Oral history interview with Alfred R. Strassmaier, 1986 July 25-31

This oral history interview with Alfred R. Strassmaier was conducted by his nephew, Jim Strassmaier, in two sessions, on July 25 and 31, 1986. In addition to the audio recording of the interview, this collection includes 43 black and white digital photographs (including 3 duplicates) of Alfred R. Strassmaier and his family.

In the first interview session, conducted on July 25, 1986, Strassmaier discusses his family background at length, and talks about his early life on a farm in Santa Clara, Oregon. He speaks about the life of his father, Jacob Strassmaier, and of his grandfather, Michael Strassmaier. He talks about his experience at Santa Clara High School, and shares his reasons for graduating late. He also shares his memories of Eugene, Oregon, in the early 20th century.

In the second interview session, conducted on July 31, 1986, Strassmaier speaks further about his high school experience. He then discusses jobs he worked during the Depression, including working for the Union Oil Company. He talks about his work as a truck driver, sales representative, and industrial engineer for Union Oil, and shares his reasons for resigning in 1946. He discusses his chainsaw business, Mercury Equipment. He talks about the work the company did, and about managing his employees. He also discusses his experiences during the Depression and talks about his political affiliation. He talks about his marriage to Toots Campbell, shares his reasons for retiring in 1971, and speaks about living on a tree farm during retirement. He closes the interview by sharing his thoughts about environmental activists and environmental protection legislation.