Bluffs and Piasa Bird, 2016

Madison County Oral Histories (63 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.

  • Collection: Madison County Oral Histories
Thumbnail Title Description Date Date Added
Pat Childers Oral History Interview In this oral history interview, Pat Childers describes her experiences during the Great Flood of 1993 while living in West Alton, Missouri. Following the flood, she and her family moved to Collinsville, Illinois, which she describes. She also discusses growing up on a farm in Southern Missouri. December 11, 2016 February 7, 2017
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
Mike Picchioldi Oral History Interview In this oral history interview, Mike Picchioldi describes his experiences as a firefighter in Maryville and Edwardsville. He highlights his involvement with the Maryville historical society and his role in helping to preserve its history. He highlights the histories of Chinatown, the Donk Brothers Mine, the Homecoming Parade, as well as his grandparents mercantile business. July 10, 2017 October 9, 2017
Mike McNamara Oral History Interview In this oral history interview, Mike McNamara describes his life and career in Alton. McNamara describes his childhood and school years. He then goes into detail about his career with the Alton police department, including his promotions through the ranks and various high-profile crimes in Alton. McNamara also talks about his experience owning rental properties in Alton and reflects on how Alton changed over time. October 11, 2018 December 6, 2018
Mary Kane Oral History In this oral history interview, Mary Kane discusses her role with the Southwestern Illinois Metropolitan and Regional Planning Commission. In particular, she describes the establishment of the Missouri-Illinois regional partnership in the 1970s to create interstate public transportation in the St. Louis metro region. April 18, 2018 September 13, 2018
Mary Huntley Oral History Interview In this oral history interview, Mary Huntley describes her career as the director of the Hayner Public Library system in Alton, as well as her and her husband's involvement in the Civil Rights movement when they lived in Alabama. She also discusses her involvement with the local Democratic Party, her husband's role as director of the SIUE University Museum, and her childhood in North Carolina. May 27, 2019 August 29, 2019
Martha Roberts Oral History In this oral history interview, Martha Roberts describes her experiences with the Alton Municipal (Muny) Band since the 1980s. She discusses the band's history and her role as the band manager for the past five years.

Please note: Initial audio recording on October 11 malfunctioned and recorded only the last portion of the interview. The interviewer recorded the first portion of the interview again on October 17.
October 11, 2018 to October 17, 2018 December 6, 2018
Lisa Peck Oral History Interview In this interview, Lisa Peck discusses working for both the Madison County government and the Highland government as a community planner. She discusses various changes to Highland in recent years. October 30, 2016 March 10, 2017
Kevin Hale Oral History Interview Kevin Hale is a longtime employee of Olin Brass in East Alton, Illinois. In this oral history interview, Kevin discusses his childhood in East Alton, including Olin's influence on his family and the city. Kevin also discusses his time serving in the United States Marine Corps. Much of the interview concerns details of operations at Olin Brass and how the company's operations have changed over time, such as the increasing use of computers. October 6, 2018 December 10, 2018
Ken Conrady Oral History Interview In this oral history interview, Ken Conrady describes his long career leading the Alton Youth Symphony. Conrady describes the symphony's early years, its relationship with local schools, and how it has changed over the decades. October 11, 2018 December 4, 2018