Robert Saunders papers, 1968

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Saunders, Robert, 1901-
Title
Robert Saunders papers
Dates
1968 (inclusive)
Quantity
1 sound cassette (60 min.)
Collection Number
4880 (Accession No. 4880-001)
Summary
Interview discussing racial issues for blacks in Seattle during the first part of the 20th century
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

Open to all users.

Request at UW

Languages
English

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Robert Saunders' parents and maternal grandparents came to Roslyn, Washinton from South Carolina in 1900. They were brought on the Northern Pacific Railroad as strike breakers for mining work. The family moved to Seattle ca. 1903 after Saunders' grandfather was killed in a mining accident. Saunders' father got a job as a fireman at Seattle Gas Company through Jim Hill, who owned stock in Railroad, Mines, and Seattle Gas. Robert was born in Roslyn in 1901.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Tape recorded interview conducted by Larry Gossett on 20 Mar 1968.

Saunders talks about childhood and schooling at Broadway and Franklin High Schools, and later job discrimination against Negroes who were trained in special vocational programs in high school. He talks about experiences playing pro baseball in black leagues before Blacks were allowed into major league baseball (ca. 1918-1926?) He talks about experiences on ships as a cook. He gives several anecdotes about experiences in Bombay, Africa, and the Orient, relevant to racial feelings toward Blacks.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Alternative Forms Available

Listen to the audio recording of this interview on the Libraries Digital Collections site.

Restrictions on Use

Informant's/creator's rights dedicated to the public. May be used for research, instruction, publication or similar purposes.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

Donated by Robert Saunders

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Personal Papers/Corporate Records (University of Washington)

Personal Names

  • Saunders, Robert, 1901- --Archives