This collection contains materials documenting cowboy poetry, ranching life histories, and vernacular traditions of the American West, centered on a transfer received in 2025 from the Western Folklife Center. It includes oral histories, poet files, photographs, and regional fieldwork. Materials include audio and video recordings, photographs, printed programs, posters, ephemera, and files related to the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering and associated WFC projects. The collection captures performances, workshops, interviews, educational initiatives, and community traditions from the late twentieth century to the early twenty-first century. Additional materials reflect regional ranching life, occupational traditions, gear-making, horsemanship, and cultural exchanges across the Great Basin and Intermountain West. The collection preserves a wide range of voices and offers insight into contemporary Western vernacular arts, identity, and community practice.
Founded in 1980 in Elko, Nevada, the Western Folklife Center is a nonprofit cultural organization dedicated to documenting and presenting the diverse folklife of the American West. Best known for the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, the WFC supports artists and tradition bearers working in poetry, music, storytelling, ranching occupations, gear-making, and other expressive forms rooted in Western life. The organization has produced fieldwork, recordings, exhibitions, educational programs, and media projects that highlight both historical and contemporary Western traditions. The transfer of materials to Utah State University reflects a long-standing partnership and a shared commitment to preserving and providing access to the cultural record of the region.
This collection is arranged into 2 series: documents and records, organized by project number; and audio/visual materials.
No restrictions on access, except: not available through interlibrary loan.
It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.
Permission to publish material from the Western Folklife Center
collection must be obtained from the
These materials were transferred to USU Special Collection in 2025 by the Western Folklife Center.
Photographs, release forms, project notes, correspondence, cookbooks, budget
Photographs, release forms, project notes, correspondence, cookbooks, budget
Photographs, release forms, project notes, correspondence, cookbooks, budget
Photographs, release forms, project notes, correspondence, cookbooks, budget
Files from 1997-1999, fieldwork from Wales, Ireland, England, Scotland, press clippings, photographs, interviews, slides
Files from 1997-1999, fieldwork from Wales, Ireland, England, Scotland, press clippings, photographs, interviews, slides
Files from 1997-1999, fieldwork from Wales, Ireland, England, Scotland, press clippings, photographs, interviews, slides
Files from 1997-1999, fieldwork from Wales, Ireland, England, Scotland, press clippings, photographs, interviews, slides
Administrative papers, poems, and photographs from and of Wyo Pete
Songs written by the Muschetto Family
Poems written by various authors
Photographs, postcard, magazine, articles, newpapers on Mongolian cowboys
Color slides 1998-2017
Color slides 1998-2017
photos of Buck Ramsey, "Cowboys and Indians" 2004 magazine, correspondence, poems, stories
Essays, articles, and poems written by/about Badger Clark and photos of Badger Clark and his memorial site
Poems by Harry Harker and postcards
Postcards
Five belt buckles
Pictures, placards of Edward S. Curtis, chapters from "The North American Indian"
