Statewide in scope, this oral history project was the first implemented by the Montana Historical Society. Interviews were conducted with Montanans who lived and worked in the state from 1910 to 1945. The project focused on three major occupational areas that dominated Montana's economy during this period: mining, agriculture and forest products.
This project consists of 400 interviews with Montanans working in the mining, agriculture and forest products industries. Interviews were also conducted with people in auxiliary occupations include merchants, logging camp cooks, teachers, cattle buyers, and railroad workers, augment the recollections of sheepherders, ranch wives, miners, and sawyers. This collection reveals the interplay between livelihood and family life, the formation of public and private identities, and the impact of occupation on definitions of community.
Researchers requesting copies of interviews should refer to the OH number when ordering.
The inventory is arranged by item, with each oral history interview listed numerically by its unique OH number. An abstract for each interview is provided in the inventory. The abstract includes the number of cassettes, CDs or transcript pages for the interview, as appropriate. Researchers requesting copies of interviews should refer to the OH number when ordering
To access digital copies of interview audio and transcripts/summaries online, visit
Unless otherwise indicated in abstracts provided below, collection is open for research.
The Montana Historical Society is the owner of the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from the Research Library before any reproduction use. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all of the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from the copyright owners.
[OH number][Interview title] Montana Historical Society Research Center. Archives. Helena, Montana.
Interviews in the collection conducted by Montana Historical Society staff or volunteers.
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the Montana Historical Society Research Center catalog. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or places should search under these terms.
Kate Ladner (b. 1886) discusses German immigration to Montana in the 1890s; homesteading and sheep ranching in Teton County; the processing and marketing of wool; and her girlhood experiences on a sheep ranch near Choteau. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, August 6, 1981, Polson, MT.
Maurice Cusick (b. 1909) discusses logging and timber management in northwest Montana; his jobs as "check-scaler", a fire warden, and Ranger; and his involvement with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), lumber mills, and Christmas tree production. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, August 7, 1981, Whitefish, MT.
Fred Metcalf (1893-1985) discusses working on and supervising logging and timber scaling jobs in northwestern Montana for the state forester and the U.S. Forest Service. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, Aug. 8, 1981, Kalispell, Mont.
Clinton Stranahan (1896-1992) discusses his father Ferrand Stranahan's career as an attorney; farming near the Teton River, Montana; the impact of homesteading on the area; steamboating on the Missouri River; livestock ranching; the Depression of the 1930s; and World War II. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 1, 1981, Fort Benton, MT.
Lura Gessaman (1895-1983) discusses homesteading in the Egly, Montana area teaching in rural schools, the destructive impact of insects on farming, agricultural methods employed by early farmers, and the use of farm machinery. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 1, 1981, Fort Benton, MT.
Zoyd Money (b. 1890) discusses homesteading near Geraldine, Montana, on Flat Creek, beginning in 1913; jobs as a drummer in various dance and circus bands (including the Downey and Wheeler Circus); gaining farm implements on credit for first harvest; the Homer and Flagger Sheep Ranch; work on Milwaukee Road survey crew in the winter of 1911; gaining water, wood and coal for the homestead; bringing his wife to the homestead in 1915; impact of drought years of early 1920s on Geraldine and Chouteau County homesteaders; dances held in the area; raising turkeys; briefly discusses federal programs that helped farmers get through the Depression (Agricultural Adjustment Act, Federal Land Bank Loans); and post-Depression conditions. [Interviewee had difficulties hearing the questions]. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 2, 1981, Fort Benton, MT.
Vina Stirling (b. 1892) describes her childhood on a farm in the Havre, Montana area; domestic jobs; homesteading; raising her family; and ranching. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 3, 1981, Havre, MT.
Steve Boyce (1891-1982), Havre, Montana resident, discusses his experiences trapping wolves for the U.S. government; cattle ranching in Hill County; roundups; and trail herding, shipping, and marketing cattle. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 3, 1981, Havre, MT.
Steve Frohlicher (b. 1906) describes his experiences and observations of lumber industry operations in Flathead County, and his Forest Service job as a fire lookout in the 1920s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 4, 1981, Great Falls, MT.
William Killorn (1903-1986) and Nina Killorn (1911-1984), residents of Livingston, Montana, discuss the farming and ranching backgrounds of their respective families. Killorn also talks about his automobile and tractor business in the 1940s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 18, 1981, Livingston, MT.
Opal Maxey (1886-1982) discusses her childhood in Livingston, Montana; her courtship and marriage to Dave Maxey; the Maxey coal mine; her years teaching school; ranching; farming; and cooking for threshing crews and for government-sponsored school programs. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 21, 1981, Livingston, MT.
Al Olson (b. 1885) discusses Cokedale, Montana; the local coke mine; cattle ranching on his father's land; and his job as a brakeman for the Northern Pacific Railroad. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 21, 1981, Livingston, MT.
Kristina Fallan (1890-1987) discusses her immigration from Norway; acquiring a homestead at age 21; ranching; wheat and flax farming; marrying Ole Fallan; and feelings of patriotism. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 22, 1981, Livingston, MT.
Helen Raymond (b. 1899) discusses bootlegging in Butte, Montana, during Prohibition (1920s), the operation of the Ruby Hotel and chicken dinner house in Sheridan in 1927, the operation of Barkell Hot Springs in Silver Star in the early 1930s, and managing The Tavern and several mines in Virginia City from 1934 until 1946. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, Oct. 9, 1981, Butte, Mont.
Brian O'Connell (1896-1983) discusses cattle and sheep buying, speculation in meat packing plants, his Helena, Montana based cattle business, and his involvement with the Montana Cattlemen's Association. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, January 26 and 28, 1981, Helena, MT.
Tom MacWilliams (1884-1983) of Billings, Montana discusses his boyhood experiences working on a ranch; his work as a cowboy; and his career with the Great Northern Railway as a fireman and engineer. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 22, 1981, Billings, MT.
W.J. Killen, a Miles City, Montana area sheep rancher, describes his immigration to Montana from Ireland by way of Canada in 1923 and his work sheep ranching including herding, lambing, shearing, and training sheep dogs. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 23, 1981, Miles City, MT.
Charles Mahoney (b. 1906) discusses the history of Garfield County, Montana; homesteaders; ranchers and ranching; shepherding; and his own political career as state senator (elected in 1936). Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, 1981, October 24, 1981, Miles City, MT.
August Sobotka (1911-1997) discusses the history of several small towns in Dawson County, Montana; wheat farming; ranching; his family's coal mines; German immigration; and the impact of the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project on the area. Interviewed by Laurier Mercier, October 24, 1981, Glendive, MT.
Joe Crisafulli discusses his father's grocery store, farming, and the Italian community in Glendive, Montana. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 24, 1981, Glendive, MT.
John Kubesh (b. 1918) discusses homesteading; cattle and sheep ranching; the history of Glendive, Montana; his boyhood chores on the farm; schooling hardships; and the impact of the Depression of the 1930s on farmers. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 25, 1981, Glendive, MT.
Anna Fletcher (b. 1911) discusses growing up on a farm, her schooling, working her way through school, teaching in rural schools, her job in a factory during World War II, and cattle ranching in Dawson County, Montana. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 26, 1981, Intake, MT.
Edna Patterson (1901-1983) discusses homesteading in Dawson County, Montana; teaching; working odd jobs; her marriage to Byard Patterson; her husband's auto body shop; living in Intake; and operating the first motel in Glendive. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 26 and 29, 1981, Glendive, MT.
Ezra Miller (1905-1999) and Dan Miller (b. 1903) discuss their arrival in the Bloomfield, Montana area as Mennonites; farming; ranching; relations with the general community in Dawson County in the 1910s; World War I experiences; changes in farming methods; and attitudes of the community towards the Mennonites. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 27, 1981, Bloomfield, MT.
Verna Carlson (1895-1990) discusses her childhood, moving with her family to McCone County, Montana; farming; ranching; involvement with the Farmer's Union; use of wind charger before REA; and development of the county due to growth of population. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 27, 1981, Circle, MT.
Hobart McKean (1896-1991) discusses farming, horse ranching, and teaching in rural schools in McCone County, Montana; and the socialist movement in the United States. [Includes 2 60-minute tapes of McKean reminiscence "My Socialist Mind") Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 28, 1981, Circle, MT.
Mary Stephenson (b. 1891) discusses homesteading in McCone County, Montana with her husband in 1910; the history of Redwater; and sheep ranching with her son Sowler Stephenson during the 1930s and 1940s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 29, 1981, Circle, MT.
Virginia Johnson (1910-1988) discusses logging operations in western Montana; and operation of the Double Arrow Dude Ranch near the Blackfoot River. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, November 12, 1981, Missoula, MT.
Lorenz Wustner (b. 1904) discusses the butchering trade, work in various butcher shops, kosher butchering and meat cutting, the effects of farming trends on the trade, and the industry during the depression and World War II. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, November 12, 1981, Missoula, MT.
Don MacKenzie (1887-1986) discusses his work as supervisor of logging operations for the Anaconda Company in the Blackfoot River Valley of western Montana; the development of the logging industry; and the effects of the Depression of the 1930s and two world wars on the industry. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, November 13, 1981, Missoula, MT.
Bessie Mulhern (b. 1902) describes immigrating from Ireland; managing the Towey Hotel in Butte, Montana; and living in Butte during and after World War II. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, November 23, 1981, Butte, MT.
John Phillip (b. 1910) discusses his work as a laborer and carpenter at the Anaconda Company smelter in Anaconda, Montana, beginning in 1928; union activity; job conditions; and changes in the construction industry affecting the carpentry trade. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, November 24, 1981, Anaconda, MT.
Roy Rosenleaf (1908-1995) discusses his work as a carpenter for the Anaconda Company in the 1920s and 1930s; his involvement in the Carpenters Union; and his thoughts on the construction industry. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, November 24, 1981, Anaconda, MT.
Tom Dickson (1908-1991) discusses his involvement in the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers; as a smelter man for the Anaconda Company from the 1930s to the 1950s; union activity; and the processing of ore. [See also OH 924]. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, November 25, 1981, Anaconda, MT.
Mordy Johnson (b. 1905) Kalispell, Montana resident, discusses his work as a cook for the Anaconda Company's logging operations, privately owned cafes, and his own restaurant in Kalispell. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, December 1, 1981, Kalispell, MT.
Edie Bennett (b. 1899) Somers, Montana resident, discusses her childhood in Somers, her thirteen-year employment as postmistress in Somers, and observations on that community. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, December 2, 1981, Somers, MT.
Willis March (b. 1896) discusses his involvement with the Enterprise Lumber Company; and his management of sawmills on the family's property south of Kila, Montana during the 1920s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, December 2, 1981, Kalispell, MT.
Tom Bennett (b. 1894) Somers, Montana resident, discusses his work bucking ties at Somers Tie Yard and treating ties at Somers Tie Plant. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, December 3, 1981, Somers, MT.
Hoken Linrude (b. 1895) discusses his immigration from Norway, c. 1911; his acquisition and sale of a homestead near Dutton, Montana; logging work for Kalispell, Somers, and Eureka lumber companies; and labor relations in the 1920s and 1930s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, December 4, 1981, Kalispell, MT.
William Tweedie (1902-1994) discusses coal mining in Bearcreek and Stockett, Montana; his work as foreman at the Giffin Mine; and accidents at the Smith and Washoe Mines. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, December 14, 1981, Kalispell, MT.
Ross MacDonald discusses his experiences as a cowboy, homesteading, and ranching in Teton County, Montana, from the 1910s to the 1950s; area ethnic communities; prohibition; and the town of Brady. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, Dec. 14, 1981, Great Falls, Mont.
Jane Phillips (1888-1987) discusses the history of Elkhorn, Montana; her childhood in Cornwall, England; her immigration to Helena; dressmaking; her marriage and starting a family; and the beginning and operation of the family's dairy farm in Helena. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, January 11, 1982, Helena, MT.
Herbert Mickelson (b. 1912) discusses his work as a miner for the Anaconda Company in Butte, Montana; working conditions; his injury in a mine accident; obtaining compensation; and the light work he did afterwards. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, January 12, 1982, Helena, MT.
Julian Terrett (b. 1921) discusses his family's cattle ranching operations in the Tongue River Valley, Montana; the advent of homesteaders; the Montana Stockgrowers Association; the Taylor Grazing Act; and the cattle business. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, January 14, 1982, Helena, MT.
Mabel Ballantyne (1880-1983) discusses her arrival in Montana; settling on a homestead with her husband near Rudyard; and their move to a Bozeman ranch. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, January 18, 1982, Helena, MT.
Karl Westermark (1890-1983) discusses his childhood in Sweden; emigration to Parshall, North Dakota; arrival in the Oilmont/Kevin area of Montana in the 1920s; his father's work as a blacksmith and his own training in that field; establishing a machinist shop in Parshall, North Dakota; and acquiring his farm south of Shelby in the 1940s. Interviewed by Victoria Westermark, (Karl Westermark's grand-daughter), November 25-26, 1981, Shelby, MT.
Faye Anderson (b. 1904) discusses education and her teaching experiences in Bearcreek and Billings, Montana. She also discusses the effect of hard economic times on children. Interviewed by Mary Melcher, January 5, 1982, Bozeman, MT.
