David Ramirez was born in 1936 in North Dakota, delivered by his father in a chicken coop. His parents had come to the United States in the 1920s, and the family came to Minnesota in 1936. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in humanities and did graduate work at the university in industrial relations. At the time of the interview he was director of the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department, in charge of La Voz, a monthly bilingual publication, a professional photographer, and producer of a radio program. Subjects discussed include: Personal history including education, the armed services, and employment - community involvement - La Voz - racial discrimination - ethnic activism in Minneapolis - and the meaning of Chicano.
Ernie Fliegel was born in Barlad, Romania, in 1904 and came to the United States in 1910 with his grandmother, mother, brother and sister. (His father was also in this country but had little contact with the family). His mother worked in a New York sweatshop to earn money for their trip to Minneapolis. Fliegel sold newspapers by age seven and later became a professional boxer. He was a contender for the featherweight championship before an eye injury forced him to retire in 1927. He became a fight promoter, traveled with Jack Dempsey and became an owner, with his friend Max Winter, of the 620 Club on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis. He married his wife Eileen in about 1925, and they have one son, Richard. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: His childhood in Romania and Minneapolis - extreme poverty - selling newspapers, including a 1916 strike by newsboys - his amateur and professional boxing career - the 1930s Depression - bootlegging - the 620 Club - the truckers' strike of 1934 - and education. COMMENTS ON INTERVIEW: Fliegel bar mitzvahed with Edward P. Schwartz, who was also interviewed for this oral history project.
Emiliano Chagil was born in Guatemala in the city of San Lucas Tolimn. Chagil went to college in the city of Solol where he completed his bachelor's degree and later received his engineering degree at the University of San Carlos. He moved to Minnesota in 1980 because of the civil war in Guatemala. He later proved to be an influential leader for Latin communities in Minnesota and Guatemala. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - Guatemalan community and culture - financial struggles - Mayan and Christian religions - civil unrest - identity - landscape differences of Minnesota and Guatemala - Latino community in Minnesota - immigration - education - and refugees.
Dan Keyler is a retired Toxicologist for Hennepin County Medical Center and an expert on timber rattlesnake venom. He shares about his pathway to becoming fascinated by rattlesnakes and some of the common misconceptions about these snakes. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Ernie Boszhardt is an archaeologist who shares about his journey becoming an archaeologist and stories about local human history he's learned through his work. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Laura Deering shares information about her research investigating the Underground Railroad in Southeast Minnesota. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Holly Young is a Dakota beadwork artist who shares about her journey discovering the stories of her ancestors through learning traditional beadwork. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Kao Tao shares about the Hmong refugee experience and the significance of the Whitewater River valley to the Se Asian community. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Mike Ebersold is a descendant of Chief Wabasha's family and Dakota-French trader, Augustine La Roque. He shares about the Dakota Half Breed Reservation and early history of the Wabasha area. His wife shares about her experiences working at summer camps held at Whitewater State Park. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Mahmud Kanyare and Nimo Said share about the Somali refugee experience and the impact of nature on wellbeing. They talk about their work with the Youth and Family Circle and the field trips and summer camps they organize for immigrant and refuge youth to experience the outdoors. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Mark Reisetter shares about his experience serving in Vietnam and the therapeutic benefits of fly fishing. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Bucky Flores shares information about his American Indian heritage and the importance of connecting chidren to the outdoors. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Maria Lamey is a former Family Advocate for the Plainview Migrant Council and helped found Project Get Outdoors. She shares about her experiences helping introduce migrant Latino youth to the outdoors. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Ben Gessner is a Collections Associate for the Minnesota Historical Society. His work focuses on American Indian and Fine Arts Collections. He shares about his work and the process of repatriating artifacts. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Charles Loggins was the first African American District Conservationist in Minnesota. In this interview he shares about his work with the Soil Conservation Service and working with farmers in Winona County. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Marie Ehrenberg was living in hospice care in St. Charles and her last wish was to visit Whitewater State Park. She shares about growing up on a farm in the area and her memories of spending time at the park with her father. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Angie Berg shares about living near Whitewater State Park and spending time at the park with her two children. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Jeanie Hill is a farmer near Elba. She shares about her letter she werote in college to Richard J. Dorer and the friendshp that began with him. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Morton Galetto, Jane; Morton, Charles; Galetto, Peter
