An oral history recording, given by John Stevens and Chuck Upton to Roy Elliott "Alley Oop" on February 28, 1995. Originally this was a Voice & Visions radio show from KOTO, but was turned into a CD by the Wilkinson Public Library. The recording ends abruptly. Here is the transcript:
Welcome to Voices and Visions by John Stevens and Chuck Upton John introduces Roy Elliot.
Mr. Elliot arrived in Telluride in 1939 and worked for the Telluride Mining Company. He has had the same post office box since 1942 when the post office was located in the Miners Union building. He worked for the Telluride Company as he could not go the war because of health problems.
Gives the history of the valley floor. Elliot has leased it and irrigated it since 1959. Oberto and Nobie sold the property to the ldarado Mining Company in 1970. ldarado continued his lease . ldarado bought the Telluride Mining Company in 1951 or 1952. Speaks of underground connections between Red Mountain and Telluride. The mill was rebuilt in 1952 after it reopened. Elliot worked as a moter man in the mine.
Elliot speaks of belonging to the Fire Department and the Elks Club. Describes the July 4th celebrations in the early days. When Fred Ellerd was elected sheriff, he eliminated July 4th celebrations for some years. Hank Lazzarino leveled off the park area with the county cat. They sold raffle tickets to raise money to buy the grandstand. Mr. Parsons and Elliot set up gambling tables during 4th celebrations in empty building on Main Street. The games attracted lots of people. There were always two dances during the celebrations then. Speaks of reasons the celebrations died out.
Speaks of all the dog problems in town for years. Many changes in town through the years. Speaks of the years he lost money in his business, but received loan from the bank, which he paid off, and then leased property from the Coredilla Corporation which owns the property in the valley floor now.
Mr. Elliot explains why he drives so slow on the highway while he is irrigating his land. He picks up lots of hitch hikers. Mentions the trouble he has with trespassers on his property. Describes different kind of cattle he has owned or leased.
Describes the milk house that use to be in the meadow near the sewer plant, but was later moved to town. He leased the valley floor for 19 years. Talks about the sale of the property from Mr. Oberto to the ldarado Mine. The ldarado bought the property to have the meadow for a tailings pond, but it was not allowed, so they leased it out for grazing.
Speaks of his views on political situations. Talks about controversy over the railroad bed and who owns it --railroad or county, and how it affects him. Speaks of paying his loan off at bank. His views on new wilderness trails. Speaks of his health and his views on life and death.