Interview notes, transcripts, photographs, stickers, newspapers
Songs, poems, sheet music, poster
Administrative papers, magazines, photographs,Bea Roeder Slides,
Color slides, transcripts, photo logs, great basin field notes, release forms
Photographs by Blanton Owen, photo sheets, color slides
Interview notes, transcripts, photographs, stickers, newspapers
Bawdy cowboy songs, poems, limericks
Writings by Curley Fletcher
Transcription of interviews conducted by Jack Loeffler
Collection of Photographs taken by Felix Kallis
Slim Critchlow cowboy songs, photographs, correspondence, articles, concert flyers, obituraries of Critchlow, Barry Olivier memorandum
Correspondence, interview transcripts
Bruce Kiskaddon Cowboy Poetry Calendar Collection 1951, 1958, 1959, 2001
Interview transcripts, poster, pamphlets, release form, administrative planning documents, magazine articles
Interview transcripts, poster, pamphlets, release form, administrative planning documents, magazine articles
Songs, poems, sheet music, poster
Bio, letters, and "Phil Blood's Leap" handwritten story
October 1986 interview transcripts, subject index
B&W Photographs with descriptions
Photographs (possibly by Hal Cannon)
Administrative papers, magazines, photographs,Bea Roeder Slides,
Posters, articles, scripts, administrative papers, CD, and newspaper clipping, faxes
Wild West Weekly Cowboy Songs Collection Book No. 1-3
Release agreements
Interview transcripts, essays, resumes, emails, and articles
Interview transcripts, essays, resumes, emails, and articles
Interview transcripts, essays, resumes, emails, and articles
Interview transcripts, essays, resumes, emails, and articles
Printed copies of books and catalogs
interview transcript of Jay Wilde
Administrative papers, proposals, posters, pamphlets, stories, maps, release agreements
Photographs of the Cowboy Poets in Australia Tour, sign up sheets
Photographs of people and tapes, Agenda administrative papers
Photographs and postcards taken by Adam Jahiel
Poems, stories, Photographs, posters, articles, and administrative papers related to the South American Cultural Exchange Collection, The Gaucho - Martin Fierro, "Equitacion Gaucha" by Justo P. Saenz
Poetry by Ruthe graham
"The Gaucho" by Martin Fierro, book
"Equitacion Gaucha" by Justo P. Saenz, book
Photographs, contact prints, negatives, notes, correspondence, book
Photographs, contact prints, negatives, notes, correspondence, book
Photographs, contact prints, negatives, notes, correspondence, book
Photographs, contact prints, negatives, notes, correspondence, book
Administrative papers regarding the AWSF
Photographs, books, and posters by and for Heather Hafleigh Collection
Administrative papers, articles, and posters for the Making West Home event, CDs, cook books
Administrative papers, poems, photographs, and press for the Tumblewords activities and events
Articles and notes about Latino culture and vaqueros, awards, art, journal, music lyrics, poems
Poems, letters, posters, tour booklets, pamphlets, 1984-1992
Prairie to Provence Cultural Exhange information and administrative papers, French Buckaroo Tradition pamphlets, photographs, newspapers
Collection of newspaper clippings and photographs regarding Steve Green's Memorial site
Administrative papers and press regarding the Hobo Rendezvous
Blank book, miscellaneous paper with tick marks
Photographs, poems, book by Chuch Haas, notebook
Picture of newspaper clipping, stories, poems
Book written by Kay Coombs detailing memories from his ranch, poems, administrative papers