Date Created:
2018-07-14
Description:
Jane Morton Galetto and her uncle, Charles Morton, and husband Peter Galetto, share family stories about Minnesota conservation icon Richard J. Dorer. Charles is a nephew of Richard J. Dorer and Jane is a great niece. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Jill Backes shares about being a middle school teacher with St. Charles Public Schools and organizing the sixth grade camp for more than 20 years. John Brogan assists with sixth grade camp. He participated in the very first sixth grade camp when he was in junior high school. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Andrea Richards and Ruth Ann Collins and their families share about their group of divorced women who have created memorable camping traditions each year at Whitewater State Park. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Dave Palmquist shares about his 38-year career as a naturalist at Whitewater State Park. His wife, Kathy Palmquist, shares about her experiences as a school teacher bringing students to Whitewater State Park. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Elaine Holst shares information about how her grandparents homesteaded in the Whitewater Valley, the many floods she experienced, and the legacy of conservation farming she and her husband established. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Gene McGarry shares his experiences of being a Whitewater State Park ranger and the historic flood of 2007. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Arash Shambayati is an Iranian refugee who discovered trout fishing at Whitewater State Park in the 1970s. He shares how the park has changed. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Ken Heaser is a retired Building & Grounds crew leader at Whitewater State Park and former Mayor of Minneiska. He shares stories about growing up in the area and his long career at the park. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Peg Bauernfeind is an author who discovered the Whitewater Valley after living near the park for more than 30 years. She shares the history of the Whitewater Valley from her book titled, ""Return to Backyard Canyon."" The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
John Dilly tells a tale like no other in this interview that recalls his first car, a 1941 Chevy, bought for $30, the birth of penicillin, and reminds us to stop and smell the flowers.
Bob grew up camping in the summer at Interstate State Park in a small tent with his parents and 5 brothers, while his father was a door to door salesman! Hear this story of literally living in a state park and others in this fun filled interview.
From a second date at Sibley to an engagement and now a life time of exploring parks, Amy and Adam talk about their memories and goals for visiting more Minnesota State Parks.
Sibley State Park would not be as we know it today without John Lindstrom's dedicated work in the past and continued today, listen now to discover how.
At the time of the interview Anthony has visited the park every year for the 4th of July since he was 3 years old. Ever learned Flashlight Tag? Learn the tricks of the trade in this interview!
29 years of stories from managing Sibley State Park flow through this interview. From making friends with neighbors who would eventually donate land to the park to land acquisitions as recent as 2017; Dave Lais tells of the expansion of Sibley State Park yesterday and today.
Dakota and her family have tradition of spending the 4th of July camping under the stars at Sibley. Here about their night time adventures and special campfire treats in this fun interview.
Gary Buellemer not only worked at but also lived in Sibley State Park in the park residence for over 20 years! 40 years of service to the state of Minnesota are told in this interview. You will hear how he came to be Assistant Park Manager at Sibley State Park, guided by his love of the prairie.
Larry's lineage goes far back to some of the original homestead families in the park. He remembers the neighborhood that the park once was. Can you guess what one of the first movies to play in the New London Little Theater was- take a listen and find out.
With a heart for history Jerry Johnson strived to revitalize the small and mostly pioneer Lake Andrew Cemetery, located just outside of the park. Jerry tells about this journey and more.
Diane tells about living in the land of 10,000 lakes! From our small New London Mill Pond to the changing landscape of Lake Andrew, Diane paints a pretty picture of growing up in our local waters including a touching story about a wooden boat "The Genevieve."
Husband and wife for 50 years the year of this interview, Wayne and Kathy Nordsted tell the story together of the past and present that will cause you to nod along, thinking it is your own aunt and uncle telling you the story.
If you remember a lifeguard watching over you at the Lake Andrew Beach at Sibley State Park in the 1980s or have ever played volleyball at the park- you owe a thanks to Gregg Luther. Past lifeguard at the park Gregg grew up on Lake Andrew on Como Beach and visits each year from Colorado on the 4th of July.
