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Fergus Electric Cooperative oral histories, 1985-2025

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Fergus Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Title
Fergus Electric Cooperative oral histories
Dates
1985-2025 (inclusive)
Quantity
0.2 linear feet
1 web archive
Collection Number
2419, Collection 2419 (collection)
Summary
The Fergus Electric Cooperative Oral Histories consists of original audiocassette recordings and typed transcriptions of these interviews were done at the request of the Fergus Electric Cooperative for the 50th year of their cooperative to be celebrated in 1988. The interviewees described the development of the organization from the standpoint of public education, physical construction, and the political maneuvering necessary for success.
Repository
Montana State University Library, Merrill G. Burlingame Special Collections
Montana State University-Bozeman Library
Merrill G Burlingame Special Collections
P.O. Box 173320
Bozeman, MT
59717-3320
Telephone: 4069944242
Fax: 4069942851
Access Restrictions

This collection is open for research.

Languages
Collection materials are in English
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Historical Note

As part of the national effort to bring electric power to American rural communities during the Great Depression, the Glengarry Community in Fergus County approached Montana Extension Service Agent H. Ralph Stucky about federal support for rural electrification in 1936. By June 20, 1938 there was sufficient organization and interest for an application to Washington D.C. for approval of a rural electric association. The Fergus County Cooperative was formed by 1939, one of its founding members being T.C. Carter who served as a director. Work continued with the Extension Service to educate rural peoples on proper usage of electricity, including Home Demonstration Agent Marion Moline during the 1940s. An initial power line spanning eighty-eight miles in 1938 expanded to service 3,778 miles by 1986. A number of citizens served as directors and board members during the organization's development, including Paul D. Hodge who served from 1951 through 1981, and Richard Peck, the general manager of the cooperative from 1978 to 1986.

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Content Description

Original audiocassette recordings and typed transcriptions of these interviews were done at the request of the Fergus Electric Cooperative for the 50th year of their cooperative to be celebrated in 1988. The collection consists of five oral history interviews conducted by Anna Zellick or Richard Peck, Fergus Electric Cooperative general manager in 1985 and 1986. The first interview with H. Ralph Stucky was done on July 15, 1985 with Anna Zellick. Later that same day, Zellick interviewed both men. The third interview was conducted by Richard Peck with Paul D. Hodge at an undetermined date. Several different transcriptions have been included with this interview since it does not appear to have been finalized after proofing. The fourth interview was conducted by Anna Zellick with Clark Carter, a construction worker and son of the first director T. C. Carter, on November 18, 1985. Zellick also conducted the final interview in this collection with Marion Moline, former Home Demonstration Agent, on June 3, 1986. The interviewees described the development of the organization from the standpoint of public education, physical construction, and the political maneuvering necessary for success. In addition to the transcripts and audiocassettes, the collection includes correspondence documenting the interview process and general history of the Fergus Electric Cooperative. A web archive begins in 2020.

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Use of the Collection

Preferred Citation

[Creator Name], [Date of Creation], [Brief Description of Object], Folder [#], Box [#], [Collection Name], [Collection #], Montana State University (MSU) Library, Bozeman, MT

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Administrative Information

Acquisition Information

Original oral history interviews commissioned by the Fergus Electric Cooperative of Lewistown, Montana were donated to Montana State University by Anna Zellick on December 12, 2000.

Processing Note

This collection was processed 2018 November 5

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Detailed Description of the Collection

  • Description: H. Ralph Stucky
    Container: Box 1, Folder 1, Box 1, Cassette 1
  • Description: H. Ralph Stucky and Richard Peck
    Container: Box 1, Folder 2, Box 1, Cassette 2A, 2B
  • Description: Paul D. Hodge
    Container: Box 1, Folder 3, Box 1, Cassette 3A, 3B
  • Description: Clark Carter
    Container: Box 1, Folder 4, Box 1, Cassette 4
  • Description: Marian Moline
    Container: Box 1, Folder 5, Box 1, Cassette 5
  • Description: Project correspondence
    Container: Box 1, Folder 6
  • Description: Fergus Cooperative History notes
    Container: Box 1, Folder 7
  • Description: Web Archive
    Dates: 2020-2025

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Business
  • Oral history

Geographical Names

  • Montana

Form or Genre Terms

  • Oral histories
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