Title: Oral History Interview with Lois Linse Gleiter
Inclusive Dates: 1974 August 19

Creator:

• Gleiter, Lois Linse, 1929-

Call Number: Tape 586A

Quantity: 2 tape recordings

Repository:

Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Library, Archives, and Museum Collections

Archival Locations:

COLLECTION MAY BE STORED OFF-SITE: see catalog entry to request materials and for additional information.

Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)

Abstract:

Interview conducted by Dale Treleven of the Historical Society staff with Lois Linse Gleiter concerning her activities in the Farmers Union junior program in Alma, Buffalo County, Wisconsin, her teaching in Chile in a 4-H exchange program in the early 1950's, attendence at the Encampment for Citizenship in New York, and her work as a field representative for the National Farmers Union in the 1950's in the western U.S. and in Virginia.

Note:

Part of the Wisconsin Agriculturalists Oral History Project.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-tape00586a

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Lois Linse Gleiter was born in Mondovi, Wisconsin, on October 21, 1929, and raised on a farm near that community. Her involvement in the activities of the Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America (Farmers Union) began when she was eight years old, when she began to accompany her parents to meetings at the Alma Local, in Buffalo County. After graduating from high school and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Lois Linse attended the Encampment for Citizenship in New York, taught in Chile, and before her marriage in the middle-1950's, was a field worker for the National Farmers Union, headquartered at Denver.

Interview

I [interviewer Dale Treleven] arranged to interview Lois Gleiter following a conversation with Mrs. Jean Long, whom I interviewed in 1974 about her long association with the Farmers Union in Wisconsin. Mrs. Long suggested that Lois Linse Gleiter was an example of a successful Farmers Union Junior, and indeed, one who had gone on to work for the national organization. I interviewed Lois Gleiter in the kitchen of her home at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on August 19, 1974. The recorded interview was preceded by an unrecorded conversation during which she showed me a scrapbook and other materials associated with her Farmers Union activities since the 1930's. During the recording session, her husband Melvin was seated in the adjoining dining-living area of the ranch-style home, and their two sons also observed portions of the interview.

Lois Gleiter's observations on the Farmers Union junior program in Wisconsin from the standpoint of a youthful participant, should augment the observations and explanations of the program by such adult leaders as Jean Long, and supplement the extant written record of the Farmers Union in printed and manuscript sources. Researchers might also benefit from Lois Gleiter's comments on Kenneth Hones, long-time president of the Wisconsin Farmers Union; her remembrances of her stay in Chile and travels and observations about other South American countries in the early-1950's; and her recollection of the problems that arose because she attended the Encampment for Citizenship in New York. The interview also provides many observations and anecdotes about work as a field representative for the National Farmers Union in a dozen states during the 1950's.

Abstract to the Interview

The abstract below lists, in order of discussion, the distinct topics covered on each tape and indicates the time-marking on the user tape at which point the beginning of the particular discussion appears. These time-markings are keyed to a time announcement, heard at five-second intervals, on the second track of each tape.

Thus, the researcher may listen to distinct topics without listening to all of the material on the tapes. For instance, the user who wishes to listen to the topic on “Farmers Union Youth Program” should locate the place on the second track of tape one, side one, where the voice announces the 02:25 time-marking (the voice says at this point, “two minutes, twenty-five seconds”), and at this point switch to the first track to hear the discussion. The discussion on “Farmers Union Youth Program” continues until approximately 05:05 at which point discussion of the next topic (“Formation of Farmers Union Band”) listed in the abstract begins.

Notice that in most cases sentences beneath each headline explain more about the contents of the topic. For example, the sentences underneath “Farmers Union Youth Program” give further details on what appears on the tape between 02:25 and 05:05.

The abstract is designed to provide only a brief outline of the content of the tapes and cannot serve as a substitute for listening to them. However the abstract will help the researcher easily locate distinct topics and discussions among the many minutes of commentary.

Books and pamphlets used in the Farmers Union Junior program, cataloged with the interviews with Mrs. Jean Long, Route 1, Boyceville, Wisconsin, and located in the Archives Division of the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Acquisition Information

Accession Number: M74-376

Processing Information

Finding aid prepared by Dale E. Treleven, August 20, 1976.

