Transcriptions are filed individually in acid-free folders and labeled with call number and name of the person interviewed. The tapes from which the transcriptions were taken are stored apart from the main collection.
Processing of the collection was assisted by Lane Searle, student processor, and typists Janet John and Shawna Hodges.
John E. Lamborn
Manuscripts Curator
January 12, 1981
To better understand this loss, a program to gather and preserve personal accounts of the disaster
was jointly undertaken by the Department of History and Geography of Utah State University,
Ricks College and the Idaho State Historical Society. The oral histories obtained by these
agencies provide recollections of the flood and its aftermath from the perspectives of individuals,
families and communities. One hundred and twenty-four (124) interviews were completed and
are now available for historical and scholarly research in the Department of Special Collections
and Archives at Utah State University.
1. ANDERSON, CLYDE W.
Company official, Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company. Rexburg
Relates repair work to restore telephone service after the flood; cites damage done to company
facilities; summarizes relief efforts and service conditions during the clean-up period.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer
July 27, 1977
1a. ANDERSON, L.C. "ANDY"
Assistant Secretary-Treasurer and Fremont-Madison
Describes the construction and his involvement of the Teton Dam.
April 5th, 1972
2. ANDERSON, STEPHANIE S.
School teacher Rexburg
Recalls reaction to news of disaster while visiting relatives in Portland, Oregon; describes relief
efforts of LDS Church, the Red Cross, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
July 25, 1977
3. FANDRUS, ALYN B.
Disaster Relief Official Rexburg
Description of flood waters in Rexburg; relates volunteer efforts during the clean-up operations;
details service of disaster relief office set up by Senator Frank Church. Personal narrative
August 24, 1977
3a. ANDRUS, GAYLON RICH
Lawyer, Hibbard.
Recounts the evacuation of his family, the devastation in general and the damage to his business in particular.
Alyn Andrus, interviewer August 8,1977
4. ANDRUS, GLORIA G.
Housewife Rexburg
Description of flood waters in Rexburg; relates volunteer efforts during the clean-up operations;
cites incidents of vandalism and looting.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer October 4, 1977
4a. ANDRUS, KENDALL
Teacher, Farmer Milo, ID
Tells about his involvement in the flood. Describes helping out and seeing the community come together.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer July 20, 1977
5. ARCHIBALD, DAVID W.
Retiree Rexburg
Recounts the effects of flood on the residents of the Rexburg Golden Living Center; discusses
reparations by the Bureau of Reclamation and the volunteer assistance with clean-up operations.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer
August 19, 1977
5a. ARD, MYRTLE
Rexburg.
Describes flood waters in town, damage to her home and the renovations necessary afterward.
Alyn Andrus, interviewer August 8, 1977
6. ARD, WILLIAM
No occupation given Rexburg
Regarding the effects of the floods on his property and the emotional stress that it caused his was;
discusses reparations by the Bureau of Reclamation; remarks on the renovation of Rexburg and
neighboring communities.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer
August 23, 1977
6a. ARNOLD, TERRELL L.
Job Printing Sugar City
Describes flood and people’s disbelief. How he and his family and community got through it all.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer June 15, 1977
7. BAGLEY, GAYLEN W.
Carpenter, Sugar City
Relates loss of his mobile home and personal property, the destruction of Sugar City and the
relief efforts by the Red Cross, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Bureau
of Reclamation.
March 30, 1978
7a. BAGLEY, GLENDA
Housewife Sugar City
Explains she and her family lost everything except the clothes on their backs. Trailer house was wiped completely out.
Richard Stallings, interviewer March 30, 1978
8. BAGLEY, LAYLE
Manager, Teton Traveling Mfg. Salem
Regarding loss of personal property in flood, the attempt to salvage something from his home the
day after the flood, and resettlement.
Fremont Fullmer, interviewer
July 12, 1977
8a. BAKE, MARGARET
Rexburg.
Describes reaction to the newscast regarding evacuation, renovation of the home, and the emotional stress of the ordeal.
Christian Sorenson, interviewer August 30, 1977
9. BARRUS, RUTH H.
Music teacher, Ricks College. Sugar City
Describes destruction of her home and farm property, the clean-up operations and security
precautions against vandalism.
Ramon Widdison, interviewer
June 18, 1977
9a. BARRUS, RUTH
Farmer, Sugar City
Memoir by Barrus of the Teton flood and how faith that abundance will eventually com to the city of Sugar Hill.
No interviewer
10. BATES, ORRIN RAYMON
Professor, Ricks College. Rexburg
Description of damage to home after the flood; recalls the volunteer efforts, the services of the
Small Business Administration and reparations by the Bureau of Reclamation; stresses the need
for the dam.
David Crowder, interviewer
June 13, 1977
10a. BEAN, HAROLD
Idaho Fish and Game, Sugar City.
Describes the floodwaters on the Salem highway and the damage done to his home and farm.
Richard B. Stallings, interviewer July 21, 1977
11. BECK, MARY ANN
Businesswoman Rexburg
Regarding her return to Rexburg from West Yellowstone Montana after the flood and the
damage done to her home and the destruction to the town; assistance form Department of
Housing and Urban Development and the Soil Conservation Service.
11a. BELL, BRENT
Bell Builder Business, Ranch Rexburg
Relates personal experiences and community changes.
Richard Stallings, interviewer July 18, 1977
11b. BELL, BRETT JOHN
Child, Rexburg
Fifteen year old boy’s experience with the flood. Lost all his cows and had to clean up his family’s property without the help of his father, who was helping elsewhere.
Richard Stallings, interviewer July 18, 1977
11c. BELL, MICHELLE
Child Rexburg
Thirteen year old girl talking about why she thought the flood happened and how they recovered.
Richard Stallings, interviewer July 18, 1977
11d. BELNAP, MABLE H.
Housewife, Rexburg
Mabel and her husband called the flood a lot of drudgery. Husband is thankful for his life
Fremont Fuller, interviewer
12. BENNION, REX
Dean of Administration, Ricks College. Rexburg
Preparations in Rexburg before the flood; the role of Ricks College in the relief effort; the
purpose of "Appreciation Day"; damage to his home and personal property.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
June 22, 1977
12a. BIRCH, PAUL
Postman, Wilford.
