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Clayton-OASIS Project
Local Histories
Thursday, August 28, 2008 12:21 PM CDT
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| OASIS volunteer Jerry Rothman conducts interviews for the Clayton oral history project. Photo by Allison Woodworth |
To kick off the upcoming centennial of its incorporation as a city, Clayton has partnered with OASIS and Sunrise Clayton on the Park on an oral history project. The commemorative effort brings together former and current Clayton residents to reminisce about what the city was like to live and work in over the years.
“Clayton Elderwoman Judy Goodman approached us because she thought it would be a good partnership,” recalls Alison Woodworth of OASIS. “We have an education center at the Center of Clayton, and many of our participants once lived or did business in Clayton. A book on Clayton’s history is being updated for the occasion, and it will include excerpts from some of the video histories.”
The oral history project was started a number of years ago as a way to preserve the personal stories of OASIS members, Woodworth explains. “They sit down and tell their life story and memories that are important to share with future generations. Everyone has a story worth telling,” she says. “We have trained volunteers who conduct the oral histories, run the video cameras and interview the participants. It makes for a great dynamic because they are the peers of the people giving the history.” Participants can bring pictures, medals or any other aids to storytelling. After the stories are recorded, each interviewee is provided with a DVD or a videotape of the recording.
“We generally have a ‘mindjogger’ sheet we keep, but the stories can be whatever the person wants preserved. Our basic topics are childhood memories, first jobs, things to start a conversation flowing,” Woodworth says. “Typically it’s about a two-hour process, and it’s in a low-key, relaxed environment.”
OASIS has been working in conjunction with Sunrise Clayton on the Park, using the retirement community’s space to offer participants in the oral history project a welcoming environment in which to share their stories. “We thought it was a great idea to use a home-like setting instead of our OASIS classroom space. Now the videos have a nice, warm feeling,” says Woodworth. With its views of downtown and Shaw Park, the setting helps participants evoke memories of Clayton as well.
After someone gives his or her oral history, a copy of the transcript is sent to the Clayton History Society, which is creating a Web archive. “They’re figuring out how to present all the material,” explains Woodworth. “The actual anniversary of Clayton is in 2013, so we’re just laying the groundwork now.”
Volunteers who wish to give an oral history should call OASIS at 367-5700. There is a $50 fee to cover costs, and an oral history workshop will be offered at Sunrise Clayton on the Park Oct. 8. “If you want to do an oral history but you’re not sure what you want to say, it’ll be a way to get your feet wet,” says Woodworth.
OASIS is a national nonprofit educational organization dedicated to enriching the lives of mature adults. It was founded in St. Louis in 1982 to offer classes and volunteer opportunities for people 50 and older. OASIS now has more than 25 sites nationally. Locally there are more than 90,000 members, and the organization offers classes in four centers Forest Park, Crestwood, the Center of Clayton and downton Macy’s, as well as at various sites throughout the community, including UMSL, St. Charles Community College, and St. Louis County and City library branches.
“Clayton on the Park and OASIS are collaborating on other fun projects,” Woodworth says. “We’ll be doing a Halloween event there with Tarot readings, and we’re looking at doing a religious studies series this spring.” The two organizations will also co-host an international Euro Taste series, with dining and food demonstrations from different countries. Residents of Sunrise Clayton on the Park have access to a digital display system that connects residents to OASIS classes. Others can search OASIS offerings online at oasisnet.org.
“Clayton Elderwoman Judy Goodman approached us because she thought it would be a good partnership,” recalls Alison Woodworth of OASIS. “We have an education center at the Center of Clayton, and many of our participants once lived or did business in Clayton. A book on Clayton’s history is being updated for the occasion, and it will include excerpts from some of the video histories.”
The oral history project was started a number of years ago as a way to preserve the personal stories of OASIS members, Woodworth explains. “They sit down and tell their life story and memories that are important to share with future generations. Everyone has a story worth telling,” she says. “We have trained volunteers who conduct the oral histories, run the video cameras and interview the participants. It makes for a great dynamic because they are the peers of the people giving the history.” Participants can bring pictures, medals or any other aids to storytelling. After the stories are recorded, each interviewee is provided with a DVD or a videotape of the recording.
“We generally have a ‘mindjogger’ sheet we keep, but the stories can be whatever the person wants preserved. Our basic topics are childhood memories, first jobs, things to start a conversation flowing,” Woodworth says. “Typically it’s about a two-hour process, and it’s in a low-key, relaxed environment.”
OASIS has been working in conjunction with Sunrise Clayton on the Park, using the retirement community’s space to offer participants in the oral history project a welcoming environment in which to share their stories. “We thought it was a great idea to use a home-like setting instead of our OASIS classroom space. Now the videos have a nice, warm feeling,” says Woodworth. With its views of downtown and Shaw Park, the setting helps participants evoke memories of Clayton as well.
After someone gives his or her oral history, a copy of the transcript is sent to the Clayton History Society, which is creating a Web archive. “They’re figuring out how to present all the material,” explains Woodworth. “The actual anniversary of Clayton is in 2013, so we’re just laying the groundwork now.”
Volunteers who wish to give an oral history should call OASIS at 367-5700. There is a $50 fee to cover costs, and an oral history workshop will be offered at Sunrise Clayton on the Park Oct. 8. “If you want to do an oral history but you’re not sure what you want to say, it’ll be a way to get your feet wet,” says Woodworth.
OASIS is a national nonprofit educational organization dedicated to enriching the lives of mature adults. It was founded in St. Louis in 1982 to offer classes and volunteer opportunities for people 50 and older. OASIS now has more than 25 sites nationally. Locally there are more than 90,000 members, and the organization offers classes in four centers Forest Park, Crestwood, the Center of Clayton and downton Macy’s, as well as at various sites throughout the community, including UMSL, St. Charles Community College, and St. Louis County and City library branches.
“Clayton on the Park and OASIS are collaborating on other fun projects,” Woodworth says. “We’ll be doing a Halloween event there with Tarot readings, and we’re looking at doing a religious studies series this spring.” The two organizations will also co-host an international Euro Taste series, with dining and food demonstrations from different countries. Residents of Sunrise Clayton on the Park have access to a digital display system that connects residents to OASIS classes. Others can search OASIS offerings online at oasisnet.org.
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