Whitney Gaskill's Northside Oral History Project, 2007

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Gaskill, Whitney
Title
Whitney Gaskill's Northside Oral History Project
Dates
2007 (inclusive)
Quantity
5 interviews
Collection Number
OH 414
Summary
In 2007 Whitney Gaskill, then a student at The University of Montana-Missoula, conducted five interviews with residents of the northside or north hills of Missoula, Montana.
Repository
University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library
University of Montana
32 Campus Dr. #9936
59812-9936
Missoula, MT
Telephone: 406-243-2053
library.archives@umontana.edu
Access Restrictions

Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of Archives and Special Collections, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, and The University of Montana-Missoula.

Languages
English.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Beginning in 1889, homesteaders began to lay claim to land in the hills just north of Missoula, Montana, and began working at raising vegetables and fruits. Many gave up before they proved their homestead claims. Some sold the claims as soon as they "proved up" and had ownership. Others stayed through hot summers and cold winters, raising crops and their families in the small rural area just over the hill from the town of Missoula.

In 2007 Whitney Gaskill, then a student at The University of Montana-Missoula, conducted five interviews with residents of the northside or north hills of Missoula, Montana. The interviewees recall their early lives in the hills as well as family stories of earlier times.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and any other applicable statutes. Copyright transferred to The University of Montana-Missoula.

Preferred Citation

[Name of document or photograph number], Whitney Gaskill's Northside Oral History Project, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana-Missoula.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Custodial History

Interviews conducted and held by Whitney Gaskill prior to donation.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Whitney Gaskill, 2007.

Processing Note

These interviews were originally donated to Archives & Special Collections as digital audiofiles. The audio interviews were transcribed by the Archives but the recordings themselves are not currently held by the institution.

Related Materials

This institutution also holds Butterflies and Railroad Ties by Caitlin DeSilvey, This book documents the history of the Randolph family on their northside (of Missoula, Montana) homestead.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Description Dates
OH 414-001: Interview with Daniel Ryan
Transcript, 19 leaves
Daniel Ryan describes his life growing up in the rural north hills of Missoula, Montana, including school, chores, and other free time activities; he describes his neighbors at the time and now. Ryan gives his personal views about the growing population in the north hills and how Missoula has changed.
12 March 2007
OH 414-002: Interview with Donna Erickson
Transcript, 16 leaves
Donna Erickson describes what it was like growing up in the north hills of Missoula as a young child including chores, school, and other free time activities. She describes her participation in the 4H club and horse exhibits at the Missoula County Fair. She describes her interactions with neighbors in surrounding ranches. Erickson ends by describing the changes in Missoula and the north hills during her lifetime.
23 February 2007
OH 414-003: Interview with Janet Sproul
Transcript,17 leaves
Janet Sproul recalls what her aunt had told her about growing up in the north hills of Missoula, Montana and activities she would participate in as a child. Janet then moves to her own experiences growing up in the nearby Rattlesnake area including going to school, holiday celebrations, free time activities and exploration of the area as a young child. She describes her parents’ jobs and what family gatherings were like. Janet ends by describing how living in the Rattlesnake area affected her career as an adult.
19 March 2007
OH 414-004: Interview with Betty Kramen Miller
Transcript, 16 leaves
Betty Kramen Miller begins by describing what her family did for a living and how they got to Missoula, Montana. She describes the kinds of chores that she had as a child and the livestock that was raised on the ranch. She describes her memories of school and free time activities. She describes her family traditions and festivities in Missoula itself. She ends by describing how Missoula has changed since her childhood.
11 April 2007
OH 414-005: Interview with Alfred Suneson
Transcript, 16 leaves
Alfred Sunesons recalls his lengthy family history from his grandparents’ history up until his own adulthood. He describes the 640 acre ranch owned by his grandparents in the north hills of Missoula, Montana. He mentions their life without electricity, the neighboring Randolph family, their thrift with resources like nails, church and school attendance and socializing.
18 April 2007

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Agricultural exhibitions--Montana--Missoula County
  • Community life--Montana--Missoula
  • Fairs--Montana--Missoula County
  • Men--Montana--Missoula--Biography
  • Occupations--Montana--Missoula
  • Ranch life--Montana--Missoula
  • Women--Employment--Montana--Missoula
  • Women--Montana--Missoula--Biography

Personal Names

  • Erickson, Donna, interviewee (interviewee)
  • Miller, Betty Kramen, interviewee (interviewee)
  • Ryan, Daniel, interviewee (interviewee)
  • Sproull, Janet, interviewee (interviewee)
  • Suneson, Alfred, interviewee (interviwee)

Geographical Names

  • Missoula (Mont.)--History

Form or Genre Terms

  • Sound Recordings

Other Creators

  • Personal Names
    • Gaskill, Whitney, interviewer (interviewer)