Brigham Young University oral history projects [transcripts], 1963-1977

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Charles Redd Center for Western Studies
Title
Brigham Young University oral history projects [transcripts]
Dates
1963-1977 (inclusive)
Quantity
2 linear feet, (4 boxes)
Collection Number
MS 0268
Summary
The Brigham Young University oral history projects (1963-1977) consists of transcripts of tapes of oral history interviews with eighty-two persons conducted as part of a series of projects by the Charles Redd Center for Western Studies at Brigham Young University. Project topics include the Bamberger Railroad, BYU history, Charles Redd, the Interstate Brick Company, Labor in Utah, LDS chaplains, Polygamy, the Posey War, Provo City history, the San Rafael Swell, the Simpson Springs pony express station, and southeastern Utah. Interviews were conducted by various students and faculty at Brigham Young University. These oral history transcripts may not be photocopied.
Repository
University of Utah Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library
University of Utah
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City, UT
84112-0860

Telephone: 8015818863
special@library.utah.edu
Access Restrictions

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Languages
English

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Through a reciprocal trade agreement with Brigham Young University, the Marriott Library Special Collections Department acquired this collection of transcripts of oral interviews dated between 1963 and 1977. The interviews were completed through a series of projects under the auspices of the Charles Redd Center for Western Studies. Most of the interviews are with the "common people" rather than with prominent figures.

The transcripts have been arranged in alphabetical order.

These transcripts may NOT be photocopied as copyright or dissemination control has been retained by Brigham Young University.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library's Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Preferred Citation

Collection Name, Collection Number, Box Number, Folder Number. Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library, The University of Utah.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

Acquired through a reciprocal trade agreement with Brigham Young University.

Processing Note

Processed by Marlene Lewis in 1981.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Adams to HolleyReturn to Top

Container(s) Description
Box Folder
1 1
Adams, Donald T. (1907-)
County Attorney for San Juan County, Utah. Discusses his life in Monticello, Utah. 13 pages.
1 2
Adams, Dorothy
School teacher. Autobiography describing early Monticello, Utah and civic development. 28 pages, index.
1 3
Allred, B. W. (1904-)
Range examiner for the Soil Conservation Service. Discusses his association with Charles Redd and the history of Grand and San Juan Counties, Utah and the cattle ranches in that area. 108 pages, bibliography, index.
1 4
Anderson, Aldon J.
President of Equipment Supply Company and official for the Salt Lake and Utah Railroad Company. Discusses the operation of the railroad system in Salt Lake City, Utah. 19 pages.
1 5
Bagley, Cyrene (1892-)
Rancher. Discusses his mother, Amanda Bagley, and the history of Callao, Utah. 72 pages.
1 6
Baker, Pearl
Authoress and rancher. Discusses her experiences as a rancher in San Rafael Swell, Utah. Mrs. Ross (Fern) Harmon present during the interview. 14 pages.
1 7
Ballif, Algie E. (1896-)
Legislator. Two copies spaced differently. Discusses her life, teaching at Brigham Young University and Utah politics. 35 pages, 58 pages.
1 8
Ballif, George S. (1894-1977)
Lawyer and judge. Discusses Brigham Young University; World War I; the Democratic Party; city government, the municipal power struggle, and politics in Provo, Utah. 34 pages.
1 9
Balser, Hugh L.
Vice-President of the Bamberger Railroad. Discusses the Bamberger family and the Bamberger Railroad. 8 pages.
1 10
Berger, C. Everett (1904-)
Labor leader. Discusses experiences in the Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers Union in Utah. 19 pages.
1 11
Cahoon, Harold
President of Interstate Brick Company. Discusses his life and the history of the Interstate Brick Company, Salt Lake City, Utah. 11 pages.
1 12
Campbell, Eugene (1915-)
Military chaplain from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Discusses his experiences during World War II. 57 pages.
1 13
Cannon, Clawson Y., Sr. (1885-1977)
College educator. Discusses Cannon family history and his experiences in Provo, Utah and Iowa. 140 pages.
1 14
Chamberlin, Ralph V. (1879-1967)
Professor of zoology at Brigham Young University. Discusses his research interests and experiences at the university. Mrs. Ralph Chamberlin and Mrs. Mark Cannon were present during the interview. 17 pages.
1 15
Cooley, Vernon A. (1913-)
Military chaplain from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Discusses his experiences during World War II. 28 pages.
1 16
Crawford, M. G. (1889-)
Railroad worker. Discusses railroad work and trade unions in Salt Lake City, Utah. 29 pages.
1 17
Crossley, Vernon J. (1902-)
Electrician, railroad worker. Discusses working for the Bamberger Railroad in Utah. 10 pages.
1 18
Ekker, Barbara (1934-)
Homemaker. Explains family background in ranching and mining in Hanksville, Utah. 8 pages.
1 19
Erickson, Hilda (1859-1968)
Pioneer, midwife, and missionary to Indians. Discusses crossing the plains and settling in Tooele County, Utah. 46 pages.
1 20
Goates, Ethel (1882-)
Daughter of J. J. Thomas. Discusses her father and the history of Simpson Springs and Fish Springs, Utah. 45 pages.
1 21
Green, Lilly (1896-)
Homemaker. Discusses frontier life in Callao, Utah and other parts of western Utah. 37 pages.
1 22
Holley, Wayne D. (1910-)
Steel worker. Discusses the Communist Party and its role in Utah, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 45 pages.

