I understand. [whispering] We’ll do this one and then the next one. [VIDEO CUTS] Daniels: Do you remember any other black people that you worked with out there at Hanford? Haney: Now? Daniels: Do you remember any other black people you worked for at Hanford, their names? Haney: Worked with me? Daniels: Yeah, that worked with you. Haney: Reverend Singleton. Daniels: Reverend Singleton? Haney: Yeah. Daniels: Okay. Can you think of anyone else? Haney: They’re all about dead. They’re all gone. Daniels: Now, you want to tell me about your job at Hanford? What did you guys do, other than work in the lumberyard? Describe what you did. Haney: Well, I worked on—[stuttering]—I learned digging then—shovel—digging. Daniels: Now, in the lumberyard, were you in charge of grading the lumber— Haney: No. I didn’t grade number. I pulled the nails. They called it boneyard. Daniels: You worked in the boneyard, mm-hmm. Now, did you do any other type of work, other than that? Do you have any funny stories or anything you can tell that happened while you was at work? Anything, maybe something that happened that’s unusual on the job, or something while you was at work? Anybody ever get hurt? Haney: No, no. Daniels: At work, anybody ever get killed out there? Anything that you know of? Haney: That I understand, no. Daniels: Well, you got anything else you want to talk about that may have happened, not only out there at Hanford, at work, but since then? I mean, you’ve gotta have some stories you can tell me that happened after you moved here to Pasco. Tell me a little bit about your family, your mom, your dad, your kids. [camera operator]: I want to— [VIDEO CUTS] [camera operator]: Go ahead. Daniels: Okay. Did anyone ever—did you know what you were working on while you were out there working? Haney: What I was working on? Daniels: Yes. Did anyone ever tell you that, we’re building—well, let’s say for instance like, we’re building a car? Haney: Nobody tell me nothing. Daniels: Okay, now, did you know what you were building when you were working out there? Haney: No, no. Daniels: Did you have any type of—anybody ever come around and tell you that you wasn’t supposed to talk about what you were doing out there? Did anybody ever tell you that? Haney: Yeah. I couldn’t talk about that now. I couldn’t talk about that. Daniels: So what you did out there, you did not know what it was for? Haney: No. [off-camera conversation] Daniels: I mean, were you curious? Did you ever ask anybody what, say, what are we building here? Haney: Nope. Daniels: As far as clearances go, did—what kind of clearance did you have? Did you have L clearance, Q clearance, or just a right-to-work— Haney: Right-to-work. Daniels: Just a right-to-work permit. [off-camera conversation] Daniels: How were your wages compared to—working out here at Hanford, how much money did you make, compared to when you left Kansas City? Haney: I made more in Kansas City than I made at Hanford. Daniels: Okay, then, you made more at Kansas City than at Hanford, but did you make more in Kansas City and Hanford than you did in Arkansas? Haney: I made nothing in Arkansas. You didn’t get nothing. [LAUGHTER] Daniels: After Hanford, what made you decide to stay in Pasco? Haney: I already told you that. I got a past I ain’t told you. [LAUGHTER] [Off-screen]: Go ahead. [Off-screen]: Say it. [Off-screen]: Go ahead. Haney: [LAUGHTER] Daniels: So when you left Arkansas and came to Pasco, you considered yourself coming from a bad place to a better place. Haney: A better place. Daniels: Okay. So you decided to stay here. You want to tell me a little bit about where you lived and what you did after Hanford? Haney: Come on with that again, what you said? Daniels: What you did— [VIDEO CUTS] Daniels: Now, when you came back, I understand that your mom and dad owned a trailer court and you rented little houses and— Haney: That was in 1947. When they owned the trailer court, ’47. Daniels: Well, when did your mom and dad come here? Haney: My dad was here in ’43. Daniels: Now, can you give me the names of your other sisters and brothers that was here with you, including your mom and dad’s name? Haney: I ain’t go no brothers yet. And then my sister here. My sister came here in ’44. Daniels: When did Joe Baby and Johnny and all them come? Haney: I think it about—I think it was in ’46. He come out in ’47 here, Joe Baby. Johnny was cantankerous. He couldn’t make it. [LAUGHTER] Daniels: Okay, now, you—how many kids do you have? Haney: Oh, phew. Daniels: “Oh, phew”? Haney: By that noise—by that noise—five. Daniels: Okay, do they stay in the area? Do they live here? Haney: Yeah, one of them, my daughter—your [unknown] and my daughter. Their home, they raised them in my daughter’s home. Daniels: Okay. Can you tell me a little bit about Pasco and the things that have happened to you that you know about that have happened around here since you’ve lived here? Haney: What now? What now? How’d you have that? Daniels: Tell me a little bit about Pasco. Were there any businesses here? Did black people own businesses here? Haney: Well, not really, yeah, in the east part. Yeah, in part of the state, black people have their business. Apex has their business out there. You couldn’t go to no—you couldn’t go in no white place now. No café, nothing, no tavern. Daniels: That’s some of the things we’re trying to get you to tell us, about like Apex, that you couldn’t go into taverns, you couldn’t stay downtown in motels or hotels or— Haney: No, no. Daniels: --or nothing like that. But what was the east side like? Haney: What now? Daniels: The east side, the east side of Pasco. What was it like? Haney: There wasn’t no businesses, nothing. Daniels: Wasn’t nothing over here? Haney: Wasn’t nothing. Millie’s house down there, about all. Baby’s house and Joe’s house up there. Daniels: About all that was up here, huh? Okay, your mom and dad had the trailer court. They rented to the people that worked at Hanford? Haney: Yeah. Daniels: [whispering] I asked that wrong. [off-camera]: Yes, you did. Daniels: Boy. [LAUGHTER] Now, did they—I mean, did they have families that lived on their trailer court, or were they just rooms? Haney: Some had families. Daniels: Did she also have a place for entertainment and stuff for the people after they got off work? Haney: No. No, they had a café. They had a café, that type of a place. It was a pool hall. Daniels: And in later years, for the people that worked out there and lived on her trailer court, there was, you said, a café, a pool hall. Was there a record shop and a barber shop there? Haney: Wasn’t no barber shop. It had a pool hall and a café. About it. And it had a tavern. The Caterpillar Café. [VIDEO CUTS] Daniels: Okay, were there other places like maybe Kennewick or Richland or even on the other side of town that black people could live while they worked at Hanford? Haney: No, Pasco was all for Hanford. It was recent. Couldn’t stay in Kennewick. Daniels: They couldn’t stay in Kennewick and they couldn’t live in Richland. Haney: In Richland and in Kennewick. Daniels: What about west Pasco? Haney: What? Daniels: What about on the other side of town? Haney: Pasco’s all right. It was Kennewick. [VIDEO CUTS] Daniels: Mr. Haney, is there anything else you’d like to tell us? Well, anyway, we thank you for the interview, and you were real helpful. So this concludes our interview with Mr. Haney. <a href="https://youtu.be/gGxbbzdXO6A">View interview on Youtube.</a> Years in Tri-Cities Area Date range for the interview subject's experience in and around the Hanford site 1944-2012 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Benny Haney Subject The topic of the resource Hanford Site (Wash.) Pasco (Wash.) Kansas City (Mo.) Yakima (Wash.) Richland (Wash.) Kennewick (Wash.) Migration Segregation Description An account of the resource Benny Haney moved to the Tri-Cities in 1944 to work on the Hanford Site. An interview conducted by the African American Community Cultural and Educational Society (AACCES) as part of an oral history project documenting the lives of African Americans in the Tri-Cities during the Manhattan Project and Cold War. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource African American Community Cultural and Educational Society Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford Oral History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this oral history should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for this item. