Note: there are several more interviews in this collection that will be catalogued in the near future.  These include interviews regarding local politics, the police department, and the development of a surf culture among other topics.  If you need more information on what is available call 714 278-3580 or email our archivist

DENNY, J. Sherman (1897—1984)
O.H. 54*
Interviewer:                  Harry Henslick
Date:                            May 15, 22 and 29, 1968
Status:                          Completed 1980, 52 pp.
Tape length:                 3 hrs. 30 min.
Bound in Huntington Beach: An  Oral History of the Early Development of a Southern California Beach Community, 1980, 215 pp., index, photos

A longtime manager of the Huntington Beach Company, a land company, recalls some prominent Huntington Beach, California individuals, the areas's history, and its development; discusses his many hobbies and the attitude of the townspeople toward Japanese Americans during World War II.

FROST, Bernice Newland (1904- ) and Helen Newland Tarbox (1901-     )
O.H. 1590b
Interviewer:             Karen H. Reese
Dates:                      January 25 and 26, 1990
Status:                     Completed 1990, 72 pp., index, photos, documents
Tape length:           4 hrs.
Bound in Huntington Beach:  An Oral History of the Development of a Southern California Beach Community, vi, 215 pp.

Members of the pioneer Newland family recall early childhood experiences on their father’s farm in Huntington Beach, California, farm and household chores, clothing and childhood amusements, school activities, local businesses, and the oil boom of the 1920s in Huntington Beach.
**See also Helen Tarbox and Bernice Frost, O.H. 1590a, Huntington Beach Community History Project.

HIGGINS, Delbert “Bud” (1908—1983)
O.H. 24*
Interviewer:                  Harry Henslick
Date:                            April 15, 19, 30, May 6, 19, June 1, 1968
Status:                          Completed 1980, 109 pp., photos
Tape length:                 6 hrs. 15 min.
Bound in Huntington Beach: An Oral History of the Early Development of a Southern California Beach Community, 1980, 215 pp., index, photos

A retired fire chief and head lifeguard provides a lengthy, interesting history of the growth and development of Huntington Beach, California including his family’s settlement, early schools, fire department expansion, prominent residents, coastline development for recreation, and oil extraction.

 

MILLER, Doyle (n.d.)
O.H. 85
Interviewer:                  Richard Clover
Date:                            December 19, 1968
Status:                          Transcribed, 11 pp.
Tape length:                 60 min.

The city manager of Huntington Beach, California discusses the population explosion which occurred in Huntington Beach during the l96Os, the functions of a modern city, and the problems involved with rapid growth, such as crime, police protection, and the unique use of helicopters.

STAINES, NeVada (1891—1982)
O.H. 1580
Interviewer:                  Robyn S. Maltby
Date:                            November 14, 1977
Status:                          Completed 1980, 20 pp., photos
Tape length:                 1 hr. 30 min.
Bound in Huntington  Beach: An  Oral History of the Early Development of a Southern California Beach Community, 1980, 215 pp., index, photos

A retired teacher comments on early life in Pacific City and factors in changing the town’s name to Huntington Beach, California; information on the pioneer Newland family and their home; Fourth of July celebrations; town dances; Pacific Electric line to Los Angeles, California; and advent of the oil industry in 1919.

TARBOX, Helen (1901—    ) and Frost, Bernice (1904—     )
O.H. 1570
Interviewer:                  Ed Berger and Sue Kersey
Date:                            October 7, 1977
Status:                          Completed 1980, 20 pp., index, photos
Tape length:                 60 min.
Bound in Huntington Beach: An Oral History of the Early Development of a  Southern California Beach Community, 1980, 215 pp., index, photos

The two youngest of the ten Newland children reminisce about their childhood on their father’s farm in Huntington Beach, California; early crops; their mother’s Indian basket and arrowhead collection; and their father’s farming and civic activities. The Newland house located on Beach Boulevard in Huntington Beach, California is preserved as an historic landmark in the community.

WATSON, Serl W. (n.d.)
O.H. 94
Interviewer:                  Richard Clover
Date:                            December 30, 1968
Status:                          Transcribed, 25 pp.
Tape length:                 60 min.

Assistant personnel officer for the city of Huntington Beach, California comments on the qualifications and personality needed for a personnel officer; the function of the personnel office and its development; civil service regulations for public service work, such as policemen and firemen; the necessity of crowd control training in beach cities.

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