Tape/Side   1/1 Time   00:00	Introduction
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   00:35	Background of Lois Linse Gleiter Scope and Content Note: Born on farm south of Mondovi; at age eight joined junior reserves of Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU); learned history of Farmers Union, recreation, and public speaking. Parents both very active in WFU. Farm “truly a family-type farm” where parents stressed unity and cooperation.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   02:25	Farmers Union Youth Program Scope and Content Note: In junior reserves; began attending local FU meetings. Juniors at age twelve began working on projects and in workbooks; promoted as these were completed. Pins awarded for public speaking on subject relevant to farm life. Cooperation rather than achievement stressed.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   05:05	Formation of Farmers Union Band Scope and Content Note: Lois Linse became very interested in music through WFU and enjoyed performing. She and others formed a Farmers Union Band and played at state fairs, county rallies, and local meetings.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   06:05	WFU Youth Program Stresses Cooperation Scope and Content Note: Members encouraged to help one another.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   07:25	Promotion in Youth Program Scope and Content Note: Children could begin attending camp at age twelve. Five year members promoted to Torch Bearers. Torch Bearers must give speeches on rural life before local meetings. Torch Bearers could also work on such projects as writing, music, or handicrafts.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   08:20	Kamp Kenwood (Near Chippewa Falls) Scope and Content Note: Did not remember another camp before the completion of Kamp Kenwood in 1942. Young people involved in all phases of building Kenwood.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   09:10	Comments on Kenneth Hones, Former President of the Wisconsin Farmers Union Scope and Content Note: Camp named for Kenneth Hones. Lois Linse knew Ken Hones since she was eight. Always “a picture of strength; someone who was a leader and someone whom we could count on who would speak for the farmer.” Although many criticized Hones' harshness, she remembers him as a “big, strong man who knew where he was going.”
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   12:15	Farmers Union Membership Among Lois Gleiter's Neighbors in Mondovi Scope and Content Note: Believes that most of Linses' neighbors also belonged to FU local at Alma. No local Farmers Union in Mondovi when Lois Linse was young.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   12:45	Comments on Edward Linse (Father) Scope and Content Note: Edward Linse still active in the Mondovi local of WFU. Area pioneer in Farmers Union and local cooperatives; always willing to help.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   14:15	Comments on Art Hitt, President of Farmers Union Local in Alma Scope and Content Note: Legislator, leader in REA and cooperatives, Hitt and Ed Linse worked closely together.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   15:10	Location of Farmers Union Meetings in Alma Scope and Content Note: Linse family attended FU meetings at the Tell Schoolhouse in Alma.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   15:35	Organization of Local Meetings Scope and Content Note: Meetings half educational and half entertainment. Young people demonstrated Camp experience by conducting part of the program. Incentive for both young people and mothers to attend meetings.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   16:30	Farmers Union Camp Philosophy Scope and Content Note: During mid-thirties camp emphasized peace. Economic conditions in 1930's led FU to stress understanding and problems at home.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   19:45	Lois Linse at Encampment for Citizenship Scope and Content Note: After graduation from University of Wisconsin-Madison, Lois Linse attended the Encampment for Citizenship in New York, sponsored by the Ethical Society Cultural Exchange Group of 4-H. Visited many industries and individuals, including Eleanor Roosevelt, during the six-week camp. Studied governments of various types around the world.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   22:45	Senator McCarthy Attacks the Encampment for Citizenship for Studying Communism Scope and Content Note: McCarthy attacked Encampment for Citizenship for stressing communism, although students learned about all forms of government.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   25:00	Impact of McCarthy's Attacks on Lois Linse Personally Scope and Content Note: Applied for a teaching position in Chile under auspices of 4-H. Went to 4-H headquarters in Washington, D.C. because Senator McCarthy's attack on Encampment for Citizenship would jeopardize her chances to teach in Chile.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   00:00	Introduction