Rita LaVoie (b. 1905) discusses her childhood in Milltown, Montana in the 1910s, and her work as a young housewife and mother in the 1920s. Her discussion focuses on the ethnic communities of Milltown, and the impact of social movements and world events on the community. Interviewed by Mary Melcher, December 19, 1981, Missoula, MT.
Rev. Mary Wessel (1882-1989) discusses her marriage to Louie Wessel; her husband's job mapping the Belt and Castle mountains for the U.S. Forest Service; and her organization of Unity Church ministries in Butte, Bozeman, Billings, and Livingston, Montana. Interviewed by Mary Melcher, January 5, 1982, Bozeman, MT.
Anne Needham (1902-1987) discusses schools in Missoula and Winnett, Montana; her journalism job; college and teaching experiences; organizing the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) in Great Falls; and her husband's job as a safety inspector for the Anaconda Company. Interviewed by Mary Melcher, December 1, 1981, Anaconda, MT.
Lyle Haight (b. 1914), a Helena, Montana resident, discusses his childhood years on his parents' homestead between Suffolk and Winifred, Montana, and work as a U.S. Weather Bureau employee throughout the state during the early 1940s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, January 29, 1982, Helena, MT.
Harry Laubach (b. 1900) discusses his parents' homesteading near Dutton Montana in 1914; details of wheat farming from 1914 through the depression of the 1930s; wheat marketing. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 5, 1982, Great Falls, MT.
Harriett Harris (1895-1984) discusses her experiences homesteading in northern Fergus County near Winifred, Montana in the 1910s; and teaching school in Cut Bank, Montana; Great Falls during the Depression and the World War II era. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 3, 1982, Great Falls, MT.
Mark Sherman (b. 1903) discusses his work as a blacksmith and miner in various mines around Unionville, Montana. Also describes area gold mines. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 23, 1982, Unionville, MT.
Christina Mullins (b. 1887) discusses early-day life in Marysville, Montana; her childhood in Marysville; her father's mining work; and Thomas Cruse and his daughter Maymie Cruse. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 19, 1982, Helena, MT.
Elbert "Buck" Jones (b. 1904) discusses his mining work in Butte, Montana; gold placer mining with his parents; and his career with the Montana Power Company as an operator and dispatcher. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 25, 1982, Butte, MT.
Gordon Ord (b. 1902) discusses "bumming" to find work and working in the mines in Butte, Montana during the 1920s and 1930s. [Tape is poor quality.] Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 26, 1982, Butte, MT.
Herbert Carlisle (b. 1907), a Butte, Montana, resident discusses working in the mines at Butte. [Tape has a lot of background noise.] Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 26, 1982, Butte, MT.
Madolyn Love (1902-2000) discusses her childhood in Bozeman, Montana; her schooling; her marriage to Herbert Lange and work with him inspecting buildings for insurance underwriting; her travels throughout the state; and her work at Shodair Hospital in Helena. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 24, 1982, Butte, MT.
Hedley "Hap" Holloway (b. 1891) describes his arrival in Montana, various jobs, and his work as a timekeeper for the Anaconda Company at Butte, Montana. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 9, 1982, Butte, MT.
Edward Sullivan (1898-1982) discusses his childhood in Butte, Montana; his position at the Anaconda Company mines office; Butte's Chinatown; Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) activity; and Irish traditions in Butte. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 25 and March 10, 1982, Butte, MT.
Grace Cunningham (b. 1902) discusses her work as a silent film piano accompanist for treaters in Butte, Montana. Also included is a brief segment of the piano theme for the film What Price Glory. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 11, 1982, Butte, MT.
William Maki (b. 1913) discusses his work as a station tender and blacksmith for the Anaconda Company in Butte, Montana; working conditions; union activity; and learning the trade of blacksmithing. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 11, 1982, Butte, MT.
Ted Worrall (1913-1992) discusses wheat farming near Fort Benton, Montana, his Navy years, the development and operation of farm machinery, and his opinion about farm programs. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 4, 1982, Loma, MT.
Fred Blyth (1904-1991) a Geraldine, Montana resident discusses the communities of Geraldine and Belt; ranching; farming; raising horses; WPA projects; farm machinery; and development in farming technology. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 16, 1982, Geraldine, MT.
Isabella Mogstad (b. 1886) discusses homesteading near Fort Benton, Montana during from 1912 through the 1920s; going by horse and buggy to Fort Benton for medical attention when needed; cooking for threshing crews; recollections of the Grand Union Hotel in Fort Benton; use of well to keep meat, and food preparation in general; music, entertainment, and social events on the homestead; attending church; moving to Geraldine family in 1925; life on the farm; and her duties as a wife and mother of five children. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 17, 1982, Geraldine, MT.
Art Olson (b. 1895) discusses homesteading in Golden Valley, Montana; Works Progress Administration (WPA) work; trucking; ranching; and his involvement with the Farmers Union in Judith Basin County. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 17, 1982, Stanford, MT.
Verle Quigley discusses homesteading in the Geraldine, Montana area and his banking career there. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 18, 1982, Geraldine, MT.
Saima Myllymaki discusses her childhood, farming, the Finnish community, her marriage, and her husband Ted Myllymaki's work in Judith Basin and Stanford, Montana. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 19, 1982, Stanford, MT.
Faye Hoven (b. 1894) discusses homesteading in the Musselshell, Montana area; farming and ranching at Hobson; and family and ranch life. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 30, 1982, Hobson, MT.
Clyde Gore (1905-1987) discusses homesteading south of Hobson, Montana; and his work as a hired hand on various ranches; in a gypsum plant; and as an owner of a Chrysler dealership and garage in Hobson. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 30, 1982, Hobson, MT.
Elwood Pittenger (b. 1897) describes farming, ranching, and community life in the Hobson, Montana area. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 31, 1982, Hobson, MT.
Lydia Keating (b. 1899) discusses her childhood on a homestead near Utica, Montana in the early 1900s and homesteading with her husband near Stanford through the 1940s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 31, 1982, Utica, MT.
Roland Matthews (1886-1987) discusses his work as a cowboy near Malta, Montana and ranching along the Missouri River. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 1, 1982, Lewistown, MT.
Theodore Olsen and Joe Holland discuss farm and ranch work in the Utica, Montana area from the 1910s to 1920s; the communities of Lehigh and Utica; trapping; and Works Progress Administration (WPA) work during the 1930s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 1, 1982, Utica, MT.
Albert Toney (1885-1982) describes his arrival in Lewistown, Montana in 1907; homesteading; and ranching in Fergus County. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 2, 1982, Lewistown, MT.
Andrew Grande (b. 1913) discusses his sheep and cattle ranching operations near Lennep, Montana from the 1920s to the 1970's; the differences between sheep and cattle raising; changes in the livestock industry; and his involvement with the Montana Woolgrowers Association. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 14, 1982, White Sulphur Springs, MT.
Elmer Hanson (b. 1923) owned a cattle ranch west of White Sulphur Springs, Montana. He discusses ranch operations from the 1930s to the 1950s and his participation in the Montana Stockgrowers Association. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 13, 1982, White Sulphur Springs, MT.
Oakley R. Jackson (1886-1983) discusses the steam plowing business in the 1910s, and cattle and haying operations on his ranch near White Sulphur Springs, Montana from the 1910s to the 1950s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 13, 1982, White Sulphur Springs, MT.
Charles McDonald (1897-1995) discusses his childhood on the Flathead Reservation, in Hot Springs and St. Ignatius, Montana; attending the government school in Ronan; a brief family history and how family members received allotments; Indian life, differences in the Kootenai tribes, and changes in tribal customs; his work defending the rights of Indians, the importance of the Howard-Wheeler Act, serving as chairman of the Law and Order Committee during the Depression ; working for the CCC and relations with the Black men who were in the CCC; and working as a packer and scaler for the Indian Forest Service and the National Forest Service, and how the tribal council took over management of Forest Service on reservation lands. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 20 and 23, 1982, St. Ignatius, MT.
A.L. Clairmont (b. 1908) discusses his work with the Indian Forest Service including logging, scaling, and real estate. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 21, 1982, Polson, MT.
Harvey Cole (b. 1899) discusses his work as a teamster, loader and hoist operator for Polley's Lumber Company. He also discusses life in Ronan, Montana and the family farm. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 21, 1982, Polson, MT.
Florence Smith (b. 1895) discusses life on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Montana; cooking for restaurants and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC); her marriage to Howard Smith; and changes on the Reservation in the 1920s and 1930s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 22, 1982, Ronan, MT.
Charles Kennedy (1894-1992) discusses his work as a logger and teamster in Bonner and Milltown, Montana from 1908 until the 1930s; his work sheepherding, including shearing and lambing from the 1930s until World War II; and his post-war return to logging. He includes some discussion of his involvement in the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) in the late 1910s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 23, 1982, Dixon, MT.
Ruby Greenwell (1902-1993) discusses cattle ranching, wheat farming, WPA assistance, hardships suffered during the Depression years of the 1930s and insect infestation. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 2, 1982, Geraldine, MT.
Elizabeth Birkeland (b. 1896) Fort Benton, Montana resident, discusses farming and ranching in the Fort Benton area. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 27, 1982, Fort Benton, MT.
Helen Seright (b. 1901) discusses the family farm in Moore, Montana; wheat farming with her husband in Montague; and Works Progress Administration (WPA) work during the 1930s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 27, 1982, Fort Benton, MT.
Selmer Helland (1888-1985) homesteaded in the Galata, Montana area. He discusses dryland wheat farming in Galata, Belt, and the Highwood Bench; farming during the Great Depression of the 1930s; and changes due to the introduction of machinery. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 30, 1982, Fort Benton, MT.
Agnes Jelinek (b. 1901) discusses her family's immigration to Coffee Creek, Montana in 1906; her Czechoslovakian background; and homesteading and farming experiences. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 30, 1982, Coffee Creek, MT.
Joel Overholser (b. 1911), editor and publisher of the Fort Benton, Montana, River Press, discusses his boyhood introduction to newspaper work; learning the newspaper trade; journalism; and the newspaper's involvement in the Choteau County agricultural community. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 29, 1982, Fort Benton, MT.
Idoniea Duntley (1889-1988) discusses homesteading near Fort Benton, Montana restaurant work in Geraldine, and Great Falls, and work as a matron and cook at the Geraldine High School dormitory. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 28, 1982, Fort Benton, MT.
Mary Zanto (b. 1894) discusses her childhood in the Stockett-Eden area of Montana; and experiences as a farm wife in the Highwood-Shonkin area. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 1982, Fort Benton, MT.
Joseph Smith (1901-1993) discusses dryland wheat farming on the Highwood Bench and surrounding areas of Montana from 1917 to the 1940s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 29, 1982, Fort Benton, MT.
Rose Larson (1908-1983) and her husband operated a small coal mine in Roundup, Montana in the late 1920s. She discusses her work in the mine, first aid and massage work, and her job cooking at the Vienna Café in Roundup. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 10, 1982, Roundup, MT.
Andrew Wickland (1903-1988) describes his work as a nipper, muleskinner, and miner at the Roundup, Montana, Number 3 coal mine. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 11, 1982, Roundup, MT.
Delbert Walker (b. 1889) discusses homesteading near Flatwillow, Montana from 1912 to 1927; and his work as a mortician in Roundup. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 11, 1982, Roundup, MT.
Charles Firm (1902-1989) discusses his family's involvement in mining, primarily with the Klein Mine near Roundup, Montana; and his work as a machinist for this mine from the 1930s to the 1950s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 12, 1982, Roundup, MT.
Mark Lacey (1903-1987) was a coal miner at the Klein mines near Roundup, Montana from 1919 to 1957. He discusses his work at the mine, and the social and community life of Klein and Roundup. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 13, 1982, Roundup, MT.
Paul Smith (b. 1908) discusses his work in coal mines in Roundup, Montana from 1928 to 1956; mechanization of the mines; industrial safety; accidents; and black lung disease. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 13, 1982, Roundup, MT.
Henry Bujok (1910-1990) discusses his work as a miner for the Roundup Coal Company Number 3 Mine, west of Roundup, Montana from 1928 to 1963. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 13, 1982, Roundup, MT.
Agnes Nesheim (b. 1908) discusses growing up on a farm west of Roundup, Montana, during the 1920s; her husband's work in the coal mines in Roundup; and her work in the telephone company office. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 14, 1982, Roundup, MT.
J.H. McIntyre discusses homesteading; cattle, horse, and sheep ranching in Valley County, Montana from the 1930s to the 1950s; cowboying; and his work as a bartender during the construction of the Fort Peck Dam in the late 1930s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 20, 1982, Glasgow, MT.
Thelma Czyzeski (b. 1906) remembers the Dobson Family; ranching along the Musselshell River near Cat Creek, and Phillips County; nursing in Independence, Missouri, and Malta and Zortman, Montana; and the hardships and struggles of supporting a family from the 1930s to the 1960s. An excerpt from this interview was published in "The Last Best Place," Montana Historical Society Press, 1988. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 21, 1982, Glasgow, MT.
Pauline DeBray (1899-1999) and Leo DeBray (1907-1988) discuss the DeBray and Lenz families; cooking for threshing crews; ranch life; sheepherding and sheep ranching; Valley County, Montana; the WWI era; and work on the Fort Peck Dam. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 23, 1982, Glasgow, MT.
Irma McInerny discusses her life on her parents' homestead north of Nashua, Montana from 1915 to 1932; teaching in rural schools in Valley County during the 1930s; and her work as deputy county superintendent of schools from the 1940s to the 1950s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 24, 1982, Glasgow, MT.