Description of a premonition of the disaster and the loss of his home and property while in San Diego, California. Tells of dealings with government .agencies during recovery and the relocation of
his family.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer July 13, 1977
12b. BILL, SETH
Ricks College Education Media Department, Sugar City
Talked about the biggest worry in the flood being that there was no clean water.
Richard Stallings, interviewer December 30, 1977
12c. BIRCH, BLAINE
Wilford, ID
Account deals with what he observed at Wilford and Fremont Counties.
Judge Forbush, interviewer June 24, 1976
13. BIRD, VERL
Farmer Sugar City
Relates his experience of staying in Sugar City as the flood washed through, describes the damage and the clean-up operation;
notes the changes in Sugar City since the flood. Richard Stallings, interviewer
August 6, 1977
14. BISCHOFF, HAROLD
Dairy Farmers St. Anthony
Relates attempt to save dairy cows during flood; describes destruction done to personal and
neighbors' property; cites aid given by the Bureau of Reclamation, the problems encountered
with the clean-up operation, and the lack of diligence by some government workers.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer
July 29, 1977
15. BOICE, ROBERT
laborer, Rexburg
Regarding his attempts to get to
his home from St. Anthony when he learned of the flood; describes damage done to his and
neighboring homes by logs from sawmill, tractors and other objects carried by the flood; notes
aid received by Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Bureau of Reclamation;
cites some incidents of vandalism.
David L. Crowder, interviewer
June 17, 1977
16.BONNER, JOHN
Instructor, Ricks College. Rexburg
Regarding his return to Rexburg from Ely, Nevada after the flood; describes damage to home,
assistance received from volunteer groups and government agencies; notes the changes brought
to the community by the flood.
Richard Stallings, interviewer
June 23, 1977
16a. BOYLE, MOANA
Housewife, Rexburg
Stayed on her sundeck of the 2nd floor during the flood. Amazed at what was destroyed and what was not.
Ann Hayes, interviewer June 22, 1977
17.BOYLE, NILE LEROY
Pharmacist Rexburg
Describes the flood as viewed from the roof of his home; relates the damage suffered by his
business and problems encountered with his claims to the government; describes the assistance
of volunteer groups and the activities of "Appreciation Day." Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
June 15, 1977
18. BREWSTER, SAM F.
Instructor Rexburg
Describes damage to his and neighboring homes, the clean-up operations, and the services
provided by government and disaster relief agencies.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
May 29, 1977
18a. BROOKS, RENINGTON
Student Sugar House
Went to Teton disaster as a volunteer three weeks after it had happened. Told how it looked and how all the debris was everywhere.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer December 9, 1977
19. BROWN, HETTIE BURKE
Housewife Rexburg
Regarding her reaction to news of the flood during stay in Indianpolis; describes the clean-up
operations, damage to her own and her mother-in-law's homes, assistance from volunteer groups.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
June 8, 1977
20.BROWN, MAX
Instructor, Ricks College. Rexburg
Regarding his reaction to news of the flood during stay in Indianapolis; cites distortions of the disaster by the news media;
describes damage to home and neighborhood; notes assistance provided by volunteer groups and
government agencies.
Richard Stallings, interviewer
July 8, 1977
20a. BROWN, GAYLE BECK
Homemaker, Sugar City
Reflects on how the flood changes her whole life in one sudden experience and nothing was the same.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer June 15, 1977
20b. BROWN, HETTIE B.
Housewife, Rexburg
She and her husband were in Indiana when the dam broke; talks about how everyone supported them in Indiana and in Idaho.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer June 8, 1977
20c. BROWN, RAYMOND C.
Teacher at Ricks, Sugar City
Husband of Gayle Brown. He said building a new house only to have it destroyed is a life changing experience. Reflected that he was thankful it happened in the summer and in the USA where the government was able to help.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer June 26, 1977
21.BROWNING, CLARIE
Daughter of honey farmer, Rexburg
Regarding destruction of her family's home and honey business; notes problem's with claims
against the government to replace supplies and equipment; cites reaction of people in Canada to
news of the disaster, assistance of volunteer groups and incidents of vandalism and looting.
Ann Hayes, interviewer
June 15, 1977
21a. CALDER, FRED
Banker. Rexburg
Watched the flood come and saw that it would cause a lot of damage after seeing how much water was coming. Talked about how he got to his house and cleaned with the help of his family and friends.
22.CALDERWOOD, JAY
General Excavation Foreman, Teton Dam
Describes his attempts to stop the leak in the Teton Dam by pushing debris into the whirlpool
with his caterpillar tractor; cites the
Bureau of Reclamation's tests to insure safety of the dam, and the disbelief of those connected
with its construction when they watched it wash away.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer
June 24, 1977
23.CARLSON, ROXANNE LORIE
Relates her return to Rexburg from a short drive and attempts to locate her daughter before the
flood hit; location of her daughter the day following the flood, in good health; damage to
personal property cited; notes emotional stress caused by flood. Ann Hayes, interviewer
June 24, 1977
24. CASE, GARRETT E.
Bookstore owner Rexburg
Relates the damage done to his home and how it resulted in the demolition of the structure after
the clean-up operations; notes assistance by volunteer groups, the Red Cross and the Department
of Housing and Urban Development. David Crowder, interviewer
June 14, 1977
24a. CATMUL, JUNE B.
A letter to all family and friends they made because of the flood. It is an interview that has the answers to the questions included in the letter.
No Interviewer June 24, 1976
25. CHRISTENSEN, JEFF
Child, Rexburg
An account of the flood in Rexburg
by an eight-year-old boy. Doris Shirley, interviewer
June 1, 1977
25a. CLARKE, JOHN L.
Retired, Rexburg
Recalled how anyone and everyone would help and volunteer with cleaning. Brought communities and other cities together.