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   00:35	Parents Oppose Plans to Teach in Chile Scope and Content Note: Surprised that her parents initially opposed her plans to teach in Chile.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   02:05	Difficulty with Spanish Language in South America Scope and Content Note: Had to learn different dialects, as she traveled from northern Chile to southern Chile; people as varied as the geography.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   02:55	Living with Chilean Families Scope and Content Note: Lived with seventeen different families during stay in Chile, but able to talk to and understand all.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   03:35	Problems in Organization of Exchange Scope and Content Note: Organizational problems since this was first exchange sponsored by 4-H with a South American country.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   04:55	Argentina and Juan Peron Scope and Content Note: Traveled to Argentina while Peron persecuting English-speaking people. Lois Linse, however, could pass as a German blond from southern Chile and pretended to be Chilean when police questioned her about photographs she took. Allowed to keep the photographs.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   06:55	Importance of Speaking Good Spanish Scope and Content Note: Lois Linse recommended to national 4-H that only those fluent in Spanish should be sent in the future.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   07:30	Experiences with South American Food Scope and Content Note: Tried everything her hosts offered. Once was served tiny live fish; another time drank a “hot sauce” which was supposed to be a dip.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   10:05	Interview with 4-H Foundation Upon Return to United States Scope and Content Note: Because of expense of Exchange program and problems with other exchanges, Lois Linse “debriefed” upon return.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   11:35	Interview with 4-H Foundation Before South America Scope and Content Note: 4-H Foundation interested in what she would tell the Chileans about democracy, McCarthyism, and so on.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   12:10	Preparation for Her Visit to Chile Scope and Content Note: Studied the history of Chile extensively before her departure.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   13:25	Mrs. Flossie Harris Asks Lois Gleiter to Interview for Position as Fieldworker for National Farmers Union Scope and Content Note: Flossie Harris in 1954 suggested that Lois Gleiter interview for a position as fieldworker for the National Farmers Union (NFU). Field persons needed to inform farm people about organizing FU locals, FU Insurance Program, FU philosophy, legislation on family-type farms, and so on.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   14:55	Feelings About Becoming a Farmers Union Fieldworker Scope and Content Note: Pleased but apprehensive.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   15:35	Territory Covered as a Farmers Union Fieldworker Scope and Content Note: Montana, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois.[1]
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   16:15	Fieldworkers Headquartered in Denver Scope and Content Note: Headquartered in Denver, Colorado; returned there after visiting each state to get new assignments and prepare for trip to another state.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   16:45	Farmers in Some States Fear Link Between Farmers Union and Communism Scope and Content Note: Because Senator McCarthy had attacked Farmers Union philosophy as “communistic,” farmers in Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois wary of Farmers Union.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   17:25	Lois Linse Encourages Farmers to Become Informed Politically Scope and Content Note: Many farmers unsure of what to believe; one political party frequently dominated a state. Lois Linse suggested state Farmers Unions should have political or legislative leader to inform farmers about legislation affecting them.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   19:20	National Farmers Union Provides an Old Car for Travel Scope and Content Note: NFU provided old car with stick shift, which Lois Linse had to learn to operate.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   20:20	Anecdote About January Travel in Rocky Mountains Scope and Content Note: Drove through the Rockies from Colorado to Montana during snow storm and windshield wipers and lights failed to operate. In Montana, afraid her car might freeze up so she started it every hour. Told others the next morning that her car started because it had Farmers Union tires.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   23:40	How Lois Linse Performed Her Duties for NFU Scope and Content Note: Montana the first state assigned. Role was to educate people about FU insurance program, even though she knew almost nothing about it.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   25:50	Opinion of Farm People in General Scope and Content Note: “Farm people are great.” Farmers willing to help; unafraid to ask questions. If she could not answer a particular question, she would reply later by letter.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   27:00	Relationship with State Farmers Union Organizations Scope and Content Note: Worked closely with the state Farmers Union educational directors. Helped organize locals and promoted “Anxiety Program” which encouraged people to write their representatives. Accompanied state officers to locals and asked what they wanted from Farmers Union.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   29:00	Farm Bureau Literature Confuses Farmers About Farmers Union Scope and Content Note: Farm Bureau literature distorted Farmers Union philosophy.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   00:00	Introduction
