Oral History with Joe & Betty Beranek -B

Description

Talked about coal camps, houses, etc. When a mine shut down people could buy the houses. Some of the houses in W Lafayette came from coal camps. Some of the houses people bought were moved to W Lafayette. Talked about various builders of the houses in W Lafayette. Also carpenters. Houses were small. As families grew they added on to the houses. Talked about landscaping and features of the neighborhood. Beautiful view of the mountains. Talked about sidewalks and gutters installation. On Arbor Day school children would plant trees. Had a botanical society. Some also joined the Colorado Botanical Society. Many had their own vegetable and flower gardens. Talked about the history of a large three-story house. Talked about the taverns during prohibition. Think they stayed open – in late 1930’s. Betty doesn’t remember her father talking about prohibition. Talked about septic tanks – no sewers. Joe’s family was very large – 11 boys and 6 girls. Raised chickens and rabbits and geese. Ate very well.