Tape 1, Side 1, through Tape 2, Side 2. In the first interview session, conducted on October 16, 2001, Schoppert discusses his family background and early life on a farm in Sunnyside, Oregon, including his memories of the Depression, and of playing golf. He shares his experience in the Pacific Theater as a U.S. Marine during World War II. He then talks about working as a bus driver for the Portland Traction Company in 1952, and about his reasons for first getting involved with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757. He describes how he became business representative for Local 757, and discusses factors that led to the dismantling of Portland’s streetcar lines.