Thomas Achartz

Author

Julie M. Luker, Concordia University, St. PaulFollow

Files

Interviewee

Thomas Achartz

Interviewer

Cole Steinberg

Transcriber

Thanh Huynh

Generation

Baby Boom Generation (1946-1964)

Neighborhood

Multiple Saint Paul

Document Type

Oral History

Date of Interview

5-22-2022

Keywords

Multiple, East Side, West 7th, Saint Paul, 1957

Disciplines

Oral History | Psychology

Abstract

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Thomas Paul Achartz is a white male born on February 11th, 1957. He grew up with 2 brothers. His parents are divorced. His mom worked as a Go-Go dancer. They lived in the Roosevelt Housing Project on the east side of Saint Paul. Achartz grew up Catholic but converted to Lutheran. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Achartz discussed struggles of growing up poor in the projects. The internal struggle of coming from a divorced household at that time. Achartz spoke of his mother’s emphasis on keeping a clean house. Achartz talks about how his struggles growing up poor has affected how he relates to money now; he still appreciates saving money and getting a deal. Achartz describes the techniques he learned to get by and how his focus was on having enough food and money for rent. He discusses his non-engaged Catholicism as a child and what it means to him that he is brand loyal to Jesus as an adult. He speaks on the long afternoons of childhood, roaming the neighborhoods and reading at the library. Achartz tells about how music opened a broader world to him. Achartz explains how his teachers and friendships have shaped him into the man he is today.

Copyright

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced without the written permission of Concordia University Library or Julie Luker, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, St. Paul.

Recommended Citation

Luker, Julie M., "Thomas Achartz" (2022). Saint Paul and Surrounding Area. 35.
https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/tc-ohp_interviews_stp/35