Occupational Folklife Project

Rose Rogers discusses working as a personal support worker for her autistic son. She talks about her typical duties, her work as an advocate for her son as well as her daily routine caring for him. She also dis More

Home care worker Kimberly Cole talks about her experiences as a care giver. Begins by talking about previous job and then discuses challenges and rewards of working for difficult clients. Credits union for assi More

Interview with Rita Adamski about her career as a home care worker. She talks about how she got into the profession, her training, what a "typical day" is like, how she balances being friends with her clients w More

Olena Kryuchenko describes her experiences as a home care worker in Portland after moving here from Ukraine, where she was a chemical engineer. She speaks about her re-training for a new job; the interpersonal More

Shaun Notdurft discusses his work as a direct support professional (DSP) for adults with developmental and mental disabilities. Topics include differences between his work and home care work, occupational train More

Tom Wilson discusses his career as a home care worker. He talks about the differences between working in group homes and one-on-one settings, his relationships with clients, and how he approaches intimate tasks More

Rhonda discusses her work as a home care provider, including her typical activities and her relationships with her "consumers," some of which span decades. She also discusses her active involvement in the Servi More

Interview with Adelina Martinez about her work as a home care provider. Originally from Cuernavaca, Mexico, for the last 10-months she has been officially employed caring for her disabled 20-year old son. Altho More

Care giver Carol Tyndall Conlon talks about her experiences caring for her autistic son and how it led her into being a health care worker. Also discusses previous jobs, becoming involved with autism support ne More

Interview with Terry Luther about her experiences as a caregiver for her autistic son. Talks about previous jobs that range from theatre work to planting trees and an early interest in care giving, that include More

Interview with home care provider Neftali Garcia about his life and work. Originally from the Mexican state of Oaxaca, Garcia is a Mixtec, who migrated to the US several decades ago specifically in search of he More

M. Ryan Hohman discusses his career as a home care worker and his role as a union activist in the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 503. Speaks about skills needed by a care giver, a typical da More

Sharronne Vincent describes her experiences as a home care worker. She talks about her varied career before a friend in healthcare asked her to assist with a client. She reviews a typical day, the challenges of More

Interview with Sally Cumberworth about her career as a home care worker. She talks about how she got into health care as a divorced mother of five; skills and abilities that good health care workers must have; More

Adam Christopher Riggs describes his experiences as a home health care worker and his activism with Service Employees International Union Local 503. In wide-ranging conversation he talks about the qualities nee More

Joye Willman shares how a disabled friend's struggles led her to become a home care worker, and her experiences in helping to form the home care worker's union fifteen years ago, including being at all of the b More

Olga Yakimchuk relates her experiences as a home care worker for her husband's parents. Originally from Ukraine, where she was trained as a nurse, she arrived in Portland just as the Home Care Workers Commissio More

April discusses her history as a home care worker, her typical duties, how she balances work and personal life, and her activities in her union. She also reflects on her motivation to help others, the challenge More

Interview about Terry Haydon's career as a home health care worker. Talks about a wide range of his previous jobs, which included theatre, teaching, and being a medical transport driver. Became a care giver thr More

Anna Young relates her insights on home care work. She discusses how she became a home care worker, the enjoyment she gets from working closely with clients, Oregon Home Care Commission classes and how importan More

Joyce (Joy) Vegar discusses her work as a home care provider in Coos County, Oregon, including her training, the qualities that are needed to do the job, the importance of humor, and her advocacy for her client More

Steve Tenhonen, a personal support worker for developmentally disabled and mentally ill clients, discusses his experiences on the job and why it is important to have a union. He also talks about difficult patie More

Interview with Victoria Tenbusch about her career as a home care worker. She talks about how, after working for many years in a cannery she sought less physically stressful work and, found it first at a nursing More

Eileen Ordway discusses her experiences as a home care worker, including her typical duties, relationships with consumer-employers, union activism, and the use of humor on the job. She also discusses health iss More

Alice discusses her work as a home care worker and her union work. She talks about her typical day; the challenges of balancing the needs of her clients with her needs and the needs of her family; the gratifica More

Nargiza Turanova describes her experiences as a home care worker. Originally from Turkey, she moved to Uzbekistan and then came as a refugee to the US. She speaks Turkish, Uzbek, Russian, and "some English." Sh More

Interview with Rebecca Sandoval about her work as a home care worker. Spoke about previous jobs and how caring for her grandmother and then her own companion led her to become a profession care giver. Speaks ab More

