Eva Blackwell Oral History Interview (2 of 2)

Eva Blackwell’s second interview starts with her time at Oregon State University, initially as a student and later as a staff member of the institution. She majored in Secretarial Science and described different types of shorthand methods to capture dictation. She goes on to explain that at time, business and secretarial science majors there was not a division in fields therefore it was not uncommon to see women in the School of Commerce. Blackwell also makes her interest in sports apparent. However, she admitted that she did not go into the field of physical education because she lacked a desire to teach.

When asked about her relationship with the Registrar’s office as a student, Blackwell mentions that she did not have one until she was employed there. Two weeks after graduation, Blackwell began working for E.B. Lemon, whom she characterizes as a fair man. Lemon expected staff to do their part and Blackwell described a smattering of the duties she held during her time at the Registrar’s office. For Blackwell, whether it was the Great Depression or the arrival of George Peavy, nothing truly changed the work of the Registrar. After retirement, Blackwell continued to assist with Commencement. The interview ends with her stating that she will most likely only help with one last ceremony.