Bob McEwan Early Days Before World War II Second Video
Aug 2, 2025
In this interview dated July 17, 2024, Bob McEwan shares his early life and education with Russ Taggard and Tom Smith, beginning with grade school in Seaside, Oregon, and secondary school at the original Gearhart School (now a private home near the Trails End Art Center). He later moved to Portland, attending Kenton School and then graduating in winter 1941 from Benson Polytechnic High School, known at the time as a strict and prestigious public technical school.
He recalls summer travels on steamboats and trains between Astoria and Portland, describing the fare and travel schedules. Bob also discusses working summers in Seaside and Gearhart with his grandmother, and a brief stint working on a cattle ranch in Federal, Wyoming, before returning to Oregon. He began working in the milk business with Howard Johnson, who later established a construction business. Bob was Howard’s first employee, helping with milk delivery and driving a dump truck.
After World War II broke out, Bob joined the U.S. Merchant Marine, not the Army as initially assumed. He reflects on post-war employment and seeing a commemorative quilt honoring his Merchant Marine service.
https://archive.org/details/mc-ewan-early-days-before-ww-ii-hdr
Click on picture to view video which is about 11 minutes long.
Paul See Digital Scanning Initiative
**”History can disappear in an instant, but with your help, we can preserve it forever. The Paul See Digital Scanning Initiative has already digitized over 75,000 pages of Clatsop County’s history, ensuring it remains accessible for generations. Now, every donation counts more than ever—a generous donor is matching all contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000 through the end of 2025!
To donate, visit astoriamuseums.org/support-us/donate, mail a check to CCHS at PO Box 88, Astoria, OR 97103, or call 503-325-2203 (be sure to specify it’s for the Scanning Center).
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