Richard Stallings, interviewer September 9, 1977
26. CLEMENTS, TRUDY
Housewife Rexburg
Describes preparations for flood, waters passing through Rexburg and damages suffered by her
parents; notes assistance by volunteer groups and the Red Cross.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer August 24, 1977
27. COATES, LAWRENCE
Instructor, Ricks College. Rexburg
Relates assistance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Bureau of
Reclamation, the Red Cross and volunteer groups; cites some incidents of vandalism; notes the
effects of the flood on people and community.
Richard Stallings, interviewer
June 29, 1977
28. COLE, VEION BROWN
Retiree Rexburg
Describes damage caused by the flood; notes assistance from the Department of Housing and
Urban Development and theBureau of Reclamation; discusses problems with her husbands health
after the flood.
Ramon Widdison, interviewer
August 8, 1977
29. CONGDON, ANDREA
Child, Rexburg
An account of the flood in Rexburg by eight-year-old girl; describes fears of being separated from parents, loss of possessions, and
the condition of the home; relates difficulty of adjusting to life in a trailer provided by
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Doris Shirley, interviewer
June 1, 1977
30. CURETON, MATT
Child, Rexburg
Describes the condition of the home after the flood, the clean-up operation and the places he
stayed while repairs were being made.
Doris Shirley, interviewer
June 1, 1977
30a. DALLEY, ELBERT
Custodian of LDS Church, Roberts
Recounts how some people were taken advantage of by workers. Comments on how their houses will continually have problems because of how bad they were constructed.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer June 22, 1977
30b. DALLEY, VIRGINIA
Sorts potatoes at Lewisville, Roberts
Learns from the flood that people should be thankful for what they have because it could be taken away.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer July 20, 1977
30c. DALLING, BRAD
School Teacher, Rexburg
Commented on how much volunteer work was done, and how independent everyone was because the LDS church helped through the tithing and fast offerings.
Richard Stallings, interviewer
31. DAVENPORT, ANN
Housewife Rexburg
Describes damage done by the flood and its effect on the community; relates experience of living
in unfinished basement afterward; cites assistance and difficulties with Department of Housing
and Urban Development and the Bureau of Reclamation.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer August 25, 1977
31a. DURRANT, JANE
Student, Salt Lake City
A volunteer from Salt Lake City going to Rexburg and helping out with shoveling mud in the streets.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer September 1, 1977
32. ELD, MARVIN
Director, Teton Interfaith Disaster Task Force.
Describes the efforts of this group in providing counseling, emergency funds, and volunteer labor
during the clean-up operation and for months afterward.
Christina C. Sorensen, interviewer June 28, 1977
33. ELLIS, DON
Owner/Operator of Rexburg Radio Station
Describes collapse of the dam as viewed from the visitors overlook at the dam site; relates his
repeated broadcasts to warn those in the valley below; describes activities at the dam when it
began to collapse; notes damage to his property in Rexburg and assistance recieved from the Small Business Adminsitration and the Bureau of Reclamation; notes the changes in the
communities since.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer
August 19, 1977
33a. EMBREE, GLENN
Geology Teacher at Ricks, Rexburg
States his wife had some sort of premonition of the dam breaking. Talks about what they lost and how they dealt with it.
Richard Stallings, interviewer
33b. EMPEY, MELISSA
Housewife, Rexburg
Talks about the positive and the negative aspects of the dam breaking.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer September 8, 1977
34. FIFE, RONALD K.
Dentist Rexburg
Relates the distortion the news media'made of the disaster; describes return to Rexburg and
elation at finding home undamaged; describes damage to business in Rexburg; explains
association with chief engineer Robison and his absolution from responsibility for the failure;
cites changes in the attitudes of the survivors of the disaster after the flood toward material
wealth and blessings.
David Crowder, interviewer
July 8, 1977
34a. FORBUSH, HAROLD
Engineer, St. Anthony
Talks about the early history of the Teton Dam in the planning and the actual construction of it.
Robert Pittard, interviewer March 9, 1972
35. FORBUSH, JACK
Soil Conservation Technician, Malad
Relates work done by himself and the Soil Conservation Service to remove debris and restore irrigation systems, to aid farmers and to recover and return personal items found in fields.
Harold S. Forbush, Interviewer June 25, 1977
36. FORSYTH, GRACE
Housewife Sugar City
Describes destruction to home and dairy farm, loss of stock and the recover of some stock the day after the flood; relates the difficulties of starting anew with dairy business and the problems they encountered making the land farmable again.
Christina Sorensen, Interviewer August 10, 1977
36a. FRANSEN, MR. AND MRS. GEORGE
Rexburg.
Describes evacuation, damage to home and dealings with the government during recovery. Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer August 25, 1977
37. FREDERICKSEN, MARY L.
Grandmother Rexburg
Details her activities the day of the flood and during the two months following.
Alyn B. Andrus, Interviewer August 23, 1977
38. FRONK, TED L.
Assistant Manager, Safeway Store. Rexburg
Describes the flood as seen from the roof of his store in Rexburg; relates the damage to the community, his mobile home and the store; notes the difficulties in cleaning up the store, that perishables and bleachers were donated to relief agencies, and to Ricks College Relief Station by Safeways; comments that he thought “Appreciation Day” did not accomplish what it attempted.
Mary Ann Beck, Interviewer June 6, 1977
39. FROST, CHARLES I.
Director of Physical Plant, Ricks College. Rexburg
Describes destruction to town and surrounding area; relates the role of the college in coordinating relief efforts and distributing food; notes some incidents of vandalism.
Mary Ann Beck, Interviewer June 27, 1977
40. FULLER, KENDALL
Teacher, Sugar-Salem High School. Sugar City
Describes the destruction of his home and the assistance he received from the Department of Housing and Urban Development of Housing and Urban Development and the Red Cross.
Steven Fuller, Interviewer November 26, 1977
40a. FULLMER, BETTIE FRANCINE
Motel owner, Rexburg.
Describes inability to rebuild after the flood and their dealings with the government agencies assisting recovery. Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September 15, 1977
41. FULLMER, FREMONT
Retiree Rexburg
Relates the loss of his belongings and expresses the emotional stress that the flood caused elderly
people. Rhea Schroeder, interviewer
March 8, 1978
41a. FULLMER, THEO CHARLES
Motel owner, Rexburg.