Christian Christianson (b. 1889) discusses his homesteading experiences near Saco, Montana; the relinquishment of his homestead; and his work on the Fort Peck Dam from 1933 to 1953. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 25, 1982, Glasgow, MT.
Glasgow, Montana resident Charles Brocksmith (1902-2002) discusses his banking career in Valley County including his work at the First National Bank, Nashua (1920-1936); the Federal Land Bank (1936-1940s); and the First Security Bank, Glasgow (1940s-1982). He also describes his experiences on the Brocksmith family ranch located north of Nashua, 1910-1920. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 25 and 27, 1982, Glasgow, MT.
Martin Capdeville (b. 1896) discusses immigration to the United States from France; sheepherding; the Basque American community; and owning his own ranch in Opheim, Montana. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 26, 1982, Opheim, MT.
Mary Redfield (b. 1888) discusses teaching in Opheim, Montana and homesteading and farming in Valley County. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 26, 1982, Opheim, MT.
Nathan Goodrich (1906-1999) discusses his parents' homestead southwest of Glentana, Montana; and his work for the Fort Peck Dam, various power plants, the Corps of Engineers, and the Bureau of Reclamation. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 27, 1982, Glasgow, MT.
Fern Harshman (b. 1891) discusses her career as an Avon cosmetic dealer in the Chinook, Montana area for over 50 years and various changes in the community during that period of time. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 7, 1982, Chinook, MT.
Bill Ross, (1905-1986), worked as a vocational agriculture teacher in Conrad, Montana. In this interview, Ross recalls his father's ranch and homestead beginning in 1886, his own work in Conrad as a county agent in Stillwater county, and his life as a rancher in the Bear Paws Mountains south of Chinook through the l960s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 8, 1982, Chinook, MT.
Hazel Klotzbuecher (1885-1982) a Chinook, Montana resident, discusses her teaching career in Montana and Canada, homesteading in northern Blaine County, and her work in a salmon cannery in Alaska. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 9, 1982, Chinook, MT.
Tom Staff (1899-1988) discusses hay farming, irrigation, and ranching near Chinook, Montana; his road work in Blaine County in the 1920s; his service in the Army Air Force during World War II; and his involvement with the Montana Farmers' Union and the Triangle Telephone Company. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 9, 1982, Chinook, MT.
Herman Friede (1905-1985) discusses homesteading in Blaine County, Montana; working as a sugar beet farmer; moving to Paradise Valley; participating in Works Progress Administration (WPA) Projects; and his involvement in the Farmers Union. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 10, 1982, Chinook, MT.
Pearl Reeves (b. 1892) discusses homesteading north of Chinook, Montana, her work as Chinook postmistress, and dairy farming during the 1930s. [See also Ben McKinnie, OH 792.] Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 10, 1982, Chinook, MT.
Severin Sivertson (b. 1881) discusses sheepherding, sheep ranching, and raising turkeys in the Bears Paw Mountains in Blaine County, Montana from 1900 to the 1940s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 10, 1982, Chinook, MT.
Frank Deville (1912-1993) discusses working for the Bearcreek coal mines, and the Smith mine disaster of 1943, giving special attention to the rescue efforts and its effect on the mining industry. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 21, 1982, Bearcreek, MT.
Leslie Lyons (1892-1984) discusses his work in the coal mines at Red Lodge, Montana, his work as a mine electrician, his operation of the Red Lodge Electric Shop, prohibition, and the creation and operation of the See 'Em Alive Zoo in Red Lodge. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 23, 1982, Red Lodge, Mont.
Ollie Anderson (1895-1986) discusses his work as a miner in Red Lodge and Bearcreek, Montana coal mines; the Finnish community of Red Lodge; and the Smith Mine Disaster of 1943. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 23, 1982, Red Lodge, MT.
Lillian Lampi (1893-1987) discusses the Finnish community in Red Lodge, Montana; and her work in the Pollard Hotel dining room, and at Bloom and Company in Red Lodge. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 23, 1982, Red Lodge, MT.
Leo Michelcic (1912-1991) discusses his work as a nipper, joy and boxcar loader, and cutting machine operator in the Bearcreek and Washoe coal mines near Red Lodge, Montana. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 25, 1982, Red Lodge, MT.
Tony Persha (1908-1989) discusses his work in the coal mines at Red Lodge and Bearcreek, Montana from 1926 to the 1940s; the Smith Mine disaster of 1943; and his years as president of the local United Mine Workers union. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 25, 1982, Red Lodge, MT.
Morris Stewart (1893-1986) describes homesteading in Carter, Montana; the management of wheat crops and cattle; the 1919 drought; and the Depression of the 1930s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, July 13, 1982, Great Falls, MT.
Mary Tanner (b. 1903) discusses homesteading with her parents at Round Butte, Montana and with her husband John Tanner at Round Butte, ca 1910s and 1920s; homesteading and ranching with her husband, John Tanner, near Square Butte, 1920s-1960s; the Quincy Granite Company; and Chouteau County agriculture. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, July 14, 1982, Square Butte, MT.
Arthur Moe (1899-1983) discusses his work as a projectionist for movie theaters in Butte and Great Falls, Montana; his work for the Anaconda Company smelter in Great Falls; and other jobs around Montana. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, July 14, 1982, Great Falls, MT.
Lucille Bridges (b. 1898), discusses working as a child on her father's ranch at Shawmut, Montana and working the same ranch as an adult with her husband, Joe Bridges. She also discusses the Winnecook Ranch nearby. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, July 15, 1982, White Sulphur Springs, MT.
Charles Banderob, (b. 1905), a Ballantine, Montana resident, discusses the farming history of the Huntley Project area, the struggles of farmers during drought and the Great Depression years, and his involvement with, and benefits of, the Farmers Union. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, July 19, 1982, Ballantine, MT.
George Shawver (1894-1982) discusses homesteading and horse and cattle ranching in the Missouri Breaks region of Garfield County, Montana from the 1910s to the 1950s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, July 20, 1982, Billings, MT.
Bill (b. 1906) and Ruth Korell discuss their grocery business in Utica, Montana and the Korell Guest Ranch in Judith Basin. Bill also discusses his childhood in Utica in the 1910s, and Ruth tells of her childhood in the community of Straw, MT. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, July 20, 1982, Billings, MT.
Tyler Reynolds (1911-1994) discusses Ryan's Grocery in Billings, Montana; his employment as a salesman on the Hi-Line during the 1930s; and changes in the grocery business from 1919 until 1980. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, July 21, 1982, Billings, MT.
Gladys Knowles ©. 1895) discusses ranching in Big Horn County. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, July 21, 1982, Billings, MT.
Art Watson (d. 1983) discusses cattle ranching in the Smith River Valley of Meagher County, Montana; his work as a cattle buyer; the organization of the Montana Cattlemen's Association; and his legislative career in the 1930s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, July 22, 1982, White Sulphur Springs, MT.
Gerald Bybee (b. 1923), a Thompson Falls, Montana resident, describes his work logging in western Montana in the 1940s. He also discusses in detail the operation of the sawmill and his work as head filer. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, July 28, 1982, Thompson Falls, MT.
Anne Sloan (b. 1911) discusses her childhood in Butte, Montana; marriage to Vern Sloan; and his operation of sawmills in the Thompson Falls area. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, July 28, 1982, Thompson Falls, MT.
Restriction: NOT TO BE USED IN NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
Ethel Widner (b. 1923) discusses her childhood; her marriage to Bill Widner, a truck driver for several logging companies; and her life in Thompson Falls, Montana. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, July 29, 1982, Thompson Falls, MT.
Lillian Beamish (1903-1997) a Thompson Falls, Montana resident, discusses her childhood in Granite and Sanders counties; farming with her husband in Plains, Montana; and working at the post office and general store in Paradise, Montana. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, July 29, 1982, Thompson Falls, MT.
Thomas Garrison (1900-1986) discusses his work as a logger and teamster for the Montana Logging Company from the 1910s to the 1920s, prohibition, and his work in Thompson Falls for the Montana Power Company. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, July 28, 1982, Thompson Falls, Mont.
Clifford Miller (b. 1902) discusses his work in a sawmill at Kalispell, Montana; his management-level position at the Kalispell Lumber Company; and changes in the lumber industry. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, August 31, 1982, Kalispell, MT.
Perry Melton (b. 1907) discusses his years of living in Kalispell, Montana; prohibition; and his work as a labor union organizer in Flathead County from 1938 to 1951, including involvement with the Kalispell Trades and Labor Council, the State AFL-CIO, and publication of the Flathead Labor Journal. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, Aug. 26, 1982, Kalispell, Mont.
Glen Montgomery (b. 1907) discusses his work as a flunky and cook for U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service logging camps in Lincoln and Flathead counties, Montana, his work as a blacksmith and welder in Montgomery's Blacksmith Shop in Kalispell, and prohibition. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, Aug. 25, 1982, Kalispell, Mont.
Ramona Roe Jellison (1902-1991) a Lakeside, Montana resident, discusses life in the Flathead Valley from the 1920s to the 1950s; farming with her husband in LaSalle; teaching in Echo; and community service work in Kalispell. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, August 25, 1982, Lakeside, MT.
Jim Drew (b. 1920) discusses his work at the Somers Lumber Company in Somers, Montana from 1938 to 1941. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, August 31, 1982, Somers, MT.
Rachel Paterson (1895-1989) discusses her childhood on Flathead Lake and in Kalispell, Montana; her marriage to Archie Paterson; and her husband's work at the Kalispell Mercantile Company. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, August 30, 1982, Kalispell, MT.
James Kehoe (1907-1992) discusses his father's business hauling freight on Flathead Lake, Bigfork, Montana in the 1910s and 1920s with the steamboat Helena. He also discusses his own personal involvement with the business. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, August 29, 1982, Bigfork, MT.
Gladys Little (b. 1891) describes life in the communities of Castle, Montana, in the early 1900s; Martinsdale, Montana, from 1910 to 1914; and Kalispell, Montana, from 1928 to 1945. Her interview includes working on a Meagher County sheep ranch, prohibition, her work at the Kalispell Mercantile, and Ku Klux Klan activities in Kalispell. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, Sept. 1, 1982, Polson, Mont.
Lorne MacDonell (b. 1903) discusses his childhood in Somers, Montana; his work for the Somers Lumber Company from the 1920s to the 1930s; and his work in Missoula and Superior, and in Washington and Idaho. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, August 31 and September 1, 1982, Somers, MT.
Gulnare Lutts discusses homesteading near Ollie in Fallon County, Montana; farmers' hardships; and community life. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 7, 1982, Baker, MT.
Marion Hanson (b. 1917) discusses homesteading near Willard, Montana, grain farming, community development, and Baker and Fallon County social events. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 6, 1982, Baker, MT.
George Griffith discusses homesteading and cattle ranching in Fallon County, Montana. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 8, 1982, Baker, MT.
Jess Hickey (b. 1909) discusses his work as a cowboy in Fallon County, Montana in the l920s. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 11, 1982, Baker, MT.
Lorene Kirschten (b. 1895) discusses her experiences homesteading east of Baker, Montana and her work as school librarian in Baker. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 1, 1982, Baker, MT.
Ed Herbst discusses homesteading near Baker, Montana in the 1910s, sheep ranching, and his work as a barber in Baker. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 10, 1982, Baker, MT.
J.R. Kinsey (1906-1994) describes his work as a poet, trapper, sheep herder, rancher, horse trainer and trader, and bronc buster in Fallon County, Montana from the 1920s to the 1970s. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 13, 1982, Baker, MT.
In this interview, Charles H. Abrams discusses his farm and ranch operation in Fallon County, Montana from the 1920s to the 1940s. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 13, 1982, Baker, MT.
Archie Grover (1906-1993) discusses his work as a miner, trapper, and lumberjack in Butte, Montana; his labor union activity; and the community of Butte. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 20, 1982, Hardin, MT.
Carolyn Riebeth, (b. 1898), a Hardin, Montana resident, discusses life at Crow Agency, her father's work as the agent for the Crow Tribe and the Crow community. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 19, 1982, Hardin, MT.
Nellie Olson (b. 1900) discusses immigrating from Canada, her early life in Cut Bank and Valier, Montana and living and working in Hardin on the Crow Indian Reservation. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 20, 1982, Hardin, MT.
Florence Wells discusses cattle ranching in Big Horn County, Montana, and school teaching in Lodge Grass. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 21, 1982, Hardin, MT.
Leone Dygert discusses his experiences cattle ranching on the Crow Indian Reservation, Montana. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 21, 1982, Hardin, MT.
Russell Danielson (b. 1906) discusses farming and ranching in Big Horn County, Montana from 1910 to 1950. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 22, 1982, Hardin, MT.
Earle Marsh (1901-1983) discusses his work as a cowboy on various ranches in the Hardin, Montana area, and his work for the Campbell Corporation. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 23, 1982, Hardin, MT.
Minnie Landon (b. 1894) discusses her early life near Roundup, Montana and farming with her husband at Crow Agency. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 24, 1982, Hardin, MT.
Lee Turley (b. 1899) discusses his work as a cowboy and sheepherder in Big Horn County, Montana. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 25, 1982, Hardin, MT.
Doris Novark (b. 1911) discusses Hardin, Montana from 1913 to 1980 including community organizations, local businesses and industries, and her work as a housewife. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 25, 1982, Hardin, MT.
