Robert Charles, Sr Perpall Oral History Interview

Interviewed by Shirley K. Cohen

Abstract

Robert C. Perpall was born and raised in Los Angeles. He entered Caltech in 1948 and earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1952, and a master’s in 1956. Perpall is the historian of Caltech’s Gnome Club and a member of the board of SURF [Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships] program. This 29-page interview with Shirley K. Cohen covers Perpall’s undergraduate years at Caltech, including his memories of Lee DuBridge, Rodman Paul and George Beadle. As well as discussing his involvement with the SURF program, Perpall’s reminiscences include the history of the Gnome Club at Caltech–its early history as a fraternity (Kappa Gamma) and its later revival as a social club.

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Robert Charles, Sr Perpall Oral History Interview, interviewed by Shirley K. Cohen, Caltech Archives Oral History Project, November 15, 1999, http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechOH:OH_Perpall_R.