A literal view of a camping weekend at Sibley State Park through a child's eyes. Elise tells us about night time stories, tubing and fishing during her visits here with her family.
In this second interview of Wally Newstom with his granddaughter he talks about the changes his "Greatest Generation" has seen. His interview highlight below brings to light what diversity in the 1930s looked like in West Central Minnesota.
Roger Strand spent summers on Green Lake, growing up for a love for west central Minnesota. Some may know Roger as Dr. Strand, but if you knew him as kid you may have known him as the keeper of the Snake Den! Listen and learn more about adventures of a little Roger.
Three young cousins tell stories of camping at Sibley with the excitement that only young voices can capture. A wave consumes the pontoon, a shoe is washed out to sea and a story is told through laughs and cousins finishing each other's sentences.
Born and raised with the statutory boundary Justin is a baby of the 1980s who loves visiting the park with his own little one, Lucy. This a great tale of the simplicity of childhood and how that water draws you back into it.
A New London transplant, Joe Rooney, is here to stay. The draw of the waters and friendly folks he talks about all help paint the picture of our little town on the pond.
Andy tells the story of the family traditions and natural beauty that drew him to move to west central Minnesota where he built a stone home out of hand and dreams of the possibilities life has to offer.
Roger is the definition of a "local" - having lived in the area his entire life. Walsh is able to describe the landscape during the Dust Bowl, cracked soil and dried up water beds. The history of land use and natural resources in this interview is intriguing to anyone familiar with the landscape and lakes today.
Dick Clayton saw the changes of Parks and Trails through 35 years of service working at the Naturalist at Sibley State Park. Meaningful history of the Department of Natural Resources in Minnesota and Sibley State Park are told.
Hear stories of what kept kids busy (and in trouble!) in New London and what is was like to be a teenager graduating in 1967 in politically turbulent times.
Mark tells a cheerful tale about memories at an uncle's farm in Spicer from riding pigs to getting away with mischief. He also includes his first impressions on the town of New London.
Kylie is a true rooted New Londoner who really brings to life the spirit of thriving New London in 2016 and reminds us what we have to be thankful for.
Ken Gravely served his country in WWII, and tells a colorful story of the VJ announcement to servicemen in Okinawa as well as his post-war work on western movies scenes in Hollywood!
Our very own local Princess Kay from the Milk Way tell that once in a lifetime story about getting her bust carved out of butter- a story for every Minnesotan- in addition to what it is like to be an independent, female business owner in 2016.
A country kid who drove a tractor to Sibley State Park, played basketball on a hay covered court, and now reminiscent of the evolving Main Street of New London, Darrel tells his story from the comfort of Lake Affect coffee shop, where he meets every morning with other retired school teachers.
Bryna describes the many artistic happenings of New London in the summer of 2016 from friends sitting on blankets watching a movie projected by the dam, to the friendly atmosphere of Goat Ridge and releasing a duckling at Sibley State Park.
Phil Iverslie tells the story of a family cabin on Como Beach. As a child he spent nights listening to the music flowing across the water from Como Beach to it being the place of his honeymoon with his wife Florine.
Troy grew up biking to Sibley and skating on and swimming across local watering holes. And have you ever heard of the Loch Ness of Lake Andrew? Well, you will after this interview!
From a family that immigrated here in 1868, Dahlberg brings a true "Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn" and "Sandlot" existence growing up in New London. A whistle from a cousin signaled time to go fishing and a life time of swinging papers to neighbors, this is life in New London.
Gary grew up in Chicago, was married in Sundburg where his wedding party was mistaken for gangsters. Gary's legacy includes years of dedicated work with Water Search and Rescue.
Betty Nelson colorfully describes being a child growing up visiting Sibley State Park. She includes tales of biking to Sibley, what her parents thought of the "hippie" youth pastor, and an annual Father's Day picnic at Cedar Hill.
Interview with Wally Newstrom. Wally relates his experiences growing up in West Central Minnesota. Note: Wally, in addition to several others in the New London Oral History Project, use the term "gypsy." The term was historically used to identify people of Eastern Europe or Romanian decent. Today the term Roma is more widely accepted.
