Oral history interview with LeRoy C. Andersen

Collection

Identifier: SR 9598

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This oral history interview with LeRoy C. Andersen was conducted by Roberta Watts in Portland, Oregon, on January 11, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library’s oral history program.

In this interview, Andersen discusses his family background and early life in the Slabtown neighborhood of Portland. He describes how he began working at Portland Iron Works in 1908. He talks about the history of the iron works, about the company’s founder, Orlando Clarke, and about how the business changed over the 20th century. He discusses his role as president of the iron works, talks about managing employees, and shares his thoughts about labor unions. He closes the interview by talking about his marriage to Clara O. Gunderson.

Dates

1978 January 11

Creator

Andersen, LeRoy C. (LeRoy Carl), 1888-1980 (Interviewee, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Joint copyright for this interview is held by the Oregon Historical Society and the estate of LeRoy C. Andersen. Use is allowed according to the following statement: In Copyright – Non-Commercial Use Permitted, https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-NC/1.0/

Biographical note

LeRoy Carl Andersen was born in Manistee, Michigan, in 1888. In 1890, his family moved to Portland, Oregon. He earned a degree from the Portland Business College. In 1908, Andersen joined the Portland Iron Works as a stenographer, and in 1920, he became secretary and manager. In 1947, the Andersen family purchased Portland Iron Works, and LeRoy Andersen became president of the business.

Andersen married Clara O. Gunderson in 1913, and they had three children. He died in 1980.

Sources: Vital records on Ancestry.com; information provided by Andersen in his interview; information from the Portland Iron Works records, Mss 175, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (1 audiocassette (1 hr., 4 min., 41 sec.))

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Oral history interview with LeRoy C. Andersen conducted by Roberta Watts on January 11, 1978. Andersen discusses his career at Portland Iron Works, beginning in 1908.