Jean Starker Roth Oral History Interview, September 2008

Partial Transcript: I'm Jean Starker Roth, and I was born in Portland, Oregon, at the corner of 22nd and Alameda.

Segment Synopsis: Jean Starker Roth, born in Portland, Oregon, discusses her childhood memories in Corvallis, Oregon. Her father, Thurman James Starker, was a professor at Oregon State University, and the family moved around when she was a child before eventually settling in a house on 23rd Street. She recalls that her father had diverse interests, including building garages for additional income, operating a nursery business, and balancing teaching with business endeavors. The narrative highlights the family's involvement in the community, particularly Thurman's reputation as "T.J." in the business circles of Corvallis.

Partial Transcript: In fact, I'll tell you a little story about a letter that was addressed to him one time, and the post office didn't know quite what to do with it because it was addressed to just T.J.. Corvallis, Oregon.

Segment Synopsis: Roth continues to share anecdotes from her childhood. She recounts a humorous incident where a letter addressed to her father, known as T.J., with just "T.J., Corvallis, Oregon" reached its destination thanks to a post office employee who recognized him. Roth reflects on her school experiences, including a change in district boundaries during second grade, leading to a temporary revolt. She fondly recalls attending Franklin School, roller skating in the basement, and playful antics on the fire escape. Despite a rocky start, she notes that she made lasting friendships with fellow students. Roth also mentions her mother's role as a teacher. Additionally, she shares memories of his high school days at Corvallis High School, emphasizing her interest in home economics and the influence of supportive teachers. Roth also describes her daily routine of commuting with her father and spending time in town after school until her father finished his business.

Partial Transcript: My father -- my brother, I guess I'd say was very placid. And he was always doing the quiet things like reading.

Segment Synopsis: Roth reminisces about her family, particularly her father's practical and fix-it attitude, always carrying a shovel in his car. She recalls how he reinforced the bottom of his cars with steel plates and how he would stop to fix things like culverts with his shovel. The narrative then shifts to the speaker's college decision, with her father initially doubting the necessity of her education. He wanted her to pursue secretarial science, but her mother insisted she attend college for home economics. Roth’s brother had a less fulfilling experience with fraternity life, leading her father to discourage her from joining a sorority. When the time came to join, the speaker had a cold and missed the event that would have sealed her sorority membership.

Partial Transcript: And so I never did join a sorority. And I lived at home. And I think that was the most the thing that I hated about college the most was that I had no social life at all.

Segment Synopsis: Roth talks about her college experience, revealing that she never joined a sorority and lived at home during her undergraduate years, limiting her social life. Her routine involved commuting with her father, which made it challenging to make friends. Additionally, financial constraints prevented her from participating in activities like going to the movies. Roth discusses her father's unique investment in Timberland, which others initially considered worthless but later regretted not following his lead. After college, she took a teaching job at McKinsey, requiring her to live far from Eugene. The speaker recalls staying at Sparks Ranch, an unconventional residence where she was the only female tenant. Roth also recounts driving down a road when a truck lost its axle, causing a crisis. Later, she moved to a riverside building with a kindergarten teacher and her husband, who provided ample venison from his hunting expeditions.

Partial Transcript: The other thing that, oh, when when we when I taught school up there, there was a married couple who were also teachers and they were my mentors.

Segment Synopsis: Roth recalls her teaching career during World War II when she worked as a food preservation teacher in Lane County. She learned valuable teaching techniques from a married couple who served as mentors. Despite rationing during the war, teachers had unlimited gas rations, allowing them to commute freely. Roth then shares her experience working as a food assistant, helping women optimize ration points. She repaired appliances and sewing machines and tackled various tasks requested by women during the war. After leaving her teaching position, she explains that she took a job as a food assistant in Clatsop County.

Partial Transcript: When I was in Astoria, there was a girl who was also a home demonstration and oh no, not Clatsop Lincoln County. And she was engaged to a boy who was living at a fraternity house in Corvallis, and he had a roommate who was also living in Corvallis.

Segment Synopsis: Roth reminisces about meeting and subsequently dating Kermit Roth, who she would later marry. Initially meeting on a blind date arranged by a mutual friend, the two clicked despite Jean’s concerns about Kermit's potential interest in her. Their courtship began at a fraternity house in Corvallis, where they cooked dinner together. The turning point was when Ken Munford, someone Jean knew, entered the scene, facilitating the introduction. Jean recalls some of her favorite memories from their courtship, before explaining that they became engaged at Christmas and married on June 7th, with a memorable wedding night marked by a thunderstorm. Roth then reflects on Kermit's military commission and subsequent decision to prioritize family life over a military career.

Partial Transcript: After Kermit and I were married, he took a position with a company in Portland and enjoyed it very much.

Segment Synopsis: Roth describes her husband’s career shifts after returning from military service. Initially working for a tour company in Portland, Kermit eventually succumbed to pressure from Jean Roth’s father to move back to Corvallis. Despite their reluctance, they relocated, leaving behind a cherished home in Portland. Kermit tried selling metal buildings but faced challenges, leading to a new venture in plywood manufacturing. The plywood business thrived initially but faced market downturns, eventually prompting Kermit's move to the stock market, where he found success. The narrative highlights Kermit's role in overseeing the construction of a plywood plant, later becoming a partner with Gordon Larson in a mill. After their partnership dissolved, Kermit ran the mill independently for some time. Eventually, the challenges of managing the property and changing regulations led to their son electing to take over, attempting to make it viable before ultimately selling it.

Partial Transcript: So we no longer owned the mill property.

Segment Synopsis: After her husband's passing, Roth faced financial challenges but leveraged Timberland assets to generate income. With a focus on real estate, she strategically acquired buildings, starting with the Buymart building in Corvallis. Managing a portfolio of rental properties became a stable income source. Roth expresses pride in her four children, detailing their varied accomplishments. Ken is active in Southern California's water board, Craig thrives in Bend with diverse business ventures, Kathy, an architect, resides in Portland, and Kim runs a religious, alcohol-free housing facility in Corvallis. The speaker provides glimpses into her grandchildren's lives, highlighting their successes and pursuits.

Partial Transcript: Her father was in business there, and it was kind of a cute story how they were married.

Segment Synopsis: Roth concludes by describing various shorter anecdotes. She mentions her husband's work, the story of how her children met their spouses, family pictures, the construction of her houses, and her involvement in the community. Roth reflects on her fortunate and successful life, despite the early loss of her husband. She emphasizes her contributions to the community, her various accomplishments, and her pride in her children.