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Interview with John Raymond "Rex" Kaiser, 2004 June 22

 File
Accession: 2004-208
View item in the digital archive.
View item in the digital archive.

Dates

  • Creation: 2004 June 22

Biographical Note

John Raymond "Rex" Kaiser (1927-2016) was John Raskob's nephew, the son of George Ray Kaiser (circa 1888-1984) and Edith E. Raskob Kaiser (circa 1888-1967). He was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. Kaiser attended the Ursuline Academy and later graduated from the Wilmington Friends School. He attended Parks Aeronautical School of Engineering, and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Delaware and his law degree from Washington and Lee University. He served in the Navy during World War II. He married Claire Brown Kaiser (1932-2018) in 1958 and the couple had five children. In 1960, he formed Kaiser Yachts, a company that designed and built semi-custom cruising sailboats. He retired in 1985.

Scope and Content

Interviewer: Richard James.

Interview location: not stated.

Kaiser provides information about his upbringing. He talks about his father's career path, how his parents met and their relationship. He recalls his time living in California for a summer, visits to Pioneer Point to see his Uncle John and Aunt Helena Raskob and sailing in the river near their home. He mentions some political differences his uncle had with people like President Roosevelt and Joseph Kennedy. Kaiser speaks of his mother’s relationship with her brother and her growing up in Lockport, New York. He speaks a little about the families wealth, summering in Ventnor, New Jersey near Atlantic City, sailing and starting to build boats. He recalls meeting Jack Corcoran, and describes some visits with various family members. He shares memories of his Uncle John Raskob visiting his home. He mentions that John Raskob was friends with people in showbusiness, discusses his investment in the Playhouse, and the Green Room. He recalls his uncle supporting his interest in going to law school. He shares what he knows about Bill and Yvonne’s death. He concludes with speaking a bit about his schooling and education. [ID: RexKaiserTape1-1]

Physical Description

1 video cassette (VHS). 2 videocassettes (DVCams). 1 audio cassette tape. 1 transcript, PDF file.

Extent

From the Collection: 7 item(s)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Access Restrictions

This collection is open for research.

Related Names

Creator

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Audiovisual Collections Repository

Contact:
PO Box 3630
Wilmington Delaware 19807 USA
302-658-2400