An oral history, dated 11/13/1990, in which Davine Pera interviews Ruby Noma Austin Adams. This is also available on CD at Wilkinson Public Library (OH CD 52). The transcript is also available (both in-print and to download) and provided here:
Ruby's birthdate and memories of early history. She was born 12 miles west of town at bottom of Last Dollar Mountain in a snow storm. Names brothers and sisters. History of parents and grandparents.
Moved to Delta at age of 15 or 16. Attended school at Telluride. Memories of school years in Telluride. Describes where she lived on Garnet Mesa after moving to Delta.
Memories of living and working in California for 26 years. Moved back to Delta at age of 72 to take care of ill sister. Sister Hattie was married to Mr. Lawson after his first wife died. Lawson Hill named after him.
Names different people that were living in Telluride. Story of horse from livery stable finding his way home alone. Names different business people such as Painters and Vanattas.
Talks of her family name--Noma --being carried down through the years. Memories of childhood in Delta and watching rains go by.
Speaks of her life now and her physical health.
Speaks of Uncle John and Aunt Elizabeth Adams. Speaks of bells on horses that pulled the sleighs she rode in as a child. Mentions the fact that there were eighteen saloon on north side of the street at that time.
Recalls story of the militi in Telluride in 1902 & 1903. Describes Mr. Larson's home.
Memories of childhood friends. Describes places . she lived in Telluride. Talks of coming 100th birthday .
Ruby's father was a farmer and raised hay to sell. Names dairy farms. Describes her parents move to Delta by boxcar.
Describes different town characters in town and speaks of childhood names of her brother's friends. Talks of the reasons she stayed at home and took care of her parents. Speaks of her loving family and her many friends. Mentions her physical condition and how she manages to live alone with some day care help.
Ruby's father came from Germany and her mother was Scotch. History of parents early childhood, marriage and trip to Telluride.
Describes her collection of teddy bears. She rode in covered wagon, between Delta and Telluride many times. Speaks of brothers' deaths.
Speaks of her present life.