Photo scans of tapes, administrative papers, track list, correspondence, Harold Allen obituary, articles, National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest program 1955-2010
Photo scans of tapes, administrative papers, track list, correspondence, Harold Allen obituary, articles, National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest program 1955-2011
Photo scans of tapes, administrative papers, track list, correspondence, Harold Allen obituary, articles, National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest program 1955-2012
Photo scans of tapes, administrative papers, track list, correspondence, Harold Allen obituary, articles, National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest program 1955-2013
Photographs, contact prints, negatives, notes, correspondence, book
Photographs, contact prints, negatives, notes, correspondence, book
Photographs, contact prints, negatives, notes, correspondence, book
Photographs, contact prints, negatives, notes, correspondence, book
Photographs, contact prints, negatives, notes, correspondence, book
Photographs, contact prints, negatives, notes, correspondence, book
Photographs, contact prints, negatives, notes, correspondence, book
Old Cattle Chutes and Corrals From New Mexico to Montana b Martin R. Dtivdahl
Article, posters, newspapers, and photographs related to the Snake River Outlaws collection
Sheet music with western themes
Utah Cowboy's Album of Songs
Poems written by Henry McNamara
Postcards with cowboy themes
interview logs, release forms
Photographs, poems, essays, administrative forms, and posters for Dakota Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Gaucho and Tango Sheet music
J.R. Williams cartoon scrapbooks, stray cartoon scraps, and newspaper article print (titled "Good News for Everyone: Jim Williams is Going to Keep on Drawing 'Out Our Way'"
J.R. Williams cartoon scrapbooks, stray cartoon scraps, and newspaper article print (titled "Good News for Everyone: Jim Williams is Going to Keep on Drawing 'Out Our Way'"
J.R. Williams cartoon scrapbooks, stray cartoon scraps, and newspaper article print (titled "Good News for Everyone: Jim Williams is Going to Keep on Drawing 'Out Our Way'"
J.R. Williams cartoon scrapbooks, stray cartoon scraps, and newspaper article print (titled "Good News for Everyone: Jim Williams is Going to Keep on Drawing 'Out Our Way'"
Books, photographs, and administrative papers relating to research for Hungarian program during the 2011 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Poems, books, and administrative papers related to the Florida and Louisiana Cowboy Cultural Exchange
Collection of unsorted music sheets
Poems written by Charles Kortes and a brown bag
Poems written by Charles Kortes and a brown bag
Poems written by Charles Kortes and a brown bag
Poems written by Charles Kortes and a brown bag
Poems written by Charles Kortes and a brown bag
Poems written by Charles Kortes and a brown bag
Poems written by Charles Kortes and a brown bag
Collection of unsorted music sheets
Collection of unsorted music sheets
Collection of unsorted music sheets
Collection of cowboy business cards
Children's story by Della Johns and donated for silent auction
Black and white photos
Black and white photos
Creole Dictionary
