The Flagstaff Public Library collection includes audio tapes, abstracts and transcripts of interviews from long-time Flagstaff residents. Common topics include family history, Flagstaff growth and change, contributions made to the city, and general Flagstaff history. The interviews were conducted by Susan L. Rogers, Kristine Prennace, and John I. Irwin under the auspices of the Flagstaff Public Library.
Collection Number
NAU.OH.28
Language
English.
Repository
Cline Library. Special Collections and Archives Department.
Northern Arizona University
Box 6022
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-6022
Phone: 928 523 5551
Fax: 928 523 3770
Email: Special.Collections@nau.edu
Historical Note
The Flagstaff Public Library Oral History was a bicentennial project directed by John I. Irwin head of Special Collections and Archives at Northern Arizona University.
Scope and Content Note
The Flagstaff Public Library collection includes audio tapes, abstracts and transcripts of interviews from long-time Flagstaff residents. Common topics include family history, Flagstaff growth and change, contributions made to the city, and general Flagstaff history. The interviews were conducted by Susan L. Rogers, Kristine Prennace, and John Irwin.
It is the responsibility of the user to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright (the institution, the creator of the record, the author or his/her transferees, heirs,legates, or literary executors). The user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Arizona Board of Regents for Northern Arizona University, its officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims made by any person asserting that he or she is an owner of copyright.
Dr. Agnes M. Allen and Minnie Roseberry,
January 16, 1976.
Dr. Agnes Allen, born in 1901, was a professor in the science division at Northern Arizona University from 1934 to 1971. Dr. Allen talks about her first days in Flagstaff in 1934 and the different places that she has taught. She also mentions several things about the college (Arizona State College). Minnie Roseberry, who worked with the education department at Northern Arizona University from 1931 to 1967, talks about both her time spent as a student and a member of the faculty. Both women also talk about the growing community, interest in Indians, and school functions.
Ruth Mary Griffin and Agnes Anderson,
December 17, 1975.
Ruth Mary Griffin and Agnes Anderson (the Switzer sisters) were born in the early 1900's and are two years apart in age. During the interview they discuss early Switzer family history and their childhood which includes things such as schooling, trips and holidays. Other items discussed include World War I, prohibition, The Depression and the women's careers.
Mrs. Ruth Ardrey was born in 1907. She moved to Flagstaff in 1931 with her husband when he got a job in the music department at the college. She talks about the music programs, activities, the Depression and Beaver Street.
John George Babbitt was born in Flagstaff May 19, 1908. During his interview he talks about the old houses and the ranch. He also discusses his daily childhood life and education along with Babbitt business downtown and the normal work day.
Verner S. Benson was born in Flagstaff in 1914. He talks about his parent's background, the house he lived in, and memories from attending Emerson school. He also mentions bootlegging in Flagstaff, the Depression, and tourists and movie stars in the area.
Mrs. Bessie Kid Best was born in Flagstaff in 1901. In 1929 she became the Coconino County School Superintendent and held the position until 1973. Along with the changes in the district and newspaper articles about her, she also discusses her parent's homesteading background, her schooling and holidays.
Mary Sala and Eva Cavaness (Michelbaugh sisters),
January 22, 1976.
These sisters are native to the Flagstaff area. They begin by talking about their family background, schooling, homesteading, local schools, and the downtown area. They then discuss Bootlegging and home remedies. Mary Sala also talks about working in the Registrar's Office at Northern Arizona University.
Platt Cline was born in 1911. He moved to Flagstaff in 1938 and worked for the newspaper. He discusses his opinions on changes with the newspaper. He also mentions the early Flagstaff library, George Hocherderffer's book and there is a brief discussion about the book that Platt Cline is writing.
Willie Coin, Sr. discusses several topics in this interview, including his early childhood on the reservation, moving to Flagstaff from a Phoenix Indian School, and his time working at the Museum of Northern Arizona as a custodian. He talks about the people that he worked with at the museum, the house he lived in, receiving money for a scholarship and Rolle Wilson.
Peter J. Lindermann and Frank Conrad,
January 12, 1976.
Peter J. Lindermann was born in 1917. He was a dentist in Flagstaff. Lindermann also served a term as mayor from 1956 to 1958. He discusses the early downtown area, mentions minority groups, Arizona State College and things that took place while he was there.
Frank Conrad was born in 1904. He painted houses in the Flagstaff area. He discusses the Riordans, brothers and sisters, Haley's Comet (1910) and World War II experiences.
