An oral history interview, conducted 8/23/2018, by Gloria Chavira. Here is a summary: A history of Tom Gonzalez's life, growing up in Telluride, Colorado. Tom moved to Telluride when he was only 3 or 4 months old and grew up there. Mining was not so good in the 1950's, so his family had to move to Grand Junction; however, Tom continued to own a home in Telluride until the 1990's. Tom recalls the Telluride brothels and Big Billy. He also remembers the mining characters. His mother (Clara) worked as a cook at the Roma, the Sheridan and Pick n'Gad. He also remembers getting his tonsils out by Dr. Parker. He loves that he grew up with nature, in particular fishing, and a very well-connected community. He does not recall any tensions between ethnicities, but does remember particular ethnic groups living together on the same side of town and speaking their own languages. Finally, Tom discusses the enviromental changes in Telluride and the growth problem, as well as the historical buildings that are falling apart. He also recalls the Latino community that was very small, when he grew up.