Describes the inability to rebuild Their home and business and their dealings with the government agents assisting with recovery.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September 18, 1977
41b. FULLMER, STEVEN
Operator at Idaho Stud Mill
Incomplete interview. Gives his name and how he was involved in the Teton Dam flood.
Fremont Fullmer, interviewer
FULLMER, GOLDA
(see above)
42. GAGE, NORMAN J.
Instructor, Ricks College. Sugar City
Relates attempts to ready his home for the flood and fleeing just before the water came in;
describes the damage to home and community; discusses the clean-up operations and early
resentment toward the engineers of the dam.
Richard Stallings, interviewer September 21, 1977
42a. GARNER, LELAND
Manager of a canned food store, Hibbard
Thought it was a great education of being equal to everyone–it didn’t matter who you were or how much money you made everyone was in the same predicament.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September 22, 1977
42b. GARNER, MAXINE CALL
Housewife, Hibbard
Was very grateful for her family being together and said the flood made them closer and thankful for their lives.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September 22, 1977
43. GEE, JAMES
Administrator, Ricks College. Sugar City
Regarding damage done to house and farm, the clean-up operation, and assistance from the
Department of Housing and Urban Development. Richard Stallings, interviewer June 22, 1977
44. GENTA, ELLEN
Employee, Ricks College. Rexburg
Describes preparations for flood, damage to her home and to the homes of relatives, the clean-up
operations; notes how the flood effected the community.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer August 16, 1977
45.GIBSON, RUTH
Retiree Rexburg
Relates the effect of the flood on
the residents of the Rexburg Golden Living Center.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer
August 19, 1977
46.GIFFORD, CAROLYN
Housewife Rexburg
Relates damage caused by the flood to her home and the task of cleaning up; describes assistance
by volunteer groups and government agencies; notes the changes in the community since the
flood and reflects upon its effect on the children of the area.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer September 7, 1977
46a. GLENN, JERRY
Library at Ricks College Rexburg
States he is happy that the government and LDS church combined made things run smoothly and faster.
Richard Stallings, interviewer September 16, 1977
47. GODFREY, DIANA
Housewife Rexburg
Describes preparations at her home before the flood, the condition of the house and land
afterward, the clean-up operations; notes the changes in the community afterward; stating that
some were "better off" afterward.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer August 24, 1977
47a. GREENHALGH, GLORIA
Wilford, ID
Didn’t think the people affected by the flood were reimbursed for the psychological effect of it.
Roman Widdison, interviewer
48.GRIGG, DARYL WAYNE
Farmer, St. Anthony
Relates his experience fishing below the dam when it broke and being swept three miles
downstream by the flood; explains that his fishing companion drowned, but that he saved himself
by riding logs down the torrent and by finally clinging to a tree.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer
July 10, 1977
49.GRIFFETH, RAMA DRURY
Housewife, Rural near Rexburg
Relates loss of home and personal belongings; describes problems encountered with cleaning up;
notes assistance from friends, volunteer groups and the Department of Housing and Urban
Development.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
June 21, 1977
50.HALL, GARTH VICTOR
Farmer, Rural near Rexburg
Relates the flood as viewed from
Big Butte, describes the damage to farm land and the difficulties in getting it back into shape;
notes that some people appeared to cheat the government,with their claims.
Ramon Widdison, interviewer
August 21, 1977
51. HANSEN, KEITH L.
Farmer, Rural near Rexburg
Relates loss of property and the damage to the community caused by the flood; describes his
responsibilities as a platoon sargeant in the Idaho National Guard; notes assistance to the area
from government agencies.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
June 23, 1977
51a. HANSEN, BILL AND MARILYN
Sales Rep for Kraft Foods. Rexburg
Marilyn had a dream of the dam breaking. They lost a lot of stuff they state money could not replace.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer July 17, 1977
51b. HARMON, PHILLIP M.
Policeman, Rexburg.
Policeman's account of the flood, the evacuation, looting and patrols to guard property. Also assesses the behavior of the people affected by the disaster.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September 9, 1977.
52. HART, ELDON C.
Director of Auxiliary Services, Ricks College, Rexburg
Describes view of the flood as given by his son who flew over the dam and canyon; relates the
rescue efforts of his son in saving stranded people. Christina Sorensen, interviewer
July 26, 1977
52a. HILTERBRAND, VERNEL
Roberts.
Describes the flood waters and the clean-up of his home afterward. Also discusses dealings with government agencies during the recovery period.
Richard Stallings, interviewer July 5, 1977
52b. HEPWORTH, BECKY
Housewife, Rexburg
Thought the flood made her put her life in a different perspective. It rearranged her priority list and put more important things first.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer August 30, 1977
52c. HEPWORTH, PAT
Housewife, Rexburg
Says that the flood has brought her family closer together. She feels that the flood has made her more worldly and wants to hang on to her possessions more
Christina Sorensen, interviewer August 24, 1977
52d. HEPWORTH, TERRY
Housewife
Watched the flood from her friend’s apartment; she was thankful for her family and the Red Cross for helping donating items to clean their house and have clothes to wear.
Christina Sorensen, Interviewer August 30, 1977
52e. HIRSCHI, ROBERT
Farmer, cattle raiser, Rexburg
Unfinished interview of Robert and his wife on the flood. Wife had a premonition to put the money in the house that was previously buried in the ground.