Frances and Clarabelle Decker have been in Flagstaff since the early 1900's. Both individuals attended the normal school at Flagstaff. They talk about Old Main, Gammage (the old library), and Mr. Blome. Clarabelle also discusses her experiences as a teacher at the normal school.
Elizabeth Dobrinski was born in 1923. Her grandparents and parents both lived in Flagstaff. She talks about them and her tomboy adventures with brothers and sisters. She also mentions the downtown area, social activities, depression and her various jobs over the years.
Mrs. Mary Greenlaw Draine is a Flagstaff native. She shows and talks about old pictures from the early Flagstaff layout, Greenlaw Ranch, and gives a tour through town. She also talks about transportation, town activities, Greenlaw Sawmill and how it got started. Through the interview she mentions changes that Flagstaff has undergone.
Lola Espinosa was born in New Mexico. She talks about her schooling in McNary, Arizona and her chores at home. She also mentions tourism and wages at the sawmill.
E.C. Flores was born in 1902 in El Paso. He talks about his father's work on the railroad and the house that they lived in by the tracks. He also mentions social events, his smoking habit and his work.
Albert Floyd was born in South Carolina in 1888. In 1947 he came to Flagstaff and worked in a restaurant. He discusses his lifestyle, neighbors, church and the downtown area.
Dr. Martin Fronske was born in 1883 and came to Flagstaff in 1914. He describes the sawmills, the Babbitts, the racing track, early medicine practices and lumbering.
John W. Fuss was born January 7, 1893 in Philadelphia. He discusses early life before coming to Flagstaff, including his life as a cowboy (he met Bill Cody and participated in rodeos). He joined the Bass camp and worked for Dr. Bass in asbestos mines. Fuss got married in 1922.
Henry Giclas was born in Flagstaff in 1910. He talks about schooling and activities in the Milton sawmill. He began working at Lowell right out of high school and later became an astronomer. He did his summer work at the logging mills.
Jesus Gil and Lupe Anaya (daughter),
January 8, 1976.
Jesus Gil was born in Mexico City in 1884. He came to Flagstaff in 1926 and worked at a sawmill. He talks about the normal school, stores in the downtown area, depression, prohibition and World War II. He also mentions Mexican organization in early days, POW WOW, Indian drinking problems and the first paved street in Flagstaff.
Box-folder
28.22
Jesse L. Gregg,
December 18, 1975.
Jesse L. Gregg was born in Flagstaff in 1903. He discusses his parent's background, brothers and sisters, location and chores on the ranch. He also mentions a track meet in college, depression, World War II and the Babbitts.
Dewey Harris was born in Tempe in 1898. He then moved to Flagstaff in 1944. Harris gives a short autobiography discussing Mormon Lake, minority groups in the area and meeting his wife.
Mrs. Gerturde Hochderffer was born in Oklahoma in 1902. She came to Flagstaff in 1922 and met her Husband George Jr. She talks about their homestead near the Peaks, winters in Flagstaff and the book her husband is writing. She also mentions cattle on the ranch, working at different ranches and social activities.
Betty Dickinson Kent was born in Flagstaff in 1924. She talks about early schooling at Emerson, her marriage to Walter Kent, Greenlaw Farm and World War II. She also mentions different cowpunchers that she knew, different jobs she had and the slaughterhouse near Jerome.
Cliff J. Kramer was born in Cincinnati in 1890. He worked in a barn for Arizona Lumber and Timber Company and has a homestead near Riordan. He talks about lumberjacks, lumbering camp, social life in town, World War II, and Indians.
David and Carmen Lay discuss many aspects of life in Flagstaff. They talk about early schooling and childhood activities, Munds Park, and working at Babbitt's. They also describe downtown and the area around the Pioneer Historical Museum.
Mary Prochnow Lewis was born in Flagstaff in 1902. She talks about schooling, large family, household activities and chores. She also mentions her experiences as clerk of the court and different celebrities that traveled through the area.
Maria L. Marcilla and Mrs. Frias (mother),
December 4, 1975.
Maria L. Marcilla and Mrs. Frias are both long time residents of Flagstaff. They describe their family history, schooling and the downtown business areas. They also talk about the lumbering trains and the start of the college.
Durward and Goldie McKinney moved to Flagstaff in 1900. In this interview they draw a small sketch of what their life was like including things such as schooling, marriage, war, deputy sheriff, summer activities and the normal school. They also talk about a trip to the Grand Canyon, working in a power plant and their neighbors.
Edwardo Mayorga and Carmen Lopez (daughter),
December 18, 1975.