The life of growing up in New London in the 1950s and 60s are told by Cindy Newstrom whose child's eye view of adventures in the creamery milk truck, a tricycle on main street and braving the grocery dog.
In this interview, Warren MacKenzie (1924-) discusses his childhood and early experience with art; being drafted in 1943; his early ceramic education and studies at the Chicago Art Institute; his first wife, the late Alix MacKenzie, who was also a ceramist; studying in England under renowned potter Bernard Leach; Korean and Japanese influences; setting up his studio near Stillwater, Minnesota; teaching at the University of Minnesota; meeting his second wife, the late fiber artist Nancy MacKenzie; and his involvement with the Minnesota Craft Council and the St. Croix Pottery Tour. This interview was conducted by local oral historian and PhD Candidate from the University of Minnesota Anduin Wilhide. ""A Measure of the Earth: An Oral History of the Potters of the St. Croix River Valley"" explores the anomalous community of potters in Eastern Minnesota who host an annual cooperative tour for participating ceramic artists from around the world. This annual three-day event attracts art enthusiasts from across the country. Together the project's ten oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within the local pottery community, tell the story of how, from the 1950s to today, Minnesota�s St. Croix River Valley has developed into a major center for pottery, and a destination for thousands nationally.
Will Swanson (1947-) grew up in Minnesota and studied ceramics, art and design at the University of Minnesota. After working at Fairview Hospital for fifteen years, Swanson married Janel Jacobson and began making pottery full-time at their home studio in Sunrise Township, Minnesota. He also helped co-found the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. Janel Jacobson (1950-) grew up in various parts of Minnesota and studied ceramics at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa before establishing her own studio in the St. Croix Valley. After graduating, she studied studio pottery techniques with renowned Bauhaus artist Marguerite Wildenhain, but soon adopted her own style of carving small sculptures in clay. In 1995, Janel stopped carving in stoneware and porcelain and began using wood. In this interview, Swanson and Jacobson discuss their respective childhoods; ceramics education; connections to the local and national pottery communities; and thoughts on the past, present and future of the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. This interview was conducted by local oral historian and PhD Candidate from the University of Minnesota Anduin Wilhide. ""A Measure of the Earth: An Oral History of the Potters of the St. Croix River Valley"" explores the anomalous community of potters in Eastern Minnesota who host an annual cooperative tour for participating ceramic artists from around the world. This annual three-day event attracts art enthusiasts from across the country. Together the project's ten oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within the local pottery community, tell the story of how, from the 1950s to today, Minnesota�s St. Croix River Valley has developed into a major center for pottery, and a destination for thousands nationally.
Edie Abnet (1947-) is a painter who was married to the late Richard Abnet (1934-2011) , a potter and founding host of the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. In this interview, Abnet discusses her husband's childhood in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and subsequent studies in ceramics at the University of Minnesota under Warren MacKenzie, and at the School for American Crafts in Rochester, New York, under Frans Wildenhain. Abnet also talks about the home and studio she and her husband shared in the St. Croix River Valley and his involvement in the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. This interview was conducted by local oral historian and PhD Candidate from the University of Minnesota Anduin Wilhide. ""A Measure of the Earth: An Oral History of the Potters of the St. Croix River Valley"" explores the anomalous community of potters in Eastern Minnesota who host an annual cooperative tour for participating ceramic artists from around the world. This annual three-day event attracts art enthusiasts from across the country. Together the project's ten oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within the local pottery community, tell the story of how, from the 1950s to today, Minnesota�s St. Croix River Valley has developed into a major center for pottery, and a destination for thousands nationally.