Eleanor Starina (b. 1903) discusses ranch life in Kirby, Montana, her work as a school teacher, and as Big Horn County superintendent of schools. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 25, 1982, Hardin, MT.
Nils Torske and Lois Torske discuss dryland farming in Big Horn County, Montana from the 1920s to 1980. Interviewed by Julie Foster, August 26, 1982, Crow Agency, MT.
Dorothy Cartwright Johnston (1887-1984) discusses her experiences on a ranch in Meagher County, Montana from 1894 to 1932; her work as city clerk of White Sulphur Springs from 1932 to 1957; and her work as a waitress, cook, and musician at the Rainbow Café and Bar in White Sulphur Springs. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, May 3, 1983, Townsend, MT.
Bernice Kingsbury (1910-1982) discusses growing up near Dupuyer, Montana; sheep ranching in Pondera County; operating a beauty shop in Valier; and serving as Democratic Party committeewoman and legislative candidate. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 17, 1982, Helena, MT.
Blanche McManus discusses teaching in rural schools in Lincoln County, Montana, Harlem and Sunburst, and work in logging camps. Interviewed by Rex C. Myers, September 14, 1982, Dillon, MT.
Wayne Myers (b. 1896) discusses his creamery business in Miles City, Billings, Missoula, and Dillon, Montana. Interviewed by Rex Myers, September 14, 1982, Dillon, MT.
Georgianna Andersen (b. 1913) discusses her life as a sheep rancher's wife in Beaverhead County, Montana, and cooking for ranch and sheepshearing crews. Interviewed by Rex C. Myers, September 19, 1982, Dillon, MT.
Willis Koeneke (1911-1994) operated a jewelry store in North Dakota and in Dillon, Montana. He discusses his jewelry businesses and his impressions of Dillon. Interviewed by Rex C. Myers, September 20, 1982, Dillon, MT.
Daniel McDonald (1910-1987) discusses his work as a coal miner in Bearcreek and Washoe, Montana from 1925 to 1967; the Smith Mine disaster of 1943; and the communities of Bearcreek, Washoe, and Red Lodge. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 21, 1982, Red Lodge, MT.
Senia Kallio (1908-1989) discusses her working experiences in Red Lodge, Montana from 1920 to 1968 particularly at the Kallio Sauna and Bathhouse, the Red Lodge Cannery, and the Variety Store. She also describes the Finnish community of Red Lodge. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 22, 1982, Red Lodge, MT.
"Montana" Vera Buening, (b. 1909) Red Lodge, Montana resident, discusses her work for ranches and households in Carbon County from 1928 to 1935 and her performing career as "Montana" Vera. She also describes the community of Red Lodge from 1935 to 1945. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 22, 1982, Red Lodge, MT.
Walpas Koski (b. 1907) describes the Finnish community in Red Lodge, Montana, work in the Red Lodge Drug Store from 1927 through the 1930s, and work at the Olcott Funeral Home from the 1930s through the 1950s. He also discusses the Smith Mine disaster of 1943, his work as a musician in a Red Lodge swing band, and prohibition. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, Sept. 23, 1982, Red Lodge, Mont.
Nazzareno Golfi (b. 1891) discusses his work as a coal miner in Red Lodge and Bearcreek, Montana from 1917 to the 1940s. Adele Golfi (b. 1897) discusses her work at Natali's Imperio Mercantile in Bearcreek in the 1930s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, August 23, 1982, Red Lodge, MT.
J.H. Patten (b. 1905) discusses his parents English background; experiences "hoboing" his way across country on the Omaha Railroad; coming to Montana to work for the Northern Pacific in the Sidney area; various jobs done for the Pacific Railroad in Red Lodge, Montana from 1928 to 1971. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 23, 1982, Red Lodge, MT.
Clifford Helt (1901-1991) discusses his work for the Anaconda Copper Mining Company in Anaconda, Montana in the 1920s and for the Ohio Oil Company in Bridger, Montana from 1930 to 1945. He also discusses his experiences farming near Bridger; farmworkers; and his duties as mayor of Bridger and Carbon County commissioner. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 24, 1982, Red Lodge, MT.
Lillian Jarussi and Loretta Jarussi (1899-1991) discuss their teaching experiences in rural schools in Stillwater and Valley counties Montana. They also discuss the Italian community in Red Lodge and the impact of the depression of the 1930s and World War II on the area. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 24, 1982, Red Lodge, MT.
Burton Nimochs (b. 1916) discusses his work at the Anaconda Company sawmill in Bonner, Montana from 1934 to the 1970s. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, September 13, 1982, Milltown, MT.
Earl Kolppa (b. 1909) discusses his work for the Anaconda Company's sawmill at Bonner, Montana from 1926 to the 1970s; the organization of the Lumber and Sawmill Workers Union in the 1940s; and the Finnish community of Milltown. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, September 15, 1982, Milltown, MT.
Charles Gendrow (1910-1996) describes his work as a band saw fitter and engineer for the Anaconda Company sawmill and Western Lumber Company in Bonner, Montana; his firefighting experiences with the U.S. Forest Service; community life in Milltown; and prohibition. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, Sept. 15, 1982, Milltown, Mont.
Patrick Thibodeau discusses his work for the Anaconda Company sawmill in Bonner, Montana; his involvement with the Lumber and Sawmill Workers' Union; and the communities of Bonner and Milltown. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, September 16, 1982, Missoula, MT.
Elmer King (1889-1984), a Columbus, Montana resident, discusses his work as a fur trapper and game warden in southcentral and southeastern Montana beginning in 1912. He also describes his farming experiences and World War I, including the influenza outbreak and anti-German sentiment. Interviewed by Julie Foster, September 2, 1982, Columbus, MT.
Fred Wolterman (b. 1888) discusses homesteading and farming in Stillwater County, Montana from 1909 to 1949; and his involvement in the local and State Farmer's Union. Interviewed by Julie Foster, September 2, 1982, Columbus, MT.
Mattie Scott (1897-1996) describes living on a ranch and teaching at rural schools in Stillwater County, Montana during the 1910s; the community of Columbus from 1920 to 1960; and her work in the county abstract office. Interviewed by Julie Foster, September 2, 1982, Columbus, MT.
Grace Bricker, (b. 1908) an Absarokee, Montana, resident describes ranch life in Stillwater County during the 1910s and 1920s. She also discusses the important role of rural schools, churches, and community organizations in rural communities. Interviewed by Julie Foster, September 7, 1982, Absarokee, MT.
Lottie Price (b. 1894) describes sheep raising and ranch life in Stillwater County, Montana from the 1910s to the 1920s. Interviewed by Julie Foster, September 8, 1982, Absarokee, MT.
Akleen Kennedy (b. 1899), an Absarokee, Montana resident, describes business, ranch, and community life in the Fishtail area from the 1910s to the 1940s. She also discusses the operation of the Kennedy dry goods store in Fishtail. Interviewed by Julie Foster, September 8, 1982, Absarokee, MT.
Edna Lannen (b. 1897) discusses her experiences ranching in Stillwater County, Montana from the 1910s to the 1940s, including the impact of the Depression of the 1930s on the ranch. Interviewed by Julie Foster, September 9, 1982, Absarokee, MT.
Alice Kirch (b. 1894) discusses life on her parents' ranch in Carbon County, Montana and ranching with her husband in Absarokee. Interviewed by Julie Foster, September 8, 1982, Absarokee, MT.
Hobart Sadler discusses his work as a cowboy for the Spear Ranch and other cattle ranches in Stillwater County, Montana. Interviewed by Julie Foster, September 10, 1982, Fishtail, MT.
Donald McGann (1906-2000) discusses his work as a miner in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and in Stillwater and Park counties, Montana including Jardine from 1924 to 1941. He also discusses his involvement in the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers. Interviewed by Julie Foster, September 10, 1982, Columbus, MT.
Henry Bedford, (1908-1995) a Fishtail, Montana resident discusses his work as a watchman at the Columbus chromium mines. Interviewed by Julie Foster, September 12, 1982, Fishtail, MT.
Henry Esp (b. 1900) discusses his experiences as a sheep rancher near Big Timber, Montana including breeding, shearing, and tending sheep. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 11, 1982, Fishtail, MT.
Sam Maloney discusses his sheep ranch near Alder, Montana from 1932 to 1945; including the marketing and shipping of lambs and wool, lambing, problems associated with sheep raising, and the changes that have occurred in the livestock business. Interviewed by Julie Foster, September 15, 1982, Alder, MT.
Torrey Johnson (b. 1916) of Busby, Montana discusses his family's ranching history, the Spear family, cattle ranching on Northern Cheyenne reservation land, and cattle ranching in general. Interviewed by Gillian Malone, June 12, 1982, Busby, MT.
Edmond Randolph (b. 1903) of Sheridan, Wyoming, discusses his first ranching experiences and his career as an author of books on Western life and cattle ranching. Interviewed by Gillian Malone, June 21, 1982, Sheridan, Wyo.
William Graham (b. 1896) discusses homesteading near Jordan, Montana, ranching, and family life. Interviewed by Gillian Malone, September 1, 1982, Big Horn, WY.
Judy Holmes (b. 1894) of Sheridan, Wyoming, discusses cattle ranching near Decker, Montana; English traditions; and ranch life. Interviewed by Gillian Malone, July 28, 1982, Sheridan, Wyo.
Cecil Channel (1893-1989) discusses his childhood in Busby, Montana on the Northern Cheyenne reservation; work on a section crew for the Union Pacific Railroad; lumber mill work; and coal mining on the reservation. Interviewed by Gillian Malone, July 31, 1982, Sheridan, WY.
Hans Andersen (b. 1906) remembers sheep ranching in Beaverhead County, Montana from 1917 to 1973. Interviewed by Rex C. Myers, September 30, 1982, Sheridan, WY.
Lenore McCollum (b. 1890) discusses her childhood in Twin Bridges, Montana; the lumber yards at Twin Bridges; teaching school in Dillon; and her grandfather J.F. Bishop's sheep ranch in Beaverhead County. Interviewed by Rex C. Myers, September 27, 1982, Dillon, MT.
Anna Juvan (b. 1906) discusses her childhood on the family farm in Park County, Montana; working and living in the Red Lodge area in the 1920s; her marriage; and operation of a ranch and dairy in Park County from 1930 to 1964. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 28, 1982, Livingston, MT.
Elsie Eyman (b. 1893) discusses her work as a teacher in Park County, Montana in the 1920s, her experiences as a ranch wife from 1927 to the 1950s, and her father, Robert Brawner's dairy business in Yellowstone Park. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 28, 1982, Livingston, MT.
John McClellen and his wife Genevieve McClellen (b. 1913) discuss the local businesses, neighborhoods, social life, and customs of Bonner, Montana from the 1920s through the 1960s. John also discusses his work as an accountant for the Anaconda Company's Bonner Lumber Company. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, September 23, 1982, Bonner, MT.
Hazel Karkenen (1900-1986) discusses community life in Milltown, Montana, from 1910 to 1950. She also describes her work as a teacher and librarian in Milltown, the history of the Karkenen Milltown Library, and prohibition. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, Sept. 14, 1982, Milltown, Mont.
Mildred Dufresne (b. 1910) describes her work as a teacher in Missoula County and Milltown, Montana from the 1930s to the 1940s; the community of Milltown from 1935 to the 1950s; and how the town has changed since the 1970s. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, September 23, 1982, Milltown, MT.
Dorothy Ragsdale (1899-1990) discusses the life of her inventor-miner father, Thomas C. Benbow, and the Benbow chromium mine on Rock Creek near Columbus, Montana. Interviewed by Donna Frey, June 14, 1982, Columbus, Mont.
Sandy Malcolm (b. 1900) discusses his childhood in the Paradise Valley, Montana, wildlife, his leasing of Chico Hot Springs from Dr. Townsend in the 1920s, acquisition of his own ranch in the 1930s, raising seed peas, and running whiskey during Prohibition. Interviewed by Donna Gray, Feb. 5 and 25, and May 26, 1982, Pray, Mont.
Arthur Lehti (b. 1911) describes his work for William A. Clark at his Western Lumber Company sawmill in Milltown, Montana, and as caretaker of Clark's Salmon Lake cabins in the 1920s. He also describes local businesses and entertainment in Milltown in the 1920s to 1930s. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, September 15, 1982, Milltown, MT.
Donald Skillicorn discusses his work as a flunky, cook, swamper, and scaler for the Anaconda Company's Lumber Department in the Blackfoot River area of Montana from 1935 to 1959; and the struggles of the Skillicorn family to survive on a small Blackfoot River Valley ranch during the Depression of the 1930s. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, September 20, 1982, Greenough, MT.
Earl Cooley discusses his work with the U.S. Forest Service as a smoke jumper and foreman from 1940 to 1944. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, September 21, 1982, Missoula, MT.
Ross Leavitt (b. 1906), a resident of Missoula, Montana, discusses his career with the U.S. Forest Service in Idaho and Montana from 1929 to 1970. He also discusses the 1922 and 1924 political campaigns of his father, Scott Leavitt. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, September 21, 1982, Missoula, MT.
Tony Bengochea and Concepcion Bengochea (b. 1908) Nashua, Montana residents discuss their work herding sheep and cooking for crews ((1920s-1947)) at the Etchart Ranch in Valley County, Montana. They also discuss the purchase and operation of a sheep ranch north of Nashua, Montana, and Basques in northeastern Montana. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 19, 1982, Nashua, MT.
