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.
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.
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.
2 audio tapes, transcript and an abstract available.
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Orinn Compton, September 21, 1976.
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 Jackle 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.
2 audio tapes, abstract and transcript available..
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Otto Schlupp, August 3, 1976.
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.