BAT/7 Asian-Indian Concert 1-2, Taiko Drum Group 1-2, Continental Harmony Celebrating America Through Music, Men of Worth Scottish Concert, Mongolia, I am an Indian Cultural Workshop Winston Wuttunee, Danza de la Carrizo dila Juarez, The Spirit of Fort Douglas, Hand Games, Vaquero The Sonora Cowboy, Welcome as a Spring Rain, Down an Old Road The Poetic Life of Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel, Ranch Hand, What is the Ideal Woman, Black Dance America, Convention Center Real Women 1-2, Trailing of the Sheep 1-6, Riders of the Mongolian Steppe, Mongolia Nomadic Culture Folklife Traditions, Moriaadir Colima, Navajo Song and Dance, Connemara Ponies, Vela Luka Croatian Dancers, Naadam Festival Horse Treatment 1-2, Vela Luka Croatian Dance Ensemble, Opening Doors Through Culture and Language: One Woman's Journey, Trailing of the Sheep Promotional Piece, Mongolia Performance with horses
La Charreada!, Vaquero The Sonora Cowboy, Hatiya Voices of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Los Mineros and Vaquero, Lao and Hmong Singing, Vela Luka Croation Singers and Dancers, Hal Cannon Oh Swallow Me Whole, Convention Center Real Women 1-2, Real Women, Mongolian Cultural Circus, Leargas Irish TV, Peggy Malone 1-2, Discover Utah!, John McKuen's Music of the Wild West, Katie Kidwell presents a cowboy and native culture show.
(54 CDs) Snake River Outlaws, Snake River Outlaws Sunshine 1-2, Snake River Outlaws Chicken Inn, Trailing of the Sheep 1-4, Fiddlin's Pete Watercott, Jack Loeffler Sheep Logs, The Bush Poet 1-2, Jim Haynes, Joni Harms Cowgirl Dreams, Guy Clark Keepers, Charlie Seemann Photos from South America, Bonnie Chase Interview, Dorothea Purdy Interview, Frank Philip Interview, Echo Roy Interview, Myron and Betty Jarvis Interview, Sharon O'Toole Interview, Pat O'Toole Interview, George Salisbury Interview 1-2, Laurie Rich Interview 1-2, Patty Miller Interview, Joseba Chertudi Interview, Mr. and Mrs. Jean Etcheverry Interview, Robert Oxaranga Interview, Martin Goikoetxea Interview, Florence Etcheverry, Linda Hussa Interview 1-2, Buster Dufurrena Interview 1-2, Linda Dufurrena, Henry Etcheverry, John Peavey Interview, Jan Shepherd Interview, Avel Diaz Interview, Cathy Clarkson Interview, Rose Oxarango Interview 1-2, Mongolian for Adventurers, Tribe, Horse of the Mongolian Steppe, Jim Macey Mongolian Trip 1-2, Mongolian Traditional 1-5, Black Horse, Mongolian Ages, Badger Hole and Elizabeth Ebert photos, Sounds of Mongolia
(46 DVDs) Buffalo Wy 1-2, Bob Kisken Jerrey Hily, Kisken Hats, Kisken Brothels, Bob Kisken Women's PR, Lewistown 1-2, Blue Grass, Lou Elano Women's RR Final 1-3, Bordello Photos, untitled, Wyoming Backroads, Cattle Drive, Dayton Hyde book Review, Chugusater Chili, Robinson WE, midwinter colorado bluegrass, Cowboy slons, Golden Co Poetry 1-2, North Plaite Bluegrass, Pierre Statue, Buffalo Biu Ranch, Encampment WY 1-2, Bio Horn, Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center, Chris Le Doux Kayce Loy, 17th Annual Badger Clark Hot Springs, Cowboy Signs 1-2, Grand Encampment Gathering, 15th Annual Bluegrass, Prison WY, Loranie, South America Trip, Sonora Fieldwork Photos 1-2, Eliko, Poetry, Casper WY, Weiser NOTF Reels 1-2
Peter Pennchamp Interview, Deep West Steve Green with Hugo Morales, John Perry Boxlow, Jerry Yoshitomi Interview
(12 MDVs) Trailing of the Sheep 2013 1-2, 2011 1-4, 2009 1-2, Tule-Keddy Branding 1-3, Sonora Fieldwork Meg Glaser
(24 Cassettes) John and Diane Peavey, John Dofflemeyer, Randy Reiman, Navajo Singers, Cannon Tongan Ward, Sage Point Singers, Ruzice: Songs of Old Croatia, Tongan Concert, Ni'ihau Hymn Singing, The Happy Wanderers, United Black Voices Gospel Choir, San Juan Pueblo Dances, San Juan Pueblo Singers, Oklahoma Native American Hymn Singers, T'ohdineezhee Singers 1-2, Boojum Expeditions, Floyd Traynor, Ruzice Seattle, Cliff Yaborough, Sue Arizona Fieldwork, Native American Ranching Traditions Project 1-2, Just Real Plain But it Works