Penny Wicklander discusses her life and work as an at home care giver. She talks about always having to take care of somebody--in-laws, parents, and for the last 6 years, her son, who had Lou Gehrig's disease. More

Mike Tolman discusses his work as a direct support professional for Oregon Supported Living Program, a private non-profit company that provides services for adults with developmental disabilities. He talks abou More

Jill Jones, a 1995 graduate of Hugo High School in Hugo, Oklahoma, shared her memories of attending school with children involved with the town's circus community. Jill also explained how she came to work in th More

B.K. Silverlake was born in 1946 to Emma and Raymond Duke, a circus family. She outlined their history with various circuses and her life with Melvin Silverlake, who was also from a circus family. B.K. explaine More

Charles Baggett, born in 1941, talked about his father Herman, who owned car dealerships in Hugo, Oklahoma, and the relationship Herman developed with the circus community; in particular with D.R. Miller. Charl More

Henry Lichte was one of the older iron workers interviewed for this project. He recounts his personal background in the city, his career as an iron worker, and some commentary on particular building sites in th More

Mary Frazier Rawls, born in 1927, shared experiences of her life-long circus career. She began trouping with her parents at a young age and would go on to perform on the high wire for much of her career. Mary t More

Mike Fulton, born in 1957, entered the circus industry at a young age and discussed how that came about. After high school graduation, the family moved to Hugo, Oklahoma. He held various jobs within the circus More

Annie Smith describes her experiences as a home care worker and how she became active in the union. She also mentions her experiences working as a waitress at the "Southern Tea Room" in Mississippi in the 1960s More

Two interviews were done with Henry "Bud" Martens. Both were recorded on July 26, 2011. Part 1 (38:39) is longer and more general and concerns his upbringing, early iron worker career, welding, the trade, and s More

Retired Local #63 iron worker Gerald "Jerry" Truty describes his background, entering iron working, important sites he worked on, working in other states, other jobs, jokes, the labor movement, and the current More

Roy Williams from IWU Local #63 discusses his background and family history, entrance to the iron worker trade, his career as an iron worker, and his time as a labor official, as well as safety and changes in t More

Ledwith is the business manager for IWU #46 in New York City. During the interview, we discuss his personal background, entry into the iron trade, the history of the Local and iron workers in New York City, his More

Richard Rowe, a business agent for Iron Workers Union (IWU) Local #63, discusses his background, his entrance into the iron working trade, his involvement in the IWU, labor history, and the current state of org More

Supplementary materials for 'The "Big Top" Show Goes On:An Oral History of Occupations Inside and Outside the Canvas Tent' interviews conducted by Tanya D. Finchum and Juliana M. Nykolaiszen of circus workers a More

William "Bill" McGleam, IWU Local 63, talks about his background, his start as an iron worker, his career in the trade, labor unions, important building sites, and changes in the trade. The Local IWU 63 headqua More

This supplementary material folder contains 33 fieldwork photographs taken by Clark Douglas Halker documenting display and exhibit materials at the 2011 Iron Workers Union National Convention in Chicago. It als More

Maleta Christian discusses her history as a personal support worker, her efforts to empower her consumers, and her activities as a union activist. She also talks about the importance of humor on the job, the si More

Concerns Smith's life and career as an ironworker, especially as a member of Wisconsin-based Local 383. Car and trucks whoosh by since Smith lives next to a highway, also birds twitter while enjoying feeders ne More

Wally Ritch is a retired ironworker from Local 63, who also leads the retirees club for the Local. In the interview, we cover his background, his entrance in the trade, his career, changes in safety, and his vi More

Kristin Byrd Parra, born in 1975, talked about her grandparents D.R. and Isla Miller and about growing up in the family's circus. She shared memories of performing the swinging ladder and working with the anima More

Dudley Hamilton, born in 1929, joined the circus in 1982. He shared his life experiences that brought him to the circus as well as what various jobs he has held within the circus. Dudley described the life of a More

James "Jimmy" Keane, a prominent figure on the Irish music scene in Chicago and Ireland, discusses his career as an iron worker and member of Local 1 of the Iron Workers International Union. Keane, who was inju More

William "Bill" Sattler, Iron Workers Union Local 63, discusses his background, early work as an iron worker, his career in the trade, life as union leader, memorable jobs, and also provided photographs of some More

John Ryan discusses his background, his entrance into the ironworkers trade, important sites he has worked on in Chicago, unions, strikes, the labor-management situation in Chicago, jokes and ritual. The audio More

