Oral history interview with Eric J. Lindquist, 1990 July 6

This oral history interview with Eric Lindquist was conducted by Beverly A. Brown on July 6, 1990, at Rogue Community College in Grants Pass, Oregon. The interview was part of the Rogue River Valley Oral Histories, 1989-1990 series, which were interviews conducted by Beverly A. Brown as research for her book "In Timber Country: Working People's Stories of Environmental Conflict and Urban Flight." There is no audio for Tape 2, Side 2, but it is represented in an incomplete transcript.

In this interview, Lindquist discusses his family background and early life in Medford, Oregon, including life on the family farm, the family pets and livestock, and his education. He talks about his involvement with the Jehovah's Witnesses and the reasons why he left the church. He describes his friends and social life during high school, his interest in science, and how he felt unsupported by his teachers. He talks about the reasons why he didn't from graduate high school, his hopes for college, and retail jobs he held. He then speaks at length about working for the Fourply mill in Grants Pass. He describes his job duties, and talks about recent layoffs and the ownership of the Fourply mills. He shares his thoughts about the spotted owl and the view within the lumber industry that the environmental movement is responsible for the industry's decline. He discusses how the areas of Grants Pass and Medford have changed since his childhood, his love of camping, and his plans for the future. He closes the interview by talking about his political beliefs.