Finding aid to the Radical Elders Oral History Project records, 1947-1995

Processed by Marissa Friedman in 2020; guide completed by Leah Sylva in 2021.

Labor Archives and Research Center

2020, 2021

San Francisco State University

J. Paul Leonard Library, Room 460

1630 Holloway Ave

San Francisco 94132-1722

Business Number: (415) 405-5571

larc@sfsu.edu

URL: http://library.sfsu.edu/larc

Title: Radical Elders Oral History Project Records

Date (inclusive): 1947-1995

Date (bulk): 1978-1987

Creator: Radical Elders Oral History Project

Extent: 6.79 Cubic Feet (5 cartons and 2 manuscript boxes)

Collection number: larc.ms.0423

Accession number: 2020/001

Repository: Labor Archives and Research Center

J. Paul Leonard Library, Room 460

San Francisco State University

1630 Holloway Ave

San Francisco, CA 94132-1722

(415) 405-5571

larc@sfsu.edu

Abstract: The Radical Elders Oral History Project Records consist of audio recordings in cassette and reel-to-reel format, transcripts and project files documenting early twentieth century activists in the Communist Party as well as labor and other social justice movements. Interviewees include Sam Krieger, Emmy Lou Packard, Eluard Luchell McDaniel, Irving Fromer, Nori Ikeda Lafferty, Alice Quaytman, Carl Sullivan, Jack Wagner, Malvina Reynolds, William (Billy) Allan, Elaine Johnson, Frank Rowe, Stanley Koppel, Morris Sharnoff, Vaughn Love, and Ray Thompson. The bulk of the material dates from 1977-1987, and includes oral history recordings and transcripts, REOHP administrative documents, correspondence, budgets, progress reports, newsletters, newspaper clippings, and promotional materials, minutes and agendas, and other materials which document the activities of the REOHP and those who participated in the project, including interviewers, interviewees, and board members. Oher audio recordings in both reel-to-reel and cassette format are also present in the collection, some unidentified. These recordings appear to document lectures, radio broadcasts, conference presentations, social gatherings, and some miscellaneous music selections.

Languages: Languages represented in the collection: English.

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright has not been assigned to the Labor Archives and Research Center. All requests for permission to publish or quote from materials must be submitted in writing to the Director of the Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Labor Archives and Research Center as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Radical Elders Oral History Project Records, larc.ms.0423, Labor Archives and Research Center, San Francisco State University.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Collection transferred from the Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library for Social Research to the Freedom Archives and then to the Labor Archives and Research Center in 2015; accession number 2015/016.

Arrangement

The records are arranged into three series. Series 1: Interviews, 1977-1995, undated; Series 2: Radical Elders Oral History Project Files; and Series 3: Other Recordings, 1947-1993, undated.

Organizational History

The Radical Elders Oral History Project (REOHP) was first organized in the mid-1970s by Bruce Kaiper and Lou Laub, owner of the Ark Bookshop in Berkeley; and Fred Cody of Cody's Books. The project sought to record the memories of elderly (defined as 65 or older) West Coast radicals and labor activists who were active in the social movements of the 1920s and 1930s, and to use their oral histories for educational purposes. Their goals were four-fold: to develop research archives, make interviews available to mass audiences through media and other educational forums, hold oral history training workshops for the public, and sponsor public events to celebrate this radical heritage. By offering younger radicals the opportunity to interview elders, organizers hoped the project would encourage intergenerational contact and solidarity. Interviewees included former Communist Party members, prominent labor organizers, anti-war activists, professors, journalists, writers, artists, and army veterans. Alongside the recording and transcribing of interviews, many of which could run ten hours or longer, REOHP organized oral history workshops, radio programs, slide shows, documentary films, a speaker series in schools and at union programs, and other educational forums. Between 1978-1981, the organization also conducted annual retreats at Camp Cazadero in Sonoma County, where participants could socialize and attend symposiums on social, political, and labor issues.

REOHP was primarily volunteer-run, with one paid staff-person and a board of directors which provided executive oversight. The project depended on small grants, donations, and fundraising benefits to support its many initatives. In March 1978, REOHP successfully filed for incorporation as a nonprofit organization in the state of California.

