Oral history interview with Alfred Powers

Collection

Identifier: SR 9368

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This oral history interview with Alfred Powers was conducted at Powers’ home in Portland, Oregon, by Linda S. Dodds from February 22 to March 7, 1980, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. At the time of the interview, Dodds’ name was Linda S. Brody. The interview was conducted in three sessions. Molly Powers was also present during the interview.

In this interview, Powers discusses serving as state director of the Oregon Writers Project, and speaks at length about his work as editor of the Oregon Historical Quarterly. He speaks about writing the book “History of Oregon Literature,” about working as an editor with the publisher Binford & Mort, and about Oregon authors he was acquainted with. He discusses his interest in book collecting and talks about his personal library.

Dates

1980 February 22-March 7

Creator

Powers, Alfred (Interviewee, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright for this interview is held by the Oregon Historical Society. Use is allowed according to the following statement: Creative Commons - BY-NC-SA, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

Biographical note

Alfred Powers was born in Delenia, Arkansas, in 1887. He attended the University of Oklahoma, but transferred to the University of Oregon when his family relocated to Eugene. He earned a bachelor of arts degree, then taught at high schools in Oregon. Around 1918, he began teaching at the University of Oregon. Around 1925, he became dean of the university’s extension division in Portland. He served as state director of the Oregon Writers Project, part of the Works Progress Administration's Federal Writers Project. He wrote several books, including “Marooned in Crater Lake,” and “History of Oregon Literature.” He served as editor of the Oregon Historical Quarterly. He died in 1983.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (4 audiocassettes (3 hr., 29 min., 20 sec.))

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Oral history interview with Alfred Powers conducted by Linda S. Dodds from February 22 to March 7, 1980. Powers was an author, journalist, teacher, book collector, and book binder.