Lafayette Archival Oral History Collection 1968-2001

In the mid-1970s, Effie Amicarella and Carolyn Connaroe obtained a grant from the Colorado State Library to begin a series of taped oral history interviews to record and preserve early resident's recollections of the history of Lafayette. This collection features these oral histories and many more, altogether spanning from 1968-2001. These interviews highlight Lafayette’s mining history, agrarian history, history of commerce and more. Included here are digital copies of cassette recordings and transcripts that are physically located in Lafayette Public Library's archives.

Pages

Oral History with John James
John James described many memories he has of Lafayette from the early 1900s to the 1960s in his written history from 1975. He told stories about Lafayette residents he knew personally or had heard about, some of which involve crimes committed and the fate of those convicted. Being a long-time resident of Lafayette, John recalled the changes the town has gone through, from the businesses that have come and gone to the developments in transportation. He mentioned eleven mines and eleven saloons that were once stables of the area. He also recalled mining strikes during his childhood and his adulthood. He spoke about interacting with the National Guard on both of these occasions as well. When he was a child, the soldiers were kind to him. When he took part in the strikes himself, he was shot at in an attack that claimed the lives of several miners.
Oral History with John and Elizabeth Lewis April 22, 1986
This oral history interview begins with Jack and Elizabeth Lewis describing the Lafayette of their childhood and what they would do for fun. Jack had many jobs over the years including working on a farm, at a cheese factory, at a ranch, at a dairy, and in construction. Elizabeth was a bookkeeper for a lumberyard owned by the Broomfield Lumber Company. They describe what it was like during the depression and how Lafayette fared. Jack was a volunteer fireman and describes that time.
Oral History with John and Elizabeth Lewis January 22, 1988
In this oral history interview, Elizabeth describes her life in Lafayette, CO as a child and the stories that she was told by her family about working in the mines, including the strike of 1910. She also discusses the Methodist church and its influence on social life. Jack Lewis then discusses the effect of the 1910 strike on his family and childhood as well as the law enforcement and justice system in place in Lafayette during his childhood. There is no audio available for this interview.
Oral History with Ken and Carolyn Brown
In this interview with Ken and Carolyn Brown, Ken describes the Lafayette of his youth, the coal mines, his schooling, and the Great Depression and its impact on Lafayette. Ken and Carolyn met in 1934 and were married in 1938. He also describes his time in the military during World War II. The interview ends with Ken talking about the changes he has seen in Lafayette.
Oral History with Kumiko Yoshihara
In this interview, Kate describes her early life as a student coming back to the United States after spending time in Japan with her grandmother until she was 13. Kate also details she and her husband's (Yasuparo Yoshihara) experience working in farming in California before they were put into a Japanese Internment Camp and eventually moved to Apache, Colorado. After leaving the camp, she and her husband worked in farming and produce until eventually moving to Lafayette, CO in 1944 and opening a flower shop in 1949. Kate and her husband had five children.
Oral History with Lawrence Amicarella 1973
In this interview, Lawrence Amicarella (accompanied by Effie Amicarella, Blanche Moon, and LaJuan Swallow) discusses his work as a coal miner in detail.
Oral History with Lawrence Amicarella February 10, 1973
Lawrence began working the mines in 1916 at age 13. In this interview, he recalls what it was like working in the mines and the various issues, strikes, and controversies.
Oral History with Leland Moore
In this interview, Leland Moore describes opening his own lumberyard in Lafayette after moving to the area at age 30. He recalls what life was like in Lafayette. Leland held several positions in town including serving on the town board for four years and serving on the local rationing board during World War II. He ends the interview by discussing the Columbine Mine Massacre and the unrest in the town between union workers and scabs.
Oral History with Lillian Mosher
In this oral history interview, Lillian Mosher and others review historic photos of the Lafayette in a group interview. They name people, buildings, coal mines, and other stories that they can recall. Unfortunately, this interview contains many speakers, none of whom are identified.
Oral History with Lora Starkey
In this interview, Lora describes the Lafayette of her childhood and what life was like for coal miners. She also describes various social clubs in the city. Lora ends the interview by discussing the future of Lafayette and Starkey Memorial Park.
Oral History with Lucille Harrison
In this oral history interview, Lucille begins by discussing the boarders that lived in her parent’s home growing up in Lafayette, CO. She discusses how area attracted immigrants from many different countries to come and work in the coal mines. Lucille describes transportation in the area by both train and bus as well as the working conditions in the mines that led to strikes, although she does not remember much because she was very young at that time. Beginning on the second tape, Lucille reflects on her parents’ livelihoods, such as her father working on Mary Miller’s ranch as a farmhand. She recalls the effect of highway 287 on transportation and the increased traffic to and through Lafayette. She took part in the local garden club which was just one of many things people did for leisure. As women didn’t work much outside of the home, clubs were a place to gather and socialize. Memberships to these clubs fell during and after the Second World War as more women were working outside of the house. Lucille herself went back into the workforce at the telephone company when her husband enlisted. Like Lucille’s husband, many men in Lafayette were either enlisted or drafted during the war.
Oral History with Madge Berry
In this oral history interview, Madge Berry discusses the Lafayette of her youth. Specifically, this interview focuses on West Lafayette. She discusses the businesses in town and where different community members lived.

Pages