Lafayette Archival Oral History Collection 1968-2001
In the mid-1970s, Effie Amicarella and Carolyn Connaroe obtained a grant from the Colorado State Library to begin a series of taped oral history interviews to record and preserve early resident's recollections of the history of Lafayette. This collection features these oral histories and many more, altogether spanning from 1968-2001. These interviews highlight Lafayette’s mining history, agrarian history, history of commerce and more. Included here are digital copies of cassette recordings and transcripts that are physically located in Lafayette Public Library's archives.
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- "Toil and Rage in a New Land" with Fred Stones
- Audio A is the audio associated with a presentation on "Toil and Rage in a New Land" hosted by Fred Stones. Audio B is a continuation of the same presentation. Starting at 18:05 on Audio B, the presentation switches to a Q&A format with Fred Stones. The available transcript picks up around 21:15 on Audio B. Fred discusses working in the mines in eastern Utah starting at age 13, what coal mines were in the Lafayette, CO area, labor strikes, and union politics. The Q&A from this presentation ends at 19:54 on Audio C. Starting at 19:58 on Audio C, the tape switches to Fred Stones discussing the Texaco Bulk Plant, Fluffy Duffy, and the Gambles Store including the story of how Fred came to own and operate Gambles Hardware Store in Lafayette, CO.
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- History of Lafayette with Fred Stones
- In this recording, Fred Stones takes the listener through the history of the city of Lafayette, CO. He recounts how Mary Miller founded the city and named it after her husband, Lafayette Miller. Fred then details how coal was discovered and the town quickly became a mining town, following in the footsteps of Louisville, CO. Many coal miners in the area were foreign born and Fred discusses where the immigrated from and settled in the area. Continuing the discussion of coal mining, Fred also covers the strikes of 1910 and 1926. He discusses various groups in the area, such as the Ku Klux Klan. Fred continues to talk about the relationship between Lafayette and Louisville in this recording and how they relationship become closer over the years. He then talks about water shortages and storage in the area and what has been done over the years to try to mitigate the shortage. The conversation then turns to Fred describing how the city governments of Louisville and Lafayette run. The interview ends with Fred looking through photos and describing how coal was mined, how the fire department used to operate, and old buildings in town.
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- Oral History Lecture with Phyllis Smith
- Phyllis Smith’s lecture entitled “Coal Miners of the Northern Coal Field of Colorado” given for Sunday Salon: Carnegie Branch Library for Local History on September 23rd, 1984, discussed the vast history and importance of coal mining throughout the twentieth century in Colorado. Specifically, Smith discusses the Northern Coal Field, a mine that was significantly larger than others in the state. The lecture covers working conditions, union developments, and mining strikes. Smith includes visceral details about picketing conditions in the 1920s. The lecture concludes with Smith reading the poem “Dark as a Dungeon,” written by Merle Travis, and emotional testament to the difficulties of mining work.
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- Oral History with Albert Moon
- Albert Moon was born in Lafayette, CO in 1890. He worked in the mines for 23 years and then worked in the fields when the mines were closed. In this interview, he recalls the Lafayette of his younger years.
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- Oral History with Andy Borrego
- Andy Borrego recalled the physical landscape and social climate of Lafayette in his 1983 oral history interview. He first describes many businesses of Lafayette and their place in the community. The majority of his interview focuses on his career as a miner. He worked in many mines, including the Standard in 1931. He recalls multiple labor strikes and how the mining union influenced conditions and wages. He specifically reflects on the growing importance of unions to many miners throughout Colorado. Borrego was also present at the Columbine Incident in 1927 recalls his experiences before, during, and after the event.
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- Oral History with Anna Barrowman
- Anna Barrowman was born in Brookside, Colorado on April 17, 1896. Her family came to Lafayette in 1906. She spoke of her family – her mother who came from Bristol, England and her father, a miner, who was born in Prussia, Germany, a brother, and one younger sister. Anna describes the farm on which she and her husband Bill lived until they moved to town. Anna provided interesting information on farming in Lafayette, the stagecoach that came to town, town grocery stores and other merchants, churches, miner’s strikes, the flood, and the old school.
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- Oral History with Aufelda Alderson
- Aufelda Alderson discusses how her family came to Lafayette, CO when she was two months old. She recalls the mining strikes and the effect they had on the town and its people. Aufelda also discusses childhood in Lafayette and what life was like as an adult.
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- Oral History with Bert Pierson
- Bert Pierson’s oral history interview, conducted on June 17th, 1986, discusses the physical and social transformation of Lafayette, Colorado through the twentieth century. After moving to the area with his wife in 1909, Bert often struggled to find work amid the Great Depression and post-World War 2 period, until he eventually found steady employment with the Columbine mine loading coal. Bert also describes how residents of Lafayette made their own entertainment and formed new businesses as the town grew.
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- Oral History with Bertha McKeehan and Bill Moon
- Bertha McKeehan and Bill Moon recall the businesses and homes of early Lafayette and some of the residents. The main focus of the interview is identifying where different houses and buildings used to stand and who lived there. McKeehan and Moon look at photos and identify people and places. They discuss Lafayette families and how they are connected to each other. They also discuss some lore of the town such as the debate of the identity of the first boy born in Lafayette.
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- Oral History with Blanche Moon
- In this interview, Blanche describes Lafayette of the past including the bus system, city government, the role of women in the community, social life, businesses in town, and the schools, churches, and coal mines. The audio is missing from the collection.
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- Oral History with Boughton and Leona Noble
- In this oral history interview, Boughton and Leona Noble discuss growing up and going to school in Lafayette, CO. They also discuss the 1910 strike and prohibition. Boughton describes his work as a coal miner. The interview ends with Boughton recalling the stores in town, the initiation process for the fire department, the great depression (including coupon systems), his first car (a Model T) and subsequent cars, the mines near town, the mine unions, and childhood friends.