Ranch Family Documentation Project: Oral Histories collection, 2009-2012

Project information

Files pertaining to USHRAB grant.

Files pertaining to UHC/USH grant

Agendas

Correspondence between Randy Williams and interviewees

Correspondence between Randy Williams and interviewees

Correspondence between Randy Williams and interviewees and people associated with project

Correspondence between Randy Williams and interviewees and people associated with project

Elaine Thatcher, Grouse Creek, 8-9 November 2010

Western Folklife Center/USU Community Open House

Box Elder County

Cache County

Elko County, Nevada

Rich County, Utah

Sam and Tawni Blanthorn talk about their experiences running a ranch as husband and wife. Interviewed by Elaine Thatcher and Lisa Duskin-Goede on 8 November 2010 in the Blanthorn home in Grouse Creek, Utah.

Husband and wife Jay Carter and Holly Spackman Carter talk about raising their family on their ranch in Park Valley and the unique education they received. They also talk about grazing rights, branding, moving cattle to summer range, water shares, draft horses, breaking horses. Jay also shares his parents' chivaree story. Interviewed by Rosa Thornley on 26 January 2011 at the Park Valley School in Park Valley, Utah.

Mr. Craig Holmgren speaks about being a rancher, growing up on a ranch, and raising his own family on his ranch. He also discusses some of the different struggles and benefits of ranching today. Interviewed by Randy Williams and Rosa Thornley on 12 May 2011 in the Holmgren home in Connor Springs, Utah

Mr. Pete Holmgren speaks about being a rancher, growing up on a ranch, and raising his own family on his ranch. He touches on how ranching has changed from his boyhood, and now watching his grandchildren grow-up on the ranch. He talks a little about his life philosophies, and also shares some pranking stories over the years on the ranch. Interviewed by Todd Thornley and Rosa Thornley on 15 May 2011 at the Holmgren home in Connor Springs, Utah.

Mr. Bill Kimber talks about his ranch property in Grouse Creek, Utah. He talks about being the fifth generation to ranch the family property and the other jobs he has worked in order to continuing ranching his own property. Interviewed by Randy Williams on 8 November 2010 at the Kimber home in Grouse Creek, Utah.

Patti Kimber talks about her experience as the contractor for the post office in Grouse Creek. She also talks about her other side business, as well as raising a family in a rural community, including sending them to Idaho to school when they got to high school age. Interviewed by Randy Williams on 9 November 2010 at the Grouse Creek Post Office in Grouse Creek, Utah.

Burt Kunzler, a life-long resident of Park Valley, Utah, compares cattle and sheep ranching in the area. He and his two younger brothers run the family operation together, yet divide responsibilities of overseeing the crops, cattle, and sheep. They face issues with feed, grazing, sheepherders, and predators. He ends the interview with a short discussion of the community's tradition of chivaree. Interviewed by Rosa Thornley on 26 January 2011 at the Park Valley School in Park Valley, Utah.

Mr. Kelly Kunzler is a fourth-generation rancher in Park Valley, Utah. He discusses his family sheep and cattle ranching operation, as well as his job as a Superior Auction representative. Interviewed by Brad Cole on 26 January 2011 in Park Valley, Utah.

Mr. Bryan Morris talks about growing up in Park Valley, Utah, on a ranch and about his current family cattle ranching operation in Park Valley, Utah. Interviewed by Brad Cole on 26 January 2011 in Park Valley, Utah.

Mr. Milt Oman talks about his life-long career as the ranch manager over three Simplot ranches, while living in Grouse Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Oman speak about raising a family on a rural ranch. Interviewed by Randy Williams on 9 November 2010 at the Oman home in Grouse Creek, Utah

Mr. Lynn Palmer discusses how his father and mother worked to be able to earn and maintain a ranch, and how in his adult life, he was able to work and also help his father maintain the family ranch. He talks about being able to take the family ranch over from his father and rural life in general. He talks about his enterprises with his twin brother on a local store, hotel and rock quarry, KOA campground; and his work as the school bus drive (like his parents). Interviewed by Randy Williams on 26 January 2011 at the Park Valley School in Park Valley, Utah.