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mpg https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F73092d11e38acf02e3f9139b59ff29ad.JPG 855dc47ad850f54f3f4a02b434262fd0 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F433d0cbcf01c6525d92c4404f0e21d8e.mp4 b708f88df97c4cbe45941c20fca189c6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Post-1943 Oral Histories Subject The topic of the resource Oral histories with residents about the Hanford area during and following the Second World War Description An account of the resource Oral histories with residents about the Hanford area during and following the Second World War Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewer The person(s) performing the interview Robert Franklin Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Bernal Femreite Location The location of the interview Washington State University Tri-Cities Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Robert Franklin: My name is Robert Franklin. I am conducting an oral history interview with Bernal Femreite on June 12, 2017. The interview is being conducted on the campus of Washington State University Tri-Cities. I will be talking with Bernal about his experiences working at the Hanford Site. And for the record, can you state and spell your full name for us? Bernal Femreite: Bernal Femreite, known as Bernie Femreite. The spelling is B-E-R-N-A-L. Last name is F-E-M-R-E-I-T-E. Franklin: Great, thanks a lot Bernie. So, tell me how and why you came to the area to work for the Hanford Site. Femreite: Well, during university, I was determining where to go to work and what kind of work I wanted to do. And the last—about in graduate school, I became very interested in nuclear energy. At that time, Hanford was still a very viable part of the weapons program. Most of the reactors were still running in the late ‘60s. They had a big program here and a lot of very interesting work for engineers. I was a metallurgical engineer, so everything about the Hanford fuel production was intriguing. And beyond that, I had read about everything I could about the Manhattan Project. The whole thing was fascinating to me. The fact that they went from a theory and some practical experiments to full-scale production in such a short time, under wartime conditions, obviously, that whole thing was very intriguing to me. So, long story short, I had—at that time, engineers coming out of university had a lot of opportunities. So I had a lot of choices. But I was particularly taken with the choice to come here with Douglas United Nuclear at the time. So I took that position and began as what they called process engineer in the 300 Area, where we were producing fuel for the K Reactors, C Reactor, D, and N, N Reactor. We were using the standard process at the time, which was encapsulating the uranium for exposure in the reactors. And we were—my job was, I was charged with developing a new, better and faster process for doing that. So I spent most of my time in what became known as the Small Pilot Plant in 300 Area. And we were producing a new method of encapsulating the uranium slugs that was faster and more reliable. Franklin: How was the old—I wonder if you could walk me through the steps of the old process and how your new process was different. Femreite: Well, the old process was what you might call a canning process. We had pre-formed aluminum jackets that came in, basically, the shape of a cylinder with a cap on one end. The uranium slugs came in milled to a certain diameter. They had a whole through the center for cooling, additional cooling. And then that was inserted inside this aluminum can, which we call cladding. And the whole thing was dunked under what we call a eutectic alloy of aluminum and silicon. That has a relatively low melting point. That would just flow in and form a bond between the uranium and aluminum. And they put a cap on the upper end, and then machine off the excess material. Then they would put on, ultrasonically, they’d weld on a small aluminum fin, which we called a leg, which gave the fuel slug some clearance between the tube that it would go into and the reactor, would allow the water to run past it. Franklin: Right, so that water could go around the entire— Femreite: Yeah. Franklin: Yeah, I’ve seen those. Femreite: And through the center. Franklin: Yeah, there are kind of fins on all sides. Femreite: Yeah, you’ve seen them, probably at the N Reactor—or the B Reactor Museum, if you’ve been out there. Franklin: Yes. Femreite: There are some examples of those. That was called the AlSi process, and it referred to the aluminum-silicon alloy that was used to bond— Franklin: Is that spelled how it sounds, A-L, S-I? Femreite: Yup, mm-hmm. It’s capital-A, L and then capital-S, I. So it stands for—it’s aluminum-silicon. It’s the scientific nomenclature for aluminum and silicon. And that process was developed and used for a long time. It had some disadvantages in that it had some byproduct, or leftover product waste that had to be disposed of. So there was the—AlSi would become—well, it would become fairly radioactive from being exposed to the uranium in—small amounts of uranium would be dissolved in it. So that was kind of a hard thing to deal with. Franklin: Can I ask how—what was the process for disposal of that spent product? Femreite: Well, I don’t know that part. Our job was to get the job done, and other people dealt with the disposing of waste. We can tell from what we’re finding in the papers today about the disposal of waste here, was there was a variety of methods, including just plain old burial someplace. Franklin: Yeah, the 300 Area, if I remember correctly, had some interesting waste footprints in the ground. Femreite: It does. And the area surrounding it as well. North of there they had burial pits. They had a waste pit over to the, it’d be the west side, towards what now is the Areva plant. And there were different places. Franklin: So this AlSi process, was this the original process used? Femreite: As near as I can tell, that was the original process. Now, they, in the early years, I read a lot of the classified documents as a young engineer when I first got here to understand some of the history. And they had experimented with different alloys and different heat treatments and things like that over the years, and finally settled on what I was familiar with, as the new engineer on the block, so to speak. I was chartered with developing what was called the hot die sizing process, which was to take the uranium slugs and basically extrude a coating of aluminum onto the slug. Franklin: Like using— Femreite: We used—we put them through what was called an extrusion die. And we’d start off with a small can shape of aluminum. That would sit in the die, and then the uranium slug would come down on it, and we’d basically squeeze the slug through the die, almost like toothpaste—although it was solid. And that would bond the aluminum to the uranium slug. Once it was bonded that way, all we had left to do then was to put a cap on the end. And then that the cap had to be bonded as well, so in order to do that, we used specialized heating coil. And we put the end of that fuel into that heating coil under pressure. It was called induction heating. That would bond that cap to the slug and to the other aluminum. So it was a much simpler process; it basically had no waste, except maybe some aluminum that would be machined, just to dress it up. And of course that aluminum was recycled, so. It was faster than the AlSi process. So my job, for most of the time I worked there, was to develop that, and also to solve any technical problems that came up in the existing AlSi process. So the AlSi process was still big, because that’s how the factory was set up. And we developed our hot die sizing process on a pilot scale. Then we moved the pilot line into big production facility and ran it in parallel with the big production facility and kept track of cycle times and quality. We were trying to prove that on an industrial scale, this was going to be an improvement to the AlSi process. I should mention that that whole thing sounds quite simple. But in the end, it was complicated. Each one of these fuel elements went through a very tight quality control process, where every single one went through an ultrasonic defect device—detector for defects in the fuel. That was all done with ultrasonic sound. Franklin: Huh. How did that work, exactly? Femreite: Well, the sound was transmitted through the cladding onto the uranium, and you get a certain pattern if there’s a good bond there. If there’s a bad bond, you get a completely different pattern from the ultrasonic sound. And so you could detect any, what we call, unbonded areas. You had to have a good bond on every part of the surface, because if you didn’t, you’d get a hot spot in the reactor. And that would, basically, cause