Oral history interview with Fred L. Peterson, 1982 February 11-April 28

Tape 1, Side 1, through Tape 2, Side 1. In the first interview session, conducted on February 11, 1982, Peterson discusses his family background and early life in the Lents neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. He also shares his memories of the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition, talks about his service in the Oregon National Guard during World War I, and describes how he became a pharmacist after the war. He shares his memories of working in an Army hospital during the 1918 flu pandemic. He speaks about running a pharmacy in the Hollywood neighborhood of Portland, particularly during the Depression. He describes how he became involved in politics, talks about his campaign for Portland City Council in 1940, and discusses his experiences as a council member. He also talks about his friendship with Fred Meyer.

Tape 2, Side 2, through Tape 4, Side 1. In the second interview session, conducted on February 25, 1982, Peterson continues to discuss his service on the Portland City Council. He talks about the council's activities during World War II, about how Portland changed during the war, and about other members of the council. He discusses the political career of Dorothy McCullough Lee, shares his reasons for running against her for Portland mayor in 1952, and talks about his campaign. He also speaks about his role in establishing the Washington Park location for the Oregon Zoo, and about his other accomplishments as mayor. He then talks about his failed re-election campaign in 1956.

Tape 4, Side 2, through Tape 5, Side 1. In the third interview session, conducted on March 10, 1982, Peterson speaks further about his service on the Portland City Council and as mayor. He talks about his accomplishments in those roles, including his involvement in the development of parks and recreational facilities, and his work to resolve a milk shortage in Vanport. He speaks again about his reasons for running for mayor and about his 1952 and 1956 campaigns.

Tape 6. In the fourth and final interview session, conducted on April 28, 1982, Peterson discusses Portland zoning laws in the 1930s and 1940s and describes how the city treated unhoused people during the Depression. He talks about the work of Portland's post-war redevelopment committee and about the plan presented to the city by Robert Moses, an urban planner from New York. He speaks about people with whom he served on the city council, particularly Dorothy McCullough Lee, and discusses the relationship between the council and the Portland Police Bureau. He closes the interview by speaking further about his term as Portland mayor.