Holton to TimbimboReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Folder
2 1
Holton, Thomas E. (1907-)
Coal miner. Discusses experiences in Castle Gate, Utah. 13 pages.
2 2
Houghton, Charles (1901-)
Miner. Discusses history of Castle Gate, Utah and mining in Carbon County, Utah. 24 pages.
2 3
Hunter, Lyman (1896-)
Deputy sheriff. Discusses Posey and the Posey War in San Juan County, Utah. 34 pages.
2 4
Hurst, Phillip (1905-)
Rancher, farmer, Indian fighter. Two interviews. The first interview discusses the Posey Indian War in 1923 and World War I. The second discusses Posey and the Bluff, Utah fight of 1921. 18 pages, 19 pages.
2 5
Katsavrias, Nick (1895-)
Coal miner. Discusses life in Greece and work in Carbon County, Utah coal mines. 20 pages.
2 6
Keller, Fred (1892-)
Lawyer and judge. Discusses his experiences as judge and County Attorney of San Juan County, Utah and his association with Charles Redd. 17 pages.
2 7
King, David S. (1917-)
Politician. Discusses the 1962 Senatorial campaign in Utah. 19 pages.
2 8
Markham, Fred L. (1904-)
Architect, civic and church leader. Discusses Jesse Knight; Brigham Young University; and development of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Utah Stake, city planning, and historic preservation in Provo, Utah. 52 pages.
2 9
Maw, Herbert B. (1893-)
Governor of Utah, military chaplain from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Discusses his experiences during World War I and during the 1940s. 20 pages.
2 10
Mills, Annie and Houghton, Helen
Homemaker. Discusses the history of Castle Gate, Utah. Helen Houghton, a resident of Castle Gate also present and involved in the interview. 43 pages.
2 11
Nielsen, Alma (1886-1974)
Sheepherder and resident of Vernon, Utah. Discusses his life and the history of Simpson Springs, Utah. 44 pages.
2 12
Olsen, Howard B. (1904-)
Accountant. Discusses working for the Bamberger Railroad. 16 pages.
2 13
Olson, Dewey (1898-)
Utah store owner at Simpson Springs from 1918 to 1926. Discusses the history of the buildings at Simpson Springs, Utah. 36 pages.
2 14
Peterson, Charles (1927-)
History professor and dairyman. Discusses his background, his association with Charles Redd, and the Charles Redd Oral History Project. 35 pages.
2 15-16
Redd, Charles Hardison (1936-)
Rancher and son of Charles Redd. Two interviews. Both interviews contain reminiscences of Charles Redd and his activities in San Juan County, Utah. 33 pages, 29 pages.
2 17
Ricks, Eldin (1916-)
Military chaplain from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Discusses experiences during World War II. 43 pages.
2 18
Rogers, Cecil C. (1901-)
Indian fighter. Discusses experiences in a gunfight during the Posey War in 1923 which led to the death of Posey. 13 pages, index.
2 19-20
Rogers, Clarence (1901-)
Rancher. Two interviews. One interview discusses Charles Redd and Lemuel Hardison Redd, Jr., the other discusses Jim Mike, Charles Bernheimer, and the discovery of Rainbow Bridge, Utah. 7 pages, 27 pages.
2 21-22
Rogers, John B. and Luella Hurst
Rancher and official in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Two interviews. The first interview describes the Indian Wars in San Juan County, Utah of 1915 and 1921, experiences on the range in Bluff and Blanding, Utah, a church mission in Texas, the depression in the 1930s, his work in the Manti Temple, homesteading, and the cattle industry. The second interview discusses Charles Redd and life in Blanding, Utah. 65 pages, 13 pages.
2 23
Skousen, W. Cleon (1913-)
A debate before students at Brigham Young University between W. Cleon Skousen and Obert C. Tanner over the question "Is Peaceful Coexistence with Russia Possible?" The Skousen portion of the transcript does not accurately reflect the recording. 21 pages.
2 24
Smith, Jessie R. (1905-)
Staff member of the United States Senate Finance Committee. Discusses the career of Senator Reed Smoot (R-Utah), the Finance Committee, and the Smoot family. 21 pages.
2 25
Tabone, Pete (1914-)
Mine worker and mayor of Castle Gate, Utah. Describes mining operations and his life in Castle Gate. Includes a tour of the Castle Gate, Utah townsite. 73 pages.
2 26
Tanner, George S. (1897-)
Farmer, Discusses life in a polygamous family of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 19 pages.
2 27
Timbimbo, Moroni (1888-)
Sheepherder. Provides an account of his father's and grandfather's activities at the Battle of Bear River and his experience as the first Indian Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 9 pages.
2 28
Correspondence
Letters exchanged between Dr. Everett L. Cooley, Assistant Director for Special Collections at the University of Utah, and various people at Brigham Young University to arrange an exchange of material which resulted in receipt of these oral history transcripts in July of 1981.
1981
Volume
2 1
B.Y.U. Oral History Collections Guide
Complete list of the two-hundred-fifty oral history transcripts available at the Archives and Manuscripts Department of the Harold B. Lee Library. Those transcripts included in this collection are marked in red.