the fuel to melt at that point—the cladding to melt at that point, and it would leak. We didn’t want leakers in the reactors because then that led to contamination in the water that flowed through those. Franklin: And you might have to shut the reactor down, too. Femreite: Yeah, if you got enough—if there were enough leakers in there to where you were getting high radiation readings on the discharge side of the reactor, they would have to shut it down, discharge that fuel, put new fuel in. That was not very efficient, and it was time consuming and fairly expensive. Franklin: Yeah. Femreite: So the quality control part of the process was very stringent. Franklin: So where was the uranium machined? Where was it formed into the— Femreite: That came out of a plant in Ohio. Franklin: Okay. Femreite: I think—I forgot the exact name of the plant, but I think it was Fernald. They came in by train in big wooden, pretty strong wooden crates. And then the aluminum was purchased on the market from various suppliers. We had a tight specification on which alloy and dimensions and quality and all that. So the aluminum was pretty generic, but it had to meet all of our specifications. Then the uranium, of course, came from Fernald and that was a single source. Because that was all government-run. Franklin: So was the hot die sizing process a success? Femreite: It was, yeah. We produced, on that parallel line, we produced most of a reload for one of the K Reactors. At that time, K West and K East were twins. So you didn’t know which reactor your load was going to go into. They determined that out there. So that fuel did go into the K, one or both of the K Plants. Franklin: Right. Femreite: So yeah, it was an improvement. And they would have—I believe they would have continued on that path and retired the AlSi process, but about that time, they determined that they weren’t going to run the K Reactors anymore. C had already shut down, or was preparing to shut down. So there wasn’t going to be demand in the business reason to change their method. And if they had—at that time, I think they had just put the Ks on standby, in the event that they might need to get back into producing plutonium. But they were already getting plutonium out of N Reactor and it was still running. So the demand for plutonium dropped, and so they began to phase things out. If they had needed to ramp production back up, it would’ve been fairly simple to start everything back up, because it sat there, basically, on reserve for quite a little while. Franklin: So, and what timeframe was that, when— Femreite: Well, it was late in the history of Hanford. I began work here in 1967 after graduating university. And so that was basically about a three-year deal, before things started to ramp down. So about 1970, they were threatening layoffs and reduction of staff and that kind of thing, simply because they just weren’t going to produce that much fuel. Franklin: Right. Where did you go to university; where did you get your bachelor’s? Femreite: University of Idaho. Franklin: Okay. Femreite: Mm-hm. Franklin: So are you from the area? Femreite: I’m from north Idaho. Franklin: Oh, okay. Femreite: Yeah, mm-hm. Franklin: So then in 1970, you transferred to Exxon, right? And went into commercial fuel production. Femreite: Yes. Franklin: And how—I wonder if you could talk about that transition and how that industry was different or similar, you know, how the work was related. Femreite: Yeah. The work there was—first of all, it was all what you would call private enterprise. So Exxon was in business to produce fuel for big commercial power plants. At that time, there were—I don’t know the exact number, but some 20 to 30 nuclear power plants operating in the United States producing electrical power. Those were built mainly by General Electric and Westinghouse. And in Europe, craftwork union was doing the same thing, and there were a lot of power plants in Europe. So Exxon decided they were going to get into this in a big way, even though they were an oil company, they knew that they were really an energy company. So they decided that they could build fuel and supply it to these power plants in the US and in Europe. So they began the business here, largely on the basis that there was a lot of technical know-how here. They knew that they could recruit from Hanford, which was basically winding down, and they had the access to Battelle. And Battelle had a huge amount of knowledge, collectively, about all things nuclear. So Exxon came in and bought land inside the City of Richland city limits and got all the permits and built the plant. So when I started work, it was a piece of sand out here on Horn Rapids Road. And we had offices downtown, rented offices downtown. There were only just a handful of us. So I had the good fortune of coming in on what they call the ground floor. Exxon—by the way, Exxon was called the Standard Oil of New Jersey. It’s only in later years that they rebranded themselves. And so the plant—the business out here began as Jersey Nuclear, just an offtake of Standard Oil of New Jersey, and that’s how they began. I have a picture of their business sign here if you want to keep that. So that was, for us that had worked there for a long time, the sign was pretty significant, because it was the very beginning of a long-standing business. At any rate, they were a taxpaying business in the City of Richland, and everything was commercial and they had to meet all of the standard safety regulations and all that that any industry does. So they began from, like I said, a flat piece of sand to building a plant out here that could produce this fuel for these power plants. That fuel, as a process engineer and as a metallurgist, that fuel was far more complicated in its design. Franklin: And why was that? Femreite: Well, the fuel for Hanford was, as I explained earlier, just a slug that was a uranium slug, we called them, that was encapsulated in a cladding and then tested and put in the power plant. But the fuel for commercial plants—and you’ve probably seen displays around the Tri-Cities and different places—are individual pellets about the size of a pencil eraser, more highly enriched than the fuel for the plutonium reactors. And it’s encapsulated in a pretty exotic alloy, zirconium alloy. So each tube, then, produces heat and a lot of it. So they have to be made to extreme precision and very high quality. You have to build them with a very robust process, and then you have to test them under very robust conditions to make sure that they’re going to produce and perform the way they’re supposed to. So the whole thing was quite interesting. And over the years, what we called the nukes, the nuclear engineers, who were experts on how to load these power plants with different kinds of fuel, they came up with a lot of different designs. Basically all the same design in terms of outward appearance. They were tubes with uranium pellets in them. But they varied the sizes and the enrichments and all that kind of things to get better performance in the power plant. So that whole thing was pretty challenging for all of us. Franklin: You had mentioned that Exxon, Jersey Nuclear, Standard Oil, New Jersey Nuclear, Exxon, had drawn—or one of the decisions to put it here was the availability of knowledge of the nuclear industry. Did a lot of former Hanford workers go to work for New Jersey Nuclear? Femreite: They did. Franklin: Okay. Femreite: Yeah, there were quite a few. And there were a lot of—well, not a lot, but quite a few scientists from Battelle that were retained, you know, under contract. They helped us build the first reload, as an example. Our first reload went into a power plant by the name of Big Rock Point and Oyster Creek. So they kind of held our hands to get that first delivery made. To start from zero requires a whole lot of stuff, because you have to come up with all your procedures and all of your quality documents and methods and processes and you have to train your staff. So it’s really quite a complicated enterprise to bring something from zero to fully functional business. Franklin: And how long did you stay with that company? Femreite: Well, I retired there 30 years later. Franklin: Oh, so in 2000? Femreite: Yes. Mm-hmm. Franklin: And did your job change at all during those 30 years? Femreite: Yes, mm-hmm. Yeah, I started out as a process engineer, individual contributor. And the last five years I was the vice president of manufacturing and the Richland plant manager. So I managed to work my way through the organization. Franklin: Yeah. Femreite: But it was all very challenging and all very gratifying work. In that 30 