Clarence Onstad (b. 1903) discusses farming; his involvement with the oil business in Sheridan County, Montana from the 1910s to the 1970s; the town of Coalridge, and area coal mining operations. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 20, 1982, Plentywood, MT.
Charles Carbone (1893), a Plentywood, Montana resident discusses his work as a laborer and section gang foreman for the Great Northern Railroad on the Redstone and Plentywood lines from 1921 until 1945. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 21, 1982, Plentywood, MT.
Earl Holje (b. 1916) describes his father's hardware store in Reserve, Montana and mechanization of farming during the 1920s. He also discusses the impact of the depression of the 1930s on Sheridan County and the operation of Holje Bros. implement business in Plentywood (1930s-1970s). Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 21, 1982, Plentywood, MT.
Andrew Michels (1911-1997) describes his family's homesteading experiences near Archer, Montana in the 1910s and 1920s; his operation of a coal hauling business in the 1930s; and a garage in the 1940s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 21, 1982, Plentywood, MT.
Walter Yeager (1891-1984) describes homesteading experiences in the Plentywood, Montana area during 1910s and the operation of coal mine during 1930s. Leona Yeager discusses teaching experiences on the Fort Peck Reservation during the 1920s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 22, 1982, Plentywood, MT.
Anna Dahl (deceased 1987) discusses her husband Andrew Dahl's efforts to organize Rural Electric associations (REA) in northeastern Montana; his involvement with local, state, and national REA; and his experiences and work with the Farmer's Union from the 1920s and the 1940s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 20 and 22, 1982, Plentywood, MT.
Minnie Christensen (1899-1987) discusses her work experiences in Sheridan County, Montana from the 1910s to the 1940s as a cook, waitress, maid, and farm wife. She also describes the area Danish community, the communities of Reserve and Dagmar, and the impact of the 1918 Spanish Influenza epidemic. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 23, 1982, Plentywood, MT.
Roy Rue (b. 1916) and Helena Rue describe Plentywood, Montana from the 1930s to the 1940s including area businesses and communist activities. Roy Rue discusses operations of the Sheridan Milling Company and Reba Lumber Company; Helen Rue describes her work for the Plentywood Herald during the 1940s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 23, 1982, Plentywood, MT.
Lillian Kitzenberg (1899-1997) discusses the operation of Kitzenberg's Store in Plentywood, Montana from 1921 to 1980. She also describes her work at her father Ted Nelson's Racket Store in Dooley in the 1910s and the impact of the Depression of the 1930s on the area. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 24, 1982, Plentywood, MT.
Pierre Taylor (b. 1904) describes his work as a teacher and organizer of schools in the Fort Peck, Montana area during the construction of the Fort Peck Dam in the late 1930s; and his career as a salesman for Northern School Supply Company of Great Falls from 1938 to 1980. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, November 4, 1982, Spokane, WA.
Frank Zogarts (b. 1899) discusses his work as a foreman for various operations at the Anaconda Company smelter in Anaconda, Montana from the 1920s to the 1950s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, November 18, 1982, Anaconda, MT.
Albert Clark (1912-1990) discusses welding and other work for the Anaconda Company smelter in Anaconda, Montana from 1928 to the 1950s. He also describes an Opportunity, MT. area ranch leased from ACM, the depression years of the 1930s, and his participation in the Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers Union. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, November 19, 1982, Anaconda, MT.
Florence Messner (b. 1899) describes businesses in Anaconda, Montana during the 1910s to 1920s; the Anaconda Company smelter; and her work as a reporter for the Anaconda Standard during the 1920s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, November 20, 1982, Anaconda, MT.
Mary Kanduch (1889-1988) discusses her emigration from Austria in 1913; her work as a cook for several Anaconda Copper Mining Company logging camps in Deer Lodge County, Montana from 1914 to 1925; and her husband Joe Kanduch's sawmill which operated west of Anaconda until 1971. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, November 23, 1982, Anaconda, MT.
Dorothy Ragsdale (1899-1990) discusses the life of her inventor-miner father, Thomas C. Benbow, and the Benbow chromium mine on Rock Creek near Columbus, Montana. Interviewed by Donna Frey, June 14, 1982, Columbus, Mont.
Leo Kelly (b. 1915), a retired Butte, Anaconda, and Pacific Railroad employee, discusses the community life in Anaconda, Montana, and his career with the railroad from 1939 to 1970. He rose from accountant to company president. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, November 23, 1983, Anaconda, MT.
Hugo Kenck (b. 1892) and Margaret Kenck (b. 1907) discuss music teachers, musical groups, and performers in Butte, Montana from 1900 to 1940. They also describe Butte's ethnic groups and neighborhoods, German clubs, the California Brewery, prohibition, and the Miner's Bank. Mr. Kenck was the first man to sing over the radio in Montana (1915). Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, Dec. 8, 1982, Butte, Mont.
John Connors (b. 1916) discusses his work as a miner in the Anaconda Company mines in Butte from the 1930s to the 1950s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, December 9, 1982, Butte, MT.
Gladys Andersen (1900-1983) describes farming with her husband A.P. Andersen near Ulm, Montana from the 1910s until the 1940s; and discusses the community of Ulm, Montana. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, December 16, 1982, Great Falls, MT.
William Couture discusses his experiences training and racing horses in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana and his youth spent on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, September 28, 1982, Hamilton, MT.
Samuel J. Billings, a Hamilton, Montana resident, discusses his career with the U.S. Forest Service and work as a ranger in the Bitterroot and Kootenai National Forests, 1920s-1960s. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, October 4, 1982, Hamilton, MT.
Hamilton, Montana resident Ruth Romney (1901-2000) 1discusses her experiences living in the Bitterroot Valley, particularly the orchard boom of the 1910s, and her husband Miles Romney's operation of Western News. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, October 5, 1982, Hamilton, MT.
Albert "Kelly" Robbins (b. 1893) a Hamilton, Montana resident discusses his work logging and farming in the Bitterroot Valley from the 1910s through the 1940s. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, October 5, 1982, Hamilton, MT.
Agnes Cooper (b. 1907) discusses teaching in Ravalli County, Montana schools; her work as county superintendent of schools; and the communities of the Bitterroot Valley. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, October 5, 1982, Darby, MT.
Bessie Monroe (b. 1888) discusses the history of the Bitterroot Valley, Montana; her work as a journalist on several newspapers; and her struggles as a widow with six children. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, September 29, 1982, Hamilton, MT.
Fred Wilkerson (1896-1986) discusses his work as a sawyer for Harper's logging outfit in Darby, Montana from the 1930s to the 1950s; logging work for the Anaconda Company in the Bitterroot Valley from the 1910s to the 1930s; and construction work. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, October 7, 1982, Hamilton, MT.
John Hawker (b. 1892) describes his work logging and farming in the Corvallis, Montana area of the Bitterroot Valley. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, September 29, 1982, Corvallis, OR.
Kenneth Trowbridge discusses his work as a cowboy in the Lemhi Valley of Idaho during the 1920s to the 1940s; and his logging and sawmill work near Darby, Montana. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, October 6, 1982, Darby, MT.
Fred Thorning discusses his experiences farming in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana from the 1920s through the 1950s; his work at area sawmills; and the impact of the agriculture and lumber industries on the Bitterroot economy. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, October 6, 1982, Darby, MT.
Gard Lockwood of Hamilton, Montana discusses farming and the impact of the sugar beet and apple industries on the Bitterroot Valley from the 1920s to the 1940s. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, September 28, 1982, Hamilton, MT.
Russell Corn (1907-1999) discusses his work drift mining and placer mining in Mineral County, Montana from the 1920s to the 1940s; work for the U.S. Forest Service as a fire lookout, and work in trail and road construction. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, January 3, 1983, Superior, MT.
Arthur Jensen discusses his work as a signal operator for the Northern Pacific Railroad in eastern Montana during the 1910s and 1920s, and as a theater operator in Superior in the 1930s. He also describes the roles of local industry and the Democratic Party in Mineral County. Hazel Jensen discusses irrigated agriculture in Treasure County from the 1910s to the 1930s and her work as a schoolteacher. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, October 19, 1982, Superior, MT.
Superior, Montana resident Walter Hahn discusses work for the U.S. Forest Service on Lolo National Forest during the 1930s; game and trapping in Bob Marshall Wilderness area; Civilian Conservation Corps work; and Mineral County economy. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, October 20, 1982, Superior, MT.
Don Hellinger (b. 1902) discusses farming operations and agriculture in Toole County, Montana from the 1910s to the 1940s. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, December 9, 1982, Shelby, MT.
Carl J. Iverson (1915-1993) discusses his involvement with the oil and gas industry in Toole County, Montana during the 1940s and 1950s, and wheat farming in the Sweetgrass Hills. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, December 9, 1982, Shelby, MT.
Earl Doughty discusses his work in the oil industry at Kevin, Cutbank, and Sunburst, Montana; life in oil camps; life in Oilmont, MT. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, December 13, 1982, Oilmont, MT.
Mildred Freed Humes (b. 1900) describes her homesteading and farming experiences north of Cut Bank, Montana during the 1910s to 1950s. She also describes the community of Cut Bank. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, December 14, 1982, Cut Bank, MT.
J.R. "Ed" Rambo (b. 1897) recalls his work for the Northern Pacific Railroad in Missoula, Montana from the 1920s through the 1950s; and transportation businesses and lumber industry in Missoula. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, Nov. 8, 1982, Missoula, Mont.
Mabel Smith (b. 1900) describes living and teaching school in Mineral County, Montana from the 1910s to the 1930s. At the urging of Montana friends, she headed west. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, November 8, 1982, Missoula, MT.
Nita Olson (b. 1930) describes living in Superior and Mineral County, Montana from the 1930s to the 1950s. Andrew Olson describes working in area mines and sawmills. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, December 19, 1982, Superior, MT.
Harold Cole (b. 1915) discusses working for the Milwaukee Railroad; and life in the town of Alberton, Montana from the 1920s to the 1950s. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, November 9, 1982, Alberton, MT.
Elmer Cyr (b. 1907) discusses employment, industry, and transportation in Mineral County, Montana from the 1920s to the 1970s. He also describes his work for the U.S. Forest Service and the Northern Pacific Railroad in Alberton. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, November 10, 1982, Alberton, MT.
George Gildersleeve (1903-1991) discusses his work as a gold miner in Mineral County, Montana, from the 1910s to the 1940s, conditions in logging camps in the early 1910s, Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) organizing efforts, prohibition and bootlegging, and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps in Mineral County. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, Oct. 20, 1982, Superior, Mont.
Olive Kielty (b. 1908) describes the town of St. Regis, Montana and the local economy from the 1920s to the 1950s. Her cousin Charles Nelson shares his memories of St. Regis and its lumber industry and describes his work in the Butte mines during the 1930s. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, November 9, 1982, St. Regis, MT.
Ned Applebury discusses his work for the Agricultural Experiment Station in Ravalli County, Montana during the 1930s. He also discusses the importance of fruit and vegetable farming in the Bitterroot Valley. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, October 2, 1982, Hamilton, MT.
Cecil B. Alsup, (b. 1903) a Shelby, Montana resident discusses his work as sheriff of Toole County during the 1930s and 1940s. Alsup also describes his family's homestead, and work on oil rigs in Toole County. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, December 10, 1982, Shelby, MT.
John H. Agen (b. 1900) discusses his career with an oil drilling business in Casper, Wyoming, and Shelby, Montana, from 1917 to 1982. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, Dec. 9, 1982, Shelby, Mont.
Gladys Haglund (1905-1994) discusses her father James Miller's sheep ranching operation east of Cut Bank, Montana 1910s. She also describes experiences farming with her husband Serem Haglund during the 1940s. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, December 15, 1982, Cut Bank, MT.
Florence Hofland (1899-1992), of Cut Bank, Montana discusses her father, Florence Aloysius Sullivan's, operation of the Marias Slope ranch (1910s), her own ranching experiences (1920s-1950s), and the impact of the oil industry in Toole County. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, December 16, 1982, Cut Bank, MT.
Richard Kullberg (1906-1988), a Cut Bank, Montana resident, discusses his career in the oil and gas business particularly with the Ohio Oil Company of Cut Bank from the 1920s to the 1950s. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, December 16, 1982, Cut Bank, MT.
James McCourt (1909-1997) discusses his work as a geologist for the Union Oil Company in Cut Bank, Montana from the 1930s through the 1950s; and the oil industry in Glacier and Toole counties. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, December 16, 1982, Cut Bank, MT.
Mildred Beaudoin, Shelby, Montana resident, discusses her career as a rural schoolteacher in Madison and Toole counties from the 1920s to the 1950s. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, December 10, 1982, Shelby, MT.
Frank Gorsich (b. 1889) discusses his immigration from Yugoslavia; his butcher businesses in East Helena and Roundup, Montana; and his operation of the Casino Bar in East Helena. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 17, 1983, Helena, MT.
Minnie Piazzola (1907-1984) describes her work as a cook in Meaderville, Montana; and the social life of Meaderville's Italian community from the 1920s to the 1930s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 11, 1982, Butte, MT.
Edward Vollmer (b. 1910) discusses his family's ranching operations south of East Helena, Montana from 1916 to 1933; and his career with the Montana Department of Highways from 1932 to 1969. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, January 20, 1983, Helena, MT.