In 1979 Jeff Johnson replaced Bruce Kaiper as director; Kaiper was unable to keep working due in part to health issues and the limited income the organization was able to pay. Other personnel included, at one time or another, Marcia Perlstein, Sam Krieger (before his death in 1981), Tuz Mende, Richard Bermack, Pat and Fred Cody, Marge Lasky, Lou and Edith Laub, Al and Ann Wasserman, Virginia Malbin, Harold Rossman, Peter Carroll, Harry Sheer, Richard Bermack, Eleanor Walden, Hank Levi, and Laurie Zoloth. Additional interviewers included Peter Carroll, Mike Munoz, and Elaine Johnson (Zahan). Richard Bermack was the project's chief photographer.

Transcribing the cassette tapes, before the age of personal computers, was a major obstacle. In about 1982 it was decided to stop interviewing people and conducting programs, a controversial decision. However, the project was known in the community and people started donating interviews they had done with their relatives and others whose history they felt should be recorded, as well as a variety of other materials. In about 1987, the holdings of the project and about $1500 in funds were given to the Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute in Berkeley to finish the transcribing and to serve as a repository for the collection.

Scope and Contents

The Radical Elders Oral History Project collection consists of audio recordings in cassette and reel-to-reel format, transcripts and project files documenting early twentieth century activists in the Communist Party as well as labor and other social justice movements. Interviewees include Sam Krieger, Emmy Lou Packard, Eluard Luchell McDaniel, Irving Fromer, Nori Ikeda Lafferty, Alice Quaytman, Carl Sullivan, Jack Wagner, Malvina Reynolds, William (Billy) Allan, Elaine Johnson, Frank Rowe, Stanley Koppel, Morris Sharnoff, Vaughn Love, and Ray Thompson. The bulk of the material dates from 1977-1987, and includes oral history recordings and transcripts, REOHP administrative documents, correspondence, budgets, progress reports, newsletters, newspaper clippings, and promotional materials, minutes and agendas, and other materials which document the activities of the REOHP and those who participated in the project, including interviewers, interviewees, and board members. Oher audio recordings in both reel-to-reel and cassette format are also present in the collection, some unidentified. These recordings appear to document lectures, radio broadcasts, conference presentations, social gatherings, and some miscellaneous music selections.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Communists -- United States -- Interviews.

Labor unions -- Organizing -- United States.

Oral histories.

Political activists -- California -- Interviews.

San Francisco Bay Area (Calif.) -- History.

Artists -- California -- San Francisco Bay Area.

Series 1: Interview recordings 1977-1995, undated 1977-1979

Physical Description: 214 Cassettes(Carton 1-Carton 2)

Physical Description: 27 Folders(Manuscript Box 2, Carton 4)

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by interviewee.

Scope and Contents

Series 1, Interviews, primarily contains oral histories with former Communist Party members and labor activists recorded on audiocassettes and reel to reels. Series includes complete and incomplete transcripts, transcript drafts, supplementary notes, indexes, and original signed release forms. Interviews were conducted by Radical Elders Oral History Project participants, including Bruce Kaiper, Lou Laub, Peter Carroll, Harold Rossman, Jeff Legenstein, Herb Schreier, and Elaine Johnson. Oral history interviews were primarily transcribed by Harry Sheer. Includes several interviews conducted for radio broadcast programs or publication.

carton 1

Allan, William (Billy) 1979

Scope and Contents

Consists of 12 cassette tapes and a transcript.

box 2, folder 1-2

Transcript undated

carton 1

Beecher, John 1978

Scope and Contents

Consists of four cassettes. One tape may include material with Scott Nearing. Other tapes possibly cover April 1978 REOHP fundraiser in which Beecher performed a live reading of his work.

carton 1

Bernard, John undated

carton 1

Bock, Laura undated

Scope and Contents

Contains two cassette tapes.

carton 1

Cohen, Alex undated

Scope and Contents

Contains three cassette tapes.

carton 1

Correll, Dick 1978

Scope and Contents

Contains 20 cassette tapes (9 tapes of original interview + 2 tapes with interview additions + duplicate copies of the 9 interview tapes).

box 2, folder 3

Transcript undated

Scope and Contents

Partial transcript for tapes one and two.

carton 1

Davis, George 1978

Scope and Contents

Contains two cassette tapes.

