The American West Center at the University of Utah is utilizing oral history and digital humanities to document human engagement with the Great Salt Lake, aiming to build a comprehensive collection of over one hundred interviews. The project seeks to provide a humanities perspective on the lake, capturing stories from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including scientists, government officials, and local residents.
A Mission of Interdisciplinary Study
The American West Center, which was founded in 1964, focuses on the interdisciplinary study of the American West through publicly-engaged scholarship and programming. The center, located on the historic grounds of Fort Douglas at the University of Utah, examines issues related to tribal nations, public policy, land management, environmental history, and the region's Native peoples.
To achieve these goals, the center works alongside various partners, including the University of Utah, federal and state land management agencies, local agencies, and other advocacy organizations or scholars. These collaborative efforts allow the center to utilize methodologies such as oral history and public history to create a lasting scholarly resource for future generations.
Preserving Utah Identity
Oral history serves as a vital method for preserving collective memory, offering a personal connection to a community or place that traditional textbooks may lack. The University of Utah maintains a large collection of these records, ranging from the experiences of Jewish immigrants to the stories of Carbon County coal miners.
The Marriott Library works closely with the American West Center to secure and maintain these vast collections of interviews. This collaboration helps retell the stories of hundreds of people who have made Utah their home, creating a sense of distinct Utahn identity through shared narratives.
Voices of the Golden Spike
The Golden Spike Oral History Project provides a window into the historical social fabric of Utah. In an interview conducted on August 9, 1974, Bernice Gibbs Anderson shared recollections of growing up west of Corinne, Utah. Anderson, born in 1900, described how her family moved cattle to the Promontory area every summer.
During the 1974 interview, Anderson discussed several historical themes, including the conflict between Irish and Chinese populations, the history of Crockers ranch, and the role of Captain Bufford. She also touched upon the prohibition of liquor, the impact of World War I, and the history of the Golden Spike National Historic Site. Her account included details on various local figures and locations, such as the Holly ranch and the presence of bandits and freighting in the region.
Scientific Perspectives on the Lake
The Great Salt Lake Oral History Collection also provides specialized insights into the region's environmental and scientific history. In a transcript from January 31, 2014, geologist Genevieve Atwood and geophysicist Don Mabey discussed their extensive involvement with the Great Salt Lake.
Atwood, a former member of the Utah State Legislature and the Utah Geological Survey, detailed her work regarding the lake's management and its various historical and geographical features. She and Mabey discussed the challenges of managing lake levels and the impact of the causeway on the lake's ecosystem. Atwood also highlighted her educational work, which involves teaching students and teachers about the lake through various scientific and historical lenses.
Personal Memories of the Lake
The personal connections to the Great Salt Lake vary widely among Utah residents. During their 2014 interview, Don Mabey recalled his childhood in southern Idaho, where he learned about the lake through his interest in earth science, which was sparked by reading US Geological Survey publications sent to his father by John Rogers Mansfield.
Genevieve Atwood shared a different perspective, noting that as a child, she had little awareness of the lake's location but viewed it as an adventure. She recalled using a ten-pound alnico magnet, provided by a commanding officer of her father during World War II, to search for iron along the shores. This personal history underscores the diverse ways individuals engage with Utah's natural landmarks, from scientific study to childhood exploration.
Legacy of Oral Traditions
By digitizing and preserving these oral histories, the University of Utah's Marriott Library and the American West Center ensure that the diverse experiences of Utah's residents remain accessible. These collections, which include materials like the Golden Spike Oral History Papers and the Great Salt Lake Oral History Collection, serve as both scholarly resources and cultural archives for the American West.