years, we replicated the Richland plant in Germany. Mainly because—well, I should back up. We delivered a lot of fuel in the United States and quite a bit of fuel overseas. Overseas, there was a huge tariff on the fuel because it was imported. Germany kept saying, well, you know, if you guys want to beat this import deal, you should just build a plant over here. And we can facilitate that, and suggest a place that’s suitable for that kind of business. And they did. They struck a deal with what, by then, was called Exxon. We duplicated—replicated this plant in a small village in northwest Germany, and began supplying Europe from that plant. We took all the best technology from the Richland plant that we had developed up to that point, and we had developed a lot of it, and then transferred it to Europe in that little—what I call a little—Lingen plant. It was actually a sizeable plant in what was a very friendly village there. So that was quite remarkable, too, because we had to recruit people that didn’t know what nuclear even meant to come to work there. But they were all crafts of different kinds: welders, machinists, and other crafts that’d come through the trade schools or industry in Germany. So we put together a very successful operation over there. And so that, then, basically, put an end-run on the tariffs. And it was good for their economy and good for our business. So it turned out quite well. Franklin: How did the fortunes of what is now Areva respond to kind of the ups and downs of the nuclear power industry, at least domestically? I know that—I feel like there’s been some downturn in that industry or has come under a lot of criticism in the past few decades. Femreite: Yeah, well, yeah, there is a lot of bad publicity, which is unfortunate because it’s a clean—it’s basically a clean energy. It doesn’t produce any greenhouse gases and all that kind of thing. But the bad publicity with Three Mile Island and Chernobyl and all that puts it at a real disadvantage, and there’s a lot of public opinion against it. But as a business, we just carried on. Despite the publicity, there was still demand for electricity. And that didn’t go away. [LAUGHTER] So the utilities that ran the power plant just said, well, we’ll do everything we need to do to keep our plants safe. But we have to carry on, because people want their light to turn on when they go home. So it wasn’t quite as remarkable a result as some people might think, from a business standpoint. But there are becoming fewer and fewer power plants because the ones that were built a long time ago are getting old or are so old they had to be closed down. So there are fewer. Although the Nuclear Regulatory Commission keeps saying that they’re prepared to license some new plants, improved plants—what they would call improved plants. But basically just from a business standpoint, it was fairly stable. The hardest part of meeting the market was to meet the power plants’ schedules, because they have, as you might know, just like the plant up north here, Energy Northwest, they closed down about every two or three years to refuel. When they do that, they want their fuel then and then only. So you have to run your business to kind of match up with the refueling schedules of these various plants. Franklin: Right. That makes sense. And so you went back to Hanford in 2001, right? Femreite: Yes, after I retired, I was asked to participate in a, oh, I don’t know what the—you might call it a short study, about a month’s study, of industry experts that they assembled to figure out why they were having so much trouble in the K Plants, getting the fuel out of the basins and dried and stored. They developed a process to do that, and basically it took the old residual fuel in the basins out there, put them through a drying process and encapsulated them in a very strong container. And that’s stored out there in the 200 Areas. Franklin: What is the drying process? What is that doing? Femreite: It’s basically a vacuum. They put it in a big chamber and run a vacuum on it for a long time—a relatively long time. Franklin: And why is that done? Femreite: Well, they want the fuel to not corrode any further. Franklin: So how is the fuel being stored? Femreite: It was being stored in the water pools at K East and K West. So they were stored underwater in 30 feet of water, as a shield. It was spent fuel, so it was hot, radioactively hot. Well, thermally hot, too. And that was stored in those pools and had been for years by 2001. I was familiar with those plants because I worked out there when I began in 1967. Because I’d go out there a lot to consult with the engineers that were running my pilot—my new fuel through their plant. Franklin: Right, well, you might’ve even have helped to make some of that fuel that was in the basin. Femreite: Oh, absolutely, yeah, sure. I should digress a little bit. When I first came here in ’67, I was out at those plants and for my own pleasure I interviewed a lot of the old-timers that had worked there through the war. And I was always fascinated by the fact that they didn’t know what they were actually doing there, because it was secret. It was all compartmentalized. So you could talk to a person who worked on, like the front face of K Reactor, and he’d tell you that that’s all he knew at that time; he didn’t know what went on anywhere else. [LAUGHTER] And furthermore, they couldn’t talk about it. So that whole thing was very intriguing to me. But, anyway, back to our topic, I was one of, I think, about 12 people, so-called industry experts, that were called in to understand why things weren’t going well out there, and they weren’t meeting anything close to their schedules that they were supposed to dry this fuel and store it. So they brought in experts in almost every field. A lot of them were safety experts, regulation experts, and things like that. I went there as a manufacturing expert. So we spent, I think, two weeks there. I determined very quickly that they were not running that as a what I call a manufacturing process, which it really was. They were running more as an engineering process. So I wrote a report about that at the end of my little short tour of duty there and left it with the management. Then I went on a trip, a vacation with the family after that. Well, I got back and my phone was ringing of the wall. They said, Bernie, you need to come out here and help us figure this out, because we think that we have all this advice from all these people, but this seems to be the real key to getting this straightened out. So I then went to work under a contract, and basically taught them what’s called a constraint management manufacturing. Which we used in our own plant. And what that means is that any process—you can name almost any process: human process or manufacturing process, or almost any process—and you can find what’s called a bottleneck. You can put together any scheme of sequential operations. One point in there will be what’s called a bottleneck, or what I call a constraint. The real secret to making that all work is to zero in on the constraint and figure out if it can be made better or not. If not, manage the constraint and everything else pretty much takes care of itself. And so I called it constraint management. It’s called different things. In order to—so you’d identify the constraint, and then you put in modifiers that support the constraint. You put in what’s called queues, upstream and downstream, which a queue is just simply a place to store things that you either going to process or that you have processed. And then everything else pretty much runs itself. And they had a serious constraint out there, but they weren’t managing it; they were trying to—a group of engineers that were making charts everyday, trying to schedule everybody for every hour of the next day, to get them to do what they were supposed to do. [LAUGHTER] And it wasn’t working out. So I taught them how to do constraint management and what we call process control. Just in a short time, it just started working great. And in fact, the constraint turned out it wasn’t the constraint that they thought it was, because once we focused in on it, they got smart about how to run it, and it moved the constraint further downstream. So that became the new constraint down there, and then we started managing that as the constraint. So anyway, long story short, it put everything put together very well. Their production levels went, like, improved by three or four times. And I think they ended up actually beating their endpoint schedule before by implementing that method. Franklin: Oh, wow. Femreite: So it was pretty gratifying. And I got a lot of