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Chaco Canyon Old Timers Reunion Oral History Project

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-579-BC

Scope and Content

Chaco Canyon, from the summer field session near Pueblo Bonito. Part of the Chaco Canyon Old Timers Reunion Oral History Project Pictorial Collection PICT 000-579.

The Chaco Canyon Old Timers Reunion Oral History Project consists of publicity, background materials and bibliographic sources, correspondence, questionnaires, and four interviews. Jean Markley, who lived in Chaco from 1922-1934 was interviewed by Michael Miller. She was the daughter of the first volunteer custodian at the Park, and during her tenure at the Park, was a part time guide for visitors, worked in Pueblo Bonito's small museum, and maintained a weather station and garage on Chaco Arroyo. She reminisces about her father, Gus (Chester Augustus Griffin). Wesley R. Hurt, was a participant in the UNM field school in Jemez in 1930. He was Edgar Hewett's chauffeur in the mid-1930's, and worked as a truck driver for the excavations in Jemez and at Chaco. Hurt was involved in building the field station at Chaco and helped with the archaeological survey and excavation. Hurt was interviewed by Rose Diaz. Alden Hayes ran errands at Chaco for Dr. Hewett in 1935, was student with the UNM field schools in 1936-37, and later became National Park Service research staff. The interview with Mr. Hayes was conducted by Marion Bell, and was interrupted and never completed. Emily Ross Mulloy, a student at the UNM field school in 1940-41, was also interviewed by Marion Bell.

There are four 60 minute cassette tape masters; the master tapes have been duplicated onto three 60 minute cassete tapes. Only the Wesley Hurt interview lasts longer than 30 minutes. Master cassette tapes are in B3; duplicates are in this collection.

Additional material was found and integrated into the collection in September 1999.

Dates

  • 1990

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Project History

Chaco Culture National Historical Park held an old timers' reunion at the Park from October 5th through October 7th, 1990. The reunion was to "[honor] all personnel involved with Chaco Canyon National Monument during the last sixty years such as ruins stabilization crews, maintenance employees, archaeologists, traders, Civilian Conservation Corp., and National Park Service personnel." One of the activities which took place at the reunion was the Chaco Canyon Old Timers Reunion Oral History Project. The goal of the Project was to record old timers' recollections of Chaco Canyon in the "early" days. The project was adversely effected by a last minute change in the program agenda, as well as inclement weather and unfavorable site conditions.

Extent

1 box ( .24 cu. ft. )

Abstract

Memoirs of personnel working at Chaco Canyon National Monument from 1922-1941

Related Material

Chaco Archives. National Park Service. University of New Mexico.

Separated Material

Photographs have been transferred to Chaco Canyon Old Timers Reunion Oral History Project Photograph Collection.

Master audiocassettes stored in B3.

Processing Information

Interview cassette tapes digitized Sept. 2020.
Title
Finding Aid of the Chaco Canyon Old Timers Reunion Oral History Project, 1990
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by B. Silbergleit
Date
©2000
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • June 28, 2004: PUBLIC "-//University of New Mexico::Center for Southwest Research//TEXT (US::NmU::MSS 579 BC::Chaco Canyon Old Timers Reunion Oral History Project)//EN" "nmu1mss579bc.sgml" converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (sy2003-10-15).
  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451