The collection is comprised of oral histories of citizens of Providence City, Utah, including transcripts, photographs,
fieldnotes, surveys and CD of images and transcription. Interviews conducted by Rachel Gianni (August 2005-October 2006) and Randy Williams and Lisa Duskin-Goede (2008).
Repository:
Utah State University. Merrill-Cazier Library.
Special Collections and Archives. Fife Folklore Archives
Merrill-Cazier Library Utah State University 3000 Old Main Hill Logan, UT 84322-3000 Phone: 435 797-2663 Fax: 435 797-2880 Email: scweb@usu.edu
Languages:
Material in English
Historical Note
Providence is a small but growing community in Cache Valley, Utah. Settled by Mormon pioneers in 1859, Providence is known for its German and Swiss ancestry and strong sense of cultural awareness and celebration.
As the 2009 sesquicentennial of Providence approached, the City of Providence wanted to publish an updated version of its history book Providence and Her People. Robert Parson was chosen as the author for the book. The goal of this project was to provide
an updated and personal look at the history of Providence and its citizens by collecting oral histories from various people in the community. In the fall of 2005, the Providence Historic Preservation Committee chose sixteen individuals to be interviewed who would reflect various
aspects of Providence life and history. Rachel Gianni was hired to conduct the interviews and Lisa Duskin-Goede to edit and assist with technical details. The project was directed for Providence City by Brenda Nelson.
The participants included farmers, car dealership owners, mayors, homemakers,
professors, teachers and shop owners. Most of the participants were born and raised in Providence; however, those who came to Providence later in life offered an alternative yet valuable view of Providence’s history. Each interview was tailored to address the firsthand knowledge of historical events within the participant’s experience of life in Providence. Highlights of these interviews focus on: business in town, memories of school days, community celebrations such as Sauerkraut Days and Pioneer Days, and historic buildings such as the Pavilion and the Old Rock Church.
In 2008, the Providence Historic Preservation Committee and Robert Parson requested additional interviews. To this end, the committee chose sixteen individuals to help tell the story of more recent additions to the City's history. These individuals included newcomers, a major land developer, a water conservationist, local politician and modern immigrants from Iran and El Salvador. These interviews were conducted by Lisa Duskin-Goede and Randy Williams.
Content Description
The collection consists of 32 oral histories regarding Providence City, Utah (collected in two bound volumes containing 16 interview transcripts each), and four CDs containing electronic copies of the transcripts and photographs, fieldnotes, logs and release forms.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Access :
No restrictions on use, except: not available through interlibrary loan.
Restrictions on Use :
It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright
clearances.
Permission to publish material from the Providence City Oral History Project must be
obtained from the Curator of the Fife
Folklore Archives and/or the Special Collections Department Head.
Preferred Citation :
The Providence City Oral History Project, 2005-2008. (FOLK COLL 53). Utah State University. Special Collections and Archives Department.
Administrative Information
Location of Originals :
The Original cassette tapes, photographs, transcripts, etc. are housed at Providence City Offices: 15 S Main Street, Providence, UT
Processing Note :
Processed in March of 2013
Acquisition Information :
Providence City donated the materials to Utah State University Libraries Special Collections and Archives.
Related Materials :
Providence and her people: volume 3 by Robert Parson, USU Special Collections 979.27 P948-H 2009
Bound collection of sixteen interviews conducted by Rachel Gianni, August 2005-October 2006.
Includes interview transcripts, fieldnotes, photos, additional material, biographical sheets and release forms. Lisa Duskin-Goede: Project Editor, Technical Support; Ronald W. Goede: Technical Support.
Interviews:
Jake Fuhriman
Keith Watkins
Hoyt Kelley
Ken Braegger
Opal Chugg
Ivan Christensen
Marie Olsen
Alma Leonhardt
Carl Spear
Nate Done
Gary Millburn
Glade Davis
Seth Alder
Adola Barkle
Vada Rinderknecht
2005-2006
1
2
Bound collection of sixteen interviews conducted by Randy Williams and Lisa Duskin-Goede, February-July 2008.
Includes interview transcripts, fieldnotes, photos, additional material, biographical sheets and release forms
