Oral Histories of Maraheim Residents, 1980-1985

Maraheim Historical Society Archives

Collection: Oral Histories of Maraheim Residents, 1980-1985

Accession Number: OH-0012

Date Range: 1980-1985

Creator: Maraheim Historical Society, Department of Oral Histories & Folklore

Extent: 4 linear feet (8 archival boxes, 20 audio tapes)

Language: Marish

Repository: Maraheim Historical Society, Department of Oral Histories & Folklore

Scope and Content

The "Oral Histories of Maraheim Residents" collection encompasses a series of recorded interviews conducted by the Maraheim Historical Society between 1980 and 1985. This project aimed to capture the personal experiences, memories, and reflections of long-time residents, providing an invaluable resource for understanding the social, cultural, and economic history of Maraheim. The collection includes both audio recordings and transcriptions, offering firsthand accounts that span several decades, with a focus on the early 20th century up through the post-World War II era. These narratives cover a wide range of topics, including farming practices, the Great Depression, World War II, local traditions, and the significant changes in the town’s landscape and community over time.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged into three series:

1. Series I: Interview Recordings (1980-1985)

2. Series II: Transcriptions (1980-1985)

3. Series III: Supporting Documentation (1980-1985)

Series Descriptions

Series I: Interview Recordings (1980-1985)

This series comprises the original audio recordings of interviews conducted with Maraheim residents. The recordings, stored on 20 high-quality audio tapes, are organized chronologically by the date of the interview. Each recording is labeled with the interviewee’s name, the date of the interview, and the primary topics discussed. The interviews were conducted by trained oral historians from the Maraheim Historical Society and cover a variety of subjects, from personal family histories to broader discussions on the evolution of agriculture, local businesses, and community life in Maraheim.

Series II: Transcriptions (1980-1985)

The transcriptions in this series provide written records of the interviews contained in Series I. Each transcription is linked to its corresponding audio recording, allowing researchers to reference both the written and spoken word. The transcriptions are formatted with line numbers for easy citation and are annotated with footnotes where necessary to clarify historical references or provide additional context. This series is particularly valuable for researchers who prefer to engage with text or who are seeking specific information contained within the oral histories.

Series III: Supporting Documentation (1980-1985)

This series includes materials that support the oral history interviews, such as interviewer notes, biographical sketches of interviewees, release forms, and background research on the topics discussed in the interviews. The supporting documentation provides additional context for understanding the interviews and offers insights into the methodology and goals of the oral history project. This series also contains correspondence between the Maraheim Historical Society and the interviewees, as well as records of public presentations and exhibitions that featured excerpts from the oral histories.

Content Highlights

The oral histories collected in this project offer a wealth of information about the everyday lives of Maraheim residents and the significant events that shaped the town’s history. Notable themes and topics include:

• Agricultural Life: Many interviewees provide detailed accounts of their experiences working on farms, including descriptions of traditional farming methods, the transition to mechanized agriculture, and the challenges posed by economic downturns and environmental changes.

• Economic Hardships: The Great Depression is a recurring topic, with residents recalling the impact of the economic collapse on their families, the local economy, and the broader community. These accounts offer personal perspectives on how Maraheim coped during these difficult years.

• World War II: Several interviews explore the effects of World War II on Maraheim, from the contributions of local men and women to the war effort to the changes in agricultural production and the town’s social fabric during and after the war.

• Community and Social Life: The oral histories also delve into the social aspects of life in Maraheim, including community events, local traditions, and the changes in social dynamics as the town grew and evolved over the decades.

• The Decline of Traditional Farming: The interviews provide firsthand accounts of the decline of small family farms, including the Perón Farm, as industrialization and corporate farming practices became more prevalent. These narratives offer a personal lens through which to understand the broader agricultural trends of the 20th century.

Access and Use

The "Oral Histories of Maraheim Residents" collection is available for research by appointment. Audio recordings may be accessed on-site, with digital copies available upon request. Transcriptions can be reviewed in the reading room of the Maraheim Historical Society’s Department of Oral Histories & Folklore. Researchers are encouraged to consult the finding aids for assistance in locating specific interviews or topics within the collection.

Preferred Citation

Maraheim Historical Society, Department of Oral Histories & Folklore. “Oral Histories of Maraheim Residents, 1980-1985.” OH-0012.

Processing Note: The oral histories in this collection were recorded and processed by the Maraheim Historical Society’s Department of Oral Histories & Folklore between 1980 and 1985. Transcriptions were prepared by a team of volunteer transcriptionists under the supervision of Dr. Margaret Ellis, Senior Oral Historian.

Related Collections:

• Perón Family Papers, 1880-1950 (AGH-0003)

• Maraheim Agricultural Census Reports, 1910-1945 (AGH-0005)

Repository Contact Information:

Maraheim Historical Society

Department of Oral Histories & Folklore

33 7M 26 Derrick Street, Maraheim

Phone: (672) 254-4201

Email: archives@maraheimhistoricalsociety.org

This archival document provides a comprehensive overview of the oral histories collected by the Maraheim Historical Society, preserving the voices and memories of the town’s residents for future generations. The collection is a vital resource for anyone interested in the social and cultural history of Maraheim, offering unique insights into the lives of those who lived through some of the most transformative periods in the town’s history.