Edwardo Mayorga was born in Mexico and came to Flagstaff by train in 1909. He talks about going to the Emerson school and working in the broiler room and a lumber mill. He also mentions the downtown area, World War II, and the depression.
Fred Nackard was born in Georgia in 1907. He came to Flagstaff in 1912 and lived on the south side of town. He attended Emerson school. Nackard talks about his chores and listening to old-timers compared to today. He also tells stories about car racing and the wholesale liquor business.
Grady and Hazel Neal describe the first house that they lived in and the prejudices of the town. They worked for a family with a sick boy and belonged to the First Baptists group.
H.H. Nininger was born in Kansas in 1887. He discusses his early childhood and education, World War II and colleges that he attended. He also talks about trips around the world and writing books.
Senator Robert W. Prochnow was born in Flagstaff in 1909. He lived near a sawmill. He talks about working in the mill part-time, early schooling, and daily chores. Prochnow also talks about Arizona State College activities, the Babbitts, the Riordans and being the senator for Coconino county from 1953 to 1963.
Merced and Mary Rodriquez were born in Mexico in 1904. They talk about coming to the United States and the logging camps. They worked for a sawmill and the Guadalupe Church. They describe the rationing during World War II, homecoming at the normal school and various accidents.
Mrs. Ethel Sechrist moved to Flagstaff in 1928. She then got married to Dr. Charles Sechrist. Dr. Sechrist was on the school board from 1938 to 1956 and was also appointed to the legislature.
Mrs. Isabel Simmons was born in Chicago in 1909 and came to Flagstaff in 1948. She worked at the Navajo Army Depot from 1950 to 1971. She describes the things that she did there and what activities took place.
Lydia and Ole Solberg came to Flagstaff in 1914. They talk about the early Flagstaff area, downtown, the Hopi Reservation and skiing. They built furniture for Michael Riordan while they were in Flagstaff.
Mary M. Sweitzer was born in Ohio in 1908. She talks about her first few days in Flagstaff; the things she noticed,the downtown area, the library, and the hospital. Sweitzer also describes the 1918 World War I celebration, the beginning of World War II, depression and prohibition.
Howard Weidner was born at Cliffs in 1913. He gives a short biography that mentions his diary, the water system, and the Emerson school. He also talks about downtown Flagstaff, POW WOW's and the weather.
Rollin Wheeler was born in 1903 and moved to Flagstaff in 1929. During his time in Flagstaff he was a teacher, coach, and a counselor for Flagstaff High School. He then decided to run for mayor and held the position from 1960 to 1968.
Andrew L. Wolf was born in Maryland in 1909. He came to Flagstaff in 1932 and went to the Teacher's College. He describes the duties and activities that were performed while he was there. He also talks about the depression, World War II, tourism and Oak Creek.
Judge Woo was born in Winslow, Arizona in 1924. He attended Emerson and Flagstaff High School. He talks about tourists, auto races, POW WOW, and his attendance at Arizona State College.
Billie Yost came to Flagstaff in 1935 and met her husband, Ernest Yost. They talk about Arizona Lumber and Timber Company, Emerson school activities, the Greenlaws, and Dr. Fronske.
John Allen was born in Missouri and practiced law at St. Johns. Lola was born in Illinois and taught school at Palo Verde. They talk about the schools in Flagstaff, tourism, downtown and social life of the community.
Box-folder
28.47
Myron Aubineau,
September 6-8, 1976.
Myron was born in Flagstaff in 1893. He talks about schooling at Emerson and daily chores in the Arizona Lumber and Timber box factory. He also worked in developing air mail sites. Other topics that he talks about include social life, church, the Ashurst family and other ethnic groups.
Josephine Babbitt came to Flagstaff in 1929 and married Herbert, superintendent of ranches for family. She talks about their kids and schooling, the downtown area, social life in the community and summers in Flagstaff.
Paul Babbitt talks about his father and the Babbitt Brothers Trading Company. Babbitt also discusses schooling, daily chores around the house, recreation, downtown, and social life. He mentions celebrations, ethnic groups and changes in Flagstaff.
Katharine Bartlett attended the University of Denver, majoring in Latin, History, French, and Antropology. She had memberships in several professional societies and an internship at a Brooklyn museum. She was also involved in the Museum of Northern Arizona. Bartlett lists people that were involved as well and the museum's role within the community.
John Britt was born in Flagstaff in 1913. He talks about the Flagstaff Lumber Company, the Prochnows and the Kellers. Britt also describes downtown, after school activites, depression, working with the fire department and changes within the town.
