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 Sarah Savage Brillhart
Sarah Savage Brillhart traveled with her family from England when she was ten, arriving in Lafayette in 1893. They arrived in New York by boat then traveled by train to Colorado. Sarah’s father worked in multiple mines around Lafayette including Cannon Mine. Sarah met her husband, Percy Brillhart, in Lafayette. Sarah, who is 105 years old at the time of her interview, reflects on daily life in late 1800s and early 1900s in Lafayette and Boulder. By 1911, Sarah and her husband Percy had moved out of Lafayette and into a homestead. She describes how mining injuries kept her husband, brother, and father from serving in either of the world wars. Sarah also describes daily life when she was younger such as chores, cooking, clothing, shopping, communication, and transportation. Also present in this interview are discussions of both World Wars and the Great Depression.
Oral History with Thelma Davis
In this oral history, Thelma Davis reads a statement prepared by her late husband, Horace E. Davis, who passed away before he could record his interview. Horace Davis was born in Missouri and moved to Lafayette with his wife, Thelma, and son, George, to meet up with his father, L.M. Davis. In Lafayette, he joined his father in the grocery business. Throughout his life he renovated houses and opened nine grocery stores with his father, including three in Lafayette. Horace was the State Bank Examiner of Colorado for 16 years. He recalls what it was like to run a grocery business at this time.
Oral History with Thomas Knill
Thomas Knill spoke about his life growing up in Lafayette, Colorado in his oral history interview conducted on May 29th, 1980. Born in Lafayette in 1909, Knill went to school in the community and spoke about many individuals he grew up around, and eventually earned a degree from the Colorado School of Mines. Thomas later worked in the mines, starting in the Blue Goose Mine then the Simpson Mine. He recalls mining strikes and the violence that surrounded them. Thomas spoke about his career as an engineer and surveyor at Lowry Air Force base and various mines. He tells the story of a a bank robbery and other memorable incidents in Lafayette’s history. During WWII, he had to work harder and for longer hours. He recalls how Lafayette has changed over his lifetime, including how Simpson Street was the center of town and Public Road was the highway.
Oral History with Thomas Williams
In this oral history interview, Tom Williams discusses how his family came to Colorado and his family’s history with coal mining. Tom was born in England and came to America with his family when he was a child. His father was a coal miner and died as a young man. After the death of his father, his mother worked in the schoolhouse in Erie to make ends meet. Her mother remarried and Bob Johnson is Tom’s half-brother. Tom was also a coal miner and joined the union in 1905. He discusses the coal mines in the area and what it was like to work there. As a miner, Tom took part in the 1910 strike. Specifically, he recalls the Columbine Mine Massacre and the presence of the militia.
Oral History with Tom Lopez
Thomas Lopez reflected on the changing community of Lafayette, Colorado in his oral history interview conducted on April 16th, 1986. Born on a farm in Platteville, Colorado in 1911, Thomas moved to Lafayette in 1936. He worked as a coal miner and backhoe operator in his early career, and he was eventually elected as city councilman of Lafayette in 1956 and served until 1971. Lopez’s interview sheds light on the evolving conditions of mines throughout northern Colorado, including the impact of the Great Depression on mining conditions. Additionally, he discussed the initiatives of the Lafayette City Council in response to growing population and infrastructure needs.
Oral History with Walt Wood
In this oral history, Walt describes the Lafayette of the past, beginning with his family history. Walt married E. Fern Tobey in 1940 and they had two children. Walt served in the Navy and then went to work for the Public Service Company, Valmont Plant in November of 1939 and he worked for them until 1951. He then started working as the business representative for the Boulder Carpenters Local. Fern worked for the Lafayette Leader and became the managing editor from 1958-1968. She was also the president of the PTA for a time and involved with the Lafayette Cub Scouts. Walt discusses his time on the Lafayette Town board, during which time the roads were paved and they put in better water piping down Baseline. He also served for a time on the School Board and it was during his time on the board that the new Boulder Valley School District passed in 1960 to include Lafayette. Walt was also the commander for the VFW and involved with the Boy Scouts and the Cemetery and Parks Committee. The interview concludes with Walt recalling the businesses in town and talking about the proposed development of W470 and how the proposed plan will go right through his land and house.
Oral History with Willeta "Billie" Miller
Willeta “Billie” Miller’s oral history interview conducted on May 12th, 1975 discusses her life within the growing city of Lafayette. The main themes of this interview surround Mrs. Miller’s family, including her and her husband’s (Frank Miller) respective ancestry and their children. Billie comments on the personality, interests, and legacy of her grandmother-in-law, Mary Miller, also reflects on her influence on contemporary Lafayette. Miller also described changes to the many businesses, schools, and overall infrastructure within the community. She spoke about her involvement in local community events and how her friends and family entertained themselves in Lafayette and throughout northern Colorado.
Oral History with William & Anna Barrowman
The Barrowmans shared the history of the house in which they lived and provided recollections of the area around the house and a history of her family- her father worked in the mines. Anna spoke of the school on Baseline Road and provided rich descriptions of the various businesses in town. Anna touched on rationing during WWII, gypsies in town, and of the trouble of getting around during the winter due to the severe weather.
Oral History with William Moon
Bill's family moved from Louisville, CO to Lafayette, CO when he was 6 years old. In this interview, he talks about how he got his start as a butcher. Bill discusses many things about the town of Lafayette such as the train service to Boulder and Denver, the Millers, the fire house, the schoolhouse, clothing, and activities for young folks – skating, sleigh rides, dances.
Oral History with Winston and Helen Morgan
In this oral history interview with Winston and Helen Morgan, there is discussion of coal mining, the rail system in the area, and the local government of Lafayette, CO in the 1940s and 1950s.
Oral History with the Historical Society Tea
Members of the tea society reflect on the old homes and buildings of Lafayette and the growth of the town in their lifetimes. As they look at pictures of old buildings, they tell stories about the buildings, including who owned them and how they operated, and how they have changed. Audio available in the collection is incomplete.
Oral History with the Moon Family
In this interview, Elmer “Buzz” Moon is being interviewed by an unknown interviewer. Also included on the tape are many female voices that are sisters and cousins in the Moon family, some of which appear to be Buzz’s daughters. This interview includes discussions of coal mining, millwrights, Rocky Flats, the flu epidemic, and farming. The family members look at photographs and discuss who might be in the photos and this prompts more discussions of other family members. Unfortunately, this interview has a lot of crosstalk that makes understanding and transcribing the conversation difficult. When a speaker change could be identified, it was noted as such.

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