A photograph of US Congressman Les AuCoin riding the MAX light rail in Portland, Oregon in 1990. Congressman AuCoin contributed to the development of the Metropolitan Area Express (MAX), particularly the west side transit system. This photograph was featured in an edition of The AuCoin Report newsletter.
An article from a 1982 edition of The AuCoin Report newsletter titled "Pushing For New ERA." The article features a photograph of Congressman AuCoin at a Portland rally dedicated to renewing the efforts for the Equal Rights Amendment. According to the article, AuCoin stated: "Some say fairness for women should be achieved, not by a constitutional amendment but rather statute by statute, state by state. Well, speaking as a father, I don't want my daughter to have to shop around, state by state, for her rights!"
A clipping of an Oregonian article by Huntly Collins titled "Skid Road hotels visit staggers Rep. AuCoin," published on October 14, 1975. The article describes US Congressman Les AuCoin's visit to the Burnside area and Lownsdale Square hotels of Portland in order to witness those in crisis facing homelessness and addiction. Describing his encounter with one man as "the most profound experience I have ever had," he also discussed possible solutions: "Public funds simply cannot do the job alone.... Private capital has to be put to work, also....The aim would be a national housing policy....Currently, I think we have none....But if we are going to save the cities, we are going to have to provide decent housing, strengthen neighborhoods and allow a mix of people."
An audio recording by Oregon Congressman Les AuCoin commenting on the use of multiple old, moderate Republican names to sponsor a Portland fundraiser event held by "hardline conservative" Oregon State Representative Kevin Mannix. Many prominent Oregon politicians were named, such as former State Treasurer Bill Rutherford, former Secretary of State Clay Myers, former Secretary of State Norma Paulus, and former Attorney General Dave Meyer. AuCoin points out how some of these politicians felt that their names had been "hijacked." Those who attended the fundraiser event included former Governor Mark Hatfield and former member of the United States Senate Bob Packwood. This is one episode from AuCoin's biweekly radio show on Jefferson Public Radio (JPR), which ran after he had retired from office. The majority of episodes feature his commentary on current political events, often focusing on issues important to southern Oregon where JPR is based. This episode aired between 2001-2003.
An audio recording by Oregon Congressman Les AuCoin on the survival of salmon in the Pacific Northwest, pointing out how salmon are endangered in the region. According to OSU Professor Robert Lackey, the Oregon congressional delegation claims to be salmon friendly, but in fact supports dredging the Columbia River. This is one episode from AuCoin's biweekly radio show on Jefferson Public Radio (JPR), which ran after he had retired from office. The majority of episodes feature his commentary on current political events, often focusing on issues important to southern Oregon where JPR is based. This episode aired in 2002.
A statement by U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin for the Extension of Remarks section of the Congressional Record titled "Corps of Engineers Keeps Columbia River Open," given on June 30, 1980. In his statement, Congressman AuCoin discussed the eruption of Mount St. Helens and applauded the response of the Army Corps of Engineers in quickly reopening the Columbia river for ship traffic for the Port of Portland. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A speech by U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin regarding the proposed Portland Veterans Administration (The "Veterans Administration" is now known as the "U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs") health facility on Marquam Hill and given at the Southwest Portland Rotary Club on March 29, 1980. In his speech, Congressman AuCoin advocated for the proposed Marquam Hill site, and expressed disappointment in the opposition's last minute argument of avoiding the construction of a new VA hospital all together. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A speech by U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin before the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power of the Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee regarding local energy conservation programs. In his speech, Congressman AuCoin advocated for proposed local energy conservation programs, including his related bill, H.R. 5640, "A bill to amend the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to provide for grants to be made by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to local governmental units and Indian tribes for the development of energy conservation plans and programs." He described the similar energy conservation program that the city of Portland, Oregon had enacted. Congressman AuCoin also advocated for H.R. 5641, which was similar to H.R. 5640. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A speech by U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin before the Senate Subcommittee on Housing of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs regarding Energy Conservation Block Grants. In his speech, Congressman AuCoin advocated for Energy Conservation Block Grants legislation in response to the energy crisis of the 1970s, and described the success of a similar program in Portland, Oregon. He explained how "The bill would expand HUD's existing authority to provide community development block grants to local governments. ... [and] communities will have an immediate incentive to become involved in extensive energy conservation plans and programs." This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A letter by U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin to a congressional colleague regarding his proposed legislation, H.R. 5640 and H.R. 5641, and Portland's Energy Conservation Plan. Congressman AuCoin explained how H.R. 5640 would aim to encourage cities to formulate energy conservation goals in the manner Portland did with their Energy Conservation Plan. He also explained how H.R. 5641 was "aimed at stimulating the commitment of local private and public funds to alternative energy systems." At the end of his letter, Congressman AuCoin attached an article by Philip Hager for the Los Angeles Times describing Portland's Energy Conservation Plan. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A speech by U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin regarding the discussion of a replacement Veterans Administration hopsital on Marquam Hill in Portland, Oregon, and the potential addition of an environmental impact statement for it. In his speech, Congressman AuCoin explained how an environmental impact statement would remove "any lingering doubts or obstacles for support of the VA's decision to build the replacement hospital at Marquam Hill." This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
