Bluffs and Piasa Bird, 2016

Madison County Oral Histories (60 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
William (Bill) Haine Oral History Interview In this oral history interview, State Senator William (Bill) Haine discusses his childhood in Alton, Illinois, his career in the law, and his time as an Illinois state senator. May 4, 2018 July 27, 2018
Sam Stemm Oral History Interview In this oral history interview, Sam Stemm discusses his career with the local Alton station WBGZ. He also describes growing up in Alton, going to SIUE as a mass communications major, national conservative radio stations, and the history of WBGZ. June 12, 2018 September 12, 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
Ron Holland Oral History Interview In this oral history interview, Ron Holland describes his role as bass player for the Granite City band Rising Sons, as well as the music culture and other local bands in St. Louis and Granite City. He also describes how the band changed after he was drafted into the Vietnam War in 1968. September 7, 2018 September 14, 2018
Jack Daugherty Oral History Interview In this oral history interview, Jack Daugherty discusses his experience as a competitive cyclist in the St. Louis Metro-East area. July 12, 2018 September 15, 2018
Betty J. Vaughn Oral History Interview In this oral history interview, Betty J. Vaughn discusses her role as the first female supervisor of Olin Brass in East Alton. She also describes her childhood growing up on a farm in Bethalto and changes in Madison County throughout her life. 2018-07-10 September 16, 2018
David Miller Oral History Interview In this interview, David Miller discusses his career in airport management and his time at the St. Louis Regional Airport in East Alton. He details how he gained experience with aircraft while serving in the military, the details of and difficulties in managing airports, and what makes St. Louis Regional Airport unique. July 13, 2018 September 28, 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
Joyce Taff Oral History Interview In this oral history interview, Joyce Taff describes her career as a keypunch operator at the Granite City Army Depot and later working in St. Louis. She discusses the impact that the Depot and its closing had on Granite City. The interview also describes Joyce's work with her church, Holy Family Catholic Church. October 4, 2018 December 6, 2018
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