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Oral history interview with Cecil L. Edwards, 1988 May 18-26
Overview of the Collection
- Interviewee
- Edwards, Cecil L.
- Title
- Oral history interview with Cecil L. Edwards
- Dates
- 1988 May 18-26 (inclusive)1988-05-181988-05-26
- Quantity
- .1 cubic feet, (3 audiocassettes (2 hr., 27 min., 24 sec.) + transcript (77 pages) + 1 photograph (color, 4 x 4 in.))
- Collection Number
- SR 1104
- Summary
- Oral history interview with Cecil L. Edwards conducted by Irvin Luiten from May 18 to 26, 1988, as part of the Oregon Legislature Oral History Series. Edwards served as chief clerk of the Oregon House of Representatives, secretary of the Senate, and legislative historian.
- Repository
-
Oregon Historical Society Research Library
1200 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR
97205
Telephone: 503-306-5240
Fax: 503-219-2040
libreference@ohs.org - Access Restrictions
-
Collection is open for research.
- Languages
- English
- Sponsor
- This project is supported in whole or part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the State Library of Oregon.
Biographical NoteReturn to Top
Cecil Leroy Edwards was born in Salem, Oregon, in 1906. He began working as a secretary for the Oregon Legislature in 1933, serving as chief clerk of Oregon House of Representatives in 1963, secretary of the Senate from 1965 to 1975, and legislative historian from 1975 to 1993. He died in 1995.
Other Descriptive InformationReturn to Top
Forms part of the Oregon Legislature Oral History Series.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
This oral history interview with Cecil Edwards was conducted by Irvin Luiten from May 18 to 26, 1988. In the interview, Edwards discusses his family history and early life in Salem, Oregon, including his education and early interest in government. He then talks about his experiences working for the Oregon Legislature beginning in 1933. He discusses the old Capitol building, which burned down in 1935; campaigns he worked on, and the role of lobbyists. He also talks about working as secretary for Governor Charles Sprague. Edwards then describes his service in the National Guard during World War II, particularly working with horses and dogs. He talks about returning to work in Oregon government after the war ended, including serving on the Racing Commission; being fired by Governor Mark Hatfield; lobbying for the Oregon Cattlemen's Association; and returning to the Legislature to work as a secretary. He discusses the numerous committees he was secretary for, including the agriculture committee, fish and game committee, and land-use board. Edwards next discusses his tenure as secretary of the Senate from 1965 to 1975, focusing on many of the legislators he worked with, including Clarence Barton, Debbs Potts, and Jason Boe. He also speaks at length about redistricting, as well as the duties of the secretary of the Senate and Senate rules.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Alternative Forms Available
Audio, transcript, and photograph available online in OHS Digital Collections.
Preferred Citation
Oral history interview with Cecil L. Edwards, by Irvin Luiten, SR 1104, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.
Restrictions on Use
In Copyright – Rights-Holder(s) Unlocatable or Unidentifiable: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-RUU/1.0/
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
Container(s) | Description | Dates |
---|---|---|
Cassette | ||
1 | Oral history interview with Cecil L. Edwards | 1988 May 18 |
2-3 | Oral history interview with Cecil L. Edwards | 1988 May 26 |
Folder | ||
SR1104 | Oral history interview with Cecil L. Edwards | circa 1988 |
SR1104 | Transcript of oral history interview with Cecil L. Edwards | 1988 May 18-26 |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Historians--Oregon
- Legislation--Oregon
- Lobbyists--Oregon
- Political campaigns--Oregon
- Secretaries
Personal Names
- Edwards, Cecil L.
- Sprague, Charles A. (Charles Arthur), 1887-1969
Corporate Names
- Oregon State Capitol (Salem, Or. : 1876-1935)
- Oregon. Legislative Assembly
- Oregon. Legislative Assembly--Officials and employees
Geographical Names
- Oregon--History
- Oregon--Politics and government--20th century
Form or Genre Terms
- interviews
Other Creators
-
Personal Names
- Luiten, Irvin H. (Irvin Herman), 1915-1997 (interviewer)