Linda Christianson (1952-) grew up in Barron, Wisconsin, and studied ceramics at Hamline University (St Paul, Minnesota), and the Banff Centre School of Fine Arts (Banff, Alberta, Canada), before returning to Minnesota to start her own ceramics studio and co-found the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. In this interview, Christianson discusses her childhood; ceramics education; her connections to the local and national pottery communities; and her thoughts on the past, present and future of the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. This interview was conducted by local oral historian and PhD Candidate from the University of Minnesota Anduin Wilhide. ""A Measure of the Earth: An Oral History of the Potters of the St. Croix River Valley"" explores the anomalous community of potters in Eastern Minnesota who host an annual cooperative tour for participating ceramic artists from around the world. This annual three-day event attracts art enthusiasts from across the country. Together the project's ten oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within the local pottery community, tell the story of how, from the 1950s to today, Minnesota�s St. Croix River Valley has developed into a major center for pottery, and a destination for thousands nationally.
Richard Vincent (1955-) grew up in White Bear Lake and studied pottery in high school and at Lakewood Community College in Minnesota. In this interview, Vincent discusses his childhood; ceramics education; teaching experience; the establishment of his studio in North Branch; faith and religious experiences; and his thoughts on the past, present and future of the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. This interview was conducted by local oral historian and PhD Candidate from the University of Minnesota Anduin Wilhide. ""A Measure of the Earth: An Oral History of the Potters of the St. Croix River Valley"" explores the anomalous community of potters in Eastern Minnesota who host an annual cooperative tour for participating ceramic artists from around the world. This annual three-day event attracts art enthusiasts from across the country. Together the project's ten oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within the local pottery community, tell the story of how, from the 1950s to today, Minnesota�s St. Croix River Valley has developed into a major center for pottery, and a destination for thousands nationally.
In this interview, Jeff Oestreich (1947-) discusses growing up in White Bear Lake; early experiences with music and art; undergraduate education at Bemidji State University; graduate studies with Warren MacKenzie at the University of Minnesota; apprenticeship at the Leach Pottery in St. Ives, England; local and national teaching and exhibition experiences; establishing his studio in Taylors Falls, Minnesota; and his involvement with the founding and legacy of the St. Croix Pottery Tour.
This interview was conducted by local oral historian and PhD Candidate from the University of Minnesota Anduin Wilhide. ""A Measure of the Earth: An Oral History of the Potters of the St. Croix River Valley"" explores the anomalous community of potters in Eastern Minnesota who host an annual cooperative tour for participating ceramic artists from around the world. This annual three-day event attracts art enthusiasts from across the country. Together the project's ten oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within the local pottery community, tell the story of how, from the 1950s to today, Minnesota�s St. Croix River Valley has developed into a major center for pottery, and a destination for thousands nationally.
Janet Koplos is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communications and earned a masters degree in art history from Illinois State University. She has been writing regularly on all art mediums for 25 years, in newspapers, magazines, catalogs and books. In this interview, Koplos discusses her early interactions with potters from Minnesota while at the University of Minnesota; perceptions of the local and national ceramics field; her life as a journalist and art critic; and experience as a visitor to the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. This interview was conducted by local oral historian and PhD Candidate from the University of Minnesota Anduin Wilhide. ""A Measure of the Earth: An Oral History of the Potters of the St. Croix River Valley"" explores the anomalous community of potters in Eastern Minnesota who host an annual cooperative tour for participating ceramic artists from around the world. This annual three-day event attracts art enthusiasts from across the country. Together the project's ten oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within the local pottery community, tell the story of how, from the 1950s to today, Minnesota�s St. Croix River Valley has developed into a major center for pottery, and a destination for thousands nationally.
Guillermo Cuellar (1951 - ) was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, grew up in Caracas, and came to the United States to attend high school. He subsequently studied ceramics at Cornell College in Iowa. After graduation he returned to Venezuela and started making studio ceramics in 1980. In 1981 he worked as assistant to Warren MacKenzie, who was teaching in Caracas and with whom he regularly shared workshop experience from 1984 to 2006. In 2005 Cuellar moved to the upper St. Croix river valley near Shafer, Minnesota, where he established a home and studio. He joined the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour as a host potter in 2009. In this interview, Cuellar discusses his ceramics education in the United States and subsequent practice in Venezuela; his introduction to the pottery community in Minnesota; and his thoughts on the past, present and future of the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. This interview was conducted by local oral historian and PhD Candidate from the University of Minnesota Anduin Wilhide. ""A Measure of the Earth: An Oral History of the Potters of the St. Croix River Valley"" explores the anomalous community of potters in Eastern Minnesota who host an annual cooperative tour for participating ceramic artists from around the world. This annual three-day event attracts art enthusiasts from across the country. Together the project's ten oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within the local pottery community, tell the story of how, from the 1950s to today, Minnesota�s St. Croix River Valley has developed into a major center for pottery, and a destination for thousands nationally.