Mr. Brent Rose talks about his history and ancestry in ranching and his family ranch. He talks about growing up in Park Valley, community events in Park Valley, his various leadership roles and positions within his local community, as well as the ranching community. Interviewed by Randy Williams on 26 January 2011 at the Park Valley School in Park Valley, Utah.

Brothers, Jay and Blaine Tanner, speak about growing up on a ranch in Grouse Creek, Utah; buying their grandfather's ranch property, and ranching together, with their brother Brent, as adults. Interviewed by Randy Williams on 8 November 2010 at the home of Jay and Diane Tanner in Grouse Creek, Utah. Images of Tanner's ranch found in digital collection.

Mrs. Diane Tanner talks about moving to Grouse Creek as an outsider (when she married), about being a ranching wife, life in such a rural area and the families business ventures, including a dude ranch. Interviewed by Randy Williams on 8 November 2010 at the Tanner home in Grouse Creek, Utah. Images of Tanner's ranch found in digital collection.

Mr. Tanner talks about growing up on a ranch in Grouse Creek, his different occupations throughout adulthood (including cowboying at the Gamble Ranch—a Utah Construction ranch—and driving truck), and finally moving back to his wife's family property in Grouse Creek to ranch post-retirement. Interviewed by Elaine Thatcher on 8 November 2010 at the Gordon Tanner home in Grouse Creek, Utah. Images of Gordon Tanner's home by Elaine Thatcher forthcoming in digital collection.

Diane Tanner and Julie Tanner (married to brothers) talk about what it's like being a ranch wife in Grouse Creek, Utah. They speak about their different roles in ranching and raising a family in rural Utah, including what it's like being so far away from a grocery store and sending children or going with children away from the community to attend high school. Interviewed by Elaine Thatcher and Lisa Duskin-Goede on 8 November 2010 at the Jay and Diane Tanner home in Grouse Creek, Utah. Images of Tanner's ranch found in digital collection.

Mrs. Tanner talks about her ranching heritage, including being raised on a ranch in Park Valley, Utah, marrying a rancher and raising her own family on a ranch in Grouse Creek, Utah, and her different roles and occupations over the years, while ranching, including teaching school, teaching her children to work, participating as an EMT in Grouse Creek and community traditions. Interviewed by Lisa Duskin-Goede on 8 November 2010 at the Kenna Tanner Home in Grouse Creek, Utah. Mrs. Tanner also participated in the Grouse Creek Cultural Survey in 1985, you can find interviews and images of her there as well.

Mr. Boyd Udy is the cow boss and ranch manager at the ATK ranch in northern Utah. He talks about his current duties, his past occupations over the years, and ranching in general. Interviewed by Randy Williams on 12 May 2011 at the ATK Ranch in Promontory, Utah.

Kelly and Heather Warr discuss their ranching life, as well as their supplemental business endeavors. Heather talks about her e-commerce business ventures, as well as being a rural ranching wife. Interviewed by Elaine Thatcher and Lisa Duskin-Goede on 9 November 2010 at the Warr home in Grouse Creek, Utah.

Mr. Garth Baxter talks about his career in the Forest Service, then later as ranching on his family's land. He discusses his family history in the Cache Valley, as well as his family history in ranching. Mrs. Maydene Baxter talks about her thoughts and experiences as a Forest Service and ranching wife. Interviewed by Randy Williams on October 25, 2011 at the Baxter home in Mt. Sterling, Utah.

Mr. Chris Chambers is a brand inspector, and he discusses his duties as such, as well as briefly speaking about branding and livestock laws in Utah. Interviewed by Randy Williams on December 12, 2011 at the Chambers residence in Smithfield, Utah.

Mr. Glenn talks about his childhood and experiences growing up on a ranch in northern Utah and southern Idaho. He talks about his career as a farrier and horse trainer as an adult. Interviewed by Randy Williams on March 5, 2010 at the Glenn Home in Farr West, Utah.

Mr. Haviland talks about his profession as a horse trainer – how he began, how he's changed his business over the years, and how he currently runs his business. He also talks about his philosophy on ranching, range management, horse management. He also discusses his childhood with milk cows, stock cows and rodeoing. Interviewed by Randy Williams on October 19, 2011 in the Tack room at Haviland Stables in Avon, Utah.

