Peggy Allworth Oral History Interview, ca. 1975

In this interview, Peggy Allworth reflects on her life in Oregon and connection to Oregon State University. She begins by describing her early childhood in California and how her family moved to Philomath, Oregon, when she was 12, around 1909. She then recalls her experiences in high school, and how she met Edward C. Allworth, her future husband. From there, explains her decision to attend Oregon Agricultural College and the impacts that World War I had on campus life.

Next, Allworth describes her husband’s experiences at OAC and how she was affected by his service in the Army during WWI. She moves forward to describe Edward’s return from the war and subsequent employment as the first manager of the Memorial Union, a job that he held for 34 years. She describes the role that the MU played on campus and the events that were held there, including how it was transformed into a dormitory during World War II.

From there, Allworth describes her family’s life on their farm outside of Corvallis, where they raised four children. She mentions going on trips each summer and describes in particular a trip to Washington, D.C. in 1963 where Edward received the U.S. Armed Forces Medal of Honor. She concludes the interview by discussing Edward’s vision for the MU.