Great River Road, 2016

Browse Items (7 total)

  • Tags: East Alton
Thumbnail Title Description Date Date Added
1943 Letter from Spencer T. Olin to Armond L. Hutchens This letter is an original letter from Spencer T. Olin, Vice President of Western Cartridge Company in East Alton, Illinois to Armond L. Hutchens. Hutchens, an employee of the Western Cartridge Company was leaving employment to join the armed forces. Olin sends Hutchens well wishes from the entire Western organizations as Hutchens was leaving to fight in World War II. Olin asks for information about the functioning of firearms and ammunition in regards to any failures and malfunctions. Olin’s letter has Hutchens’ last name spelled incorrectly. Western Cartridge Company became Olin, Winchester. May 3, 1943 August 4, 2017
1997 Photograph of an East Alton Bungalow Built in the 1940s This 1997 photograph shows two homes in East Alton. The home on the left is a frame bungalow located at 522 Lincoln Avenue in East Alton, Illinois. Both houses were built in the 1940s as part of a housing tract for the growing number of employees of Winchester/Olin in East Alton. Both homes have been renovated to a more contemporary style. June 15, 1997 August 4, 2017
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
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
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
Robert Burress Oral History Interview This oral history interview with Robert Burress was part of oral histories conducted in the fall 2001 semester of History 447: Oral History.

In this oral history, Alton resident Robert Burress discusses former businesses and buildings in the Alton area and changes in the community from the mid-20th century to 2001.

This interview had no transcript in the original archive. It was transcribed by Madison Historical staff.
October 18, 2001 September 2, 2018