Fremont Fullmer, interviewer
53.HOGLUND, RAYMOND WALTER
Employee, Ricks College. Rexburg
Describes the floods advance across the farm lands and the damage it did to his home; describes
the cleanup operations and the help received from the Red Cross, the Bureau of Reclamation and
volunteer groups. Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
May 29, 1977
54. HOGLUND, IRIS
Housewife Rexburg
(see above)
Christina Sorensen, interviewer August 10, 1977
54a. HOLM, RAY
Farmer, Roberts
Rays house is unaffected by the flood, but he is a bishop of his LDS ward and helped organized efforts to clean up the destruction. He said the flood made him more tolerant.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer July 27, 1977
55. HOLMAN, LORA HADLOCK
Nurse, Rexburg
Relates reactions to news of the floodl describes help from volunteer groups; notes problems
with government agencies. Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
June 1, 1977
56. HOSTETTER, C. NELSON
National Director, Mennonite Disaster Service
Relates the nature of his groups work aand organization nationwide; describes
the group's work in Rexburg area; notes help from other volunteer groups; describes
Appreciation Day. Mary Ann Beck, interviewer June 27, 1977
57. HOWELL, KENNETH
Employee, Ricks College. Sugar City
Describes damage to his home and property; notes the effectiveness of the government's relief
programs and the volunteer aid; relates how the community recovered. Christina Sorensen,
interviewer
July 13, 1977
58. HUBSCHER, ARTHUR
Instructor, Ricks College. Rexburg
Describes the flood and its effects; notes the help given by volunteer groups and government
agencies; relates problems with contractors during recovery.
Richard H. Stallings, interviewer September 2, 1977
58a. HUNTER, HAL
Professor at Ricks, Rexburg
Apartment didn’t get destroyed and Hal Hunter looks back gratefully that he had put his personal, priceless items on higher shelves.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September 1, 1977
58b. HUSKINSON, RALPH
59. HYBELS, MARILYN
Volunteer Teton Interfaith Counsel
Describes relief services offered by
her church (Christian Reformed) in the Roberts, Rexburg and Blackfoot areas; notes help from
government and volunteer groups; relates problems with contractors. Christina Sorensen,
interviewer
July 6, 1977
59a. HYDE, MERLE
Forest Service as a purchasing agent, Rexburg
Thought flood brought the community together, but decided it only made people feel more resentment in their claims.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September 29. 1977
Box 2
59b. HARVY, JACKMAN J.
Supervisor of Education Media Learning Lab, Sugar City
Described how the government was fair but made mistakes on a few of the things the people claimed to have.
Richard Stallings, interviewer December 30, 1977
59c. JENSEN, DONALD NIELS
Instructor, Ricks College. Rexburg
Describes evacuation process, clean-up and dealings with the police and government agents.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September 22, 1977
59d. JENSON, L. SID
Farmer, Roberts.
Describes the flood, the evacuation, the clean-up and the assistance program supervised by the LDS Church.
Christina Sorenson, interviewer July 6, 1977
60. JOHNSON, CARL J.
Retiree, Rexburg
Describes damage to home, assistance by government agencies and volunteers, and the effects of
the flood on the community.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
July 13, 1977
61. KAUER, DOUGLAS S.
Farm boy (13 years old) Rural Rexburg
Describes the flood, its damage to their family farm, and the problem of cleaning up afterward.
Mary Ann Beck
June 27, 7977
62. KENNEDY, MICHAEL B.
Madison County, Prosecuting Attorney, Rexburg
Describes problems of law enforcement in Madison County during the evacuation and after the
flood; relates passing the curfew, cases of larceny and looting, organized crime cases, drifters and
difficulties of prosecuting such cases; notes the aid given by government and volunteer agencies.
David L. Crowder, interviewer
February 27, 1978
62a. KEPPNER, LEHI AND ELSIE
Retired Farmer, Teton River
Stated how they were thankful that the flood didn’t happen at night. Said there could have been a lot more damage and deaths.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer
63. KINGHORN, BRENT
Administrator, Ricks College. Sugar City
Describes the flood and the damage it did to his property; describes the clean-up operations;
notes the aid received from volunteer groups, the Red Cross, the Bureau of Reclamation and
other government agencies. Richard Stallings, interviewer
June 23, 1977
63a. KLINGER, ARLENE
Recalls people telling the flood victims that they are lucky because they received new things from the government when the flood victims really went through a lot.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer September 8, 1977
64.KLINGLER, DELL
Madison County Commissioner, Rexburg
Relates problems encountered with the clean-up operations after the flood, work by the Civil
Defense, government agencies and volunteer groups.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
June 21, 1977
65. KRITZ, LOTTI E
Retiree Rexburg
Relates the experience of the flood and its effects upon the residents of the Rexburg Golden
Living Center. Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer
August 12, 1977
65a. KUNZ, FRANCES,br>
Sugar City, ID
Recalls they were one of the last families out of the area and could see the destruction of the flood only about ½ a mile away. Knew it was pointless to put their belongings upstairs.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer September 23, 1977
65b. KUNZ, HAROLD
Student, Sugar City
An electrical inspector at the dam site. States dam should be built with cement. Claims that the economy raising was from the dam breaking.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer June 28, 1977
66. LAIRD, McKLEAN O.
Mayor Roberts, Idaho
Relates the evacuation of the town, the problems with cleaning up after the flood, and assistance
recieved from government agencies and volunteer groups.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer
June 21, 1977
66a. LAIRD, MICK
Mayor, Roberts
Said that people would accuse him of the bad way he ran things and blamed him for the people’s bad choices.
Christina Sorensen, interview June 21, 1977
66b. LAMB, JAY
City Council, Roberts
Recalled some people wouldn’t leave until the flood actually came to their house. Stated that the state hardly helped Roberts. Said they overall didn’t do a good job.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer June 22, 1977
66c. LAPIER, ARCILEE
Rexburg
Says that their house wasn’t as damaged as other houses from the flood until later on. Had to put in two different claims.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September 8, 1977
66d. LEAWN, MARY FREDERIKSEN
Rexburg, ID
Discusses how inconvenient it was to stay at someone else’s house because there was no available housing for her.
66e. LEWIS, DARRELL
Rexburg, ID
Says that people took advantage of the flood victims by raising prices and real estate.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer July 19, 1977
66f. LEWIS, MRS. GEORGE
Housewife, Rexburg
Says she is thankful to be living in America where the government is such a wonderful help. Says the flood made her and her family stronger.
Richard Stallings, interviewer June 28, 1977
66g. LILJENQUIST, WILLA
Housewife, Rexburg
Did not support the location of the dam and knew it wouldn’t hold up for long. Talked about how her book she was writing was saved miraculously.
