This oral history interview with Earl R. Goodwin was conducted at Goodwin’s home in Portland, Oregon, by Linda S. Dodds in two sessions, on July 22 and August 24, 1982, 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.

In the first interview session, conducted on July 22, 1982, Goodwin discusses his early life in Portland, Oregon. He shares his first memories of Portland after moving there from California in 1908, talks about his experiences at Lincoln High School, and describes how he became a sportswriter for the Oregonian, then later assistant sports editor for the Oregon Journal. He explains the origins of his nickname, “Sarge.” He speaks at length about his experience reporting on the 1924 Olympics in Paris, France. He describes how he became a congressional private secretary for U.S. Representative Charles H. Martin in 1931 and speaks at length about his experiences in that role.

In the second interview session, conducted on August 24, 1982, Goodwin shares his reasons for leaving Charles H. Martin’s staff when Martin was elected Oregon governor in 1935. He then talks about his work as chief clerk of draft board number one in Oregon during World War II. He speaks about his health, and about his admiration for Charles H. Martin. He closes the interview by speaking further about the 1924 Olympics.