An undated statement to an unnamed congressional committee by U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin regarding the location of a proposed new Veterans Administration health facility in the Portland metro area. Congressman AuCoin was a vocal proponent of the proposed Marquam Hill site, and was against the facility being moved to the Emanuel site. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
The official Oregon State Board of Higher Education's resolution "in support of the Portland Veterans' Administration Hospital on the Marquam Hill Site." Passed on March 25, 1977, the board advocates for replacement facilities for the Portland V.A. hospital. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
In a letter to U.S. Representative Les AuCoin, Oregon Governor Robert W. Straub expresses his support for updated V.A. hospital facilities on Marquam Hill in Portland. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
In a statement before the Subcommittee on HUD-Independent Agencies of the House Committee on Appropriations, Congressman Les AuCoin advocates for the proposed replacement of V.A. hospital facilities in Portland and Vancouver. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
In a statement, U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin addressed the issue of a political standstill regarding the location of a proposed new Veterans Administration health facility in Portland. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A framed examination certificate awarded to optometrist Fay C. Martin, who is believed to be the earliest woman in Oregon to practice optometry. The certificate documents that she "has passed the examination prescribed by the Oregon State Board of Examiners in Optometry" on October 24, 1910. This certificate was issued on September 10, 1923, in lieu of an earlier one that she presumably earned under her maiden name or the name of her first husband. It is numbered #279; is signed by members of the Board of Examiners in Optometry; and includes their seal.
Historical Note: Fay Clara Martin (named in some records as "Clara Fay Martin") was born around 1885 in Idaho. Fay's father was a German immigrant. Sometime in the early 1900s, she married her first husband, whose last name was Beaulieu. She was widowed young, and married her second husband, Henry Martin, in 1915. By 1920, she and her husband were living in Portland, but he was employed as a low-wage laborer doing "street work," while she ran a boarding house out of their home. In 1925, a Portland City Directory listed a "Mrs. Fay C. Martin" as an optometrist, with an address at "303 Raleigh Bldg." The 1930 census also listed her as an Optometrist working in an Optometry Shop in Portland. Her husband, meanwhile, was a shipping clerk in a wholesale hardware store. Fay Martin continued to be listed as an Optometrist in Portland in the 1940 and 1950 censuses. By 1940, she appears to have been running her own private practice. In 1950, she was listed as working in an "Opt. Eye Clinic," apparently supporting both her husband and her brother. Fay died on October 26, 1978 in Portland.
Press release from Representative Les AuCoin's 1986 campaign for office. The release announces an upcoming event, "AuCoin's Birthday Spaghetti Feed", featuring then-Senator Joe Biden. At the time, Biden was also running for U.S. President in the 1988 election. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. See also PUA_MS147_40 for an image of the event.
Portrait of Representative Les AuCoin, which was used as the cover of his autobiography, "Catch and Release". The photo was probably taken between 2005 and 2010. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. The original photo remains with the AuCoin family.
Representative Les AuCoin and then-Senator Joe Biden serve spaghetti at a birthday fundraiser for AuCoin. In typed notes about the image, AuCoin writes: "The annual spaghetti feed at Catlin Gable School was a mainstay in each of my campaigns. The event didn't raise a lot of money, but small and even large donors came to count on it. Usually, I had a V.I.P. guest who helped me serve pasta and then pitched my candidacy to the crowd. Here, then-senator Joe Biden serves up his big trademark smile with the pasta." This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. The original photo remains with the AuCoin family.
Representative Les AuCoin speaks to members of the Oregon Air Guard in front of F-16 fighters. In typed notes about the image, AuCoin writes: "As a member of the defense committee, I reassigned a fleet of F-16s to the Oregon Air Guard. To commemorate the transfer, I rode in one of the fighters to Portland from Salt Lake City." This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. The original photo remains with the AuCoin family.
Representative Les AuCoin points something out to President Jimmy Carter. In typed notes about the image, AuCoin writes: "I introduced candidate Jimmy Carter at a large rally in downtown Portland in 1976. Here, I'm pointing to a sign in the crowd that reads "We're from Plains, Georgia". Writing on photo reads: "To Les AuCoin, Thanks for your great help! Portland Rally, 1976. Jimmy Carter." This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. The original photo remains with the AuCoin family.
Representative Les AuCoin sits at his desk with a printed copy of his unpublished novel, "Power Shift". The photo was probably taken in the early 2000s. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. The original photo remains with the AuCoin family.
Representative Les AuCoin speaks to a pro-choice rally at the Terry Schrunk Plaza in Portland. In typed notes about the image, AuCoin writes: "Abortion rights rally in downtown Portland. As an abortion rights leader in the U.S. House, I spoke to many rallies across the nation. This one was in the 1990s at Pioneer Place in Portland. That's Sue AuCoin standing behind me to the right. At the time she was working for the National Abortion Rights League." Based on AuCoin's notes, the photo was likely taken between 1990 and 1992. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. The original photo remains with the AuCoin family.