Mr. Tanner Haviland talks briefly about his background growing up on a ranch. He discusses his experience as a range rider, and talks about how he got the job, responsibilities involved, and the lifestyle in general. Interviewed by Randy Williams on November 29, 2011 at the Haviland place in Avon, Utah (tack shed).

Mr. Darrell Kunzler talks about his life-long career in the cattle industry as well as his roles in various organizations and associations. He discusses the year-long ranching cycle, and how he has come to grow his ranch (and is now handing it down to his son). Interviewed by Randy Williams and Bob Parson on October 26, 2011 at the Kunzler home in Benson, Utah. .

Mr. Parker talks about his family history in the Cache Valley, as well as in the ranching and livestock business. He discusses his careers and businesses of beef cattle ranching for Country Natural Beef, running an auction house, and horse selling; he also shares some of his knowledge on horse breeding and cow breeding. Interviewed by Randy Williams on September 12, 2011 at the Parker home in Cache Valley, Utah.

Ms. Sarah Parker talks about her life growing up in horse and cattle ranching. She talks about how she continues to be involved in her family's ranching businesses, how her current career in the medical field applies to ranching, and how she views the future of ranching. She discusses childhood memories and family traditions, and her involvement in 4H and FFA. Interviewed by Randy Williams on November 23, 2011 at the Parker home in Logan, Utah.

Mr. Peterson talks about his involvement in the cattle industry, both from a banker's perspective and as a cattleman.

Mrs. MarJean Summers discusses growing up in Cache Valley, marrying, and raising a family in Cache Valley. She talks about raising her children on a ranch. Mr. Bryan Summers (one of MarJean's sons) talks about growing up on a ranch and ranching today, in the Cache Valley. Interviewed by Randy Williams on December 13, 2011 at MarJean Summer's home in Paradise, Utah.

Mr. Jay Wilde talks about his life living and working on and with the land, and with cattle. He discusses his views on land management, including afforestation, intensive grazing (Allan Savory method). He talks about his cooperation with the Forest Service in trying to improve understanding of the effects grazing has on rivers and riparian ecosystems. Interviewed by Lisa Duskin-Goede on November 10, 2010 at the Utah State University Special Collections and Archives in Logan, Utah.

Betty Bear, and her daughter Paula Bear Wright, speak about their experiences ranching in Elko County. They also talk about their acquisition of Capriola's store, saddle making, leather working and other details. Interviewed by Randy Williams and Cliff Gardner on September 23, 2009 at Betty Bear's home in Elko, NV.

Steve and Robin Boies talk about their ranching upbringing, the ownership and history of their ranch, and raising a family in Elko County. They also talk about their collaborative land management group, their philosophy on land management, and the daily workings of a ranch and ranch life and the importance of water for a ranch. Interviewed by Randy Williams on July 20, 2010 in the Boies home at the Vineyard Ranch, Elko County, Nevada.

Susan Glaser Church talks about growing up on a ranch, leaving the area and then coming back to her family ranch once she was grown, married and had her own family. She talks about ranching today in Nevada with her family in a family corporation. Interviewed by Randy Williams on November 30, 2010 at the Western Folklife Center in Elko, NV.

Mrs. Dalley talks about her life growing up on a ranch in Nevada. She speaks about the different duties and chores they all had to contribute, life with 12 siblings, housing the teacher for the area and more details of ranch life in the early 1900s. Mrs. Dalley refers to her family history book Gatherings of Recollections and Writings of Joseph C. and Julia Walther Family (which she gave USU on CD) during the interview. Interviewed by Randy Williams on August 10, 2009 in Idaho Falls, ID.

Jay Dalton talks about ranching on the Dalton Ranch; his current roles in handling yearling operation and the feedlot on the ranch; as well as his musical endeavors. Interviewed by Randy Williams on October 30, 2010 at the Western Folklife Center in Elko, Nevada.

Mr. Ellison talks about his experiences ranching on the Ellison family ranch as a young boy during the summer. He talks about his family history, the history of the Ellison Ranching Company, and his past and current roles in the ranching company as president. Interviewed by Randy Williams on March 25, 2011 at the Wells Fargo Building in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Cliff and Bertha Gardner discuss their experiences in growing up ranching in Nevada. The Gardners also talk about raising a family on a ranch, the different skills and roles of family members. Cliff Gardner discusses his political involvement in protecting the ranching industry. Interviewed by Randy Williams on 24 September 2010 at the Stockman's Casino and Hotel in Elko, Nevada.

