Oral history interview with George S. Donnelly

Collection

Identifier: SR462

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This oral history interview with George Donnelly was conducted by Jack P. Steiwer at Donnelly’s home near Richmond, Oregon, around 1970. Bill Asher was also present.

In this interview, Donnelly discusses his father, Roderick Nelson Donnelly, and his father’s role in the development of Wheeler County. He talks about his own life in the Richmond area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including sheep ranching, the history of the town, and people and businesses in the area. He also briefly shares his memories of the flood of 1911, which washed away a portion of Richmond. He talks about hunting and fishing in the area, recreational activities, and food storage. Steiwer closes the interview by reciting the history of the Donnelly family.

Dates

Creation: circa 1970

Creator

Donnelly, George S. (George Stanley), 1888-1973 (Interviewee, Person)
Steiwer, Jack P. (Johan Poulsen), 1926-1999 (Interviewer, 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 George S. Donnelly. Use is allowed according to the following statement: In Copyright – Non-Commercial Use Permitted, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-NC/1.0/.

Biographical note

George Stanley Donnelly was born in Waldron, Oregon, in 1888. He was a sheep rancher in the Richmond, Oregon, area. His father was Roderick Nelson Donnelly (1855-1936), who was called the Father of Wheeler County and represented that region in the Oregon State Legislature. George Stanley Donnelly died in 1973.