calls about how well that worked, and they were quite happy with it. So that was very successful for them and very gratifying for me. Franklin: How long were you on that project? Femreite: I was there for—that only took us about three months. Franklin: Oh, okay. Femreite: Yeah. They wanted me to stay on and work as a consultant there, but I told them, look, I’m retired. My job now is to stay retired. So I declined to do that. Franklin: Was that the last time you worked out at Hanford? Femreite: That was the last time I worked there, yeah, mm-hmm. Franklin: Great. Well, we’ve got to most of my questions. I do have a couple more just quick ones. I’m wondering, was Richland—I know you came to Richland after the town had been turned into private ownership. But I’m wondering if Richland was still, at that point when you arrived, if there was anything remarkable or unique about it, or what your impressions were compared to where you had grown up? Femreite: Oh, definitely. You could tell that it was still very much a government town. There wasn’t a lot of infrastructure here, compared to what we’re used to now. Columbia Center was just desert, for instance. There wasn’t anything out there. The government housing had just, as you said, turned back to civilian ownership, just a few years prior. The housing around town was still largely what had been built for the war effort or after the war. Franklin: Did you live in an Alphabet House when you arrived here? Femreite: I lived in what was called a Richland Village house, which was government construction. Richland Village was just north of Safeway, that whole area in there. Those were all mass-produced government houses. They weren’t really called an Alphabet House. I could’ve been in an Alphabet House very easily, but it just turned out that the Richland Village was a good choice for renting. I wanted to buy a home, but I didn’t want to do that immediately upon arrival here. I kind of wanted to get the lay of the land. So we rented what’s called a Richland Village home at the time. At that time, that whole place was run by one business. One business owned all those houses and rented them out, and were wanting to sell them to individual owners. So a lot of them are rented, and I’d say maybe half of them had maybe been sold to individuals at that time. But as you drove around town, it was largely still the government-built houses that you saw. Very few new construction. And the furthest, the northern extent of Richland at that time was where the 7-Eleven is on G-W Way down here, on Saint. In fact, that area where the 7-Eleven is and Washington Square Apartments was a drive-in theater. [LAUGHTER] It was still operating. [LAUGHTER] And the houses on Harris—there were no houses between G-W Way and Harris Street. But at the time we came here, Harris was being developed as a new upscale development. So all those homes along Harris there that are along the river were upscale houses. To get there, there was one street over to Harris, I think it was the street that goes past the 7-Eleven now, and you went across the desert to this strip of land along the river where these homes were being built. I was explaining to your colleague a while ago, this campus was one building, and it was called the Graduate Center. Franklin: Yes. Yeah, it’s what’s now the East Building of our campus. Femreite: Yeah. So, yeah, it was still kind of a frontier town in my opinion at the time. It was quickly changing. We saw a whole lot of changes in the time we’ve lived here, that’s for sure. Franklin: And where did you end up—I’m assuming you ended up buying a house. Did you end up living in Richland? Femreite: I did. Our first home was what I’d call a starter home, just off of the boundary of the Richland Village. There was a string of little, three-bedroom two-bath places that had been built and we bought one of those. Later on, there was a new development further north. I don’t recall if it even had a name, it just—a lot of nicer homes, bigger homes. Split-level and that kind of thing. So we ended up going there, moving there later on. And then I was asked to go to Germany, so we sold that and went to Germany. And came back and lived in a similar house in that area. Then Exxon asked me to go to Idaho Falls. We went down there and ran a secret weapons project that I never talked to you about earlier. But Exxon was asked to go down there and run what was then a secret project, military project. Then when we came back, we moved to a home on Harris Avenue and lived there until I retired. Franklin: Oh, okay. I’m wondering if you could describe the ways in which security of secrecy at Hanford impacted your work while you were there? Femreite: Well it made—you had to be very, very conscious of it. I had proper clearance to where I could get almost any kind of classified document that I wanted, and I needed to, because there was a lot of science developed there that was Top Secret. So as a practical matter, every engineer there had a fairly sizeable safe. And we kept all of our documents in that safe. Including documents that we had checked out to use or to read or whatever. And then our own writings, our own documents, were sent to a classification officer before they were published and he gave them their appropriate classification level. So at the end of the day, you made sure that everything that was classified was in the safe. And then patrol would come around in the evenings and odd hours, just to see if there was anything left that shouldn’t be. Or unattended. You could not leave a classified document unattended; you had to have it with you. If you left it on your desk and walked out, that was a no-no. If you were going to go somewhere, you locked it back up. Franklin: Did you ever run afoul of— Femreite: No, I never did get a security infraction. I knew people that did. Franklin: That’s good. Did you ever have something that you had authored become classified to where you couldn’t use it again? Femreite: Well, I could use it, but others couldn’t. Uh-huh. Yeah, I had several things that were classified. Mm-hmm. Franklin: My last question is, I’d like to ask you what you would like future generations to know about working at Hanford and living in Richland during the Cold War? Femreite: Well, the Cold War for people of my age was very concerning. I was raised in the period where they were teaching students to duck under their desks. [LAUGHTER] As a civil defense exercise. There was a lot of information and publicity, or maybe even propaganda, about the threat of nuclear war. A lot of films got shown in the schools about what nuclear war was about, and what atomic bombs were like, and what you might be able to do to protect yourself, or might not be able to do to protect yourself. And then there was, of course, the headlines about tensions between Russia and the United States. Cuban missile crisis and all that. So it was very disconcerting. As a child, or an adolescent, I was worried about it, as were my colleagues about the same age. And then as a young engineer, working here, it became clear that there was a lot of very high technology being developed and that was important to our health and safety as a nation. It was guarded very well. People were quite dedicated to their work here. That was always very gratifying to me, that people weren’t taking it lightly; they knew what their responsibilities were and how important it was. So for anybody looking back on it, I think they can just be grateful that there were a lot of folks that had a very high principles and very high expectations and were very capable. And, you know, now, in retrospect, there are quite a few workers who were essentially overexposed. At the time they didn’t know it, and neither did management, but in retrospect you see reports of people, a lot, that have lasting diseases and that kind of thing, from the exposures they took here. So, those folks are heroes. They laid their life on the line for the rest of us. They’re every bit as much a hero as the people that were fighting the war, I think. Franklin: Great, well, thank you, Bernie, for coming in and talking to us about your career. Femreite: Yes, it was my pleasure. Thank you. Franklin: Okay. Awesome. Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 00:50:37 Bit Rate/Frequency Rate at which bits are transferred (i.e. 96 kbit/s would be FM quality audio) 317kbps Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Bernal Femreite Subject The topic of the resource Hanford Site (Wash.) B Reactor National Historic Landmark (Wash.) Hanford Atomic Products Operation Description An account of the resource Bernal Femreite came to the Hanford Site to work for Douglas United Nuclear. He worked in the 300 Area, and at many of the Hanford reactors. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hanford Oral History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford Oral History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 6/12/2017 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this oral history should contact the Hanford History Project, who can provide specific rights information for this item. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 Language A language of the resource English Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. The Hanford Oral History Project operated under a sub-contract from Mission Support Alliance (MSA), who were the primary contractors for the US Department of Energy's curatorial services relating to the Hanford site. This oral history project became a part of the Hanford History Project in 2015, and continues to add to the US Department of Energy collection. https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F206452690c8885d2fd3e2569f534c285.JPG 466ec2396ffb6f5e3897b77412c7231f https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F05fbc818de7c9ff8a2d133d46e686b4d.mp4 1092ddd880390c6414afc6d74a7556c3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Post-1943 Oral Histories Subject The topic of the resource Oral histories with residents about the Hanford area during and following the Second World War Description An account of the resource Oral histories with residents about the Hanford area during and following the Second World War Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewer The person(s) performing the interview Robert Franklin Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Betty Norton Location The location of the interview Washington State University Tri-Cities Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Robert Franklin: My name is Robert Franklin. I am conducting an oral history interview with Betty Norton on August 28, 2017 The interview is being conducted on the campus of Washington State University Tri-City. I’ll be talking with Betty about her experiences growing up in Richland. And for the record, can you state and spell your full name for us? Betty Norton: Betty, B-E-T-T-Y. My maiden name was Bell, B-E-L-L. And a lot of this is because of my dad. And last name is Norton, N-O-R-T-O-N. Franklin: Okay, great. Thanks, Betty. So, tell me, how and why did you come to the area? Norton: Because my dad came. At the time, we were--well, we started out in Tennessee, and Dad was working for DuPont. Well, he got transferred to Kankakee Ordnance with DuPont in 1942 in October. So we were there about 18, 20 months or so. And then the guy kept telling Dad, you need to go out to Hanford. Well, he’d heard about that scary place out in the desert and everything. And, no, he wanted no part of it. We were from Tennessee and Kentucky and Arkansas. Beautiful country. And he wasn’t about to get that much farther away from family. So, the guy kept insisting, though, and he kept saying, Cecil, I think you need to. So finally my dad said to Mom, well, it sounds like he knows something that we don’t. So, maybe we’d better do it. So Dad got out here. 24 men. Reading my dad’s book, which is absolutely fascinating. He wrote some things--”The things I remember and some I don’t remember” by Cecil Bell. And I think part of it is probably things he didn’t remmeber. But anyway, he and 23 other men were in one sleeping car, coming from Kankakee out to here the first day or two of February of 1944. So they all ended up pretty much being very good friends over the years. One of the guys even was in the other half of our A house, which was on Stevens Drive. In fact, it’s the big one right now across from where the old Sacajawea School was. It now has the big six white pillars and the brick front. Franklni: Oh, yeah, I know that one, yeah. Norton: That’s now, the Catholic priest lives ther,e I believe. Or at least he did for years. So that’s the house, we moved into the south end of it. And Mom and I didn’t get there until June. And my two younger brothers and I, we spent probably a couple of months in a hotel in Kankakee because they took our furniture, but then it was stacked up so long that our furniture didn’t get there until June. So we spent all this time in a hotel. Mom and, I was the oldest at ten, and two younger brothers which was heartbreaking for Mom. So when she found out it was still going to be another month, probably in May, then we hopped on a bus and took off back to see, to Arkansas, to see her folks. I can remember, Mom was holding my little brother, and then my other brotehr and I took turns sitting on a suitcase in the aisle, and the other one got to sit in the seat next to Mom. So anyway, we got out here mid-June. And I was reading in Dad’s book, and I didn’t realize it, but they gave him a house plenty early, this big A house at 1221 Stevens. They came with a refrigerator and a stove. Nothing else. But they gave the men, there were three things: a bed, a chair, and a dresser. And that was the furniture he lived with from probably early in April or something like that, till we gt here in June. So, I had often wondered about that, and then I was going through my dad’s boko last night and I came across that. I’d always wondered, you know? Our furniture was sitting back there. But of course the trains were used for troop movement. So, got here, and of course there wasn’t a blade of grass or tree in sight. And of course we’re from that beautiful green country back there. And ther ewere no rugs on the stairs. There were three kids in our half of the A house with wooden stairs. And two, one of the men that came out, they were in the other half with two kids. ANd I thought, later, after having my own four kids, my mother must’ve cried a million tears back there with all of the dust, the sand, the noise, living in a house with somebody else with kids racing up and down stairs all the time. But they stuck it out and then lived here--he died in September of ‘88 and she followed him six months later in March of ‘89. But I stayed here, married a guy that was working out on the Project after he came back from the army. And we had four kids. Then they had five granddaughters. Ten great-grandkids and now I have four great-great-grandsons. So we’re all still here after--ever since June of ‘44. So I remember a lot about growing up but not too much. It was a fun time. You never had to worry about--well, we never even thought about worrying about bad goings-on or anything. I think we were probably in especially safe town, if nothing else. But I remember playing out from daylight to dark, never having to worry about going home. You went in if you got hungry. Other than that, you played outside all day. I remember the mosquito sprayers. And I read on--some gal, many years ago, probably 20 years or so ago, started something--I don’t know if you’ve heard of it from Col High--from Richland High--the Sandstorm? Franklin: Mm-hmm. Norton: Okay. About--that is an absolutely fantastic thing to have grown up with all these years. There is so much history brought through. The kids start one subject, and then everyone, from all over the world actually can chime in. And I just wish I had thought to find out just how many people she has on her list, because we get things from China, from Japan. In fact, I have a cousin teaching at a university in Japan. But her dad was hte one that laid out, according to this, Georgia Koda, laid out the Uptown area and then helped draw up the plans and build the Carmichael. And my brother was the first ASB president there, Cecil Bell, Jr. And then he went on to be ASB president at Col High--Richland High. Richland High, it’s a hard thing to break. Franklin: That’s okay. Norton: You knew who I was talking about. Franklin: Yeah. The first time I heard it, I was not familiar, but I’m a seasoned-- Norton: Right, but you’ve heard it a few times now in the years, I’m sure. Right. Uh-huh. So, you know, we ran in the mosquito sprayer. We didn’t know anything. We stayed out and played Annie Annover, throwing balls over houses. Loved going down to the park, to the little swimming pool. I could still remember how cold that Columbia River was, because they just piped that straight into the pool down at Howard Amon Park. ANd you got in line, and I think they blew a whistle when it was time for you to get out. So everybody got out of the pool, ran to the back of the line, visited, until they blew the whistle again, and then the next group of people--because you could spend your day just going in and out of the pool, freezing all the time when