Remembering Salida

The Salida Oral History Project preserved the history and heritage of Salida through interviews of long-time residents and other knowledgeable people who lived and worked in the area. These are shared stories of their childhood, schooling, family, church, outings, celebrations, friends, hobbies, and events that still live in their memories. The interviews will be kept forever so that others can learn from these true historians’ words.

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Interview with Janet Murphy
Interview with Janet Murphy, b. July 13, 1929. Janet discusses her flower store business at 225 F Street and a little of its history, her work on the Hospital Auxiliary, and a little bit about the Salida Library.
Interview with Janet Murphy and Opal Heister
Interview with Janet Murphy and Opal Heister, dated October 21, 2004. Janet and Opal discuss their work with the Heart of the Rockies Hospital Auxiliary, and the history and people who used to work at the hospital.
Interview with Jean Hanfelt - November 24, 2003
Interview with Jean Hanfelt, b. November 19, 1939. Jean discusses her career working at the Flaming Gorge Dam in Utah and the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project in Colorado. She also mentions the beginning of the Salida-Aspen Concerts in Salida, Colorado.
Interview with Jean Hanfelt - October 20, 2004
Interview with Jean Hanfelt. Jean discusses in detail the origins of the Salida Aspen Concert Music Series, which started in 1980.
Interview with John Aragon
Interview with John Aragon, b. November 18, 1915 and died April 24, 2006. John discusses attending Catholic School, the lettuce industry, and being Post Master for the town of Poncha Springs, Colo., John L. Aragon, 90, died April 24, 2006, at the Yellow House Home Care in Maysville. He was born Nov. 18, 1915, in Espanola, N.M., to Juan and Magdalena (Vigil) Aragon. Mr. Aragon served in the Civilian Conservation Corp before serving his country in the U.S. Army during WWII in England, France and Luxemburg. He worked for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad and the U.S. Postal Service from which he retired as postmaster in Poncha Springs. Mr. Aragon was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was a 59-year, life member of the Knights of Columbus and Past Grand Knight; a 55-year member of the American Legion Ray Lines Post 64 and a life time member and Past Commander of the VFW. He was a member of Elk's Lodge No. 808 until his recent illness. His family, grandchildren and church were very important to him. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, working in his yard and playing with his dog Thumpkin. from http://www.themountainmail.com/obituaries/article_516f0f3c-c2e8-57b1-82c0-fffcd60b192c.html
Interview with John Bayuk
Interview with John Bayuk, b. March 3, 1934. John discusses his football career and becoming All-American, his business-owning ventures, and his contributions to the city of Salida.
Interview with John Spino
Interview with John Pete Spino, born July 18, 1929 and died Sept. 6, 2011. John's family built a multitude of businesses on Highway 50 in Salida. He remembers cutting ice for the ice sheds, having fun at Wellsville Hot Springs, and being involved in the first FIBArk in 1949.
Interview with Joy Humes
Interview with Joy Tuttle Humes, b. December 18, 1912. Joy discusses surviving the Great Depression and 'Shasta' the family car., Interview with Joy Tuttle Humes, b. December 18, 1912. Died October 5, 2005. Joy T. Humes, 92, a lifetime resident of Salida, died Oct. 5, 2005, at Columbine Manor Nursing Home. Mrs. Humes was born Dec. 18, 1912, in Bonanza to Clyde and Anna (Soash) Tuttle. She married Clarence Humes April 6, 1947. She was a member of First Baptist Church. Mrs. Humes worked for many years at Longfellow Elementary School in the cafeteria and was a volunteer at the Salida Senior Citizens Center. She enjoyed needlepoint, crocheting, making crafts and was a baby sitter for many Salida families. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Humes and son, Lary Humes. from: http://www.themountainmail.com/obituaries/article_54d0cf81-5db4-57c6-a876-aa1700a3f52e.html
Interview with Katherine Mendoza
Interview with Katherine Mendoza, born October 20, 1919 and died February 7, 2012. Katherine discusses hanging out on Front Street and getting candy from Laura Evans, selling ice cream at Alpine Park's gazebo on Thursday nights, and soap making with her brothers and sisters.
Interview with Laurence Campton
Interview with Laurence 'Campy' Campton, b. October 27, 1916 and died April 13, 2012. Laurence discusses his time in a P.O.W. camp in WWII, competing in FIBArk in the 50s, and his life and work in Salida, Colorado. Interviewed May 10, 2004., Laurence R. Campton age 95, of Salida, CO passed away on Friday April 13, 2012 at his home in Salida, CO. Mr. Campton was born October 27, 1916 in Massena, Iowa to James A. and Anna R. (Stratton) Campton. Mr. Campton married Daisy Newman on March 28, 1937 in Hennesse, OK. Mr. Campton enlisted in the United States Army in 1944. Mr. Campton served with Company K 4th Infantry Division 22nd Regiment 3rd BN. During his service to his country during World War II, Mr. Campton was a Prisoner of War for 91 days. He was released on his 8th wedding anniversary. During his military career he received the Purple Heart, 2 Bronze Stars and many other commendations. Mr. Campton worked as the Road and Bridge Supervisor for Chaffee County for many years. After his retirement, he served the citizens of Chaffee County as the Veterans Services Officer for Chaffee County. Mr. Campton was a member of the VFW, American Legion, DAV, Ex Prisoners of war both State and National, Elks Lodge # 808, which he was Elk of the year twice, the Shriners, Masons and the Old Goats. Mr. Campton enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his wife of 75 years and his family. He also enjoyed kayaking. In 1959, Mr. Campton won the Fibark down river race. He was the first American to be a finisher in every down river race he has entered. He was also Fibark Commodore twice. Mr. Campton was a true Patriot. from: http://www.lewisandglenn.com/obits/obituary.php?id=166739
Interview with Mabel Davis
Interview with Mabel L. Davis, born July 25, 1910 in Mount Ayr, Iowa and died January 1, 2004. Mabel discusses living in Poncha Springs and her work on the council and with the booster club. Mabel also has a great laugh.
Interview with Marie Klockenbrink
Marie Klockenbrink was born in 1938. Marie discusses growing up in Fort Garland, in the San Luis Valley, and her spanish heritage. She also has a funny story about driving her brother's car into the side of the Post Office.

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