This oral history interview with Sam H. Mallicoat was conducted by Clark Hansen at Mallicoat’s home in Tigard, Oregon, from May 23-27, 1988. In this interview, Mallicoat discusses his family background and early life in rural Oregon. He talks about his early career as an educator in Oregon, his naval service in the Pacific Theater during World War II, and starting a family. He then talks about meeting Mark Hatfield while in law school and about returning to the U.S. Navy in order to teach at the naval training center in Portland, Oregon, in 1948. He talks about beginning to work in Oregon politics after leaving the Navy in 1955 to become a lobbyist for the Oregon Railroad Association. He also discusses Mark Hatfield’s political career during this time. He then discusses serving as the director of planning and development for the state of Oregon from 1961 to 1967, while Hatfield was governor of Oregon. He focuses particularly on his interactions with Hatfield’s staff, and on working with U.S. Senator Wayne Morse to bring Boeing to Boardman, Oregon. He also talks about Hatfield’s relationship to his constituents and industries while governor, as well as Hatfield’s opposition to the Vietnam War.

Mallicoat talks about Hatfield’s election to the U.S. Senate in 1966 and how he subsequently became Hatfield’s chief of staff. He talks about the other members of Hatfield’s staff, Hatfield’s committee assignments, and his continued opposition to the Vietnam War. He talks about Hatfield’s role in the 1968 Republican convention, as well as Hatfield’s relationship to the Republican Party, particularly with Tom McCall. He also discusses hate mail and death threats that Hatfield received, legislation Hatfield was involved with, and Hatfield’s relationship with other senators. He talks about Hatfield’s financial situation; leaving Hatfield’s staff in 1973 to return to Oregon; and the changes made in Hatfield’s staff by his successor, Gerry Frank. He closes the interview by talking about fundraising, Hatfield’s closest advisors, particularly Frank, and his own continued relationship with Hatfield.