Business at the Crossroads

Building at the Crossraods

Business at the Crossroads - Ogden City, is a project to collect oral histories related to changes in the Ogden business district since World War II.  From the 1870s to World War II, Ogden was a major railroad town and shipping and commerce hub.  After World War II, the railroad business declined, but some government agencies and business related to the defense industry continued to gravitate to Ogden.

David Aoki discusses his experience with owning Dave's Barber Shop on 25th Street in Ogden. He was the first Japanese business owner to obtain a license during World War II, and he mentions his loaning of money to criminals during the 1940s for robbery protection. The interview took place on October 22, 2013.

L.G. Bingham discusses his work as a lawyer representing criminals and capital murder cases, and his time teaching at police academies. He shares his memories of Ogden and 25th Street, including the presence of prostitution and gambling, and discusses his time at Weber State University as a lecturer and professor in criminal justice. The interview took place on August 5, 2013.

Lue Birch discusses his knowledge of 25th Street. He describes joining the police force in 1949, and his experiences with hustlers, Madames, and the other officers. The interview took place on July 16, 2013. 

Evart Bradley discusses his time in the Navy, his memories of Ogden and 25th Street, and his open mic experience at Wiseguys Comedy Club. The interview took place on July 29, 2013.

Kym Buttschardt, the owner of Roosters Brewing Company and Restaurant, discusses her experience as a business owner in Ogden and Layton, including the rewards and challenges of running a business on historic 25th Street. The interview took place on September 26, 2013.

Audrey Collman, the owner of Li'l Audrey's Health Spa in Ogden, discusses her experience as a business owner, and her beliefs on health, education, and staying young. The interview took place on November 22, 2013.

Ralph Crandall relates his experiences with Ogden and 25th Street. He mentions his paper route downtown, the Broom Hotel, locomotives, and his military experience. The interview took place on September 30, 2013.

 

DeLoss Eggleston discusses his experiences with 25th Street and his memories of Ogden. He talks of his career as an educator and his involvement with the National Organization for Driver Education. The interview took place on September 17, 2013.

Floyd Fletcher discusses his experiences on 25th Street, his memories of Ogden and Snowbasin, his time in the service, and his work at the Union Depot. He also shares his memories of his father's furniture store in downtown Ogden during the Depression. The interview took place on September 26, 2013.

Don Garside shares his memories of Ogden and 25th Street, including his father's time spent as a downtown patrolman and on the youth bureau. Garside discusses the presence of prostitution and segregation on 25th Street. The interview took place on August 8, 2013.