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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Oral History with John and Elizabeth Lewis January 22, 1988
In this oral history interview, Elizabeth describes her life in Lafayette, CO as a child and the stories that she was told by her family about working in the mines, including the strike of 1910. She also discusses the Methodist church and its influence on social life. Jack Lewis then discusses the effect of the 1910 strike on his family and childhood as well as the law enforcement and justice system in place in Lafayette during his childhood. There is no audio available for this interview.
Oral History with Ken and Carolyn Brown
In this interview with Ken and Carolyn Brown, Ken describes the Lafayette of his youth, the coal mines, his schooling, and the Great Depression and its impact on Lafayette. Ken and Carolyn met in 1934 and were married in 1938. He also describes his time in the military during World War II. The interview ends with Ken talking about the changes he has seen in Lafayette.
Oral History with Kumiko Yoshihara
In this interview, Kate describes her early life as a student coming back to the United States after spending time in Japan with her grandmother until she was 13. Kate also details she and her husband's (Yasuparo Yoshihara) experience working in farming in California before they were put into a Japanese Internment Camp and eventually moved to Apache, Colorado. After leaving the camp, she and her husband worked in farming and produce until eventually moving to Lafayette, CO in 1944 and opening a flower shop in 1949. Kate and her husband had five children.
Oral History with Lawrence Amicarella 1973
In this interview, Lawrence Amicarella (accompanied by Effie Amicarella, Blanche Moon, and LaJuan Swallow) discusses his work as a coal miner in detail.
Oral History with Lawrence Amicarella February 10, 1973
Lawrence began working the mines in 1916 at age 13. In this interview, he recalls what it was like working in the mines and the various issues, strikes, and controversies.
Oral History with Leland Moore
In this interview, Leland Moore describes opening his own lumberyard in Lafayette after moving to the area at age 30. He recalls what life was like in Lafayette. Leland held several positions in town including serving on the town board for four years and serving on the local rationing board during World War II. He ends the interview by discussing the Columbine Mine Massacre and the unrest in the town between union workers and scabs.
Oral History with Lora Starkey
In this interview, Lora describes the Lafayette of her childhood and what life was like for coal miners. She also describes various social clubs in the city. Lora ends the interview by discussing the future of Lafayette and Starkey Memorial Park.
Oral History with Lucille Harrison
In this oral history interview, Lucille begins by discussing the boarders that lived in her parent’s home growing up in Lafayette, CO. She discusses how area attracted immigrants from many different countries to come and work in the coal mines. Lucille describes transportation in the area by both train and bus as well as the working conditions in the mines that led to strikes, although she does not remember much because she was very young at that time. Beginning on the second tape, Lucille reflects on her parents’ livelihoods, such as her father working on Mary Miller’s ranch as a farmhand. She recalls the effect of highway 287 on transportation and the increased traffic to and through Lafayette. She took part in the local garden club which was just one of many things people did for leisure. As women didn’t work much outside of the home, clubs were a place to gather and socialize. Memberships to these clubs fell during and after the Second World War as more women were working outside of the house. Lucille herself went back into the workforce at the telephone company when her husband enlisted. Like Lucille’s husband, many men in Lafayette were either enlisted or drafted during the war.
Oral History with Madge Berry
In this oral history interview, Madge Berry discusses the Lafayette of her youth. Specifically, this interview focuses on West Lafayette. She discusses the businesses in town and where different community members lived.
Oral History with Margaret Gibson
Margaret Gibson recalled her life growing up in Lafayette, Colorado in her oral history interview conducted on July 16th, 1984. She spoke about the community atmosphere and local businesses of Lafayette in her childhood and reflects on how the area has changed throughout her life. She also described the impact of the Great Depression, the 1910 Miners Strike, and the first and second World War on Lafayette. Most of all, Margaret reflected on her family and how being a mother, sister, wife, and daughter impacted her life and values.
Oral History with Mary Borstnick
Mary Borstnick recalled her life and perceptions of several contentious social and political events in Lafayette, Colorado during her 1983 oral history interview. She begins by explaining the presence of the KKK in Lafayette, which included cross-burning demonstrations and anti-Mexican and Catholic sentiments. Next, she covers the 1910 Mining Strike and the Columbine Incident. Her family lived at the Columbine at the time, putting them in the middle of the incident. Mary also spoke about her experiences living in many different mining camps, including Simpson Camp, as her husband was a foreman in different mines. Mary described life in mining camps as the spouse of a miner and spoke about the lively social environment and community she formed with other residents.
Oral History with Mary Massaro
Mary Massaro’s oral history interview conducted on October 6th, 1988 described her life and career in Lafayette, Colorado. Born to an Italian-American family in 1907, Mary discussed moving to Lafayette in 1929 and raising three daughters in the area. Mary reflected on the impact of the Great Depression on her own family and the greater Lafayette community. The Massaro family’s life changed when Mary’s husband, Joe, caught his foot in a mining machine and lost his leg in 1942. Defying traditional Italian family values that mandated that wives and mothers abstain from paid work outside the home, Mary started working in a factory, and later as a cook for Lafayette Elementary School where she remained from 1952-1970. She expressed that she was grateful for PERA from Boulder Valley School District which paid her a disability pension. Mary maintained Italian culture through her cooking of pizzelles, and making homemade sausage and pasta, and other Italian dishes. She was also a very observant and devout Catholic, and the church remained her main connection to the local community. She lived in the same house for fifty-nine years. Overall, Mary projected a very positive view of her life in Lafayette, which was family centered, especially with her three daughters living nearby in the city.

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