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   00:30	How Different Types of Farming Affected Organizing Efforts Scope and Content Note: Difficult at times to talk to people about Farmers Union without fully understanding the particular kind of agricultural economy in their areas. Researched states in advance, but still difficult for one raised on a Wisconsin dairy farm to talk to a Virginia peanut farmer or tobacco grower.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   02:30	Help from Hostess of the State Capitol at Richmond, Virginia Scope and Content Note: Helped Lois Linse learn which Senators and Representatives would be helpful and pass on information to others.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   03:45	Why Farmers in Mountainous Areas of Virginia Want Farmers Union Scope and Content Note: Very isolated socially with serious economic problems.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   04:10	Importance of “Chicken and Egg Money” to Virginia Farm Women Scope and Content Note: Farm women depended on chicken and egg money.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   04:30	Poor Families Hit Hard by Loss of Cow or Crop Failure Scope and Content Note: Disastrous for a poor farm family to lose a cow or have crop failure.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   05:00	Why Virginia Farmers Wanted Farmers Union Scope and Content Note: Needed such things as parity, and anxious for a farm organization to help get them.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   05:45	Organizing the Farmers Union in Virginia Scope and Content Note: Farmers in Virginia know little about organizing. Also many people weren't well read; hesitant to join in group social activities. Eventually, people looked forward to dressing up and coming to Farmers Union meetings.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   08:10	Farmers Union Literature Scope and Content Note: Handicraft, Singing Farmers (a songbook), How to Organize a Class, Writing To Your Senators, The Function of the Recreation Director, Farmers Union Notebook.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   08:40	Why Farmers Union Was Helpful in Organizing Virginia Farmers Scope and Content Note: Farmers in Virginia waiting for someone to organize them and Farmers Union appeared at the right time.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   09:40	Why Farmers Union Needed Fieldworkers in Mid-1950's Scope and Content Note: Does not know reasons for Farmers Union particular emphasis on field work at the time but one reason might have been the bad publicity Farmers Union got.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   10:50	Effect of Bad Publicity on Farmers Union Scope and Content Note: In many places, “just the name Farmers Union was not accepted.” Made it difficult for an FU representative. Tried to meet and talk with local people to help them overcome their prejudice against FU.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   12:05	Comments on Jim Patton, NFU President, and Others at Denver Headquarters Scope and Content Note: Much support.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   14:25	Accomplishments While Organizing for NFU Scope and Content Note: Difficult to assess statistically.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   16:30	Treatment by Farm Families Scope and Content Note: Always stayed with farm families and treated very considerately.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   19:50	Anecdote About Idaho State Farmers Union Scope and Content Note: Idaho State Farmers Union scheduled state convention but very disorganized by those unfamiliar with how to organize it. Willing to learn, however, and successful convention resulted.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   22:10	Anecdote About Meeting in Michigan in Unheated Gymnasium Scope and Content Note: Group in Michigan met in unheated gymnasium with Lois Linse to go over materials which hadn't arrived. Led a sing-along to keep warm.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   23:25	Anecdote About Organizing Summer Camp in Michigan Scope and Content Note: Assigned to organize summer camp in Michigan. Organized camp from scratch, although none of campers had ever attended a camp before.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   26:40	Communists in the Wisconsin Farmers Union Scope and Content Note: Not aware of any Communists in the Wisconsin Farmers Union, but had heard rumors of several in the state educational office.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   00:00	Introduction
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   00:40	Reflections on Wisconsin Farmers Union Scope and Content Note: Linse family very active in Wisconsin Farmers Union. Parents explained Farmers Union philosophy to Lois and her sister. Parents supportive of her activities in the Union, and made positive suggestions as to what might be improved. Farmers Union stimulated in Lois Linse a lifelong interest in agriculture around the world.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   04:05	Comments on Jean Long, Former Educational Director of the Wisconsin Farmers Union Scope and Content Note: “Always a good friend.” Remembers her from the time she first attended Farmers Union Camp.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   04:25	Comments on Kenneth Hones, Former President of the Wisconsin Farmers Union Scope and Content Note: Very favorable attitude toward Hones. “Just the right kind of a man to be the president of our state organization.”
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   04:45	Linse Family and the Wisconsin Farmers Union Scope and Content Note: Linses a very close-knit family. Farmers Union activities complemented and supported family togetherness.
	End of Interview