Weber State College History

Weber State College Medal

The Weber State College Oral History Program was created in the early 1970s to "record and document, through personal reminiscences, the history, growth and development of Weber State College." Through interviews with administrators, faculty and students, the program's goal was to expand the documentary holdings on Weber State College and its predecessor entities. From 1970 to 1976, the program conducted some fifteen interviews, under the direction of, and generally conducted by Harold C. Bateman, an emeritus professor of history. In 1979, under the direction of archivist John R. Sillito, the program was reestablished and six interviews were conducted between 1979 and 1983. Additional interviews were conducted by members of the Weber State Community.

J. Bracken Lee discusses his time spent as Governor of Utah, mayor of Price, and mayor of Salt Lake City. The interview took place on October 12, 1971.

Joe McCune discusses his involvement in the early professional history of baseball in Ogden, Utah, during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. The interview took place circa 1970s.

William Miller discusses his experiences as president of Weber State College from 1953 to 1971. The interview took place on January 28, 1971.

Leland Monson shares his memories as a student at Weber College from 1922 to 1924, and as a faculty member from 1926 to 1968 during which time the institution had become Weber State College. Monson describes his involvement with debate, civic affairs, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Roland Parry discusses his time at Weber State College as faculty from 1930 to 1965, and being the "Composer in Residence" of Music. The interview took place in 1973.

Lucile Parry Peterson recounts serving as secretary to President Tracy of Weber College from 1924 to 1932, and serving as secretary to the Board of Trustees, the Associated Students, and the Alumni Association during parts of that time. She reminisces on President Tracy's leadership, and the struggle to free the Weber Stake Academy from LDS Church control so it could grow as a state-sponsored school. She also discusses faculty members, community events, and the Great Depression. The interview took place on April 15, 1980.

Joel Ricks, president of Weber Normal College from 1920 to 1922, discusses his memories of campus and the community. The interview took place on December 22, 1970.

LaDona Gammell Russell discusses her experiences at Weber State College from 1945 to 1947. She recounts her involvement with the Institute, Associated Women's Students, Musettes, Social Committee, Whip Club, and Otyokwa. The interview took place on October 10, 2013.

Reed Swenson served as Weber College Athletic Director from 1933 to 1971. He discusses his memories of campus, the Big Sky Conference, and sports rivalries. The interview took place on March 9, 1971.

Reed Swenson shares his memories of serving as Weber College Athletic Director from 1933 to 1971. He discusses the advancements of athletic programs, and coordinating newspaper coverage of events with the Standard-Examiner. The interview took place on April 16, 1976.