John and Agnes Screnar (b. 1903-1988) describe East Helena, Montana's community life and businesses from the 1910s to the 1940s. John Screnar discusses his work at the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) smelter from 1925 to 1972; industrial safety; and the effect of the smelter operations on the local economy. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, January 24, 1983, E. Helena, MT.
Mary Ann Smith (b. 1903) and Frances Rigler (b. 1902) discuss the businesses, ethnic groups, and community life of East Helena, Montana from 1910 to 1945; Mary Ann's work at Smith's Bar from 1919 to the 1970s; and Frances's work cleaning the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) offices. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 13, 1984, East Helena, MT.
Gustaf Carlson describes the operation of the Spring Hill Mine near Helena, Montana, and other Carlson mining interests in the 1930s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 28, 1983, Helena, MT.
G.B. Coolidge discusses his career in the oil industry at Kevin Field and other areas in Toole County, Montana, from the 1930s to the 1970s. Interviewed by Matthew Hansen, December 9, 1982, Shelby, MT.
James Patten (b. 1888) discusses his work as a miner in Philipsburg and Butte, Montana, from 1907 through the 1950s, including descriptions of several Philipsburg area mines. Phyllis Patten describes the community of Philipsburg in the 1910s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 9, 1983, Philipsburg, MT.
Frank Fitzgerald (b. 1912) discusses the community of Garnet, Montana, from the 1910s to the 1930s and his efforts to renovate a family cabin located there. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 9, 1983, Drummond, MT.
Rose Lorensen (b. 1898) discusses her work as a farm wife in Powell and Granite counties, Montana from the 1920s to the 1960s. She also describes Drummond and other communities in the area as they were during the early 1900s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 8, 1983, Drummond, MT.
Nevin Morse (1911-1993) discusses his operation of Morse's Grocery in Hall and Drummond, Montana during the 1910s and 1920s, and from 1934 to 1941; his work as a stull contractor for the Anaconda Company in Granite County; the operation of the Standard Oil Company bulk plant in Drummond; and life in Drummond from the 1910s to the 1960s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 10, 1983, Drummond, MT.
Evelyn Marks (b. 1901) describes life in Clancy, Montana from 1924 to 1982; her work ranching near Clancy; and her experiences teaching school in Garfield County and in Clancy. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 2, 1983, Clancy, MT.
Eric White (1896-1992) discusses his career as a U.S. Forest Service ranger on the Absaroka, Gallatin, Deer Lodge, and Helena National Forests in Montana from 1921 to 1957; his service with the U.S. Army in France during World War I; and living in Anaconda. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 2 and 3, 1983, Helena, MT.
Edith Hammerstrom, (b. 1898) East Helena, Montana, resident, discusses the community of East Helena from 1905 to the 1970s, and her involvement with the East Helena Women's Club; teaching in Rosebud, Montana during the 1920s, and memories of Helena in the 1910s and 1930s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 1, 1983, E. Helena, MT.
Rudolph Polich (1913-1996) discusses Black Eagle, Montana and his work at the Anaconda Company brickyard and smelter in Great Falls from 1934 to 1978. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 15, 1983, Great Falls, MT.
George Tesinski (b. 1902) and Sophie Tesinski discuss Stockett, Montana, from 1910 to the 1950s; and George's work as a coal miner for the Cottonwood Coal Company from the 1930s to the 1940s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 16, 1983, Stockett, MT.
Mary Surmi (b. 1899) describes Sand Coulee, Montana, and her experiences as a coal miner's wife from the 1920s to the 1940s; her emigration from Czechoslovakia; and Czechoslovakian traditions in Montana. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 15, 1983, Sand Coulee, MT.
Nell O'Malley (b. 1892) discusses Big Sandy, Montana; her work on the McNamara Ranch; and operation of a beauty shop in Big Sandy. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 16, 1983, Great Falls, MT.
Richard Setterstrom (1905-1997) discusses his work for the Westinghouse Corporation during the 1930s; his career with the Montana Power Company in Butte from 1940 through the 1970s, promoting electric power use and industrial development; and his involvement with the Montana Planning Board and the Rural Area Development Committee (RAD). Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 1, 1983, Butte, MT.
William Bartholomew (1909-1991) describes his work as a contract miner in the Leonard Mine in Butte, Montana (1941-1954). He also describes haying and road construction jobs near Helmville (1920-1030s). Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 2, 1983, Butte, MT.
Silvio Sciuchetti (b. 1921) discusses his work as a miner in Butte, Montana from 1937 to 1946. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 2, 1983, Butte, MT.
May Bell Applegate (b. 1909) reminisces about the mining town of Emory in Powell County, Montana and ranch life near Deer Lodge. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 7, 1983, Deer Lodge, MT.
Louis Peterson (1898-1993) discusses the community of Racetrack, Montana near Deer Lodge; and his experiences as a small farmer in Deer Lodge and Powell counties, growing potatoes, and raising poultry and dairy cattle from 1925 through the 1970s. [Included with these tapes is a recording that Mr. Peterson made himself to augment the information provided to Ms. Mercier]. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 8, 1983, Deer Lodge, MT.
William Gustafson (1894-1992) discusses his work at the Anaconda Company smelter and the Southern Cross Mine, from 1916 to the 1950s; his army service during World War I; and the community of Anaconda in the early 1900s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 10, 1983, Anaconda, MT.
Carl Swanson (1903-1983) discusses his work in the freight office of the Butte, Anaconda and Pacific Railroad in Anaconda, Montana, from 1922 to 1970; and his memories of the community of Anaconda from 1910 to 1950. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 10, 1983, Anaconda, MT.
William Lintz (b. 1914) discusses his work in Deer Lodge, Montana from 1936 to 1974 as a fireman and engineer on the Milwaukee Railroad. He also discusses his involvement with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers (BLFE). Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 11, 1983, Deer Lodge, MT.
Robert L. Inman of Deer Lodge, Montana discusses his work as a railroad fireman and engineer on the Milwaukee Road's Alberton to Avery line. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 11, 1983, Missoula, MT.
Vern F. Jenks (b. 1918) discusses his career with the Milwaukee Railroad as clerk at Harlowton, Great Falls, and Deer Lodge, Montana from 1936 through the 1970s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 21, 1983, Deer Lodge, MT.
Ralph Davis (b. 1902) discusses his work as a brakeman and conductor for the Milwaukee Railroad on the Three Forks to Butte Montana line from 1922 to the 1960s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 21, 1983, Deer Lodge, MT.
Samuel McDonald (b. 1895) describes his work as a machinist for the Butte, Anaconda and Pacific Railroad in Anaconda, Montana from 1914 to 1919 and for the Milwaukee Railroad in Deer Lodge from 1920 through 1960. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 23, 1983, Deer Lodge, MT.
Walter Duncan, Perdita Duncan, (d. 1985) Elmo Fortune (b. 1909) and William Fenter (1908-1987) discuss the Black community in Butte, Montana from the 1910 to the 1940s, particularly employment, social life, churches, clubs, and white attitudes towards Blacks. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 24, 1983, Butte, MT.
Perle Watters (b. 1909) discusses his work as a miner in various Butte, Montana mines from 1940 to 1972. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 25, 1983, Butte, MT.
Joe Navarro (b. 1923) discusses his work as a miner in Butte, Montana from 1941 through the 1970s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 25, 1983, Butte, MT.
Josephine Casey (b. 1910) discusses her family, the flu epidemic of 1919 and polio epidemic of the 1930s, Christmas toys, early Anaconda grocers and the history and operation of Weiss Grocery in Anaconda, Montana. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 23, 1983, Anaconda, MT.
Donald Conner and Lee Grant discuss their careers with the Great Northern Railroad as brakemen and conductors out of Havre, Montana from the 1930s to the 1960s; Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 7, 1983, Havre, MT.
Pearl Metrovich (1898-1992) describes her childhood on her parents' homestead on Arrow Creek Bench in Fergus County, Montana during the 1900s and 1910s; and ranch life during the 1920s and 1930s. Interviewed by Kathleen Tureck, September 15, 1982, Stanford, MT.
Emma Rogers (b. 1916), a Stanford, Montana resident, discusses the mining community of Lehigh during the period 1917 to 1926; and her farming experiences near Windham from 1937 through 1947. Interviewed by Kathleen Tureck, September 15, 1982, Stanford, MT.
Gustaf Koski (b. 1902) discusses his work on ranches and farms in Judith Basin County, Montana during the 1920s and 1930s; mining in Butte; and work as a fur trapper in central Montana in the 1940s. Interviewed by Kathleen Tureck, March 20, 1983, Geyser, MT.
Liane McGuire (1906-1999) describes her experiences growing up on her parents' homestead near Moore, Montana in the 1910s; and her work with her husband Robert McGuire teaching school at the Fort Kipp school on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in the 1930s. Interviewed by Kathleen Tureck, September 26, 1982, Stanford, MT.
Katie M. Adams (b. 1888) a Havre, Montana resident, discusses homesteading and farming near the Canada-Montana border in northern Hill County from 1912 to the 1950s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 5, 1983, Havre, MT.
Gordon Sands (b. 1900) discusses farming near Havre, Montana from the 1920s to the 1950s; the aerial crop spraying business; and his work for the Federal Land Bank and the H. Earl Clack Company. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 6, 1983, Havre, MT.
Gina Lippard (b. 1893) briefly discusses her homesteading experiences near Malta, Montana. Charles Lippard (b. 1903) discusses ranching northeast of Fort Benton from the 1910s to the 1950s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 7, 1983, Havre, MT.
Stella Peters discusses her work as a nurse for the Northern Cheyenne Indian Health Service during the 1940s; and health care and living conditions on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Interviewed by Beverly Badhorse, March 4, 1983, Lame Deer, MT.
Douglas Glenmore and Josephine Glenmore (1920-1990) discuss life on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, Montana from the 1920s to the 1940s; domestic crafts; and Douglas Glenmore's work as a cowboy. Interviewed by Beverly Badhorse, March 15, 1983, Busby, MT.
Alice Kinzel (1893-1992) of Lame Deer, Montana describes ranch life on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation from 1900 to 1950 and her life married to an XIT trail driver from Texas. Interviewed by Beverly Badhorse, March 12, 1983, Lame Deer, MT.
Ted Risingsun (1929-1995) a Busby, Montana resident, discusses education and tribal government on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation from the 1920s through the 1960s. Interviewed by Beverly Badhorse, March 28, 1983, Busby, MT.
Edward Thate (b. 1895) discusses his work for the Ideal Cement Company in Trident, Montana from the 1930s to the 1950s. Interviewed by Penelope Loucas, April 12, 1983, Three Forks, MT.
Joe Andriolo (1915-1986) discusses his work at the Ideal Cement Company plant in Trident, Montana from 1939 to the 1960s, the history and operations of the plant, and the union organizing efforts of 1946. Jennie Andriolo (1916-1992) discusses the town of Trident, relations between management and workers, the Trident school, and her work in the community. Interviewed by Penelope H. Loucas, April 11, 1983, Three Forks, MT.
Harold Lehfeldt (b. 1899) and Anna Lehfeldt (b. 1906) discuss their sheep ranching operation near Lavina, Montana from 1919 through the 1980s. They also describe local sheepherders, sheep shearing techniques, and the marketing of wool. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 18, 1983, Lavina, MT.
Howard Billing (1908-1986) and Teresa Haughian Billing (1906-1988) were Miles City, Montana, residents. Howard discusses his work as a sheep shearer and sheep rancher, 1920s-1950s. Teresa talks about her teaching experiences near Brockway, Montana and sheep ranching with Howard. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 19, 1983, Miles City, MT.
Betty Carter discusses farm life, her involvement with 4-H and Home Demonstration Clubs, operating the Fair Price Grocery Store in Miles City, Montana, and working as a cook. Harvey Carter (b. 1893) discusses farming in Custer County. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, March 20, 1983, Miles City, MT.
Harold Watts (b. 1915) discusses the Kinsey Irrigation Project; irrigated farming and sugar beet production; his involvement with the American Beetgrowers Association; and negotiations with the Holly Sugar Company. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 21, 1983, Miles City, MT.
Jesse Trafton (1889-1991) discusses working on the Manus sheep ranch near Fallon, Montana from 1905 to 1906; and working as a piledriver, pipefitter, and construction crewman for the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad (Milwaukee Road) in Miles City from 1906 to the 1950s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 21, 1983, Miles City, MT.
Mathias Martinz (1889-1988) describes sheep ranching in Phillips County, Montana during the 1920s through the 1930s; his operation of the Montana Hotel in Malta; and his work as a miner in Butte for a few years in the 1920s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 27, 1983, Malta, MT.
Alice Fjell (b. 1916) discusses ranching in the Tongue River, Montana area from the 1920s to the 1940s. Interviewed by Margot Liberty, April 13, 1983, Birney, MT.
Burton Brewster (1902-1984) discusses cattle drives and cowboys associated with the Quarter Circle U Ranch near Birney, Montana. Interviewed by Margot Liberty, April 13. 1983, Birney, MT.
Nathalie Penson discusses ranching near Decker, Montana during the 1920s through 1940s. Interviewed by Margot Liberty, April 15, 1983, Kirby, MT.
Elmer Reisch (b. 1910) discusses his work as a cowboy in the Birney, Montana area from the 1920s through the 1940s. Interviewed by Margot Liberty, April 17, 1983, Sheridan, WY.