Rachel Brown was born in Texas in 1906. She came to Flagstaff in 1929 and married Willis brown who worked as a jeweler. She describes downtown, the library and the women's club.
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Carson were born in Texas. They moved to Flagstaff in 1925 and worked for the Coconino Sun, the police department, and the water department. They talk about water systems, hunting in the area, the Greenlaw mill, and the Pine Hotel.
Glenn Compton was born in Flagstaff in 1921. He attended Emerson and Flagstaff High School. Compton served in World War II and returned to be a teacher. He describes social life, politics of town, the depression, environment and tourism.
Orinn Compton was born in Flagstaff in 1897. He attended Emerson and the normal school. Compton worked as a stenographer and at a sheep company. Along with those jobs he also was an attorney for 25 years.
Jesus G. Contreras was born in Mexico in 1908. He came to Flagstaff in 1927 and worked in a sawmill until he served in World War II. He also worked in construction.
Eleanor Duke was born in Flagstaff in 1920. She came from a large family. Duke attended Emerson and Arizona State College. She mentions city politics, the depression, World War II, tourism and family reunions.
G.R. Garcia was born in Flagstaff in 1904. He attended Emerson and worked at Arizona Lumber and Timber Company. Garcia also served in the army for 20 years. He talks about university development, the Bobbitt's and Brooks' stores, World War I, other ethnic groups in town, and social life.
Jesse Goddard talks about the cattle drive to Flagstaff, trucking the cattle, and working with other cowboys. He also describes life on the range and the types of conditions that they worked in.
Mary Aresenia Gonzalez was born in Spain. She came to Flagstaff in 1906 and attended Flagstaff High School. During her time off from school she worked at J.C. Penny's. She talks about World War I, World War II, the depression, neighbors, social life, and water shortages.
Ramona Rollins-Griffin was born in San Diego in 1888. She came to Flagstaff in 1907 and joined the Federated Church where she sang in the choir. She talks about life in Flagstaff and people that she knew.
Helen Harnisch was born in 1907 in Utah. She came to Flagstaff in 1920 where her father worked as a bookkeeper for the Babbitts. She attended Flagstaff High School and received a job as a teacher at Emerson. She describes the area around Flagstaff, World War II, the depression, flooding, droughts, and university education.
Mrs. Anna Hart was born in Flagstaff in 1898. She attended both Emerson school and Arizona Normal School. In her interview she discusses the cattle, sheep, timber sawmill and lumber industries. Hart also talks about the downtown area, entertainment and the changes that Flagstaff has gone through.
Floyd Hoffman was born in Flagstaff in 1902. He tells a little about his father's job as a rancher, his brothers and sisters, and attending Emerson and Beaver Creek schools. Hoffman also describes the downtown area, affects of World War II, fires and floods, tourism, POW WOWs and Switzer Canyon.
Carter Jakle was born in Missouri in 1902. He moved to Flagstaff in 1907. When he turned 13 Jackle began to work at the Babbitt store and continued to do so for 50 years. In his interview he talks about his family, winter sports, trips taken to the Grand Canyon and the depression.
Wilfred Killip was born in Morenci in 1911. He moved to Flagstaff in 1932 in order to attend Northern Arizona University. After he graduated he taught at South Beaver and Flagstaff High School. He also served as principal for one year. Killip discusses the Northern Arizona University campus, the city, his opinions on teaching and education, and the history of Flagstaff Public schools since 1938.
T.M. Knoles, Jr. was born in Los Angeles in 1906. He later moved to Flagstaff and graduated from Flagstaff High School in 1924. Knoles then went to college. In his interview, Knoles describes family, downtown area, tourism, lumber mills, neighbors and the depression. He also mentions Northern Arizona University's growth and his political career for the Flagstaff school board.
Millard Kuhn was born in 1907 in Colorado. He came to the training school in Flagstaff and worked for Arizona Lumber. He discusses many things in his interview; downtown area, family, neighbors, logging camps, the water system for the mill, social life of the community, churches, depression and the effects of World War II on the city.
Ethel Leamon was born in Michigan in 1901. She got her teaching certificate and taught in Bumble Bee and Standard until 1926. Leamon talks about transportation, working at Keller's bakery, city governments/politics, and World War II. Flooding droughts, tourism and the growth of Northern Arizona University are also mentioned.
