Great Depression in Weber County

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The Great Depression in Weber County, Utah, is an Oral History Project by Mack S. Taft for completion of his Master’s Thesis at Utah State University during the summer of 1969. The forty-five interviews address the Great Depression through the eyes of individuals in several different occupations including: Bankers, Laborers, Railroad Workers, Attorneys, Farmers, Educators, Businessmen, Community and Church Leaders, Housewives, Children and Physicians. All of these individuals lived in Weber County from 1929 to 1941. The interviews were based on what they remembered about the depression, how they felt about those events and how it affected their life then and now.

Vernon L. Ward discusses going into practice in the 1920s and practicing obstetrics throughout the Depression. He discusses medical care, finances, and the closing of the Ogden State Bank. The interview took place circa 1960s.

George Alvey Weatherspoon talks about crime and bootlegging during Prohibition and the Depression. The interview took place circa 1960s.

Hyrum B. Wheelwright recalls his experiences in the lumber business and in an LDS bishopric during the Depression. He also talks about government policies and Marriner Eccles. The interview took place circa 1960s.

Columbus Whipple describes his experiences during the Depression. He worked for the Coastal Transportation Service, or the Railway Mail Service, and was not especially affected by the Depression. He mentions the organization of the LDS welfare program and its aid to some members of his ward. The interview took place circa 1960s.

Amanda Widdison describes the hardship of being a widow with nine children during the Depression. Her son was able to take over her husband's mail route to support the family. She discusses the garden, chicken, cows, and pigs they had to supplement the food supply, and briefly describes holidays and LDS ward and community entertainment. The interview took place circa 1960s.

David J. Wilson discusses his experiences practicing law in Weber County during WWII, and the Depression. The interview took place circa 1960s.

Raymond S. Wright discusses his experiences as an LDS bishop and as an employee in the engineering department of the Southern Pacific Railroad during the Depression. He describes helping needy people, ward programs to provide employment, food, and clothing, and efforts at the railroad to keep people employed. The interview took place circa 1960s.