Marianne talks about her childhood, growing up in the Depression in various places around the country, and then spending most of her childhood on a ranch with her grandparents. She talks about going to college in Reno, teaching school in Carlin, and ranching with her husband and children in Halleck, Nevada. Interviewed by Randy Williams on January 27, 2010 at Marianne Glaser's home in Halleck, Nevada. Also included is Marianne's obituary from her passing on August 31, 2020.

Mr. and Mrs. Howard share their experience over the last several decades ranching in north eastern Nevada. They discuss pioneering new ranching land, Mr. Howard's innovative allotment rotation for range health, raising a family and other life experiences in ranching. Interviewed by Randy and Cliff Gardner, with Dan Davis and Bertha Gardner on September 22, 2009 in Elko, Nevada.

Tom and Rosita Marvel discuss their lives as ranchers in northeastern Nevada, including information about their ancestry, W.T. Jenkins, sheepherding, Basque sheep men, the Martin Ranch, training horses and their children. Mary Branscomb and Randy Williams conducted the interview; Lew Ekland video recorded the interview. The video is not part of this collection.

Mr. Maupin talks about his background working on ranches, including a career of being a ranch manager and a cow boss. He also talks about his post-ranching occupations of bronc saddle building and being a brand inspector. Mr. Maupin received the Nevada Cattleman's Association 2001 100,000 Mile Club Award. Interviewed by Randy Williams on January 27, 2010 in Spring Creek, Nevada.

Sharon talks about her family history in ranching and her adult and married life as a ranching wife. She talks about managing a ranch with her husband, raising their family on a ranch and the differences in raising beef and buffalo. Interviewed by Brad Cole on October 30, 2010 at the Western Folklife Center in Elko, NV.

Cliff Gardner speaks to George and Ruth Parman (via telephone) about their lives ranching in northeastern Nevada. They talk a little about how their families came to be in the area, experiences raising their own family on a ranch, and different ranches they have experience with in the area. George also talks about his experience trapping and mustanging. Phone interview conducted by Cliff Gardner.

Marge Prunty talks about growing up on a ranch, marrying a rancher, establishing their own ranch, and raising their family on a ranch. She also talks about the other methods of supplemental income, including: teaching school, renting rodeo stock, hunting guides and braiding rawhide. Interviewed by Randy Williams on January 28, 2010 in Elko, Nevada.

Mr. Row talks about growing up in Idaho and Wyoming; his work from seven years old, including herding cows, haying, road building, construction, cowboying and ranching. Mr. Row talks about his desire to learn, to work hard and to respect others. He discusses the men he worked for, including Jess Mathews, Paul Bagley, John Moulton, Henry Mays, Cecil Boyd, Jim Zilliox, Wade Lake, Bedkes, and Jim Locke. Wilkins and Wunderlich, Ray Alexander, Harvey Hale, Mark Shipley, Spike Spivey. He talks about working for the Utah Construction company ranches in Nevada [San Jacinto, Big Creek, Trout Creek, Grande, Canyon, Vineyard/HD] and at the Circle L down at Lovelock and also in Arizona at the Three Vs and Taylor Cattle Company; and later, running his own ranch at Three Creek with his wife Christina "Chrissie" Beaton Row and their son, Neal Row; and their move later in life to Filer, Idaho, and Chrissie's death. Emma Row talks about Mearl's health scare and their reacquaintance, having known each other when Mearl worked at the San Jacinto and Emma's parents were working there too when she was a child.

Norman Warren gives his family history, including his family ties and working experience on the Ogilvie Ranches in Lee and Lamoille, Nevada. He talks about his career working around the world in the mining industry. Interviewed by Cliff Gardner on October 1, 2009 in Elko, Nevada.

Claudia Wines talks about her life growing up on a ranch, on being a ranch wife, as well as being a teacher in rural Nevada. She also talks about the Northeastern Nevada Museum, of which she is currently Director. Interviewed by Randy Williams on October 30, 2010 at the Western Folklife Center in Elko, Nevada.