you were in it. That was one of my favorite things. You could ride the buses, go where you wanted to. We could ride bikes. It was just a fun time. Like I said, I’m sure Mom cried a million tears with all the dust and all of that. But we lived in that house, then, from June of ‘44. Then in ‘49, my dad was supervisor. He was in--it was a machinist. And he got all kinds of upgrades. Well, he was a backhills country boy, and his dad was a horseshoer. What’s that? Franklin: I thought they called it-- Norton: A blacksmith. A blacksmith. Franklin: yeah. Norton: Uh-huh. So Dad knew all that stuff. So when he came out here there were, even in Kankakee, there were a lot of things that he culd do because he knew tempering the fires and all that stuff. So he did real well there working on things that no one else was used to doing. When he came out here, it was the same kind of thing. In fact, it was funny, he came out here before they had any tool sofr him to be a machinist. So they had all these little whelels and wires and whatever they were, motors, that had to be fixed, but he didn’t have any tool.s So he wrote Mom a letter describig everything he needed and sent it to her with money. And then she went and bought it and mailed it back. So he was here working on the Project with tools sent from Kankakee, Illinois, because this big million dollars worth of Plant didn’t have the tool sfor him to work with for awhile. So I always thought that was one of the funny things that happened. But he was real good at inventing-type things. So he did really well. He was in the steam power plant down there, and he was head over that. He knew when they dug the streets and put in pipes, water pipes, he felt at the time, it was the wrong thing because they were only going to be here five years. So he said, oh, they didn’t have to put sand down for all these big pipes and everything. Well, of course they started wearing out. Well, then they would start having leaks, and the bills for people would go up in the air. And I remmeber reading one, well, what he would do is, he would hae a pretty good idea from seeing where the spike would be on the charts that they had, so they could go and dig down there. And he said eh usually could find the broken pipe, no more than two digs. One took him five digs before they could find it. And then the old hotel at the time, all of the sudden, the guy came comlaining--he was the manager--came complaining to Dad because his electric bill had just spiked all of a sudden. All of a sudden, just outrageously. So Dad went back and looked at all the charts to see, and it was about 2:00 in the morning every day, this thing would just jump skyhigh. So he said to the guy, I dont know what’s happening at 2:00 at your hotel, but something is. So the guy said, well, I’ll find out. He went down, and the guy that was supposed to be cleaning all the floors and stuff, mopping them, he found it was a lot easier to hook his one-inch pipe into the big 700 gallon tank that was for the whole hotel, because he’d been using the little 200 pipe that was meant for the kitchen. And so he was using the big one, that made it a lot faster, easier. So the hotel guy set him straight on that so he could no longer do that. He did that. He worked the steam plant for a long time. In fact, he was there-- Franklin: And this was like the steam plant for the City of Richland. Norton: Uh-huh, right. Blew the whistle everyday at noon. Was one of the things he got to do for many years. In fact, somewhere in this book, I should’ve written that down instead of marking it. But when the plant was finally torn down in ‘65 or--no, it must’ve been much earlier than that. So, anyway, he was doing that. So then after that went down, though, then he went out to stores. So then he spent the rest of his time out there. Franklin: When you say went out to stores, can you-- Norton: That was the big stores building out on, just as you’re coming out into the Project where they used to have all the buses around down there and everyhing, I think. Franklni: Okay. Norton: Yeah. So he was there until he retired in February of ‘75 when he turned--but he felt that when people needed something for something that broke down, they needed it immediately; they didn’t want to have to wait and get it on a list. And so Dad would let them come in with their list of what they needed, pick it up, get the order filled, and take it. Well, this went on for a few years. It wasn’t their rules, but the guys that were in charge never said anything because Dad got along so well with all thepeople and had no problems with them. Got everybody satisfied and happy about it. Well, then he mentioned a name, but I don’t remember it and I wouldn’t say it. But he was just a couple of months or few months or minutes or so before Dad retired in ‘75, a new guy came in and he was going to have it his way. People were going to have to send in an order and in three or four days, it woudl get to them. Well, Dad knew this would not work. So he finally told the guy--oh, and then they came in and took out--there were two telephones, so people could call right to the desk and get the things that they needed ordered and get them out. Well, then one day, some guys came in and started to take the phones out. And Dad said, you’re not going to take those phones out. And they said, well, it’s an order. ANd he says, no, you don’t. So anyway, I guess, he talked to Mr. Big and told him, said, you’re not taking those phones out until I leave in two more weeks. If you want to ruin it after that, you can ruin it. But this is what people need. And this guy says, that’s not according to the rules. And Dad says, well, you either leave those phones when I leave or you get rid of me at the same time. So, they left the phones in for the two weeks till Dad lft, and then after that, they went back to this where people had to send in their list they wanted, wait till it could be fixed up several days later. So he was glad to get out of there by that time. He was a very special person. I would say he’s probably one of the most-liked people here. He got along with people all the time from when he started. That was why he got his first job with DuPont. Because he was friendly with a little lady that ran a grocery store there, and she knew the big guys. Well, Dad and his brother-in-law had gone over there and visited in the store. And that’s when he met my mother. So, when they were just about to give up on ever finding a job, she said, well, you take this over to--and I think the name was Brown--over in employment. You come back tonight and you get the letter that I’m going to write you, and you take it to this guy and only this guy. And Dad worked from then, 1932 or so, until ‘75 without ever losing a day’s pay. And was liked by everybody. He really, like I said, he could fix anything. So he fixed little motors that nobody had been able to figure out. He could--there was one section in here on something when they needed something with a sharp point, well, the metal wasn’t--whatever they do with it, tempered right or something. Well, he knew how to temper it right because he’d been shoeing horses with his dad ever since he was ten years old or so. So he told the guy Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 00:55:47 Bit Rate/Frequency Rate at which bits are transferred (i.e. 96 kbit/s would be FM quality audio) 9987 kbps Hanford Sites Any sites on the Hanford site mentioned in the interview Steam Plant Years in Tri-Cities Area Date range for the interview subject's experience in and around the Hanford site 80 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Betty Norton Subject The topic of the resource Hanford Site (Wash.) Description An account of the resource Betty reflects on moving to Richland from Tennessee when her father (Cecil Bell) moved from working with Kankakee Ordnance to Hanford in February 1944. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hanford Oral History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hanford Oral History Project at Washington State University Tri-Cities. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 8/28/2017 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this oral history should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for this item. