ORAL HISTORY
Here are some of our interview of 'old timers' in Livermore. We learn about local history through their personal memories and recollections of growing up or working in the valley. We have other interviews available
Click on the name of a speaker to download or play the file. If using Windows, they should begin playing within 10 seconds. If using Apple, download the entire file before playing the file.
See our YouTube Channel video interviews (too large for our own website) on the YourTube Playlist
- Anna Gandolfo Interview
- Anna Siig Interview for LHG 50th Anniversary Gala
- Swimming Hole Memories: Don Keech, Margaret Sorensen, Anna Siig
FREIDA WENTE TUBBS CALLAGHAN
Interview (1:04 MP3) 1984
Mrs. Callaghan in 1984 at age 86 was a senior member of the Wente family. She was the sixth child of the original Wente Family. Her father came from Germany because, as the second son, he had no property inheritance rights. Her father married her mother on the roof of the pickle factory in Oakland. The next day they boarded a train to live in a rental home on Second Street next to the Livermore city jail. This began the Wente grape and wine business.
Interview (1:04 MP3) 1984
Mrs. Callaghan in 1984 at age 86 was a senior member of the Wente family. She was the sixth child of the original Wente Family. Her father came from Germany because, as the second son, he had no property inheritance rights. Her father married her mother on the roof of the pickle factory in Oakland. The next day they boarded a train to live in a rental home on Second Street next to the Livermore city jail. This began the Wente grape and wine business.
SYLVIA SWEET CHATAGNIER
Interview (0:27 MP3) 12/30/2023
Sylvia describes growing up in Livermore in the 1950's and 1960's, briefly about her career in Contra Costa County (department store retail, mother, 8th grade science teacher), and then moving back to Livermore in her childhood home after her parents died. See also Bio 2024.02 (Newsletter page 11)
Interview (0:27 MP3) 12/30/2023
Sylvia describes growing up in Livermore in the 1950's and 1960's, briefly about her career in Contra Costa County (department store retail, mother, 8th grade science teacher), and then moving back to Livermore in her childhood home after her parents died. See also Bio 2024.02 (Newsletter page 11)
WILLIAM (BILLY) FRATES
Interview (0:29 MP3) 1981
At 96 years of age in 1981, lifetime Livermore resident (since 1885) Billy Frates lived on a ranch south of Mendenhall Springs Road near the east end of Del Valle Resevoir. He describes his life on the ranch, including how he made reins out of raw cowhide, many of which are still in use. He did ranch work for $1 a day, paying 50 cents for a pair of jeans, and buying three pair of socks for a quarter.
Interview (0:29 MP3) 1981
At 96 years of age in 1981, lifetime Livermore resident (since 1885) Billy Frates lived on a ranch south of Mendenhall Springs Road near the east end of Del Valle Resevoir. He describes his life on the ranch, including how he made reins out of raw cowhide, many of which are still in use. He did ranch work for $1 a day, paying 50 cents for a pair of jeans, and buying three pair of socks for a quarter.
LOUIS GARDELLA
Interview (0:32 MP3) 2/24/1981
Louis Gardella describes his 32 years in the grocery business in Livermore. He began in 1924 in a store (Beck-Beedy) located in the Foresters Building at Second and J Streets. He bought the interest of Chester Beck in the store and several years later changed the name to the Del Valle Merchantile. He sold home utensils, farm tools and equipment, groceries and 'just about anything else'. They delivered to customers in city and country, making deliveries to the McGlinchys, Connellys, and Kelleys who had ranches in the Coral Hollow area.
Interview (0:32 MP3) 2/24/1981
Louis Gardella describes his 32 years in the grocery business in Livermore. He began in 1924 in a store (Beck-Beedy) located in the Foresters Building at Second and J Streets. He bought the interest of Chester Beck in the store and several years later changed the name to the Del Valle Merchantile. He sold home utensils, farm tools and equipment, groceries and 'just about anything else'. They delivered to customers in city and country, making deliveries to the McGlinchys, Connellys, and Kelleys who had ranches in the Coral Hollow area.
HERBERT L HAGEMANN
Interview (1:19 MP3) 6/28/1985
Herbert Hagemann, was born on the Hageman Ranch in 1921, 2.5 miles west of the flagpole on what used to be the end of Olivina Avenue. In 1921, the population was only about 2,000. He shares his memories of businesses, schools, scandals, alcohol stills, politicians, and other topics.
Interview (1:19 MP3) 6/28/1985
Herbert Hagemann, was born on the Hageman Ranch in 1921, 2.5 miles west of the flagpole on what used to be the end of Olivina Avenue. In 1921, the population was only about 2,000. He shares his memories of businesses, schools, scandals, alcohol stills, politicians, and other topics.
WALT HECOX
Interview (2:24 MP3) 10/30/1983
Walt Hecox, born in Grass Valley in 1917, had a lengthy career as a journalist in Livermore. He tells how he became a reporter, the many different stories he covered, and the personalities he met. The sound quality varies because the interview took place over several months.
Interview (2:24 MP3) 10/30/1983
Walt Hecox, born in Grass Valley in 1917, had a lengthy career as a journalist in Livermore. He tells how he became a reporter, the many different stories he covered, and the personalities he met. The sound quality varies because the interview took place over several months.
DOROTHY HOCK
Interview (0:43 MP3) 10/29/1992
Dorothy, a lifelong resident in 1992 at the age 73, speaks of her mother as Livermore's first Holy Ghost Queen and about being both excited and terrified as a child when firworks were set off at the Portuguese Hall (the current Eagles Hall). Dorothy was Livermore's first woman City Clerk, beginning her service when Louis Gardella was major. She discusses politics and issues of the time.
Interview (0:43 MP3) 10/29/1992
Dorothy, a lifelong resident in 1992 at the age 73, speaks of her mother as Livermore's first Holy Ghost Queen and about being both excited and terrified as a child when firworks were set off at the Portuguese Hall (the current Eagles Hall). Dorothy was Livermore's first woman City Clerk, beginning her service when Louis Gardella was major. She discusses politics and issues of the time.
JACK (JOHN) E. JENSEN
Interview (1:02 MP3) 1981
John visied Livermore as a youth n 1898, returned several times, and came to stay with the building of the fuseworks. He was the former owner of the Livermore Plumbing and Sheet Metal Works. He speaks of his memories including the fire which destroyed St. Michaels, the time there was two feet of water at the flag pole one particularly rainy year, and horse-drawn stages operating out of Livermore.
Interview (1:02 MP3) 1981
John visied Livermore as a youth n 1898, returned several times, and came to stay with the building of the fuseworks. He was the former owner of the Livermore Plumbing and Sheet Metal Works. He speaks of his memories including the fire which destroyed St. Michaels, the time there was two feet of water at the flag pole one particularly rainy year, and horse-drawn stages operating out of Livermore.
FRANCIS MAY BAER SANTUCCI
Interview (1:03 MP3)
Long-time resident and widow of Louis Santucci tells of her family history and experiences in early Livermore. Francis is the sister of World Heavyweight Champion boxer Max Baer. Francis and her husband built a home on a ranch near the current St. Charles Boromeo Church.
Interview (1:03 MP3)
Long-time resident and widow of Louis Santucci tells of her family history and experiences in early Livermore. Francis is the sister of World Heavyweight Champion boxer Max Baer. Francis and her husband built a home on a ranch near the current St. Charles Boromeo Church.