BYU Oral Histories A - LReturn to Top

Container(s) Description
Box Folder
3 1
Bentley, Harold W.
Professor of English. Discusses his experiences and feelings of being raised in a polygamous home in Colonia Juarez, Mexico. Tells about his father's life and relationships between the wives; the exodus from Mexico and experiences during the Mexican Revolution. He also talks about some of the prominent leaders and personal acquaintances of his time such as A. W. Ivins, Heber J. Grant and Guy C. Wilson. Included are 3 genealogy sheets of his father's wives and families. 93 pages.
3 2
Biggs, Wilfred (1912- )
President of United Steelworkers Union. Discusses his experiences in the coal mines in Carbon County, Utah; at Geneva Steel Works, Utah; with United Steelworkers of America and the projects he accomplished as president; and his experiences meeting Union officials such as John L. Lewis, Phillip Murray, David J. McDonald, I. W. Able, Arthur Goldberg and others. 25 pages.
3 3
Cahoon, Ada L. (1905- )
Homemaker. Discusses her mission in Tonga and compares the Tongan people of that time (1925) to those whom she met when she later returned for a building project. 15 pages.
3 4
Cahoon, Lillie S.
Bookkeeper for Interstate Brick Company. Discusses her understanding of the changes and advances in making bricks. 14 pages.
3 5
Clyde, Ora Packard
First lady of the State of Utah. Discusses her experiences as first lady. She tells how her husband (George Dewey) got involved in politics and the jobs he held previous to being governor. 15 pages.
3 6
Eyring, Henry
Chemist. Discusses life in a polygamous family in Mexico, the Mexican Revolution and the exodus from Mexico to Arizona. 18 pages.
3 7
Frazier, Mrs. Russell G.
Nurse. Discusses living in Bingham and Copperton, Utah and her husband's activities as a doctor. 11 pages.
3 8
Frost, Kent
Explorer and tour guide. Explains his interest in Indian artifacts and discusses his experiences in Utah's Canyonlands. 32 pages.
3 9
George, Gary
Rancher. Discusses life in the San Rafael Swell in Utah. Also talks about the Swasey family. 16 pages.
3 10
Giordano, Angelo (1898- )
Coal miner. Discusses life in Italy in the 1900's and moving to America; work in the coal mines in Grandview, Indiana and Carbon County, Utah. 9 pages.
3 11
Hansen, Chris Peter (1877- )
Trolley motorman and labor leader. Discusses his early life in Denmark and coming to America; explains the conditions of early Utah--specifically Sanpete and Salt Lake. Describes his experiences working at Interstate Brick and with Utah Transit, being president of the State Federation of Labor, and what he accomplished as State Legislature. 36 pages.
3 12
Harding, Alvin W. (1900- )
Steel worker and plumber. 2 Interviews. Discusses job experiences and the organization of the Plumber's Union in Provo, Utah. 49 pages.
3 13
Houghton, John T. (1909- )
Miner. Discusses life in Castlegate, Utah; working the coal mines; the labor union; relationships with minorities; childhood; social and exciting events of the town. Included are 2 hand drawn maps of Castlegate, Utah. 53 pages.
3 14
Huff, Manson E.
Miner. Discusses life in Castlegate, Utah and working in the mines. Describes his feelings about the company and the union. His wife is also present in the interview. 31 pages.
3 15
Hurst, George
Deputy and Indian fighter. Discusses Posey and the Bluff, Utah fight of 1921. Mrs. George Hurst was present in the interview. 40 pages.
3 16
Inouye, Yukus
Discusses his life as a Japanese-American before WWII, during WWII and today. 13 pages.
3 17
Killpack, McLloyd, DVM (1896- )
Veterinarian. Discusses life in the San Rafael Swell and Ferron, Utah. 20 pages.
3 18
Killpack, McLloyd, DVM (1896- )
Veterinarian. Discusses his life in Ferron, Utah and his work as a Veterinarian in Murray, Utah. 30 pages.
3 19
Kodel, Anton (1898- )
Mechanic. Discusses his work experiences at the Ironton Steel Plant in Utah and the Geneva Steel Plant. 19 pages.
3 20
Lyman, Amasa (1894- )
Sawyer. This is an oral autobiography about his life growing up in Boulder, Cainesville and Wayne County, Utah. He describes his experiences as a Deputy Sheriff and a sawyer. 47 pages.