Originally appeared on the Tom Mooney radio show on KPFA, produced by Bruce Kaiper and REOHP.

carton 1

Enteen, Renée undated

Scope and Contents

Contains one cassette tape.

carton 1

Friedman, Allan undated

Scope and Contents

Contains one cassette tape.

carton 1

Fromer, Irving 1978

Scope and Contents

Contains twenty-two cassette tapes (11 original and 11 duplicate copies).

box 2, folder 4

Transcript undated

carton 1

Gehring, Sheelah 1995

Scope and Contents

Contains one cassette tape.

carton 1

Golden, Sally undated

Scope and Contents

Contains two cassette tapes.

carton 1

Johnson, Elaine undated

Scope and Contents

Contains fifteen cassette tapes.

carton 1

Kahn, Harriet 1993

Scope and Contents

Contains one cassette tape.

carton 1

Kahn, Steve undated

Scope and Contents

Contains three cassette tapes.

carton 1, carton 2

Koppel, Stanley 1980

Scope and Contents

Contains twelve cassette tapes, including some duplicates. The transcript is missing material from Tape 4B.

box 2, Folder 5

Transcript 1980

carton 2

Krieger, Sam 1977

Scope and Contents

Contains seventeen cassette tapes.

Includes oral history interview (13 tapes) and interview with Krieger on Whittaker Chambers (3 tapes), an American writer and former Communist spy who testified about Communist espionage in 1948. Also includes separate interview (1 tape) with Krieger about his political life which mentions Emma Goldman, Eugene V. Debs, and Elizabeth Gurley Flynn.

box 2, folder 6-7

Chambers 1977-1978, undated

Scope and Contents

Transcripts, drafts, correspondence, and notes relating to an interview with Sam Krieger conducted by Bruce Kaiper and Lou Laub concerning Whittaker Chambers, an American writer and former Communist spy who testified about Communist espionage in 1948. Krieger took Chambers to his first Communist Party meeting in 1925. Chambers has claimed that Krieger was the first American Communist he ever met. Also contains assorted flyers, newsletters, and publications, including promotional materials for the Radical Elders Oral History Project.

carton 4, folder 1

Notes 1976-1979, undated

Scope and Contents

Materials related to Krieger's oral history and his interview on Whittaker Chambers, including correspondence primarily between Krieger, Bruce Kaiper, and Lou Laub, newspaper clippings, research, handwritten notes, transcript and article drafts. Includes proposal for funding for the Radical Elders Oral History Project.

carton 4, folder 2-3

Transcript undated

carton 2

Lafferty, Nori Ikeda 1978

Scope and Contents

Contains six cassette tapes. Sealed transcript contains unedited material and is possibly restricted.

carton 4, folder 4

Transcript (Edited) undated

carton 4, folder 5

Transcript (Sealed) undated

carton 2

Lima, Mickey and Jeff Lustig 1987-1988

Scope and Contents

Contains four cassette tapes.

Interview with Jeff Lustig and Mickey Lima in Oakland. First tape dated 1987 December 11, second tape dated 1988 February 2. Two other tapes labeled Lima are undated, possibly duplicates.

carton 2

Love, Vaughn 1978

Scope and Contents

Contains seven cassette tapes.

carton 4, folder 6

Transcript undated

carton 2

McDaniel, Eluard 1978

Scope and Contents

Contains twelve cassette tapes (8 original + duplicate copies of tapes 2 and 3).

Transcript is incomplete - missing tapes 6-7. Also includes several pages of handwritten notes.

carton 4, folder 7

Transcript undated

carton 2

Nearing, Scott and Helen, Carl Sullivan undated

Scope and Contents

Contains three cassette tapes.

