Weber and Davis County Communities

Ogden Buddhist Temple

The Weber and Davis County Communities Oral History Project includes interviews conducted by Weber State University faculty, staff, students. The interviews cover various topics including community service, city government, diversity, military service, personal everyday life experiences and other recollections regarding the history of the Weber and Davis County areas.

Edward Anderson discusses his early life before, during, and shortly after World War II. On December 21, 1943 Edward received his draft notice the day after his 18th birthday. Edward married his wife Floris on December 30, 1943 just before departing for military service. He continued to serve in the war until 1946, one year after the war ended. The interview took place on May 27, 2012.

H. DeWayne Ashmead, President and CEO of Albion Laboratories, Inc., shares stories about his life, including his childhood, his education, the history of Albion, Inc., his family, and his partnership with Weber State University. DeWayne discusses in detail his father and the history of the Albion minerals business. DeWayne also expands on his background in joining and developing the company. The interview took place on October 22 and 29 and November 26, 2012.

The following is an oral history interview with Haven J. Barlow (born 1922). Senator Barlow served forty-two years in the Utah State Legislature as a senator and representative, during which time he was a key sponsor of the bill that granted university status to Weber State. The interviews were conducted on August 16, August 23, September 6, and December 5, 2011, by Ruby Licona in order to gather Senator Barlow's personal history and recollections of his life and public service. Rebecca Ory-Hernandez was also present.

Edward (Ted) Boyle speaks of his early life growing up and attending school in Ogden, Utah and later graduating from Weber State University. He also discusses attending graduate school at the Thunderbird School of Management and his career in international banking. The interview took place on November 9, 2011.

Hazel Boyle describes her early years in Colombia, South America, and working with her husband to cultivate important business relationships in the international banking industry with Citigroup. The interview took place on November 11, 2011.

Diane Call shares her experiences with Weber State University. She graduated from Weber State University in 1983 and spent time working in the Women’s Career Center on campus. The interview took place on November 7, 2011.

Howard Charles Call shares details of his life and his experiences with Weber State University. Dr. Call worked as a dentist in Ogden, Utah for many years and served on several dentistry boards in the State of Utah before retiring. He was also instrumental in getting the Dental Hygiene Program started at Weber State University. The interview took place on November 7, 2011.

Ralph discusses his experiences as a Navy pilot during World War II. He served in the Navy from December 24, 1942 to December of 1945 earning the rank of Lieutenant and receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross award for his service. The interview took place on September 17, 2014.

Ezekiel R. Dumke, Jr. discusses his memories of his family and growing up in the Ogden area, and his time spent in the Navy during World War II in the South Pacific. Dumke attended Weber College for a short time in 1946. He was President of Western States Management and serves on many Boards of Directors, and named the Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions with his family. The interview took place on August 15, 2012.

Bettye Gillespie talks about her life and education, along with the life and activism within the NAACP of her husband, James Harding Gillespie. James Harding Gillespie was the chair of the Ogden, Utah NAACP chapter for over thirty years. Bettye joined “Jim” in his work as a civil rights leader. Bettye also speaks of attending Ogden High School, then continuing her education in politics and later at the University of Utah in the Human Resources Management master’s level program. Bettye served and retired as the first female Equal Opportunity Director at Hill Air Force Base.