Edwin Holt

Author

Julie M. Luker, Concordia University, St. PaulFollow

Files

Interviewee

Edwin Holt

Interviewer

Cole Steinberg

Transcriber

Landmark Associates

Generation

Baby Boom Generation (1946-1964)

Neighborhood

Frogtown

Document Type

Oral History

Date of Interview

7-18-2023

Keywords

Frogtown, Saint Paul, 1948

Disciplines

Oral History | Psychology

Abstract

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Edwin G. Holt Jr. is a Caucasian male born on September 27th, 1948. His immediate family consisted of his mother, who was a stay-at-home mom, and his father, who worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad. He has a younger sister and brother. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Holt describes his family structure, consisting of his parents, a younger sister, and a brother who was born on his tenth birthday. He mentioned that many extended family members lived in the area, and that they frequently had family gatherings and get-togethers. He talks about his childhood dog, Fido. Holt also touches on household chores. Holt recalls that his mother mainly took care of them, and they, as kids, were not expected to do many chores. Holt reflects on the economic status growing up and how his parents were able to provide for the sports he was involved in. He goes on to talk about frugal and responsible habits with money. This financial behavior was influenced by the lessons learned from his parents. Holt describes his Lutheran upbringing, the significance of religion in his family during childhood. Holt goes on to talk about how his beliefs have evolved as an adult, less invested in the church itself but still concepts and beliefs in religion. Holt talks about the freedom of playing with friends, recalls vacations to a cabin and grandparents' farm, and the value and expectation of honesty in his family. Holt talks about friends he has lost over the years and some connections he has been able to maintain through Facebook. Holt then reflects on his experiences with schooling. He talks about his early experiences in school, enlisting in the military, becoming a military journalist, and later returning to school more motivated. Lastly, Holt discusses local and global issues that affected them during his childhood. He mentions the Cuban Missile Crisis, the fear of nuclear war, and drills for atomic bomb preparedness. The Vietnam War also became a prominent concern as he grew older. Health threats, such as polio, were significant during his grade school days. Additionally, he reflects on race relations, specifically the tensions between neighborhoods divided by University Avenue in terms of race and ethnicity.

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., "Edwin Holt" (2023). Saint Paul and Surrounding Area. 57.
https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/tc-ohp_interviews_stp/57