Oral history interview with Olga S. Freeman, 1981 September 17
Scope and Contents
This oral history interview with Olga S. Freeman was conducted by Linda S. Dodds in Eugene, Oregon, on September 17, 1981. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody.
In this interview, Freeman discusses her early life on a farm in Colton, Oregon; attending Oregon State University; and working as a math teacher in Oregon and California. She then talks about settling in Eugene after her marriage to Neil Freeman, and about teaching mathematics at the University of Oregon from 1943 to 1949. She discusses how her involvement in Lane County politics began with a Democratic speechwriting contest in which she took second place, losing to future U. S. Rep. Edith Green. She talks about serving as precinct committee chair, her involvement with the League of Women Voters, and running for the Oregon Legislature in 1952. She discusses her reasons for joining the Democratic Party and her campaign for Lane County treasurer. She speaks at length about her accomplishments as treasurer. Freeman talks about feeling as if the county commissioners didn’t hold the office of treasurer in high esteem and how that pushed her to run for Lane County clerk in 1960. She discusses her accomplishments as county clerk, then describes how the office of county clerk was changed to an appointed position rather than elected, which led to her losing the position. She closes the interview by talking about her activities during retirement, including freelance writing.
Dates
- Creation: 1981 September 17
Creator
- From the Collection: Freeman, Olga Samuelson, 1903-1997 (Interviewee, Person)
- From the Collection: Dodds, Linda S. (Interviewer, Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Extent
From the Collection: .1 Cubic Feet (1 audiocassette (47 min., 20 sec.) + transcript (24 pages))
Language of Materials
English
Repository Details
Part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library Repository
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Portland OR 97205 United States
5033065204
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