This oral history interview with Sidney W. Isaacs was conducted by Mary M. Rosenberg on April 18, 1967.

In this interview, Isaacs discusses his early life in Portland, Oregon, and describes going to and working in theaters in the early 20th century. He talks about working as an usher and ticket seller at the Cordray Theater, and about John F. Cordray, the owner of the theater. He discusses the popularity of vaudeville shows in the early 20th century. He talks about leaving the Cordray to usher at the Baker Theater, and about the theater’s owner, Portland Mayor George L. Baker. He describes the theaters in operation during the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition, talks about Portland actors in the Baker Stock Company, and speaks about the operations of touring theater companies. He speaks at length about his work as manager of the Portland Public Auditorium, now known as the Keller Auditorium, including working with Impresario Lois Steers, shows that were held at the venue, and the city’s use of the auditorium as a temporary morgue during the 1918 flu pandemic. He also discusses the entertainment provided by the Chautauqua Association in Gladstone Park, Oregon. He talks about the history of the Portland Public Auditorium, about the different types of events held there, and about the auditorium’s affiliation with the Oregon Historical Society. He closes the interview by discussing the auditorium’s workforce, the political nature of the manager’s job, and his retirement activities.