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. The Hanford Oral History Project operates under a sub-contract from Mission Support Alliance (MSA), who are the primary contractors for the US Department of Energy's curatorial services relating to the Hanford site. This oral history project became a part of the Hanford History Project in 2015, and continues to add to the US Department of Energy collection. hanford site steam plant https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F31bba7b6124efe27fa163ec2fe662417.jpg faf7c4b3f53be57758870eab063e4244 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F4a2bb37b78c57e8288bc268b5d788a9c.mp4 7d3b7e6bc41accc863ebec0dc019c444 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Parker Foundation Oral Histories Subject The topic of the resource Nuclear science; Richland, Wa.; Hanford, Wa.; Parker, Herbert, 1910-1984 Description An account of the resource "The Herbert M. Parker Foundation collects valuable personal perspectives from key individuals who worked in radiological and environmental protection at the Hanford site in the early years of its development. Since 2004, student interns have recorded interviews from health physics and related science professionals. These historically valuable interviews document their personal experiences, observations, contributions and ideas. Several of the distinguished professionals who have spoken at the Annual Herbert M. Parker Lecture are also included. The videotaped interviews and accompanying biographical sketches will be made accessible to the public." See https://tricities.wsu.edu/parkerfoundation/ParkerHistory Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Betty Owen Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Betty Owen Description An account of the resource An interview with Betty Owen conducted by the Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F1d086a615405a7341a9786d90015bd6d.jpg 599fc65d890bc12c1afe56b2b4e71073 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fe93b15506524f144d3afa0feaf5260b2.mp4 41a97d54f81183f032ef829b5377fb24 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Parker Foundation Oral Histories Subject The topic of the resource Nuclear science; Richland, Wa.; Hanford, Wa.; Parker, Herbert, 1910-1984 Description An account of the resource "The Herbert M. Parker Foundation collects valuable personal perspectives from key individuals who worked in radiological and environmental protection at the Hanford site in the early years of its development. Since 2004, student interns have recorded interviews from health physics and related science professionals. These historically valuable interviews document their personal experiences, observations, contributions and ideas. Several of the distinguished professionals who have spoken at the Annual Herbert M. Parker Lecture are also included. The videotaped interviews and accompanying biographical sketches will be made accessible to the public." See https://tricities.wsu.edu/parkerfoundation/ParkerHistory Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Bill & Doris Johnson Description An account of the resource An interview with Bill & Doris Johnson conducted by the Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F171269e5592f87ca73b0abd21906be22.jpg e34a3862231740538fe21dc246d8eba8 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fe24b4ecfdfc73609ae4ab5c50c3218e2.mp4 397f8c53625b90bedd9059f395a8f6d4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Parker Foundation Oral Histories Subject The topic of the resource Nuclear science; Richland, Wa.; Hanford, Wa.; Parker, Herbert, 1910-1984 Description An account of the resource "The Herbert M. Parker Foundation collects valuable personal perspectives from key individuals who worked in radiological and environmental protection at the Hanford site in the early years of its development. Since 2004, student interns have recorded interviews from health physics and related science professionals. These historically valuable interviews document their personal experiences, observations, contributions and ideas. Several of the distinguished professionals who have spoken at the Annual Herbert M. Parker Lecture are also included. The videotaped interviews and accompanying biographical sketches will be made accessible to the public." See https://tricities.wsu.edu/parkerfoundation/ParkerHistory Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Bill Baumgartner Description An account of the resource An interview with Bill Baumgartner conducted by the Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F97490d9e79c8febc2de1b17e5e26f8c8.jpg 07eda7b2596d03a375bf7346cd2e54f2 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F0081049bc8617dc74d91077007529331.mp4 289c09266dfd9d74741cd3dcbd18f45b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Parker Foundation Oral Histories Subject The topic of the resource Nuclear science; Richland, Wa.; Hanford, Wa.; Parker, Herbert, 1910-1984 Description An account of the resource "The Herbert M. Parker Foundation collects valuable personal perspectives from key individuals who worked in radiological and environmental protection at the Hanford site in the early years of its development. Since 2004, student interns have recorded interviews from health physics and related science professionals. These historically valuable interviews document their personal experiences, observations, contributions and ideas. Several of the distinguished professionals who have spoken at the Annual Herbert M. Parker Lecture are also included. The videotaped interviews and accompanying biographical sketches will be made accessible to the public." See https://tricities.wsu.edu/parkerfoundation/ParkerHistory Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Bill Decker Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Bill Decker Description An account of the resource An interview with Bill Decker conducted by the Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fa0fbce26c74147552342662a743afd8c.jpg ed3ee61349e18552f28e7190109ded56 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fec6d581ccd8e866ffb3190c080085c51.mp4 9c8c1b55e43a770fbcc914ee2055f5f8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Parker Foundation Oral Histories Subject The topic of the resource Nuclear science; Richland, Wa.; Hanford, Wa.; Parker, Herbert, 1910-1984 Description An account of the resource "The Herbert M. Parker Foundation collects valuable personal perspectives from key individuals who worked in radiological and environmental protection at the Hanford site in the early years of its development. Since 2004, student interns have recorded interviews from health physics and related science professionals. These historically valuable interviews document their personal experiences, observations, contributions and ideas. Several of the distinguished professionals who have spoken at the Annual Herbert M. Parker Lecture are also included. The videotaped interviews and accompanying biographical sketches will be made accessible to the public." See https://tricities.wsu.edu/parkerfoundation/ParkerHistory Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Bill Endres Description An account of the resource An interview with Bill Endres conducted by the Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2F765994dd921c91eb053787d613d46dc8.jpg 16a97e6dcda82388432112b119202e26 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omeka-hhp%2Foriginal%2Fe7571cdcd4734f62fb4055782c2a8ebd.mp4 bafcb78950404349c3e160f0d590ce45 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Parker Foundation Oral Histories Subject The topic of the resource Nuclear science; Richland, Wa.; Hanford, Wa.; Parker, Herbert, 1910-1984 Description An account of the resource "The Herbert M. Parker Foundation collects valuable personal perspectives from key individuals who worked in radiological and environmental protection at the Hanford site in the early years of its development. Since 2004, student interns have recorded interviews from health physics and related science professionals. These historically valuable interviews document their personal experiences, observations, contributions and ideas. Several of the distinguished professionals who have spoken at the Annual Herbert M. Parker Lecture are also included. The videotaped interviews and accompanying biographical sketches will be made accessible to the public." See https://tricities.wsu.edu/parkerfoundation/ParkerHistory Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Those interested in reproducing part or all of this collection should contact the Hanford History Project at ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu, who can provide specific rights information for these items. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Bill Kennedy Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview with Bill Kennedy Description An account of the resource An interview with Bill Kennedy conducted by the Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University Tri-Cities