Oregon V-Tapes 1-6; Nevada V-Tapes 1-3; Cowboy Poetry Gathering Evening of 1/27/94, Blake Smith; Cowboy Poetry Gathering Eve. 1/27/94, Real Women (1st showing), Craig Wylson; Trailing of the Sheep 1-6, Fri-Sat, Oct. 14, 2000; Bat/7 Asian Indian Program, 5/20/2000; Trailing of the Sheep 2011 Tape 1a
(19 Casettes) Italian Singers of Rock Springs; First Samoan Assembly of God Church, Seattle, 2/18/90; Combined Greek Orthodox Choirs of Seattle, 2/15/90; Vela Luka Chorus 11/28/90; Vietnamese Christian Fellowship Choir Rehearsal, Seattle 2/18/1990; Seattle Samoans Chorus; Swedish Women's Chorus of Seattle, July 1990; Hecho en Utah Vol. 1, Latin American Music; West African Music/Poetry; Cowboy Music of Northeast Brazil; Italian Singers of Rock Springs, Wyoming; Shumway-Kartchener Family; J.B. Dreadfulwater and the Cherokee Baptist Church; Olivier/Critchlow Concert at John Hinkle Ampitheatre tape B, 9/27/1959; Slim Critchlow interview, 6/13/59; 1959 Northgate Session, Van Ronk/Critchlow/Olivier, 3/7/1959; Lucia Julfest, Salt Lake City Swedish Heritage Society; Ethnic Choir of Kansas City, KS: Polka Mass, Ethnic Hymns; Slim Critchlow Vol. II, Selections from Reel Tapes 1963
Peter Delony Field Notes, Native American Ranching 1999; J. Loefler Sheep, 4/20-5/11/02
(31 Cassettes) Bette and Buck Ramsey Coll 5-10; Wally McRae/Gary Nabhan w/ Jack Loeffler, 1/28/00; Cliff Yarborough, 11/12/90; Doukhobor Talent Night, Brilliant, British Columbia; San Fransisco Chinese Children's Chorus; Doukhobor Prayer Meeting, British Columbia; Real Women Buck Bales 1, Teresa Jordan at the 10th Cowboy Poetry Gathering; Linda Hussa w/Jack Loeffler, 1/28/00; Linda Hasselstrom with Jack Loeffler, 1/29/00; Paul Zarzyski with Jack Loeffler, 1/29/00; Lyn Denayeyer and Yvonne Hollehbeck, 2/02/01; Orval E. Fochtman, Mr. Shorty and others, 2008; Orval E. Fochtman, 1998; Orval E. Fochtman, 1986; Don Hedgepeth, 2/02/01; Real Women pt. II w/Sue Wallis, 10th Cowboy Poetry Gathering; Elizabeth Ebert, 2/03/01; Orval E. Focthman, Roundup in the Spring and others, 1/10/08; USCC Friendship Choir (Russian Doukhobors); Ernie Marsh and Mark Dahl, 2/04/01; Norwegian Male Chorus of Seattle; Cor Cymraeg (Welsh Choir of Seattle), 2/14/90; Doukhobor Talent Night #2; Magna Hispanic Choir, Cannon 2nd Ward (Tongan) Mauluulu; Frohsinn (German Male Chorus) of Seattle, 2/21/90; Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption, Seattle Ca
Zuni #1: Corn Grinding, Zuni #2: Corn Grinding, Hairy Woman, Turkey Girl, Zuni #3: Intro, seasons, Donna, Ron-fiddle and flute, Zuni #4: social music, pow wow, jam, Zuni #5: girls story circle, Zuni #6: seasons, Zuni #7: Big Feast, Paul jokes, Zuni #8, Zuni #9: Story Circle 2; Tule-Keddy Branding 1; Tule-Keddy Turn-Out; Hal Cannon w/Leonard Little Finger; Trailing of the Sheep 7, Oct. 15, 2000; Mongol Mod Tourist Performances-Edited Version; Shivert Mongolia; Zuni Perfomances 2/10/98; Temple Grandin 2/1/4 (no audio)
(19 Cassettes) Slim Critchlow 1-2, 5-11; Slim Critchlow Performance Tapes, C-L; Slim Critchlow Interview, Ca. 1964, 12/9/67; Bob McCarl Native American Fieldwork, '94-Owyhee Tapes 1-4, 6, 9; Tohono O'odham Fieldwork, '94, 2-4; Norwegian Male Chorus 2/12/90
Trailing of the Sheep 2009 Tape 2; Trailing of the Sheep 2012 Tapes 1-2, Friday Eve. Snow tapes 1-2; Trailing of the Sheep 2013 tapes 1-2; Trailing of the Sheep 2014: Friday Eve. w/Hank Vogler, cam 1 tapes 1-2, cam 2 tapes 1-2; Trailing of the Sheep 2015, Ketchum, ID, Tapes 1-4; Trailing of the Sheep promo segment; Women Writing the West, Trailing of the Sheep 2011, tapes 1-5; BAT 7 Asian Indians 1-2, May 19-20, 2000; TOS 2012; Schutte Family Footage; Keddy Ranch Branding 2001 Footage by Steve Green; Vaquero: The Sonoran Cowboy