Interview with Carl Sullivan, Scott Nearing, and Helen Nearing.

carton 2

Going Public – Scott and Helen Nearing with Frances Moore Lappe 1/18/78 (repeat) 1978 January 18

Scope and Contents

One cassettee tape.

KQED FM interview with George Foster (including Scott and Helen Nearing and Fran Moore Lappe) on "The Politics of Hunger." 1 hour in length. Aired on December 22 and January 18. Sponsored by REOHP.

carton 5

Packard, Emmy Lou undated

Scope and Contents

Contains twelve cassette tapes (6 original + 6 duplicates).

carton 4, Folder 8

Transcript undated

carton 5

Phillips, Joe 1979

Scope and Contents

Contains fourteen cassette tapes (7 original + 7 duplicates).

carton 4, Folder 9

Transcript undated

carton 5

Quaytman, Alice 1978

Scope and Contents

Contains seven cassette tapes.

Transcript along with interview notes, an outline of topics discussed on each tape, and a list of interview questions.

carton 4, folder 10

Transcript undated

carton 2, folder 1

Randolph, John undated

Scope and Contents

Contains one reel.

carton 1

Reynolds, Malvina undated

Scope and Contents

Contains two reel-to-reel tapes.

This interview of Malvina Reynolds was acquired by REOHP after her death in 1978.

carton 5

Rowe, Frank 1979

Scope and Contents

Contains ten cassette tapes.

carton 4, folder 11

Transcript undated

carton 5

Sharnoff, Morris 1979

Scope and Contents

Contains thirteen cassette tapes (7 original + duplicates of Tapes 1-6).

Transcript includes an outline of interview topics for Tapes 1-3.

carton 4, folder 12

Transcript undated

carton 5

Simon, John undated

Scope and Contents

Contains one cassette tape.

carton 5

Sullivan, Carl 1977

Scope and Contents

Contains sixteen cassette tapes.

At least one tape is marked as duplicate, two other tapes not labeled but included in stack of other Carl Sullivan tapes. See also "Nearing, Scott and Helen, Carl Sullivan" folder for an additional interview.

carton 4, folder 13

Transcript 1977

carton 5

Tandy, Frances 1979

Scope and Contents

Contains seventeen cassette tapes.

carton 4, Folder 14-15

Transcript 1979

carton 5

Thompson, Ray 1978

Scope and Contents

Contains nine cassette tapes (8 from original interview + 1 tape from addition to interview).

Transcript includes several drafts with edits, an interview index, newspaper clippings, and notes.

carton 4, folder 16-18

Transcript 1976-1978

carton 5

Wagner, Jack 1978

Scope and Contents

Contains eleven cassette tapes (6 original + 5 duplicates).

carton 4, folder 19

Transcript (Edited and Released) 1978-1979

Scope and Contents

Completed transcript and signed release form.

carton 4, folder 20

Transcript (Unedited) 1978, undated

Scope and Contents

Transcript draft and Radical Elders Oral History questionnaire responses.

carton 5

Weissman, Ann undated

Scope and Contents

Contains two cassette tapes.

carton 5

Weissman, Stephanie undated

Scope and Contents

Contains three cassette tapes.

Series 2: Radical Elders Oral History Project Files 1955-1993 1977-1987

Physical Description: 9 Folders(Manuscript box 2)

Scope and Contents

Series 2, Radical Elders Oral History Project Files, documents the organization, administration, promotion, and activities of the Radical Elders Oral History Project (REOHP). Includes newspaper clippings, minutes, correspondence, research, project templates and forms, IRS and incorporation documents, pamphlets and flyers, and summaries of project activities.

box 1, folder 1

Articles and Clippings 1955-1992, undated

Scope and Contents

Newspaper clippings and articles promoting the Radical Elders Oral History project activities, radio programs, and participants, including Scott Nearing, Ray Thompson, Alice Quaytman, Irving Froman, Ruth Sheer, Tom Scribner, John Beecher, and Sam Krieger.

box 1, folder 2

Articles of incorporation and IRS Exemption 1978

Scope and Contents

Documents certifying the project's incorporation and tax exemption status. Includes agreement between the Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute (MCLI) and Radical Elders Oral History Project concerning transfer of materials to the MCLI and copy of bylaws.