Interview concerns Bunders' working life as an ironworker with Local 383. Recorded at Bunders' home, Madison, Wisconsin, July 7, 2011. Cultural Traditions of Ironworkers in America's Upper Midwest : Archie Gree More

Interview focuses on Gus Peplinski's experiences as an ironworker and member of Local 383 Recorded at Gus Peplinski's home, Custer, Wisconsin, July 12, 2011. Cultural Traditions of Ironworkers in America's Uppe More

Richards reviews his own background and his entrance into the trade, iron working in California, working as an organizer in Oklahoma, teaching iron workers, his dad, and music. This interview was conducted at t More

Interview with Harold "Pork" Clausen focuses on his experiences as an ironworker. His wife, Sharon, joins in at the end of the recording session. The audio interview is in two parts: file afc2011062_00168_sr01 More

Interview with ironworker Everett J. Erstad at his home in Oregon, Wisconsin. The audio is in 2 parts: Part 1 (sr01) includes the bulk of the interview with Everett Erstad and his experiences as an ironworker w More

Joel Mashburn, born in 1947, described his interactions with members of the circus community from attending high school with children of circus owners and performers to employing children of circus owners in hi More

Concerns Tanneberg's experiences as an ironworker and, subsequently, a blacksmith, with some brief information about his labor in the engine room of a Great Lakes freighter. Recorded at Bill Tanneberg's worksho More

Interview focuses on David Olby's experiences as an ironworker, including accounts of his dad, DeWain Olby, also an ironworker, with additional accounts of deer hunting, David's work in a sawmill and doing carp More

Sharon, a 25-year veteran iron worker and an Iron Workers Union (IWU) #63 member. Her husband, Richard Sisson, is an even more experienced veteran iron worker. They review their personal background, entry into More

Traci Byrd Cavallini, born in 1972, talked about her grandparents D.R. and Isla Miller, and about growing up in the family's circus. She shared memories of performing the swinging ladder, and later performing w More

Third-generation circus owner Barbara Miller Byrd was born in 1946. She talked about her parents, D.R. and Isla Miller, and the history of the Carson & Barnes Circus, and the future of traveling tent shows. Bar More

Interview focuses on Bill Kerwin's experiences as an ironworker with Local 383. Recorded at Bill Kerwin's home, Waunakee, Wisconsin, July 8, 2011. Cultural Traditions of Ironworkers in America's Upper Midwest : More

Brian Diskin, business manager for IWU Local #380, reviews his personal background, his history as an iron worker, his union activities, the current state of the trade, and Local #380, as well as the iron worke More

Popcorn the Circus Comic was born "somewhere in the east" and he talked about his early interest in magic and how that led to his career as a circus clown. Popcorn described the life of a circus clown, how he d More

Craig Satalic and Al Bass, both officials for Iron Workers Union (IWU) Local 1, review their entrance into and history in the trade, the importance of the union, the apprenticeship program, labor relations in C More

Robert Bob Rawls, born in 1949, shared his childhood memories of being with the circus, performing a rolling globe act with his father, a trampoline act with his brother, and learning tight wire walking from hi More

Olena Kryuchenko describes her experiences as a home care worker in Portland after moving here from Ukraine, where she was a chemical engineer. She speaks about her re-training for a new job; the interpersonal More

Alice discusses her work as a home care worker and her union work. She talks about her typical day; the challenges of balancing the needs of her clients with her needs and the needs of her family; the gratifica More

April discusses her history as a home care worker, her typical duties, how she balances work and personal life, and her activities in her union. She also reflects on her motivation to help others, the challenge More

Joye Willman shares how a disabled friend's struggles led her to become a home care worker, and her experiences in helping to form the home care worker's union fifteen years ago, including being at all of the b More

Interview with Rebecca Sandoval about her work as a home care worker. Spoke about previous jobs and how caring for her grandmother and then her own companion led her to become a profession care giver. Speaks ab More

Adam Christopher Riggs describes his experiences as a home health care worker and his activism with Service Employees International Union Local 503. In wide-ranging conversation he talks about the qualities nee More

M. Ryan Hohman discusses his career as a home care worker and his role as a union activist in the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 503. Speaks about skills needed by a care giver, a typical da More

Charles Baggett, born in 1941, talked about his father Herman, who owned car dealerships in Hugo, Oklahoma, and the relationship Herman developed with the circus community; in particular with D.R. Miller. Charl More

