Weber County (Utah)

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.

Matthew Godfrey shares his experiences of attending Weber State University, including earning a master's degree in accounting and being an All-American on the track team. He shares stories of his life growing up and living in North Ogden, as well as his education and serving as Ogden’s Mayor. He reflects on his time running for mayor and discusses some of the major economic and development projects he worked on in his several terms after elected to beautify Ogden City. The interview took place on November 21, 2011.

Edward Joseph Hancock discusses working for the Southern Pacific Railroad during the Depression, building the LDS Fourth Ward with volunteer labor, and the building of the North Canyon Road and the El Monte Golf Course. He also talks about entertainment during the Depression. The interview took place circa 1960s.

Willis Hipwell and Mrs. Hipwell describe life during the Depression, including Willis Hipwell working in a CC camp, Mrs. Hipwell substitute teaching, and farming potatoes and sugar beets. Flood control around Willard, the North Ogden Canyon road, and the bird refuge in Farmington are among the CCC projects described. The interview took place circa 1960s.

Author Val Holley discusses growing up in Utah as well as writing and music. He shares memories of experiences in law school. The interview took place on August 21, 2014.

Ira Huggins, a former state senator, describes practicing law and serving in the legislature during the Depression. He also discusses the overinvestment of the Ogden State Bank in agriculture and livestock, leading to its close. The interview took place circa 1960s.

Dean W. Hurst shares his recollections of growing up in Ogden, Utah and his involvement with Weber State College. Dean’s involvement with Weber began as a student before being drafted into the military in February of 1945 and sent to Ft. Douglas where he was trained as a paratrooper assigned to the 517th Airborne. Following his military service, Dean returned to Weber State and became actively involved in the alumni association.

Virgil Cottle Jensen and his wife describe their financial struggles during the Depression. They talk about cutting wood in the canyon and trying to burn enough to keep their baby warm, trying to pay off debts, growing and canning fruits and vegetables. The interview took place circa 1960s.

Lewis Johnson shares stories from his personal life as well as his theories on relationships. The interview took place in July of 2010.

James Kamaya shares his experiences as an Army veteran. Drafted in 1951, James served in both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War and retired from the Army after twenty-one years of military service. The interview took place on March 12, 2013.