Connee Mayeron-Cowles (1949 - ) grew up in Saint Louis Park, studied pottery at the University of Minnesota under Curt Hoard and Warren MacKenzie, and was a co-founder of the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. In this interview, Mayeron-Cowles discusses her childhood; ceramics education; her introduction to the pottery community in Minnesota; and her thoughts on the past, present and future of the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. This interview was conducted by local oral historian and PhD Candidate from the University of Minnesota Anduin Wilhide. ""A Measure of the Earth: An Oral History of the Potters of the St. Croix River Valley"" explores the anomalous community of potters in Eastern Minnesota who host an annual cooperative tour for participating ceramic artists from around the world. This annual three-day event attracts art enthusiasts from across the country. Together the project's ten oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within the local pottery community, tell the story of how, from the 1950s to today, Minnesota�s St. Croix River Valley has developed into a major center for pottery, and a destination for thousands nationally.
Robert (Bob) Briscoe (1947- ) grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and studied pottery with James Vandergriff in Zarah, Kansas, then with Lou Wynne in Colorado Springs, before moving to Minnesota where he established his pottery studio and co-founded the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. In this interview, Briscoe discusses his childhood; ceramics education; his introduction to the pottery community in Minnesota; and his thoughts on the past, present and future of the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. This interview was conducted by local oral historian and PhD Candidate from the University of Minnesota Anduin Wilhide. ""A Measure of the Earth: An Oral History of the Potters of the St. Croix River Valley"" explores the anomalous community of potters in Eastern Minnesota who host an annual cooperative tour for participating ceramic artists from around the world. This annual three-day event attracts art enthusiasts from across the country. Together the project's ten oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within the local pottery community, tell the story of how, from the 1950s to today, Minnesota�s St. Croix River Valley has developed into a major center for pottery, and a destination for thousands nationally.
Leticia Sanchez was born in Eagle Pass, Texas, in 1953. At the time fo the interview she resided in Crookston, Minnesota, where she worked for the Minnesota Migrant Council's Domestic Abuse Program. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - language and bilingualism - generational differences in the Latino community - raising children - racism in education - community support programs.
Joe Campos was born in 1963 in Amherst, Texas. After graduating from Area Vocational Technical Institute, Campos worked for the credit union before returning to Northland Community College. At the time of the interview Campos resided in East Grand Forks, North Dakota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - work - education - Latino community and identity - language - Latino traditions, celebrations, and holidays.
Ken Mendez was born in 1963 in Crookston, Minnesota. Mendez graduated with a degree in Communications from the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He was an active member of the Latino community in Crookston, where he worked with Migrant Health and volunteered for the Fiesta in the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - Crookston's Latino community - food - traditions - celebrations - holidays - community support and service in Crookston - fundraising for a scholarship he created.
Porfirio Diaz was born and raised in Moroleon, Guanajuato, Mexico. He graudated from Concordia College with a degree in International Business. At the time of the interview Diaz resided in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - Lutheran Social Services - education - community engagement - Mexican cultural retention - generational differences in the Mexican community - demographic shifts in Pelican Rapids.
Ruben Garcia was born in Hart, Texas in 1960. After serving eight years in the military, Garcia graduated with an associate's degree in law enforcement from the University of Miami. At the time of the interview Garcia was living with his family and serving as a police officer in Moorhead, Minnesota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - childhood - language - Mexican cultural traditions - food - prejudice in the military - experiences with a family involved in the Ku Klux Klan - membership in Disabled American Vets.
Kilamphong Kounlavong was born in Savanhnakhet, Laos. Subjects discussed include: Escaping Laos in 1975 - living in a Thai refugee camp - coming to Warroad, Minnesota from Thai refugee camps - Lao community in Warroad, Minnesota - going back to visit family in Laos. COMMENTS ON INTERVIEW: The interview is conducted in Laotian but the transcript has been translated into English.