Glen Longley was born in Utah in 1904. He and his family moved to Flagstaff because of his father's health. Longley attended Flagstaff High School and training school. He discusses many areas that relate to the city and the rest of Arizona; mill worker, Old Highway 66, cattle rustling, city politics, depression, World War II and Northern Arizona University's role in the community.
Melvin McCormick was born in Maine and moved to Arizona for his father's occupations of cattle, ranching, and logging in 1910. When McCormick became old enough he also worked with his father in the fields. McCormick also worked on freight hauling, parcel post, and volunteered at the fire department. He talks about tourism, ethnic groups in Flagstaff, the downtown area, and Lee's Ferry.
Ford McElroy was born in Indiana in 1898. He came to Flagstaff in 1918 and registered for the draft. Other than that he worked in Black Bill Park on a potato farm and in the valley as well. McElroy describes mining camp life, ranch work in Phoenix, cattle feed operations, and time on the Weatherford Road. McElroy describes many other experiences as well.
Olive McNerney was born in Missouri in 1893. She came to Flagstaff in 1922 to work at the high school as a language teacher. McNerney talks about the history of schools, the school system, city government, depression, effects of World War II on the city, tourism and the development of the east side of town.
Fred and Lois Metz both attended schools in Flagstaff after arriving in the early 1900's. Fred Metz worked as a dishwasher at a lumber camp, fireman on a lumber train and assistant cashier for the Babbitt's store. Lois Metz worked at Babbitt's, the book store and the jewelry store. Fred and Lois Metz trace their life together and the people that they knew in Flagstaff.
Orville Pendergrass was born in Colorado in 1902. He came to Flagstaff in 1910 to work for the Babbitts. Pendergrass talks about his attendance at Emerson school and about his daily chores at home. He goes on to talk about his work in construction, marriage, prohibition, World War II water shortages, and tourism.
Ray Prochnow was born in Flagstaff in 1900. He attended St. Anthony's and worked in several locations; First National Bank, box factory, Babbitt's, and city hall. Prochnow talks about the boarding house on Milton Road, famous personalities in the area, lumber, sheep and Northern Arizona University.
Elsie Pyland was born in Missouri in 1899. She came to Flagstaff with Cady Lumber Company. Pyland discusses her husband's work at the mill, company housing, fires, flooding, water supply, and the social life of the community.
Mrs. Izora Ralston and Mrs. Zetta Welch,
June 7, 1976.
Mrs. Izora Ralston was born in 1889 and Mrs. Zetta Welch was born in 1899. The two women moved to the Verde Valley/Prescott area where their family worked on the ranches. They talk about depression, their first visit to Flagstaff, and life along the Verde River.
Richard Riordan was born in Flagstaff in 1907. He talks about his brothers and sisters, schooling, working for the family's Northern Arizona Gas Company, becoming president of Riordan Inc., and special activities at school. He also talks about other Riordans that came to the area and what brought them.
Kathryn Rucker was born in Flagstaff in 1906. She lived in a home downtown, attended Emerson school, and worked at Keller's bakery. Rucker talks about the police department, city government, life on the ranches, and migrations from the Dust Bowl area.
Anna Ryan was born in Wisconsin in 1893. She came to Flagstaff in 1919 and got married. She describes her events in trying to learn how to drive a car, neighbors, social life in the community, flooding, droughts, and tourism. She also mentions the downtown area and city government.
Otto Schlupp was born in Germany in 1901. He came to Flagstaff in 1926 and built the Autolodge Motel. He talks about his interest and experience as a motel operator, the Chamber of Commerce, convention center/plans, and Buffalo Park.
Eunice Veazey was born in Flagstaff in 1905. Topics discussed in the interview include brothers and sisters, schooling, marriage, downtown and the relationships held with the Riordans, the Babbitts, and the Grand Canyon.
Orval White was born in Texas in 1906. He moved to Flagstaff in 1957 after already living in Phoenix for a while. White did carpentry work and helped to build the Greenlaw divisions. He talks about the depression, World War II, Fires, drought, and summers in Phoenix.
C.B. Wilson was born in Flagstaff in 1913. He attended Emerson and Flagstaff High School. After graduating high school, Wilson went to the University of Arizona and studied law. He talks about the trials that took place in the area, working for Lee Doyle, city politics, World War II, and east Flagstaff.
Bill Wong was born in Flagstaff in 1921. Wong spent some time serving in the United States Air Force. He talks about his brothers and sisters, schooling, hauling wood and the family laundry business. Along with these topics, Wong also talks about World War II, and the social isolation that he felt being Chinese.
