Madison County Oral Histories (66 total)

These oral history interviews were conducted by interviewers associated with Madison Historical and touch on various topics in Madison County history. These topics vary by interviewee.

Thumbnail	Title	Description	Date	Date Added
	Wendell and Barb McAfoos Oral History Interview	Wendell and Barb McAfoos were born and raised in Alton, Illinois. In this interview, they describe their lives in the Alton area through the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. Topics covered include school life, cars, school socials, daily challenges and everyday life in rural Illinois, segregation of public spaces, desegregation of the Alton schools, toys and games kids played, their founding of the health club “Metro Sports,” and the history of industry in the Alton area.	November 16, 2018	February 15, 2019
	Norma Glazebrook Oral History Interview	In this oral history, Norma Galzebrook of Alton, Illinois discusses her childhood from the 1940s in Godfrey, Illinois and her early baton twirling career. She mentions seeing Robert Wadlow in her youth as well as her days at the Alton Telegraph during the 1950s. Also discussed is the creation Glazebrook Park, established in honor of her late husband, as well as her extensive work with the St. Louis chapter of the Make-A-Wish foundation.	December 2, 2018	February 15, 2019
	Cindy McGrew Oral History Interview	In this oral history interview, Cindy McGrew discusses her role and experiences as the owner of the Glen Carbon Traveling Tails Inn, a doggy day care, which she co-founded in 2008. She also describes growing up in a small town, attending SIUE, and her previous careers as a teacher and school counselor.	October 8, 2018	February 12, 2019
	William Iseminger Oral History Interview	In this oral history interview, William (Bill) Iseminger, the assistant manager of Cahokia Mounds State Historic site, describes his career at the site and the broader history of the site in the 20th century. He also describes the archaeology work and its discoveries at the site.	September 27, 2018	February 12, 2019
	Carol and John Fritsche Oral History Interview	In this oral history interview, John and Carol Fritche describe growing up in Edwardsville, Illinois, in the middle of the twentieth century. They discuss attending Leclaire Academy and living in one of the first homes on Dunlap Lake. The interview continues to discuss Edwardsville’s growth and the relationship between SIUE and the city of Edwardsville. Finally, John discusses his career with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).	September 4, 2018	January 28, 2019
	Jim Baima Oral History Interview	In this oral history interview, Jim Baima discusses growing up in Collinsville as the son of Italian immigrants, his father's job as a coal miner, the Italian-American community in Collinsville, and studying at SIUE.	October 10, 2018	January 24, 2019
	Philip Rarick Oral History Interview	In this oral history interview, Philip Rarick discusses growing up in Collinsville, his father’s role in local party politics of the Democratic Party, the development of the Madison County judicial system since the 1970s, and his time on the Supreme Court of Illinois.	September 19, 2018	January 23, 2019
	Ralph Korte Oral History	In this oral history interview, Ralph Korte, founder of Korte Construction in Highland, Illinois, discusses his life and business. Korte described growing up on a farm near Pierron, Illinois, and his early years of school. He describes life on the farm during the Great Depression and World War II. Korte then discusses his time in the Army during the Korean War and attending night school at SIUE. Next Korte describes the founding of Korte Construction and its early years of growth in Highland and throughout the Metro East.	October 22, 2018	December 19, 2018
	Elizabeth Christian Oral History Interview	In this interview, Elizabeth Christian discusses her childhood in Collinsville, Illinois, during the 1970s and 1980s. Elizabeth discusses her time at Metro East Lutheran High School, comparisons between cities in Madison County, and her career at SIUE during the 1980s. Elizabeth also talks about race relations and demographics in the county.	October 24, 2018	December 11, 2018
	Carrie Davini Oral History Interview	In this oral history interview, Carrie Davini discusses her career as a tattoo artist and business manager at Evermore Gallery on Edwardsville's Main Street. Carrie covers her childhood in northern Illinois, moving to the St. Louis area, various tattoo businesses she has worked for, and her role at Evermore Gallery. Carrie also talks about being a woman in an industry dominated by men and being a small-business operator in Edwardsville.	October 11, 2018	December 11, 2018