Mike Fulton, born in 1957, entered the circus industry at a young age and discussed how that came about. After high school graduation, the family moved to Hugo, Oklahoma. He held various jobs within the circus More

B.K. Silverlake was born in 1946 to Emma and Raymond Duke, a circus family. She outlined their history with various circuses and her life with Melvin Silverlake, who was also from a circus family. B.K. explaine More

Mary Frazier Rawls, born in 1927, shared experiences of her life-long circus career. She began trouping with her parents at a young age and would go on to perform on the high wire for much of her career. Mary t More

James "Jimmy" Keane, a prominent figure on the Irish music scene in Chicago and Ireland, discusses his career as an iron worker and member of Local 1 of the Iron Workers International Union. Keane, who was inju More

Two interviews were done with Henry "Bud" Martens. Both were recorded on July 26, 2011. Part 1 (38:39) is longer and more general and concerns his upbringing, early iron worker career, welding, the trade, and s More

George Larrimer worked the port of Houston for almost 40 years. He started his career in the U.S. Coast Guard. In the mid-1970s he joined the Marine Fire Dept (MFD). He describes the evolution of fire fighting More

Maleta Christian discusses her history as a personal support worker, her efforts to empower her consumers, and her activities as a union activist. She also talks about the importance of humor on the job, the si More

Ledwith is the business manager for IWU #46 in New York City. During the interview, we discuss his personal background, entry into the iron trade, the history of the Local and iron workers in New York City, his More

Doris Ortiz runs iSALON in New York City. She's originally from Singapore. Initially, Doris had a job in Union Square at International Hair Cutting. She decided to open her own shop six years later. Her salon c More

Doug Mims was born in 1960, in Vicenza, Italy. He travelled extensively in Europe while his father served in the military. After the Vietnam War, his family moved to Hitchcock, Texas, where he attended school. More

Retired Local #63 iron worker Gerald "Jerry" Truty describes his background, entering iron working, important sites he worked on, working in other states, other jobs, jokes, the labor movement, and the current More

Jill Jones, a 1995 graduate of Hugo High School in Hugo, Oklahoma, shared her memories of attending school with children involved with the town's circus community. Jill also explained how she came to work in th More

An interview with one of fewer than 60 horse identifiers and horse tattoo-ers in the nation. Patrick Bovenzi talks about how he came to do the job and about the techniques of horse identification. There is an i More

Calvin Kaintuck is an exercise rider who is still riding at the age of 83. He talked about his childhood and how he began to be a rider and the individuals who helped him along the way. He spoke about accidents More

Juan Salcido Sanchez is a groom who works for Kieran McLaughlin, a trainer for the Darley Farms. The interviewee speaks about migration from Mexico, pride of work, wages, and the role of family. The interview p More

David C. Morrell, born in 1957 in Humble, Texas, was educated in California, started his career at IBM, and returned to Houston in 1979. He has worked at the Houston Pilots at the Port of Houston since 1996. He More

An interview with Robert "Bob" Paterno, who works as a "pony person" at the Tampa Bay Downs Racetrack. He talks about the daily routines in the backstretch, and gives his thoughts on training, on horses, and on More

Wally Ritch is a retired ironworker from Local 63, who also leads the retirees club for the Local. In the interview, we cover his background, his entrance in the trade, his career, changes in safety, and his vi More

Gordie Keenan was born in 1954, in Norfolk, Virginia. He was educated in Rochester, New York, and later attended the State University of New York Maritime College. He moved to Houston in 1991 and has worked for More

Lorna Chavez is an exercise rider who divides her time between Saratoga Springs (May through November) and the racecourse at Gulf Stream Park in Florida. She is a contract rider, who works for several trainers More

Third-generation circus owner Barbara Miller Byrd was born in 1946. She talked about her parents, D.R. and Isla Miller, and the history of the Carson & Barnes Circus, and the future of traveling tent shows. Bar More

William "Bill" McGleam, IWU Local 63, talks about his background, his start as an iron worker, his career in the trade, labor unions, important building sites, and changes in the trade. The Local IWU 63 headqua More

Henry Lichte was one of the older iron workers interviewed for this project. He recounts his personal background in the city, his career as an iron worker, and some commentary on particular building sites in th More

Roy Williams from IWU Local #63 discusses his background and family history, entrance to the iron worker trade, his career as an iron worker, and his time as a labor official, as well as safety and changes in t More