Monroe County Oral History Index
Over 200 oral histories of Monroe County residents have been accumulated through the combined efforts of Professor James DeVries of the Monroe Community College and the Monroe County Library System.
A requirement in Dr. DeVries’ History class at the Monroe County Community College was for each student to record, on audio or video cassette, a 30 minute interview with one or more persons at least 65 years of age. The interviewee could be a relative, close family friend, or an individual assigned by Dr. DeVries. After recording the interview, the student was required to transcribe and type the entire conversation verbatim. Topics of possible discussion included:
| Immigration Experience | Radio |
| Immigrants | Recreation |
| World War I | Sports |
| Prohibition | Holidays (Christmas, Easter, Etc.) |
| Minority Groups | Government |
| Women’s Roles | The Depression |
| Family | World War II |
| Work | Korean War |
| Schools | Important Personalities in One’s Life |
| Churches | Family Traditions |
| Transportation | How One Came to Settle in Monroe |
| Movies | Merchants |
| Social Life | Newton Strike |
| Community Legends | Local Color |
In those instances where the interview is regarded as especially excellent, Dr. DeVries requested permission to place a copy of the recording and transcript in the Monroe County Library Local History Collection housed at the Ellis Library and Reference Center. To be placed in the collection a release must be obtained by both the interviewer and the interviewee.
Recognized as historically priceless, the information contained within these histories was restricted due to the absence of a subject/surname index.
The index you are about to access is a culmination of approximately six months work by staff of the Monroe County Library System and volunteer Karen Stoll. Now, historians, genealogists, researchers, and the general public have access to these tales and treasures of 19th an 20th century Monroe County, its surrounding areas, and American History.
Copies of information can be requested through the libraries Ask A Librarian. Copies cost 25 cents a page and can be remitted to the library upon receipt of information.
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