Prologue
The focus of my Oral History is that of my 92 year old grandfather, Robert Yost Sr. and his almost 40 year career in politics in the state of New Jersey, starting with his victory win into the local Civic Association, to his five consecutive terms as Register of Deeds for Camden County. I recently sat down with my grandfather and video recorded our interview at his home in Glendora, New Jersey in the house he's lived in since the 1940's. Throughout my interviews, I asked series of questions relating to politics in general, and what a politician's life is like behind the scenes. I highlight his accomplishments, view his life as a dedicated civil servant, and what it takes to be a good politician, focusing also on the personal gains and losses in one's political life. I learned many things along the way regarding a politician's life. It turns out that like many things in life, my grandfather initially "fell" into the world of politics. It was after being in there for a while and getting his feet wet when he soon realized how enjoyable it was for him; where he pursued his aspirations farther with lots of success. Below, through my grandfather's first person account, I highlight many aspects of his political career in a series of vignettes. Each one is interesting in its own right, however, together, the vignettes collectively let us take a peek into the complicated world of politics.
A Vote of Confidence
In the vignette below, my grandfather, Bob Yost, tells his audience how he first got into the world of politics in 1959. We are taken on a journey, a campaign trail if you will, documenting my grandfather's many accomplishments throughout his political career and regrets, if any.
Below, my grandfather moves onto what his life was like as a dedicated civil servant for the people of Camden County and the state of New Jersey. We see what lengths a politician will go through to achieve the highest levels of success, for which re-election and recognition are the ultimate pay out.
So, what exactly does it take to be a good politician? We find out below in the next three vignettes. The focus here is on the characteristics and traits needed to become a popular and successful politician, while also focusing on Pop's personal gains and losses throughout his political career. Sacrifices have been made, and for politicians, the rewards are worth it in the end. You know what they say...you have to give a little to get a lot.
The vignette below, focuses on some of my grandfather's personal gains throughout his political career. With great candor and humor, Pop discusses such topics such as job security, perks, popularity, and recognition he's received as a result of choosing a life in politics. More importantly, Pop earned the respect of others over the years and also from members of his opposing political party.
Usually, gains are naturally followed by losses, and that's exactly what follows below. The vignette focuses on some of my grandfather's personal losses throughout his political career. Pop discusses such topics such as interruption of home life, the unfairness of being ousted suddenly by his peers, and sacrifice, both personally and publicly.
In our final vignette, my grandfather, Bob Yost, offers words of advice for those who might be considering going into the world of politics one day. His wealth of knowledge, experiences, and life spent on the campaign trail makes him one of the best references around to speak on such a controversial subject matter. Listen closely, you might just learn something!
Afterword
My grandfather officially retired from politics in the early 1990's after a long and successful career. He was able to enjoy his retirement alongside my grandmother, where they would split their time between the family home in Glendora and their winter home in Florida until her death in 1996. Through this interview process, I learned many things about my grandfather, things I never knew before. This oral history project afforded me and my audience the opportunity to understand the world of politics somewhat better through my grandfather's first person account. Pop explained the election process, what goes into a campaign, and offered words of wisdom for those thinking about going into public office.
As my grandfather faces day to day challenges nearing the end of his lifespan, I am very thankful that I got the opportunity to get to know him a little better through this oral history project. As a child, I mostly saw my grandfather through the lens of a politician and business man. However, as an adult through my interviews and interactions, today I am able to see and appreciate the nurturing, insightful, and humanistic side of him. To hear him retell old stories was fascinating to me! My uncle created an album dedicated to my Pop's political career. It's filled with pictures, newspaper clippings, and many letters of thanks, plus so much more. What a treasure for our family to have! I never really knew what went on behind the scenes with Pop's political career. During the interview he was very funny, knowledgeable, and proud as he recounted his political career for me and my audience. This man I call Pop is not only a treasure to me, but also to all of Camden County and the state of New Jersey as well.
As my grandfather faces day to day challenges nearing the end of his lifespan, I am very thankful that I got the opportunity to get to know him a little better through this oral history project. As a child, I mostly saw my grandfather through the lens of a politician and business man. However, as an adult through my interviews and interactions, today I am able to see and appreciate the nurturing, insightful, and humanistic side of him. To hear him retell old stories was fascinating to me! My uncle created an album dedicated to my Pop's political career. It's filled with pictures, newspaper clippings, and many letters of thanks, plus so much more. What a treasure for our family to have! I never really knew what went on behind the scenes with Pop's political career. During the interview he was very funny, knowledgeable, and proud as he recounted his political career for me and my audience. This man I call Pop is not only a treasure to me, but also to all of Camden County and the state of New Jersey as well.
