This oral history interview with Ethel L. Vaughters was conducted by her son, Robert Vaughters, at Ethel L. Vaughters’ home in the summer of 1981. The interview was conducted in four sessions on two audiocassettes. These recordings are duplicates on four audiocassettes which were created in October 1988.

In the first interview session, Vaughters discusses her family background and early life in Chicago, Illinois, and in Portland, Oregon, including the origins of her name; her childhood home; and her early education. She also talks about the health of her parents and siblings, her first jobs, and the fashion she wore. She talks about childhood games and recreation.

In the second interview session, conducted on July 3, 1981, Vaughters continues discussing her early life in Portland, including her memories of civilian activities during World War I, radio programs her family listened to, and her neighborhood. She also talks about her social life. She briefly discusses her marriage to an unidentified man and their divorce a few years later. She talks about returning home to Portland with a young child and about the jobs she worked. She then speaks about her marriage to Richard Flowers Vaughters in 1931 and the death of his parents the same year.

In the third interview session, Vaughters continues discussing her marriage to Richard Flowers Vaughters in 1931 and the death of his parents the same year. She talks about their experience during the Depression, including Richard F. Vaughters' work at Oregon fish hatcheries in Scio, Roaring River, and Hebo. She speaks at length about raising a family in these towns. She also talks about managing her household.

In the fourth and final interview session, Vaughters discusses Richard F. Vaughters' work at the fish hatchery in Hebo, Oregon. She talks about raising a family there and about crabbing in Sand Lake. She talks about relocating her family to Portland in the early 1940s and about the death of her parents shortly thereafter. She describes rationing during World War II and her children’s education and recreational activities.