Toua Yang was born in Xhiangkhouang, Laos. He escaped to a refugee camp in Thailand, where he spent ten years before coming to the U.S. At the time of the interview Yang was a mental health case manager for Lyon, Redwood Falls, Yellow Medicine, and Murray counties. Subjects discussed include: Escaping Laos - experiences in refugee camp - adjusting to life in America - family - health issues in the Hmong community - Minnesota's education system and the achievement gap.
Saksady Xai Song Kham was born in 1958 in Pak Se Champassak, Laos. He arrived in Minnesota as a refugee in 1980. At the time of the interview he was an active union representative and a dedicated supporter and organizer of the Lao community in Minnesota. Subjects discussed include: Crossing the Mekong River to escape to Thailand, living in a refugee camp - traveling back to Laos to help his captured family escape - life in the refugee camp - adjusting to American culture - adjusting to the Midwest - building and supporting the Lao community.
Bounlorm Soumetho grew up in Laos but escaped to Thailand after his land was taken from him at the end of the Vietnam War. He was a former president of Lao Community of Worthington, Minnesota, and at the time of the interview was chairman of the Lao Buddhist Organization of Southwest Minnesota. Subjects discussed include: Family, marriage, financial struggles, education, unemployment, immigration to Thailand and the United States, Vietnam War, Minnesota's Lao community.
Terry Yang was born in 1956 in Luang Prabang, Laos. He and his family escaped to a refugee camp in Thailand in 1979, where they lived for one year before moving to the United States in 1980. At the time of the interview Yang was the President of the Yang Wang Meng Association of United States, a national organization dedicated to connecting the Hmong community, building Hmong leaders, and preserving Hmong culture. He was also on the board for the Walnut Grove PTA. Subjects discussed include: Escaping Laos - experiences in refugee camp - adjusting to life in America - family - Hmong cultural preservation and community-building.
Max Leo was born November 2, 1962 in Samoa. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Early life in Samoa - family history - Samoan traditions and village life - becoming a priest - traveling to Rome - leaving Rome and coming to Minnesota - participating in Polynesian festivals in Minnesota - Samoans around the United States - working - helping Samoans back in Samoa - meeting his wife and getting married - traveling to New Zealand - hopes for the future.
Dixie Riley was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1951. She worked for most of her life as a human rights activist. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Dixie's early life and family history - education - growing up in Minnesota - being the only woman in school and at her job - working as a social activist - meeting her husband and adopting his children as her own - being involved in organizations particularly the Nation Organization of Women (NOW) - protesting the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. COMMENTS ON INTERVIEW: As Dixie Riley passed away before the interview was to take place Dixie's sister Ellen Riley Miller and her daughters Mary J. Latu, and Helemine Latu narrated on her behalf.
Ben Ho was born in 1936 in Hawaii. Ben was in the Marine Corps and later worked for Univac. He is the brother of singer Don Ho. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Early life - family history - living in Hawaii during World War II - different languages spoken at home - his career in the Marine Corps - working for Univac - meeting his wife - being a brother to the famous singer Don Ho - living in New York, Los Angeles, London, and finally Minnesota - not experiencing racism in the Marine Corps, and experience racism working for Univac - his children - growing up Mormon in Hawaii - Hawaiian traditions and how his family kept very few of them - being involved in Hawaiian issues, particularly the Hawaiian Situation - being on the water in Hawaii and Minnesota.
Vichita Ounchith was born in 1983 in Lafayette, Louisiana. His parents were immigrants from Laos. At the time of the interview he was a high school football coach in Warroad, Minnesota. Subjects discussed include: Early life in Louisiana and California - family history in Laos and coming to the United States - being a junior monk in a Cambodian temple - moving to Minnesota as a child - living in Warroad, and being accepted by the white children - comparing California to Minnesota - going to school and ESL (English as a Second Language) classes - playing sports - experience playing college football - how proud he is to have graduated from college - teaching Lao and being active in the community - traveling back to Laos and feeling like a foreigner - coaching sports in Warroad - being in a leadership role within the school - not being involved in the Lao community.