Ira T. Wines talks about growing up in a ranching family, in Elko County Nevada, learning by watching his father (and other cowboys) and by doing. He talks about managing the Ellison's Spanish Ranch and the yearly work cycle. Ira talks about his family; who live part time at the ranch (summer) and part time in town (school year). He talks about ranching today and he thoughts about ranching in the future, including issues with environmental groups. Interviewed by Randy Williams on July 21, 2010 in the tack shed at the Spanish Ranch in Elko County, Nevada.

Mr. William (Bill) Wright, Jr., talks about his many life experiences, including those centered on ranching, flying, and his military years, as well as childhood memories, and people and events that influenced his life.

Mr. Bart Argyle discusses his current occupation of raising sheep and cattle. He talks about growing up ranching, and his family history in the area, as well as with ranching. Interviewed by Randy Williams on January 10, 2012 at the Argyle home in Randolph, Utah.

Mr. Pete Cornia talks about his family history, and his experience growing up on a ranch, and then operating a ranch as an adult. He discusses his views on ranching, education, farming, as well as various other topics. Interviewed by Bob Parson on December 8, 2011 in Rich Country, Utah.

Mr. Blair Francis talks about his family genealogy and history in the Morgan and Rich counties of Utah. He also talks about the history of ranching in the area, as well as his own involvement in ranching throughout his lifetime. Interviewed by Randy Williams and Bob Parson on December 13, 2011 at Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

Mr. Kent Johnson talks about growing up on a ranch on Bear Lake. He discusses how the family ranch was divided, raising his own family on a ranch, and his current ranching operation. Interviewed by Bob Parson on December 8, 2011 in Rich County, Utah.

Mr. Johnson talks about growing up in the Bear Lake area, and growing up on a ranch. He talks about issues with dividing the ranch among the family, as well as issues the family face with their property and state acquisition. Mr. Johnson talks about his current feelings and experiences with ranching in the Bear Lake area. Interviewed by Randy Williams on December 14, 2011 at the Johnson home in Laketown, Utah.

Elaine Larson talks about growing up on the Deseret Ranch in Rich County, Utah where her father, Peter Mower, was the ranch foreman. Interviewed by Randy Williams on June 25, 2010 at the Larson home in Plain City, Utah.

Mr. Mike Meek talks a little bit about growing up as one of eight kids on a small ranch. He discusses how he made a career as a rancher, ranching for a corporate ranch. He explains his various roles throughout his career in corporate ranching. Interviewed by Randy Williams on January 10, 2012 at the Deseret Land and Livestock Office in Woodruff, Utah.

Mr. Dan Peart talks about his ranching operation: sheep and cattle. He goes into detail on the annual cycle of sheep ranching, and his processes. He briefly discusses inheriting the ranch, and his concerns for passing it on. He also says a little about his brief side business of running a youth ranch. He also talks about the current situation with environmental groups petitioning for the removal of grazing from Duck Creek Allotment. Interviewed by Randy Williams on December 8, 2011 at the Rich County Courthouse in Randolph, Utah.

Mrs. Ivy Peart talks about her childhood in ranching, marrying her high school sweetheart, and her experiences as a ranch wife. Interviewed by Randy Williams on December 8, 2011 at the Rich County Courthouse in Randolph, Utah.

Mr. Wallace Schulthess discusses how his family came to be in the Woodruff area. He talks a lot about his father's childhood and growing up as an orphan, and how he turned hard work into what their family now has. Interviewed by Bob Parson on December 8, 2011 at the Rich County Courthouse in Randolph, Utah.

Mr. and Mrs. Wamsley discuss their ranching operation, raising their family on a ranch. Mrs. Wamsley talks about growing up on the ranch on which she still lives and has raised her own family. They speak about topics ranging from environmentalists, government agencies, the earlier days of ranching, and the future of ranching. Interviewed by Randy Williams on December 14, 2011 at the Wamsley home.

Mr. Weston talks about his family history and how his ancestors came to settle in Rich County, Utah. He discusses his family ranch and how it's been divided among family members over the generations. He also talks about his childhood through adulthood in sheep and cattle ranching. Interviewed by Randy Williams on December 8, 2011 at the Rich Country Courthouse in Randolph, Utah. Images of Weston's ranch forthcoming in digital collection.