Weber County (Utah)

Dr. Rich discusses the difficulties of running a medical practice during the Depression. The interview took place circa 1960s.

Richard Richards discusses his early life growing up in Ogden, his family, education, political career, and devotion to Weber State University. Richards, a WSU alum, attorney, author, and Republican Party National Committee Chairman, endowed the Richard Richards Institute of Politics and Ethics and currently serves on the board. The interview took place on August 7 and 13, and September 24, 2012.

Amos Richardson describes his experiences prospering in the agricultural seed business during the Depression and observing the difficulties of many of those around him. He also talks about the help the LDS Church gave to members, especially those who were hospitalized and couldn’t pay the bill. He discusses prices, credit, and wages in some detail. He also recalls a theater giving away groceries to draw people in to see the films, entertainment at the Berthana and White City, and entertainment in the LDS Ward. He also comments on the closure of the Ogden State Bank.

Stanley Robbins discusses his management of the Perry Estate and, later, the Kiesel Estate. He discusses the operation of several ballrooms, including White City and the Virginia, as well as the Egyptian Theatre and the Ogden Theater. He also talks about developing Kiesel lands in Oregon and conditions in Ogden during the Depression, including a rise in bootlegging and problems along 25th Street. He also discusses the closing of the Ogden State Bank. The interview took place circa 1960s.

Anthony Russell describes teaching at the Weber High School during the Depression and struggling to continue his education at the Agricultural College in Logan. He describes high school teachers sponsoring students and paying for their books, even as the students brought produce to school to sell at a discount to the teachers. He also talks about working for the California Packing Company during the summers, federal programs working on schools and the watershed, the impact of the Depression on the LDS Church, and educating his children. The interview took place circa 1960s.

Bert Smith, one of the founding partners of Smith and Edwards, discusses starting the army surplus store in the 1950s and his memories of Ogden. The interview took place on June 3, 2015.

Steven R. Smith shares his memories of growing up and working in his father's store, Smith and Edwards. He also discusses some of the history of the store. The interview took place on March 9, 2015.

Stephen Stanford discusses his experiences in the Army Air Force as a C-46 aircraft pilot. Stanford enlisted in the Air Force in July of 1941 and served in World War II where he was responsible for flying gasoline and ammunition to the front lines until his separation in 1946. He then went on to become a professor at Weber State and retired in 1986. The interview took place on March 11, 2013.

Robert Stegen discusses his experiences as a veteran of World War II. Stegen was drafted in 1943 and served until 1946 as a 1st Lieutenant. He is a Purple Heart recipient and also earned the Bronze Star for valor in combat. Following his military service, Stegen began his career at the Army Defense Depot in Ogden, Utah and retired as a chief civilian of that facility in 1980 with 37 years of service. The interview took place on March 11, 2013.

George Edwin Stratford discusses developing his farm and shipping produce, especially during the Depression. The interview took place circa 1960s.