The Oregon State University Sesquicentennial Oral History Project

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June McCallister Oral History Interview

Life history interview conducted by Mike Dicianna and Chris Petersen.

July 3, 2014

Abstract

“Matriarch of a Five Generation Oregon State Family”  July 3, 2014  Location: McCallister residence, Salem, Oregon.  Watch Video | Download Transcript (PDF)

In the interview, McCallister discusses her experiences as an undergraduate at Oregon State College in the 1930s. In so doing, she touches upon her memories of campus traditions, academics, sorority life, and social life, including sock hops, tea dances and sporting events. She also recounts her campus job working as an operator for the OSC phone exchange, as well as Corvallis hangouts, the annual Homecoming bonfire, and a memorable trip to Eugene following a Beavers football win in the Civil War.

The second main theme of the session is the McCallister family and their long association with Oregon State. McCallister shares her family's connection with William A. Finley, the first president of Corvallis College, and with Mark Dow McCallister, first president of the school's Alumni Association. She likewise reflects upon her parents' backgrounds; her life with her husband, Alan McCallister; her experiences during World War II; and the family's contacts with notable Oregon State figures, including A.L. Strand and Bill Teutsch.