Richard Stallings, interviewer June 22, 1977
67.LOWE, GERALD JAY
Plumber and farmer. Rexburg
Describes the flood as it passed over his farm, their attempts to save the animals and the final
clean up; notes help by volunteers and government agencies during the recovery period.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
June 8, 1977
67a. MANWARING, FRED
Soil conservation service, US dept of Agriculture Grovland, ID
His job is trying to get people’s land back to normal. States that land would never be the same because of the topsoil being washed off.
Ann Haze, interviewer June 28, 1977
68.MANWARING, O. ELWOOD
Appraiser Blackfoot
Describes structural damage to homes and businesses in Firth and Blackfoot areas; assistance
from government agencies in the recovery period noted.
Ann Hayes, interviewed
June 28, 1977
69.MARLOR, J. KENT
Operations Director, Madison County Civil Defense Office. Rexburg
Describes evacuation of Rexburg and
Sugar City; work with the county and local officials, church groups and the civil defense force
noted; relates assistance by government agencies; describes work of Civil Defense force after the
flood in accounting for people, building roads, relocating people, etc. David L. Crowder,
interviewer
July 7, 1977
70. MASON, CAROLE
Housewife Rexburg
Description of flood damage to her home and property, the clean-up and assistance from
volunteer groups and government agencies.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer
July 26, 1977
70a. MCCULLOUGH, ENID FAY
Rexburg
Stated that the dam should definitely be built somewhere else. Said flood made her stronger.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September 26, 1977
70b. MCCULLOCH, ORVILLE A.
Recalls that the flood was the reason why for two years his crops wouldn’t sell and that he got a cataract in his eye and lost an unhealthy amount of weight.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September 19, 1977
70c. MESERVY, OLIVER K.
Farmer, St. Anthony
Describes the flood and the destruction of his home, the clean-up effort and his efforts to rebuild.
Richard Stallings, interviewer December 29, 1977
71. MILLER, WOOD
Director On-campus housing Ricks College. Rexburg
Relates arrangements for housing flood victims in Ricks College dormitories.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer July 6, 1977
72. MOON, ZERUAH
Housewife Sugar City
Describes destruction of her home and property; relates her husbands role, as mayor of Sugar
City, in the clean up and recovery period; notes the changes in the community since the flood.
Ramon Widdison, interviewer
August 18, 1977
73. MORRIS, BARBARA
Housewife Rexburg
Loss of property in apartment building damaged by flood described; notes the assistance she
received from the government in recovery.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer
August 16, 1977
73a. MORTENSEN, MILDRED
Accuses the engineers of the flood and says they should never rebuild the dam. Also says that the Red Cross helped out a lot and she was grateful for them.
Fremont Fuller, interviewer
74. MORTENSEN, PAUL R.
Manager, Best-Pak Potatoes. Sugar City
Relates damage to potato packing plant in Sugar City and to farm land in surrounding area;
describes clean-up operations; notes assistance received from government agencies.
Fremont Fullmer, interviewer
July 13, 1977
74a. MORTENSEN, VERNON C.
There is no interview but a tape that can’t be fully understood because of how it was taped.
Judge Forbush, interviewer June 30, 1976
74b. MOSS, DARREL H.
Principal at Junior High, Sugar City
Talked about the damage of the flood and how he didn’t move out of Sugar City because he liked the people.
Richard Stallings, interviewer July 20, 1977
74c. MOSS, RONNIE E.
Civil Defense Director, Rexburg.
Describes his actions as civil defense director for Madison, County.
David L. Crowder, interviewer August 3, 1977
75. MUIR, LYNETTE
Housewife Rexburg
Describes damage to her home from the flood; relates problems with contractors during the
recovery period; notes some cases of vandalism. Christina Sorensen, interviewer
August 30, 1977
75a. NELSON, HENRY
Rexburg
Describes the flood, the evacuation, the clean-up and the assistance given by the Red Cross.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer July 8, 1977
76. NELSON, JUDY
Housewife Rexburg
Describes the destruction of her home and the job of cleaning up; relates the emotional effects of
the flood, the tension and the strain that it caused; notes help from volunteers and government
agencies.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer
August 30, 1977
77. NICHOLLS, DALE DARNELL
Employee Safeway's Incorporated, Rexburg.
Describes the damage done to the Rexburg Safeway store, the donation of food, medicine and dry
goods to the relief effort by the store, and the treatment of the store's claim by the Bureau of
Reclamation.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
July 12, 1977
78. NIEDERER, SHARYN
Secretary Ricks College, Rexburg.
Relates her return from DuBois, Idaho, after the flood and the ordeal of waiting to get back into
Rexburg to check on her home and neighbors; describes the clean up operations and the
assistance given by volunteers; notes the aid given by the Department of Housing and Urban
Development. Christina Sorensen, interviewer
August 9, 1977
79. NIEDERER, WILLIAM
Electrician Rexburg
(see Niederer, Sharyn.)
Christina Sorensen, interviewer
August 9, 1977
80. NIELSON, JOHN D.
Instructor, Ricks College. Rexburg
Describes the total loss of his home
and personal belongings; relates the effectiveness of the governments efforts during the clean-up
and relief operations; notes the changes in the community since the flood.
Richard Stallings, interviewer
August 5, 1977
80a. NICHOLLS, DALE D.
Safeway INC., Sugar City
Stated that the flood has made him more aware of his purpose in life. He describes how there was a lot of help offered to them.
Richard Stallings, interviewer July 12, 77
80b. NYBORG, MR. AND MRS. ALAN
Rancher, Rexburg.
Description of flood, destruction of home, relocation and assistance from the government.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer July 27, 1977
80c. NYE, PAUL J.
Teacher, Rexburg
Commented that people would put in exaggerated claims to the government and charge too much for work.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer June 21, 1977
80d. PACKER, DON
Counselor at Ricks, Rexburg
Was grateful for the government; was glad that there was a lot of help available.