Helen Buckley discusses her work teaching in the Decker, Montana area in the 1930s and 1940s. Interviewed by Sharon Thornburg, April 12, 1983, Sheridan, WY.
Russell Stadalman describes his experiences in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) near Alder, Montana in the 1930s; and working for the Northern Pacific Railroad in Laurel. Interviewed by Sharon Thornburg, March 15, 1983, Laurel, MT.
John Messer describes his experiences working in the sugar beet industry in Carbon County, Montana during the 1930s; and his service in Italy during World War II. Interviewed by Sharon Thornburg, March 13-14, 1983, Billings, MT.
William Shaw discusses coal mining and the early history of the Lodge Grass are in Southeast, Montana. Interviewed by Sharon Thornburg, March 28, 1983, Lodge Grass, MT.
Leonard Lutgen, a Rapelje, Montana resident, discusses farming in Stillwater County from the 1910s to the 1940s, and the community of Wheat Basin. Interviewed by Sharon Thornburg, March 14, 1983, Rapelje, MT.
William Glancy (1899-1985) discusses the Smith Mine disaster in Bearcreek, Montana in 1943 and his participation in the rescue operations; coal mining in the Roundup area and his involvement in the United Mine Workers. Interviewed by Ken Karsmizki, September 28, 1983, Roundup, MT.
Elsa Byron (b. 1896) discusses the Spears Brothers Ranch in Big Horn County, Montana from 1890 to 1920. Interviewed by Margot Liberty, March 10, 1983, Sheridan, WY.
William Cotter (b. 1904) discusses his ranching operation in Phillips County, Montana; impact of Taylor Grazing Act; and participating in the Malta Homesteads Project on the Milk River from the 1920s to the 1950s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 27, 1983, Malta, MT.
Susie Clarke Huston (1890-1985) discusses her experiences homesteading, teaching, and sheep ranching in northern Garfield County, Montana 1914 to the 1960s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 23, 1983, Jordan, MT.
Dr. Brownlow Farrand (1898-1994) discusses his medical internship at the Miles City, Montana hospital in 1924, his career as the lone physician in Jordan and Garfield counties from 1925 until 1980, and his work to establish a blood bank and hospital at Jordan. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 23, 1983, Jordan, MT.
Stephen Weber (1890-1991) discusses homesteading north of Nashua, Montana during the 1910s and 1920s; his work as Valley County treasurer during the 1930s; and his involvement with the Farmers' Union and the Glasgow school board. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 25, 1983, Glasgow, MT.
Fred Armstrong, (b. 1909), reminisces about Fort Peck, Montana, and his work as a brakeman for the Great Northern Railroad, Glasgow to Whitefish from 1929 to the 1970s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 26, 1983, Fort Peck, MT.
Perle Bailey (b. 1907) discusses his work as a laborer and conductor for the Great Northern Railroad on the Glasgow, Montana, to Williston, North Dakota line from 1926 to 1969. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 26, 1983, Glasgow, MT.
Myrtle Roundtree (b. 1905) discusses her work sewing sacks at the Ideal Cement Company plant in Trident, Montana during World War II; family life; disillusionment with farming; and raising turkeys. Interviewed by Penelope Loucas, May 2, 1983, Manhattan, MT.
Ralph Carroll (1910-1975) discusses his work for the Ideal Cement Co., as a repairman, miller, and laboratory analyst from the 1930s to the 1970s. He also discusses plant operations, safety conditions, personalities, and the United Cement and Gypsum Workers Union. Interviewed by Penelope Loucas, March 28, 1983, Manhattan, MT.
George Oyler (1910-1988) discusses his work as a shovel operator at the quarry of the Ideal Cement Company in Trident, Montana; and plant operations and management. Helen Oyler (1913-1995) discusses the community of Trident. Interviewed by Penelope Loucas, April 29, 1983, Manhattan, MT.
Simon "Sam" Johnson (1884-1985) of Manhattan, Montana, discusses his work for the Ideal Cement Company in Trident from the 1920s to the 1960s. He also discusses farming in Gallatin County from 1919 to the 1930s, and the communities of Logan and Trident. Interviewed by Penelope Loucas, May 4, 1983, Manhattan, MT.
Minda McAnnally (b. 1898) discusses her work as a telegraph operator for the Northern Pacific Railroad in eastern Montana and in Richardson, North Dakota from 1917 to 1920. She includes a description of the working and living conditions of women operators during World War I. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 24, 1983, Glendive, MT.
Birdie Lower (1919-1995) discusses her work as an oiler in the cooler of the Ideal Cement Plant in Trident, Montana, during World War II. She also describes her childhood in Willow Creek in the 1930s. Interviewed by Penelope Loucas, May 11, 1983, Willow Creek, MT.
John Tinjum (b. 1913) discusses his work for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s, and his work for the Ideal Cement Company in Trident, Montana from 1935 to 1975. Interviewed by Penelope Loucas, May 12, 1983, Three Forks, MT.
Georgie Wellhouser (1916-1993) describes Trident, Montana from 1925 to 1940; its neighborhoods and personalities; and the Trident Cement Company. Interviewed by Penelope Loucas, May 12, 1983, Manhattan, MT.
Edna Gillespie (1908-2001) describes operating a Trident, Montana, hotel and boarding house with her mother, Eva Lena Burrell Olsen, in the 1920s; and the towns of Trident and Logan from the 1920s to the 1940s. Interviewed by Penelope Loucas, May 12, 1983, Three Forks, MT.
Pearl D. Johnson discusses her experiences farming and ranching north of Frazer, Montana, 1910 to 1947. Interviewed by Diane Sands, June 9, 1982, Frazer, MT.
Nola B. Holtberg of Glasgow, Montana describes her work at the Frazer Hotel (1920s), housework, and her involvement in the community (1920s-1940s). Interviewed by Diane Sands, July 9, 1982, Glasgow, MT.
Joe Dobravec (b. 1913) discusses his work as a logger in Sanders County, Montana from the 1920s to the 1940s; his work for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s; and his work as a logger and small rancher in northwest Montana. Interviewed by Diane Sands, May 31, 1983, Noxon, MT.
Nina Burkett (1893-1990), a Trident, Montana resident, discusses her husband A.P. Burkett, and his work as a chemist for the Ideal Cement Company in Trident from 1917 to 1957. She also provides detailed information on the town of Trident, the company, and the relationships between employees and management. Interviewed by Penelope Loucas, May 20, 1983, Trident, MT.
Carroll Watson (1912-1996) discusses homesteading and farming near Cardwell, Montana from 1915 through the 1950s; the technological developments in farm machinery; the Depression of the 1930s; and raising and breaking horses. Interviewed by Penelope Loucas, May 25, 1983, Cardwell, MT.
James Nelson, Jr. discusses his work as a mechanic for the Ideal Cement Company at Trident, Montana during the 1940s; his father James Nelson, Sr.'s work for the company; and the community of Trident. Interviewed by Penelope Loucas, May 24, 1983, Helena, MT.
Edwin Bellach, (b. 1910) a Three Forks, Montana, resident discusses his dynamite-drilling work for the Ideal Cement Company quarry in Trident, Montana, in the 1920s. He also describes the plumbing business, the bootlegging of liquor during Prohibition, bridge construction work, and other jobs he held in the Three Forks-Trident area. Interviewed by Penelope Loucas, May 27, 1983, Three Forks, Mont.
Bill Blakely, (b. 1912) a Three Forks, Montana resident, discusses his work (1940s-1960s) as a chemist in the laboratory of the Ideal Cement Company plant in Trident, Montana. He also discusses his involvement in the United Cement, Lime, and Gypsum Workers Union and his earlier work as a ranch hand. Interviewed by Penelope Loucas, May 27, 1983, Three Forks, MT.
Four Souls, (1907-1984) a member of the Cree tribe, discusses his life on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation from 1915 to 1939; and his trip to Rapid City, South Dakota to attend the Northwest Plains Conference in 1934. Interviewed by Angela Thompson, April 20 and May 3, 1983, Box Elder, MT.
James Gopher (1902-1984) describes his life as a Cree Indian living and working in northern Montana, and the efforts of the Cree to establish a reservation. [Recorded in Cree language.] Interviewed by Nadine Morsette, May 25, 1983, Box Elder, MT.
William Denny, Sr., (1911-1989) discusses the establishment of the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation; and educational and work opportunities for the Cree Indians from 1920 to 1950. [Recorded in Cree]. Interviewed by Nadine Morsette, March 14, 1983, Box Elder, MT.
Reverend Schuyler Del Camp (1900-1992) discusses his work as a field foreman for the Campbell Farming Corporation, Hardin, Montana from 1929 to 1941. He also describes Tom Campbell and the farm corporation's operations. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 7, 1983, Custer, MT.
Louis LaRoche (b. 1906) describes his work as deputy treasurer of Daniels and Dawson counties, Montana during the 1930s; and his abstract business in Malta from 1940 to 1965. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 8, 1983, Billings, MT.
J.S. Cornelio (1904-1990) describes Red Lodge, Montana, from 1900 to 1933, his work for the Cornelio family bootlegging business during Prohibition, the Iris Theater from 1919 to 1933, and driving a bus for Yellowstone National Park during the 1930s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 9 1983, Billings, Mont.
Kenneth Davis (b. 1909) describes the Kevin-Sunburst, Montana oil boom during the 1920s; establishment and operation of the Cut Bank Refinery in the 1930s; and his work for the Husky Oil Company. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 9, 1983, Billings, MT.
Anita Watson (b. 1908) discusses her youth in Butte, MT. during the 1920s. Marshall Watson (b. 1910) discusses ranch work in Blaine County and in Idaho; and his work as a ditch rider on the Milk River Irrigation Project during the 1930s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 21, 1983, Corvallis, OR.
Max McKee (1905-1990) discusses his work as a bacteriologist at the Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Hamilton, Montana from 1932 to 1964; and his earlier work in northern Idaho logging camps during the 1920s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 21, 1983, Corvallis, MT.
Bud Moore (b. 1917) discusses his work for the U.S. Forest Service as a ranger on the Powell District and on fire control duty; trapping in the northern Bitterroot Mountain during the 1920s and 1930s; and logging for the Anaconda Company. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 23, 1983, Condon, MT.
Paul Rossignol (b. 1904) describes logging in Montana and Idaho from the 1920s to the 1960s; and his father, Paul Rossignol's lumber mill near Lolo. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 24, 1983, Lolo, MT.
Lee Hames, a Lolo, Montana resident, discusses his work as a lumberjack in Missoula County, Montana, from the 1930s to the 1940s; and describes in detail Anaconda Company logging camps. He also describes the life of a lumberjack, working horse teams, and his experiences trucking for rodeo tours during the 1950s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 21, 1983, Lolo, MT.
Lisle Scanland (b. 1903) discusses his work as a miner in Butte, Montana, during the 1920s; working for Hansen's Packing Company in Butte during the early 1930s; and raising fruit and stock near Corvallis from 1935 through the 1960s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 22, 1983, Corvallis, OR.
Wilbur McKinney (b. 1908) discusses his work for the U.S. Weather Service in Great Falls, Kalispell, and Helena, Montana, from 1940 to 1968, including the bureau's relationship with agriculture, the impact of World War II, and predicting weather in Montana. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 25, 1983, Helena, MT.
Edna McCann (1902-1989) discusses her family's homestead in Trout Creek, Montana; trapping; childhood chores; the forest fire of 1910; berry picking; World War I volunteer work; prospecting. Interviewed by Diane Sands, May 5, 1983, Trout Creek, MT.
Joe Garrison (1887-1983) describes horse ranching and logging in Sanders County, Montana from 1910 to 1940. Interviewed by Diane Sands, May 30, 1983, Plains, MT.
Robert "Sandy" Hileman (1915-1987) of Libby, Montana, discusses his career as a professional forester for the J. Neils Lumber Company (1939-1970). He also discusses logging operations in northwestern Montana (1940s-1960s), forest policies, and typical logging camps. Interviewed by Diane Sands, June 6, 1983, Libby, MT.
Melvin Hoy (1906-1992) of Thompson Falls, Montana, discusses the organization of the Lumber and Sawmill Workers' Union in Sanders County and his work as a union official in the 1940s. He also discusses his work as a trimmer for Brown Brothers sawmill in Thompson Falls. Interviewed by Diane Sands, May 7, 1983, Libby, MT.
John Harker (1918-1999) ranched in Sanders County, Montana in the 1920s and worked for a sawmill at Heron in the 1950s. He recalls his work in these two occupations. Interviewed by Diane Sands, June 6, 1983, Heron, MT.
Wilbert Harrer (b. 1901-c. 1986) of Helena, Montana was known as "Mr. Angus." He discusses his career ranching and promoting Angus cattle from 1923 to 1978. He also describes his involvement with the Montana Dairyman's Association and the Montana Angus Association, his efforts to improve purebred Angus herds in Montana, and annual cattle sales at the Green Meadow Ranch in the Helena Valley. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, July 12 and 19, 1983, Helena, MT.
Jack Parrish (b. 1923) discusses his logging work for the J. Neils Lumber Company's Rexford, Montana, division from 1948 through the 1970s; his duties as mayor of Rexford; and his opposition to construction of the Libby Dam. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, August 4, 1983, Rexford, MT.
