Elder Interview-Ervin Jay Wheelock
A.2008.001.494 PP
Name/Title
Elder Interview-Ervin "Jay" WheelockEntry/Object ID
A.2008.001.494Tags
Missing, Needs Accession Sheet, Needs Location, Needs PhotoDescription
Wheelock, Ervin "Jay" Emerson Jr. Born 09/06/1934 in Pork Chop Hill, Oneida Wisconsin Parents: Ellen Margaret (Metoxen) and Ervin Emerson Wheelock Maternal grandfather:Jonah Metoxen His mother raised him and his brothers and sister by herself. His brother grew up and went to the service and never came back. Ervin’s mother spoke the Oneida language but claims she didn’t. They had no running water or electricity. Ervin had responsibilities in the winter time and that was to keep the pot belly stove full. So, he chopped would and would haul it in. He also hauled water too. He went to school at the Oneida Mission School. Father Christian and the nuns taught school there. He kept going to that school until 6th grade. He then went to school at Washington Jr. High. He never had a Christmas not until he was 21 years old. Ervin became well known after cutting down August Ferns Christmas tree. He used to go pick cherries. He worked for Morgan’s Store stocking shelves. At 17 years old he joined the service. He also went to the Navy. Someone asked him why the Navy and he said because you’ll have a roof over your head and clothes on your back. In the service he was called a Deck Hand. Every month he would send money home to his mother. In 1955 he got discharged in Italy. He turned 21 went back to Oneida and almost killed himself from alcohol. He got a job at Hall and Bradley Machine Operation. He retired from there in 1990. He got married and has 7 children. He got married in July 1962. His wife was in the hotel business. She helped the Radisson get going. Ervin was in the very first Trust Board with Stanley Webster. That was back in 1974-76. That’s when he got his High School Diploma. Ervin worked full time plus a few part time jobs to help pay for schooling and taking care of his children. He use to always go fishing. Is now enjoying life and has 9 grandchildren. His recommendations to the youth are stay in school and stay away from alcohol and drugs. And always set a goal in life.Recording Type
Audio/VisualCollection
Elder InterviewsCataloged By
Gerzetich, Courtney (Cottrell)Category
Digital Media, Military