Richard Stallings, interviewer October 24, 1977
80e. PARKINSON, RONALD
Fertilizer and Chemical Business, St Anthony, ID
Claimed that the government tried to take away their right to land by making people have building permits. Explains the destruction of the flood.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer July 8, 1977
80f. PERKINS, ERROL
Foreman, Sugar City Mayor
Recalled his losses of cattle and how the flood completely changed his life.
Fremont Fullmer, interviewer
80g. PETERSON, FLOETT G.
Rexburg
Describes evacuation, damage to property, assistance given by the LDS Church.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September 14, 1977
81.PETERSON, LESTER J.
Physician Rexburg
Describes the effect of the flood on the residents of the Rexburg Golden Living Center, the loss
of his home, damage to other homes owned by his company, and to a motel owned by him;
relates how the flood benefitted the community in the long run.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer
August 29, 2977
82. PETERSON, LOLA A.
Manager, Rexburg Golden Living Center.
(see Peterson, Lester J.)
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer
July 5, 1977
82a. PETERSON, WANDA LOU
Housewife, Rexburg
Recalled how helpful the Red Cross and LDS church were. Was very amazed at how many people volunteered.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September12, 1977
82b. PHILLIPS, BETTY
Housewife, Rexburg
Wishes the government wouldn’t tax her on her leftover money that she hasn’t spent yet. She doesn’t want to do more paper work after how the flood affected her.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September 28, 1977
83. PIEPER, ALBERT A.
Instructor, Ricks College. Rexburg
Relates his. reaction to news of the flood; describes damage to his home; notes cases in which
contractors took advantage of people during the recovery period and how the ordeal changed the
community and his life.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer
September 7, 1977
84. PORTER, ARTHUR C.
Owner, Porter Printing. Rexburg
Describes view of the flood from the air, the damage to his home and business, and the problems
associated with getting the business going again.
Doris Shirley, interviewer
June 5, 1977
84a. PORTER, JOHN C.
Mayor, Rexburg
States that overall the government did a great job but they “screwed” a lot of things up that might have made things run smoother.
Richard Stallings, interviewer February 20, 1978
84b. PURRINGTON, ROBERT
Rexburg Food Center
Says his store/business would be 1st priority even though his house was destroyed because people needed food. Wanted to be able to serve people again.
Richard Stallings, interviewer June 29, 1977
84c. PORTER, RANDALL
Plant manager at a printing business, Rexburg.
Described how he had gotten stuck on his business roof until the police had to rescue him, and another boy and a drunk, in a canoe.
84d. PORTER, RODGER
Published Newspapers, Rexburg
Took pictures from the plane he was flying. Said the government did a good job, but paid too much attention to details.
Richard Stallings, interviewer January 13, 1978
84e. POWELL, EILEEN JONES
Keeps books for Canal Co., Rexburg
Specified the destruction of their farm. Talks about how thankful they are for all the help they got.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer July 14, 1972
85. PRICE, CAROL ANNE
Child (7 year old) Rexburg
Relates losses of personal possessions in the flood and the effects it had upon she and her family.
Doris Shirley, interviewer
June l, 1977
86. PRICE, SANDRA
Housewife Rexburg
Describes preparations before the flood hit, damage to her home and loss of personal property;
relates the tasks involved in cleaning up afterward; notes help of volunteers and how Rexburg
has changed since the flood.
Richard Stallings, interviewer August 10, 1977
86a. PROWS, BERNARD
Instructor Ricks College. Rexburg.
Recollections of a family that remained int their home through the flood, the rebuilding afterward and the emotional trauma of the experience.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer July 14 1977
87. REED, SANDRA A. ISAACSON
Student, Ricks College. Rexburg
Describes damage done to a friend's basement apartment; notes help during the clean-up
operations from volunteers and how some people took advantage of the government's recovery
programs. Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
June 9, 1977
88. REMINGTON, TOM E.
Employee, Soil Conservation Service. Hibbard
Describes damage to and clean-up operations on his property; notes aid from volunteers; relates
his duties with the Soil Conservation Service in filing claims and supervising clean-up crews.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
July 1, 1977
89. RICKS, BERNICE W.
Housewife Rexburg
Describes damage to her home and the problems encountered during the clean-up operations;
notes help received from volunteers and government agencies; relates the changes the flood
brought to the community and her life.
David L. Crowder, interviewer
June 13, 1977
90. RICKS, MARK G.
Farmer and Stake President for the LDS Church, Rexburg
Relates his part in organizing clean-up crews and directing operations; notes work of the
government in the recovery period and his work with various officials of the government.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
June 8, 1977
91. RICKS, NORMAN E.
Instructor, Ricks College. Rexburg.
Relates the damage to his home and
his neighbor's property; describes his work through the LDS Church during the clean-up and
cooperation with government agencies; notes that some took advantage of the situation and the
government. David L. Crowder, interviewer
June 8, 1977
92. RICKS, SHANNA
Secretary, Ricks College. Sugar City
Describes damage to her home and property; notes help from volunteers and government
agencies; relates changes in the community since the flood.
Richard Stallings, interviewer
June 23, 1977
93. RISENMAY, JAY
Counselor, Ricks College. Rexburg
Relates his work as a counselor during the recovery period; notes assistance from volunteers and
government agencies; describes how each community responded differently to the disaster.
Christina C. Sorensen, interviewer June 29, 1977
94. ROBINSON, ELAINE
Housewife Roberts.
Relates the conditions in Roberts after the flood, aid from the Civil Defense, neglect suffered by
the town as government agencies and volunteers concentrated on more populous areas; describes
problems in securing food and water.
Christina C. Sorensen, interviewer July 14, 1977
94a. ROBINSON, ROBERT
Project Construction Engineer
Consulting engineer for BOR on the dam project. Gives the background of the dam and his qualifications.
Judge Forbush, interviewer June 7, 1977
95. ROGERS, STEPHEN WILLIAM
Child (6 year old) Rexburg
Discusses the effects of the flood
on he and his family. Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
June 23, 1977
96. ROGERS, WILLIAM HENRY
Instructor, Ricks College. Rexburg
Recites conditions after the flood and events'of the recovery period as recorded in his diary.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
June 22, 1977
96a. ROMMEL, BRETT AND ARLENE
St. Anthony.
