Weber County (Utah)

Zina Cottle relates her experiences as the wife of a farmer during the Depression, raising food, sewing clothing, and enjoying celebrations with the Hooper Band. The interview took place circa 1960s.

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.

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.

Dr. Clyde Winslow Fields discusses the difficulties of setting up a dental practice during the Depression, including working in the Eccles (First Security Bank) building, caring for some of the Eccles family, and the closure of the Ogden State Bank. He recalls dealing with bootleggers and sexual harassment, and professional jealousy within the medical, dental, and law professions. He also talks about vice on 25th Street including prostitution. The interview took place circa 1960s.

Wilford G. Fowers discusses his education at the Weber College, working for Cal Pack, and later for the Tanner Clothing Company. He talks about the low wages and hardships of the Depression and entering the military. The interview took place circa 1960s.

Frank Francis Jr. talks about his experiences working in the Ogden State Bank at the time of the Depression and the reasons for the bank closure. He discusses the importance of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which began as an outcome of the Depression. He also talks about the need to repossess and foreclose on loans due to nonpayment. As a musician during that time, he talks about studying under Red Nichols’ father, playing at the White City ballroom, etc. The interview took place circa 1960s.

Weber County Commissioner George T. Frost discusses going into the automobile business and becoming a mail carrier during the Depression. He also talks about various federal programs, and the need to economize. The interview took place circa 1960s.

Dr. W. Glen Garner discusses his involvement in the Weber County Health Department, and the presence of prostitution on 25th Street and its effect on public health. The interview took place on May 20, 1972.

W. Earl Garr discusses the closing of the Ogden State Bank, bank runs in Weber County, and the federal bank holiday declared by President Roosevelt. The interview took place circa 1960s.