BYU Oral Histories M - WReturn to Top

Container(s) Description
Box Folder
4 1
Matheson, Norma Warenski
First lady of the state of Utah, 1977. Discusses her life and her role as first lady. She also discusses her husbands life and activities as governor. 33 pages.
4 2
Matheson, Scott
Governor of the state of Utah, 1977. Discusses his responsibilities as governor, how being governor has affected his family, some of the issues he has faced and the role his wife plays as first lady. 13 pages.
4 3
Mobley, Bill
Explorer. Discusses the San Rafael Swell. 8 pages.
4 4
Naillon, Ben
Rancher. Discusses prospecting, cattle raising and his personal background in the San Rafael Swell. 17 pages.
4 5
Palmer, Clarence (1905-)
Union member. Briefly discusses his childhood. Tells about his activities in the Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers Union, the problems and accomplishments they had and expresses his own ideas on how to solve present problems. 18 pages.
4 6
Peterson, Seeley J. (1907- )
Cattle rancher. Describes the San Rafael Swell and how different areas were named, the prominent families, and living there during the depression. 26 pages.
4 7
Pond, George S. (1901- )
Farmer - Justice of the Peace. Discusses life in an LDS polygamous family. He also tells a little about his job as Justice of the Peace. Two genealogy sheets of his fathers wives and children are included. 20 pages.
4 8
Rampton, Calvin L. (1913- )
Governor. Discusses his life prior to being governor, some of his accomplishments as governor and the role his wife played as first lady. 13 pages.
4 9
Rampton, Lucybeth Cardon
First lady of the state of Utah. Discusses her early life, her husbands early political activities, his position as governor and what he accomplished as governor, and her role as first lady. 23 pages.
4 10
Redd, James Monroe, Jr.
Cattle rancher. Discusses his relationship to Charles Redd. 31 pages.
4 11
Redd, Leland (1894- )
Rancher. Discusses his personal life and his relationship with Charles Redd. 20 pages.
4 12
Seeley, H. Rex (1894- )
Coal miner and union member. Discusses his experiences as a coal miner and with the United Mine Workers Union. 19 pages.
4 13
Swasey, Lee and Gary George
Ranchers. Discusses the San Rafael Swell: how certain areas got their names and the prominent families, particularly the Swasey family. 25 pages.
4 14
Swasey, Monte
Rancher. Discusses the San Rafael Swell: the Swasey family, mining, and how particular places got their name. 15 pages.
4 15
Vuksineck, Louis L. (1907- )
Coal miner and union member. Discusses his experiences in the coal mines and with the National Mine Union and United Mine Workers of America. 26 pages.
4 16
West, Bertram (1895- )
Coal miner and union member. 2 Interviews. Discusses his experiences as a coal miner and union member in the Garfield Smelter, Ironton, and the Geneva Steel plant. 57 pages.

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Latter Day Saints--Polygamy
  • Military chaplains--Latter Day Saint churches
  • Paiute Indians--Wars
  • Polygamy
  • Working class--Utah

Personal Names

  • Redd, Charles

Corporate Names

  • Bamberger Railroad Company
  • Charles Redd Center for Western Studies
  • Interstate Brick Company (Salt Lake City, Utah)

Geographical Names

  • Monticello (Utah)--History
  • Provo (Utah)--History
  • San Rafael Swell (Utah)
  • Simpson Springs (Utah)
  • Utah--History

Form or Genre Terms

  • Oral histories
  • Oral histories