ORAL HISTORIES
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These oral history interviews were provided from 2009 to date.
Vaughn Baber (August 13, 2010) (Run time 32:47)
Employed at KVP from 1954 to 1979 as a sales rep -- Worked as rep in New York City from 1955 to 1961, when he asked to be assigned back to Kalamazoo -- Western Michigan rep and then assigned to Eastern side of state. Lived in Howell with wife and 2 children -- Also addresses the state of the company just after the Sutherland merger -- Owner of Bicentennial Bookshop since 1975.
Fran Bowen (August 16, 2010) (Run time 46:50)
Lifelong Parchment resident -- Father, Frank Williams, started the American Iris Society -- Recollections of downtown businesses -- Father worked at KVP for 27 years, retiring just before mill closed in 2000 -- Graduated from Parchment 9th grade class in 1953 -- Recollections of Community House.
Jim Carlin (April 7, 2009) (Run time 49:11)
(Interviewed by Wendy Erickson)
Joe Chadderdon (November 2, 2009) (Run time 45:02)
(Interviewed by Steve Gibson)
Jeanne Crouch (July 29, 2010) (Run time 50:28)
(Interviewed by Wendy Erickson) Employed 1949 at KVP and then at Sutherland transcribing dictation -- Humorous recollections of employment -- Relatives worked for KVP -- Lively memories of childhood in Parchment -- Parchment police and speeding tickets -- Splurged on clothes after a strict childhood.
Bert Fish and Richard Granger, Jr. (August 24, 2010) (Run time 50:09)
(Interviewed by Wendy Erickson) Parchment and environs discussed -- Attended Parchment schools -- Memories of school teachers, KVP Community House events -- Local folks and businesses discussed -- KVP and its effect on Parchment.
Ron Fleckenstein (November 2, 2009) (Run time 27:44)
(Interviewed by Wendy Erickson)
Boston Mann (August 31, 2009) (Run time 50:18)
(Interviewed by Wendy Erickson)
Richard Patterson, Jr. (October 13, 2009) (Run time 62:20)
(Interviewed by Wendy Erickson)
Richard Patterson, Sr. (September 16, 2009) (Run time 65:23)
(Interviewed by Steve Gibson)
Michael Porath (April 8, 2009) (Run time 39:39)
(Interviewed by [self])
Robert Schuder, Jr. (March 4, 2010) (Run time 41:54)
(Interviewed by Wendy Erickson)
Laurence Tisch (October 2, 2009) (Run time 41:20)
(Interviewed by Teresa Stannard)
Leroy Van Maanen (December 1, 2009) (Run time 15:43)
(Interviewed by Wendy Erickson)
These oral history interviews were provided in 1974-1976
(originally recorded on cassette tape)
(originally recorded on cassette tape)
Philip Bixby (May 1974) (Run time 31.55)
(Interviewed by Veva Abrahamsen) Jacob Kindleberger as boss; growth of KVP from 1935; role of policy-making council; Ralph Hayward and expansion at Espanola, Canada; merger with Sutherland; sale to Brown Company and Gulf & Western, etc. Mill financing of employee homes. Community growth. Involvement of KVP in community, church, school, and subsequent effects of withdrawal.
Leo Boylan and Betty Boylan Burkett (January 27, 1976) (Run time 34:09)
(Interviewed by William Hathaway) Life in Parchment area from 1919 when family purchased 60-acre farm at Riverview Dr. and Townline Rd. (G Ave.) Building of first school at Bracket & Riverview Dr. Building early stores – owners. Church and early ministers; Men’s Club activities; dedication of Community House. Erection of KVP Mill #2 in 1923. Early homes, streets in Parchment; starting Kindleberger Park; Jr. Work Projects, Victory Gardens, etc. Men’s Club activities
Glenn Flamm (May 1974) (Run time 35:30)
(Interviewed by Veva Abrahamsen) Glenn starting work for KVP in the park. Became head of Public Works.
Charles McClellan (November 20, 1975) (Run time 9:05)
(No interviewer) Early history of Parchment from 1921. Building and use of Community House. Swinging bridge at E & G Avenues. Early church membership, ministers, activities. Mary McClellan, first President of Women’s Society.
Corrine Noble (January 15, 1976) (Run time 14:01)
(Interviewed by William Hathaway) Remembrances of KVP and Parchment from date of employment in the Purchasing Department in 1923.
Alfred Perlick (March 24, 1975) (Run time 25:35)
(Interviewed by William Hathaway) Recruitment from Michigan-Ontario Baseball League for position with KVP team; members, record, special games. Residence in Parchment, early stores, community activities; implementation of Kindleberger Park and baseball field. Street changed from Harry Street to Maple Street. Deterioration of Kalamazoo River. Early political activities of Democratic Party. Formation of Parchment Citizens’ League.
Keneth Ruse (April 22, 1975) (Run time 10:15)
(Interviewed by Joe Schweiss) Junior Furniture Company. Home Works Corporation. Junior Baking Company. Early community/Company/school recreation programs.
John "Derby" Russell (February 27, 1976) (Run time 60:17)
(Interviewed by Gail Russell) Life in Cooper Twp. From 1857, when grandparents came. Other early settlers: Murray, Keyes, Shau, Travis, ex-NY Governor Troop. Hotel and popular bar on site of Borgess Hospital. Early freight hauling for KVP; first job in KVP mill @ $1.00/day; “Juggy” Martin and E. Boldman living in tents. Sugar beet and barrel factories in area. Housekeeping and storage problems in early 1900’s. First school in area; teachers, etc. Groceries sold in Community House for employees.
Norman Sleep (May 1974) (Run time 25:25)
(Interviewed by Veva Abrahamesen) Hiring in 1933 by Mgr. Andy Beam to play with KVP baseball team. Early fire department organization, duties, member selection. “Yellow Kid” episode with Kindleberger.
Esther Stewart (March 5, 1977) (Run time 20:05)
(Interviewed by William Hathaway) Remembrances from 1933 when husband joined KVP. Later take-over of publication of Philosopher by husband. Formation/activities of Bridge Club (Parchment). Early school teachers. Garden Club; project of labeling plantings in Kindleberger Park; apricot tree at Riverview and Parchmount; “Witch Basket” money-making project.
Ruth Stimpson (April 10, 1975) (Run time 8:30)
(Interviewed by William Hathaway) Employed 1919, one of 33 people in KVP office; early transportation, roads, etc. Father recruited in 1921 to maintain decorating throughout mill and its 30 houses. First home of Kindlebergers. Occupancy, maintenance, use of Community House and its 2 apartments. Discontinuance of Rag Room section of KVP. Relocation to new offices in 1928.
Dolly Walker (November 18, 1975) (Run time 11:49)
(Interviewed by William Hathaway) Employment and first home in Parchment. Early history of community, church, and Women’s Society. Platting of Schau property and building of present home. First drug store operated by A. Hudson.