(21 Cassettes) William A. "Bert" Wilson interviews 1-3; Buck Ramsey, KUT interviews 1-2; NPR Crossroads: Native American Cowboys; Buck Ramsey: Assorted Songs and Jingles; Buck Ramsey: Misc. Songs; Hal Cannon, Carol Edison, Craig Miller, 4/3/03 1-4; Cannon, Edison, Miller interview 1-2; Hal Cannon, T. Jordan, The Open Road: Grand Canyon; Slim Critchlow Selections 1953/1963 "reel" tapes; Slim Critchlow 4/13/1963 session 3-4; Ruze Dalmatinke; Vera Luka Choir; Edison, Miller, Stanley interview, 4/3/03 1-2
Waddie Mitchell w/Jack Loeffler, 1/26/00 1-2; The Bush Poets Live; Taos Pueblo Round Dance Songs; Cowboy Poet Interviews w/Jack Loeffler, 1/27/00 1-2; Bette and Buck Ramsey Collection 1-4; Real Women Buck Bales at the 10th Cowboy Poetry Gathering 1-2, 2 copies; Ranch Women Poets, 1/30/93, Colorado Poets, 1/30/93; Cowboy Jubilee w/Hal Cannon, 1-2; Tom and Marie McCauley, 10/18/80 1-3; Tom and Marie McCauley, 10/20/90; Tom and Marie McCauley, 10/31/90 1-2; Tom McCauley and Noel Rankin, 10/18/90; Terry and Mary Riggs, 9/6/00; Polynesian Youth Choir of Seattle; Svea Male Chorus of Seattle; Elizabeth and Patricia Jones w/Yvonne Oliver, 11/2/90; Floyd Traynor 1+2, 11/10/90; Gu-Achi Fiddlers, Old time O'oodham Fiddle Music; Sunny Martin interview, 9/13/00; Cisco Band Tapago Chicken Scratch; Rodney Mike, 9/13/00; Andy Manzanares, musician, 10/3/92; Angelo and Emilia Tognoni, 9/9/00; John O'Loughlin, 11-10-90; Kent Lee, Gail Taylor, 11-10-90; E. Jones, P. Jones, Y. Oliver, 11/2/90; Jean Ng, 9/10/00; Pow-Wow-Indian Walk-in Cneter, Liberty 3rd Ward Tongan Choir, Hispanic Choir, Vallejos Family
The Deseret String Band; American Folk Songs for Christmas; Eck Robertson: Famous Cowboy Fiddler; Harry McClintock: Hallelujah! I'm a Bum; Carl T. Sprague: Folk Variety; Goebel Reeves: The Texas Drifter; Fresh Oldtime String Band Music by Mike Seeger; Tom Paley, John Cohen, and Mike Seeger: Sing Songs of the New Lost City Ramblers; Elaine Thatcher; Waddie Mitchell: Tradition; Marilynn Powell Greene: Just For Kicks; Marilyn Powell Greene: Musing on Mules; Ted Egan: The Overlanders; Ted Egan: Rodeo Australia; Turtle Dance Songs of San Juan Pueblo; Zuni Fair Live; Ditch-Cleaning and Picnic Songs of Picuris Pueblo; The Parker Sisters: Our Best to You; Sounds of the Tongan United Methodist Church Choir of Salt Lake City; Adolph Lesser: Old Time Wedding Favorites; Bukovina Song and Dance Ensemble; Bicentennial Ethnic Song Festival of Seattle; European Ethnic Song Festival of Seattle; The Ruzice Folk Choir: Songs of Old Croatia; Chesta E La Voci Ca Canuscitte (This is the Voice You Know): Southern Italian Mountain Music; La Baronessa Di Carini: Sicilian Traditional Songs and Music
LDS Tongan Choir of Salt Lake City; You Can Tell the World About This; National Old Time Fiddlers' Folk Music Contest and Festival; Oldtime Fiddling and Other Folk Music, 1 record from every year from 1964-1978; Bart Trotter: On the Fiddle; Bart Trotter: Playing it Hot; Famous Country Fiddlin'; Folk Fiddlin' Left Handed Style; Loyd Wanzer: Masters Left Hand; Loyd Wanzer's Waltz Wonderland; Wanzer's Woodshed; Horse Sense: Fences, Barbed Wire, and Walls; Horse Sense: Songs of the Western Soul; Hootenanny Hoedown
notes on the Sheep Camp interviews and a log on the Trailing of the Sheep
(3 SD cards) Sheep Camp Audio Interviews; Friday Night and Starbucks video footage
Consolidated Trailing of the Sheep footage from 2015-2016
Eastman 16mm Safety Film on sheep and cattle ranching