About this collection

John Raskob (1879-1950) was a financial executive for the E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., General Motors, and financier of the Empire State Building. During the 1920s Raskob became active in Democratic Party politics and from 1928 to 1932 served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. He was an important financial backer of Governor Alfred E. Smith (1873-1944) when he ran for president in 1928.

The Oral history interviews with John J. Raskob family (Accession 2004.208) collection consists of seven oral history interviews conducted between 2004 and 2005 with members of John J. Raskob’s immediate family, primarily his children and grandchildren. The interviews are largely personal in nature and often focus on family relationships.

Each interviewee discusses their birth, education, and travels. Memories of times spent at the various family estates are recounted. Those present on a cruise to Europe in 1950 share their recollections about the trip. Some speak of the death of Bill Raskob, Yvonne Raskob, and Catherine Raskob, as well as John J. Raskob’s funeral. Also discussed are the families views on religion, race, and philanthropy.

Image: John Raskob, Jr., and William Raskob. Click here to view in the collection.