box 1, folder 3

Binder 1978-1987

Scope and Contents

Administrative documents originally housed in binder. Includes REOHP minutes, correspondence, budgets, bylaws, expense reports, and other financial papers, as well as materials relating to the organization's annual retreat at Camp Cazadero.

box 1, folder 4

Correspondence 1979-1986

Scope and Contents

Correspondence between REOHP representatives and friends, interested members of the general public, and Camps, Inc. staff concerning project policies and legal issues, activities such as the Cazadero music retreat, and general requests for information about the project. Includes correspondence between REOHP director Jeff Johnson and Willa Baum of the University of California, Berkeley, Regional Oral History Office, in regards to finding a repository to house the oral history collection.

box 1, folder 5

Executive Board 1979-1984

Scope and Contents

Executive board meeting agenda and minutes, memo from director Jeff Johnson to executive board members, and handwritten notes from board meetings. Includes list of board members with contact information.

box 1, folder 6

General 1979-1987, undated

Scope and Contents

Oral history methodology research, project release form drafts, REOHP staff job description, blank forms, notes, sample oral history method documents, and other project planning materials, as well as newsletters, pamphlets, event flyers, and other materials relating to the Radical Elders Oral History Project. Includes unidentified mailing list and Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute newsletter.

box 1, folder 7

IRS Claim and REOHP Protest 1984-1985

Scope and Contents

Legal bills, Internal Revenue Service statements, correspondence, tax documents, and other papers.

box 1, folder 8

Meyer Baylin Oral History 1993

Scope and Contents

Photocopy of Meyer Baylin's 1993 oral history transcript.

box 1, folder 9

Summary of Activities and Proposal 1977-1987, undated

Scope and Contents

Copies of summary of 1977 activities and projected 1978 budget and goals, and other documents describing the status of interviews and transcripts from 1977-1987.

Series 3: Other Recordings 1947-1993, undated

Scope and Contents

Recordings of REOHP programs as well as other radio broadcasts, panels, conferences, social events, lectures, and music selections. Includes unidentified audiorecordings and possibly some duplicate materials and unmarked oral histories. Materials are in cassette and reel-to-reel formats.

Cassettes 1947-1993

Physical Description: 13 Cassettes

carton 1

CSPAN 1980 celebration I and II 1993 July 11

Physical Description: 2 Cassettes

carton 1

West Coast Marxist Conf. 4-84. Symanski. Human Rights in the USSR 1984

Physical Description: 1 Cassettes

carton 1

KPFA and Michael Parenti on the coup, Russia 1991 August

Physical Description: 1 Cassettes

carton 1

Miscellaneous topics undated

Physical Description: 1 Cassettes

Scope and Contents

Includes Rebecca Corr readings from Franny by J.D. Salinger. KPFA identif. Latin American music - Andeon - Cuban - Silvic Rlguez "Fusi vs. Fosil" - Trio "Comorder Che Guerrero" - Andeon.

carton 1

Nearing Tribute, Berkeley 1977 December

Physical Description: 1 Cassettes

carton 1

P.G. & E, Cilio, Harry Bridges song 1947 January

Physical Description: 1 Cassettes

Scope and Contents

Tape of P.G. and E. and CIO negotion. and a Henry Bridges song. From Chas. Bloomer, Fr.

carton 1

Radical Elders Panel, "Objective of 80s" 1981 October 3

Physical Description: 1 Cassettes

carton 1

Radical Elders Panel undated

Physical Description: 1 Cassettes

carton 1

REOHP Cazadero Saturday Afternoon Arts Lead By Frank Rowe 1978 April 13

Physical Description: 1 Cassettes

carton 1

Third Party Discussion undated

Physical Description: 2 Cassettes

Reel-to-reel 1965-1968, undated

Physical Description: 23 Reels

carton 3, folder 1-2

Borsky Dinner undated

Physical Description: 2 Reels

carton 3, folder 3

Citizens Conference for Constitutional Liberties undated