Great Depression in Weber County

Burdie E. Childs and Mrs. Childs describe conditions in Ogden and in Riverdale during the Depression. They managed an apartment building that was eventually lost to the mortgage company, and they lost a little money with the closure of the Ogden State Bank. Burdie worked as a mailman for the railroad and was employed throughout the Depression. They recall helping out family members. Hobos frequented the freight lines but didn't come near the passenger lines, which Mr. Childs worked for. The interview took place circa 1960s.

Arch L. Christensen discusses working as a county agent in Weber County during the Depression, agricultural products and prices, and family patterns. The interview took place circa 1960s.

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.

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.

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.

Byron Geslison discusses Icelanders coming to Spanish Fork, as well as religion and Icelandic history. The interview took place on September 5, 1972.

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.