This oral history interview with Billie H. Strmiska was conducted by Karen Wickre at Strmiska’s home in Wheeler, Oregon, on June 14, 1981. Strmiska’s husband, Edward Strmiska, was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview. In this interview, Strmiska discusses her early life in Penelope, Texas, then talks about her experiences during the Depression in Oregon, in Texas, and in Washington. She discusses her experiences as a welder for the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation and for Commercial Iron Works in Portland, Oregon. She describes her training, talks about the protective clothing she wore, and discusses the dangers of the job. She speaks at length about participating in a welding contest in 1943 and about the trip she took as a result of achieving second place. She talks about her life after the war, running a berry farm with her husband. Complete transcript available (60 pages).