The Oral History Project

The Oral History Project: As Auglaize County approaches the end of its first 149 years, the world approaches the end of the 20th century. There are few better ways to commemorate the county's 150th birthday than by talking to the people who've lived here.

The Oral History Project

That's why we're interviewing life-long and long-time residents from all parts of Auglaize County about their experiences. We're asking them about family life, school, church, and shopping. We're recording reminiscences about work and play (Saturday night on the town). And we're questioning them about how our villages and towns have changed during the 20th century.

We're also looking at the history of our county within the context of the world at large. How did the 1913 Flood, Prohibition, the Great Depression, etc., affect Auglaize County? How did women's roles change over the years? How has Auglaize County treated those of different ethnic and religious backgrounds, or those with disabilities? What roles have improved technologies--the automobile, telephone, and electricity--played in the development of Auglaize County?

Our team has already interviewed nearly 100 current and fomer residents, ranging in age from 65 to 107. Everyone--both the interviewers and those sharing memories-- seems to have a good time, and the information we've gained is invaluable.

If you know of someone that we shouldn't miss with our Oral History Project, please contact Rachel Barber, mlbarber@bright.net or 738-4924. This is a unique opportunity to gather history about Auglaize County!

As an extension of the Oral History Project, many of our county's 8th graders are conducting their own interviews. They're gathering Family Folklore, that is, the expressions, customs, rituals, and artifacts passed down from generation to generation within a family.

In the same way that the Oral History Project will help define Auglaize County, the Family Folklore Project helps our students understand their own families better. Currently, 8th grade students at New Knoxville, Waynesfield and Wapakoneta Middle School are conducting Family Folklore interviews. Check out the Family Folklore Page in upcoming months for the best of their stories.

How to conduct your own Family Folklore Project.

Family Folklore Questions

1. How and when did your family come to live in Auglaize County? Was this their first "American" home or did they previously live elsewhere in the United States? Why did they move here?

2. What stories have come down to you about your parents? Your grandparents? Other relatives? Do various relatives tell the same stories in different ways? How do the stories differ from teller to teller?

3. Do you have a notorious or (in)famous character in your family's past? What stories do you tell about him or her?

4. How did your parents, grandparents, or other relatives come to meet and marry? Are there any family stories about lost love, jilted brides, unusual courtships, arranged marriages, elopements or runaway lovers?

5. How have major historical events, such as the Civil War, Great Depression, or Vietnam War, affected your family?

6. Does your family have any stories about how a great fortune was lost or almost made? Are these incidents laughed about or deeply regretted?

7. Does your family have any special expressions? What is their origin? Is a particular member of your family especially skillful at creating expressions? Does anyone in your family have an unusual nickname? If so, how did it come about?

8. In what special ways does/did your family celebrate national, religious, or ethnic holidays (such as special customs, activities, or foods)? Has your family made any innovations in holiday celebrations or created any of its own holidays?

9. Does your family have reunions? How are they celebrated? Are there any traditional customs, activities, or foods?

10. Does your family have any objects of sentimental value that have been handed down from generation to generation? What stories are connected to them?

11. Does your family have any stories about animals? These may include stories about first, best loved, or most unusual pets.

12. Does your family have any car stories--about the first car the family owned, driving lessons, or funny or memorable car trips?

For more information about conducting an oral history interview, please check out the tips provided by the University of California/Berkeley's Oral History Program.