Bert Wilke (1893-1984) discusses logging work in Lincoln County, Montana, from 1910 to the 1940s; horse packing and fighting fires for the U.S. Forest Service from 1910 to 1958; the last river drives in the early 1920s; and his involvement with the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, August 26, 1983, Fortine, MT.
Walter Schurch (b. 1894) discusses his operation of a dairy farm near Deer Lodge, Montana, 1910 to 1945. Interviewed by Lois McDonald, August 23, 1983, Deer Lodge, MT.
Albert Hendrickson (1912-1986) discusses his family's Finnish background; his childhood and life at Southern Cross, Montana; and mining at Granite, Southern Cross, and Norris. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 15, 1983, Helena, MT.
Nola Sloan (b. 1893) describes her childhood in Troy, Montana, 1901-1923; teaching school in Lincoln County in the early 1920s; and her participation in community activities and organizations since the 1940s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 20, 1983, Troy, MT.
Leonard Sheffield (1899-1904) describes his post-World War I work in the J. Neils Company sawmill in Libby, Montana; his work as a carpenter; the organization of the local Carpenters' Union; and illegal trapping activities in Lincoln county forests. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 20, 1983, Libby, MT.
Mark Buckley (b. 1903) and Petrena Buckley (1905) discuss ranching and teaching in Prairie County, Montana from the 1910s to the 1930s. They also discuss operating a store-post office-dance hall in Marion, Montana from the 1940s to the 1950s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 17, 1983, Kalispell, MT.
John Mittal (b. 1907) discusses his work as a miner for various coal companies in Cascade County, Montana from 1928 through the 1950s; including descriptions of various mines, the community of Sand Coulee, and his work with the local United Mine Workers union. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, October 20, 1983, Sand Coulee, MT.
Daniel Hilger (1908-1986), Bryan Hilger (b. 1913) and Amelia F. "Babe" Hilger (1918-1996) discuss the history and operation of the Hilger Ranch north of Helena, Montana. They also discuss the introduction of purebred Hereford cattle to their herd and changing haying and irrigation methods. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, November 8, 1983, Helena, MT.
Maurice Palmer (1904-1990) discusses the operation of the Palmer sawmill in Lincoln County, Montana from 1913 through the 1950s; the Eureka Lumber Company mill in Eureka during the 1920s; and the activities of the local Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) union. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, November 14, 1983, Trego, MT.
Albert Schlichtig (b. 1899) describes working on a section crew for the Northern Pacific Railroad in Harrison, Montana from the 1920s to the 1960s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 7, 1984, Harrison, MT.
Olive Hellickson (b. 1910) discusses her work as a teacher in North Dakota in the 1930s and at St. Regis, Montana in the 1960s. She also describes ranching in Daniels County from 1939 to 1960. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, February 28, 1984, Choteau, MT.
Dorothy Floerchinger (b. 1901) discusses farming in Pondera County, Montana from 1913 to the 1950s, her participation in the Farmer's Union; the role of women in developing communities; and the importance of organizations such as Home Demonstration, Conrad's Women's Club, and the Farmer's Union Cooperatives. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 10, 1984, Conrad, MT.
Robert Corbett (1918-1994) describes in detail the Anaconda Company mining operations in Butte, Montana; his work as an engineer from 1940 to 1978; the evolution of open-pit mining in Butte; the 1977 Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) purchase; and labor relations including the 1934, 1946, and 1967 strikes. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 17, 1984, Butte, MT.
Jessie Mola (b. 1908) describes the mining town of Marysville, Montana from 1917 to 1945; her work as Marysville postmistress from 1931 to 1944; and her work as a telephone operator in Helena during the 1920s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, April 25, 1984, Helena, MT.
Rosalind Harper (1902-1987) operated the Harper Logging Company of Missoula, Montana with her husband Leland Harper from 1921 to 1958. She discusses the logging operation, camp life, cooking for lumberjacks, and mechanization. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, June 1, 1984, Billings, MT.
Arthur Whitney (1911-1999) discusses his work as a U.S. Forest Service ranger in the Flathead National Forest from 1931 through the 1960s; his memories of Bigfork, Montana; the Flathead Lake steamboats; and the local forest products industry. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, August 31, 1984, Bigfork, MT.
Abigail Mitton (b. 1889) discusses living in the Flathead Valley from 1900 to 1922 including her work for the J.C. Penney store in Kalispell, Montana during the 1910s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 5, 1984, Kalispell, MT.
Oliver Nelson (b. 1914) discusses his years logging for various lumber companies in western Montana and Salmon, Idaho from the 1930s to the 1960s. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, September 5, 1985, Missoula, MT.
Margaret Gee (b. 1900) discusses her youth on a Gallatin County, Montana farm from 1905 until 1920 with particular emphasis on family relations, schooling, work, and the 1918 Flu epidemic. Interviewed by Jackie Day, August 2, 1984, Belgrade, MT.
Bob Cooney (b. 1909) discusses his childhood on a ranch now flooded by the Canyon Ferry Dam north of Helena, Montana; his artist mother, Fanny Young Cory Cooney; and his years working for the Montana Department of Fish and Game including his work in the recreation and parks division. Interviewed by Patricia Borneman, June 24, 1986, Helena, MT.
Cecelia Lyonais Barnhart and Floyd Barnhart discuss the community of Columbia Falls, Montana since 1947. Floyd describes work at Plum Creek Lumber Company. Cecelia describes work with a local 4-H club and St. Richard's Catholic Church. Interviewed by Laurie Mercier, November 18, 1983, Jordan, MT.
In this interview Tom Glennie and Sheena Glennie discuss his grandfather's arrival in Montana in 1903 from Scotland to work on sheep ranch (see Wheatland County History for genealogy); their experiences as sheep ranchers in the Judith Gap area; trailing sheep in bad weather up to Shawmut; changes in grazing on public lands; Tom's work as county extension agent; formation of current Glennie Ranch from various family holdings and neighbor lands; and the effects of sheep imports. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, September 9, 2003, Judith Gap, MT.
In this interview Ralph Dreyer discusses his parent's immigration from Norway in 1905 to Pete Dryer (cousin) Ranch near Glendive; development of family sheep ranch near Red Rock Creek; describes difficult winters his father faced starting out in 1910s and 19teens; his own experiences as a sheep rancher in Glasgow area; impact of World War I and World War II on wool and lamb industry; and his work for the Montana Wool Grower's Association, serving as director and president from 1960s to 1980s. Ruth Dreyer, wife of Ralph, also discusses her family background and life in Glasgow. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 14, 2003, Glasgow, MT.
In this interview Fred Itcaina discusses his uncles immigration from France to settle near Timber Creek to work on sheep ranches; his own immigration to Malta area in 1949; experiences as a sheep herder and rancher for his Uncle Pete Itcaina area from 1949 to date; his Basque heritage; and sings two songs in his native language showing his Basque heritage. Interview includes discussion with John Sallaberry, also a sheep rancher in Dodson area of Basque heritage who came to Malta in 1952 to work for Pete Itcaina as sheep herder. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 13, 2003, Dodson, MT.
In this interview John Baucus (1949) and Nina Sherriff Baucus discusses the development of the family ranch, the Sieben Ranch (approximately 16 miles north of Helena) which is one of the earliest and most extensive sheep ranches in Montana; Henry Sieben's consolidation of various homesteads and ranches; Hibbard family history; changes in family business over time; John's recollections of life on ranch and in Helena from 1950s to present. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, September 3, 2003, Wolf Creek, MT.
In this interview Arthur Lammers discusses his family moving from South Dakota in 1911 to homestead in Shawmut area; his own experiences in sheep ranching in the Shawmut Area; history of the Careless Creek Ranch from 1941 to present; work for local agricultural station. Esther White Lammers discusses her family coming to Montana when she was quite young (1916) from Minnesota; and her marriage to Arthur Lammers in 1941. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, September 8, 2003, Shawmut, MT.
In this interview Everett Shuey discusses his parent's arrival in Montana in 1913 from Kansas to homestead in Sanders area; experiences working as a ranch hand, for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wool Program, as the secretary of Montana Wool Grower's Association (1947-1969); attending college at Montana State University in 1930s and 1940s; military service during WWII as marine; work on 1954 Wool Act; and overall view of wool growing industry. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, September 12, 2003,Butte, MT.
In this interview Dave Kasten discusses his experiences as a rancher and as a Representative in Montana legislator for Brockway area; he describes establishing a ranch of his own from small investment purchasing and selling ewes and doing odd jobs; his acquiring the Bob Fudge homestead (foreman of XIT ranch) in 1963; and his family's history as homesteaders near Terry; later they were in cattle ranching in McCone County. Also includes discussion with Elmo Dryer who grew up in the area and worked in a sheep ranching family for most of his life. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, September 11, 2003, Brockway, MT.
In this interview Lui Salina (1915) discusses his father's immigration to Montana in 1913 from Northern Italy to work in Smelter in Great Falls; growing up in Great Falls as child who spoke only Italian; traveling to Italy; work as fur buyer; work in sheep ranching including sheep herding, and being a wool buyer for Beckman's Lamb and Wool; and his Basque family heritage. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 12, 2003, Great Falls, MT.
In this interview Charles McRae (1922) discusses his father's immigration from Scotland to work sheep in Custer County in 1914; family background working with sheep; his mother's immigration from Scotland; getting established in sheep raising on homestead; arrival in Jordan area in 1929; experiences as a sheep rancher in Jordan area; establishing the Big Dry Angus Ranch; his family history in the area; and his Scottish heritage. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 10, 2003, Jordan, MT.
In this interview Wilbur Gilbert (1914) families arrival in Montana in 1864 (grandfather came to Bannack to mine); relates stories of vigilantes in Bannack in particular dealing with Wilbur F. Sanders a good friend of his grandfather; grandfather and father were both in sheep business; his experiences in law school at University of Montana; family ownership of Larabie Ranch (now owned by Ted Turner); and his experiences as a sheep rancher in the Dillon area. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, Sept. 17, 2003, Dillon, MT.
In this interview Bill Lehfeldt (1922) describes how his family came to live in the Lavina area in 1890s; the family ranch was the original homestead of Charlie Bair; his own childhood in Lavina; childhood participation in sheep operations; study of mining engineering; his service in World War II; his work in sustaining wool growing; various land he leases for grazing; and work to promote use of sheep and wool today (includes control of leafy spurge). Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 17, 2003, Lavina, MT.
In this interview Jim Drummond Sr. discusses his father's immigration from Scotland bringing sheep to the United States; his coming to Montana in 1919; his father's work with show stock for Mount Hagen Sheep Ranch (part of Anaconda Mining Company holding until 1960s); description of life on ranch; his work in promoting legislation relating to sheep and wool growing; and experiences as superintendent of Wool Lab in Bozeman Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, 2003, Bozeman, MT.
In this interview Don Reiser (1924) discusses his family's move to Montana from Nebraska to run a cattle ranch in the Gallatin Gateway area in 1930s; discusses his experiences as a lamb buyer starting in the late 1950s; procedures in buying and selling wool and other lamb products; and changes in the wool market, especially in the last six years. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, Oct. 11, 2003, Billings, MT.
In this interview J.L. Van Horne (1913) discusses growing up in sheep ranching family in South Dakota; taking a position to work for Montana State University in Animal Science Department; his career studying sheep as animal and science researcher for Montana State University; research related primarily to nutrition for range sheep with some work in reproduction; helped to develop supplements that provide high protein to sheep. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, October 2003, Bozeman, MT.
In this interview William W. Hawkins discusses his experiences as a veterinarian and rancher near the community of Dillon, Montana. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, October 2003, MT.
Ed Smith (b. 1920) discusses his paternal grandfather's arrival in Montana in 1903; their homestead near Medicine Lake including heavy sheep losses in winter of 1908; maternal grandparent's homestead in Culbertson area; his youth in farming and sheep ranching family; Depression and his family and sheep ranching; thoughts about good stewardship of the land by farmers and ranchers from 1930s on; soil conservation efforts by locals, and extension service; government programs assisting farmers and ranchers in 1930s; consolidation of smaller ranches during Depression; conflicts between property and water rights, and environmentalism; taking over the ranch at 16 due to father's illness; changes in ranching operations over time; community of Dagmar; changes from sheep to farming in 1970s; and current challenges to ranching; and work with professional ranching organizations like the Stockgrower's and Woolgrower's Associations. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, October 1, 2003, Dagmar, MT.
Chase Hibbard discusses family ranching history in Great Falls and Helena area; his great grandfather Henry Sieben And Sieben Ranch and related companies; introduction of sheep into the Sieben brothers livestock holdings in late 1870s; separation of family assets with marriage of Sieben daughters; difficulties keeping the ranch going during World War II; establishment of Peter Nelson (ranch manager for many years) Foundation to promote agriculture; his father and mother's running of the family holdings from 1949; his own experiences working on ranch; learning how to run the family business; taking over the ranch in 1970s; and his career in banking and Montana politics. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, October 23, 2003, Helena, MT.
Peter Pauly (b. 1934) discusses his Basque heritage; his grandfather's arrival in Montana in 1889; coming to Deer Lodge area to work for the C.H. Williams ranch; formation of the Williams and Pauly Sheep Ranch ca1900; his recollections of mining and water rights, shearing operations, lambing, sheep herders, predators, grazing, veterinary care, wool subsidy programs; selling out the operation in 1963; and going to law school and practicing law in Helena from 1960s on. Interviewed by Paul Verdon, January 27, 2004, Helena, MT.