Kim Sueoka was born in Kaua'i, Hawaii. She was a trained musician and singer. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Early life in Hawaii and family history - picture brides and how her family came to Hawaii - education - singing and music - traditional Hawaiian music - coming to the Evansville, Indiana to study music therapy - coming to Minnesota - identifying herself as a Japanese American - working as a freelance singer and as part of the Rose Ensemble as a story teller and performer - religion - going back to Hawaii - comparing living in Minnesota to Hawaii - controversy around singing ancient Hawaiian songs - goals for the future, to be and making her career in the arts work financially.
Faamati Winey was born in Samoa in 1976. At the time of the interview she was the owner of four Snap Fitness franchises. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Early life and family - education - meeting her husband - her Snap Fitness franchises - coming to Minnesota - languages spoken at home and learning English - Samoan traditions and history - the village she grew up in - Samoan foods - life in Minnesota and life in Samoa - Samoans and rugby, and playing in Minnesota - Samoans and gambling - her passion for camping, mountaineering, and scuba diving and playing sports - her goals for the future climbing Mount Everest and starting a new business.
Kim Sin was born in TakTo, Cambodia in 1977. He started the Cambodian Association of Rochester, Minnesota. Subjects discussed include: Early life in Cambodia and family - living in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge War - living in a refugee camp - coming to Minnesota - adjusting to living in Minnesota as a child - being behind in school - starting the Cambodian Association of Rochester, Minnesota (CARM) - involvement in the community and assimilating - never quite being treated as an American - accepting his own identity - future generations of children coming to Minnesota - starting a non-profit organization - helping out all people, not just certain groups - judging people fairly.
Kei-Leung Albert Lun was born in 1947 in Shanghai, China. He came to the United States to attend college and worked for IBM. Subjects discussed include: Language and dialects in Shanghai - early life in China, and Hong Kong - John F. Kennedy's assassination - Martin Luther King's assassination - going to college in the US - the Vietnam War - events of the 1960s in the United States - family history - experiencing racism and prejudice - lack of an Asian community when he came to Rochester, Minnesota and then the area becoming more diverse - Rochester starting its Diversity Council, and his involvement - his view of the younger generation of Asians in Rochester - staying in Rochester despite experiencing racism - using his IT skills to help the community - Jeremy Lin - working for IBM - how being introverted can keep some Asians from advancing in their careers - how grateful he is to be an American.
Noi Sinkasem was born in Bangkok, Thailand on September 20, 1961. At the time of the interview she owned a Sawatdee Thai restaurant in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. Subjects discussed include: Early life and family in Thailand - education - coming to the United States - applying to immigrate and waiting - going back to school in Minnesota - moving to Saint Cloud, Minnesota - owning Sawatdee Thai food restaurant in Saint Cloud - difficult owning a business and being a minority - her children.
Hedy Tripp was born in 1948 in Singapore. Subjects discussed include: Early life in Singapore - family history - going to school in Singapore - getting married and divorced - coming to the United States - getting remarried in the United States - moving to Saint Cloud, Minnesota - worries about racism in Saint Cloud - teaching - comparing the educational systems in the United States and Singapore - working for groups such as the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum - having breast cancer - calling Minnesota home.
Bingkun Chen was born December 4, 1961 in Hegang in Heilongjiang province China. He earned a PhD in pathology from Kochi University in Japan and an MBA from the University of Minnesota. At the time of the interview he was working at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Subjects discussed include: Early life in China - religion - early education and medical school in China and then Germany and Japan - coming to the Minnesota to work for the Mayo Clinic - working for the Mayo Clinic - family in Minnesota - going back to China - living in Rochester, Minnesota - the Chinese community in Rochester - being grateful - diversity.
Ashok Mahendra Patel was born in 1962 Kampala, Uganda. His parents were immigrants from Indore, India. Subjects discussed include: Early life and family - living in Uganda, India, and Canada - home life, doing chores, and being a kid - education, medical school, and coming to work for the Mayo Clinic - being involved in the community - calling Minnesota his home.
