In the first interview session, conducted on July 29, 1998, Hatfield discusses his family background and early life in Dallas and Salem, Oregon, including his Methodist and Baptist upbringing and life in a predominantly Mennonite community. He talks about his childhood activities, the houses he lived in, and his early education. He also reflects on the lack of racial and cultural diversity in his childhood communities. He also talks about his early exposure to politics, particularly regarding the Republican Party. He speaks about the 1934 election for Oregon governor, shares his memories of the 1935 fire at the state Capitol, and talks about his early political ambitions. The transcript for this session reflects a portion of the interview on Tape 2 that was not available on audio.