Description of the flood, loss of their home and dealing with government agencies during the recovery.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer. July 14, 1977
97. ROMRELL, LYNN
Teacher/farmer St. Anthony area
Describes evacuation from the flood area, damage to his home and farm and the clean-up
operations; relates the assistance received from government agencies; notes that some contractors
took advantage of the government. Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer
June 17, 1977
98. RYDALCH, DONALD
Chairman of the Division of Religion and Family Living, R.icks College. Rexburg
Describes initial reaction to news
of the dam's collapse, the flood waters moving through Rexburg, damage to his home and the
clean-up operations; notes work by volunteer groups and the government; relates that some
contractors took advantage of the situation. Christina Sorensen, interviewer
July 6, 1977
98a. SADORUS, DANAE
Rexburg
Described that the flood ruined their home and they did not want to leave it even though they had to.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer August 16, 1977
99.
SAUNDERS, LARRY
Instructor, Ricks College. Rexburg
Describes the flood waters in Rexburg and the destruction to the community; relates his personal
feelings about the disaster.
Richard Stallings, interviewer September 14, 1977
l00. SAUREY, GWILI
Employee, Ricks College. Rural Rexburg
Relates loss of his home and destruction of his farm land; notes help received from volunteers
and government agencies; explains how the flood effected the community and the people of the
area. Richard Stallings, interviewer
July 6, 1977
100a. SCHOFIELD, MARILYN
Sugar City
Recounts evacuation and despair experienced during the flood, the loss of home and business and the effort to rebuild.
Christina Sorenson, interviewer August 16,
1977
100b. SCHROEDER, RANDY
Logan Student, Rexburg
Talks about how the flood has changed Rexburg–people moved away and are different altogether.
Fremont Fullmer, interviewer
100c. SCHROEDER, RHEA
Legal Secretary, Rexburg
Recalled that she was in hysterics because she had no idea if her kids were safe. Was grateful that the family was safe after the flood was over.
Fremont Fullmer, interviewer
100d. SCORESBY, FRED L.
Rexburg
Description of flood and the loss of his home. Recounts the assistance of the LDS Church and government agents.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September 8, 1977
100e. SCORESBY, WANDA
Rexburg
Describes the evacuation, loss
of home and the effect of the flood on the emotions of her family.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September 29, 1977
100f. SEARLE, MAE
Talked about the complete destruction of her home and how she had never been lied to her whole life as much as she was the past year.
Ramon Widdison, interviewer August 8, 1977
101 . SHAW, MICHAEL A.
Presbyterian Minister Rexburg
Describes damage to his church, the help received from volunteers during the clean-up
operations, and his work with the Teton Interfaith Group; notes that some contractors were not
honest in their dealings; reflects upon the changes in the community. Christina Sorensen,
interviewer August 16, 1977
101a. SHIRLEY, JIM
Rexburg
Focused on the cleaning up of the disaster. Said a lot of the LDS helped out.
101b. SHIRLEY, LES AND ETHELLYN
Rexburg
Describes evacuation and clean-up assistance by volunteers and Red Cross.
Fremont Fullmer, interviewer June 27, 1977
102. SHIRLEY, MACK
Employee, Ricks College. Rexburg
Describes preparations before the flood, the damage to his home and property, and the
destruction in Rexburg; notes assistance received from volunteer groups and work with the
Bureau of Reclamation and the Small Business Administration; reflects upon how the ordeal
effected the community.
Christina Sorensen,
July 19, 1977
102a. SHIRLEY, ROSS WALKER, LOLA
(see above)
103. SHIRLEY, RODNEY
Employee, State Youth Training Center. Rural Rexburg
Describes loss of his home in the flood, working with the Bureau of Reclamation and the Red
Cross during the recovery period, and how the ordeal effected him and the communities
involved.
Fremont Fullmer, interviewer
November l, 1976
104. SHIRLEY, SHANNA
Housewife Rexburg
Describes damage to her home from flood and the effects the ordeal had upon her as an expectant
mother; notes assistance from volunteer groups and relates effect of the disaster on the
community.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer
August 11, 1977
105. SMEAD, MADA W.
Ward Clerk, Madison County Hospital. Rexburg
Loss of her mobile home and personal possessions described; notes assistance by volunteers in
cleaning-up and the difficulties she had in readjusting her life after the flood.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
May 29, 1977
106. SMITH, ERIC
Student Salt Lake City.
Relates his experiences as a volunteer to assist in the clean-up operations after the flood.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer September 1, 1977
106a. SNARR, DONNA
Bookkeeper
Was a Relief Society President so she was around the destruction and helped out a lot. Admitted that Roberts might have been ignored in repairing.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer July 27, 1977
106b. SNELL, GOLDEN C.
Spanish Teacher, Rexburg
Stated that overall the government was efficient, but felt that they should have been more fair in the dealings with he Snells.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer
106c. SNELL, INA
Housewife, piano teacher, Rexburg
Discussed how hard it was to live cramped in a HUD trailer and sad to see all their hard work gone to waste when their house was destroyed.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September 28, 1977
106d. SOMMER, EMMELI
Says she is grateful that she moved from Switzerland to US with an efficient government system to help them out.
Roman Widdison, interviewer August 8, 1977
106e. SOMMER, JACK
Decided not to save anything because of what the prophet of the LDS church said, but run for their lives. Stated that it was a miracle his wife was still alive.
Roman Widdison Hibbard, interviewer
107. SONDEREGGER, FERRON W.
Instructor, Ricks College. Sugar City
Relates his duties as a Stake President of the LDS Church and his role in organizing and directing
the clean-up operations; notes the great work by volunteer groups and expresses the positive
changes in the community brought about by the aftermath of the flood.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer
August 25, 1977
108.
SONDEREGGER, MARILYN HANSEN
Housewife, Sugar City
Describes destruction of her home and having to do the clean-up without her husband for the
most part; notes the assistance of volunteer groups and government agencies.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer August 25, 1977
108a. STEINER, BERTINA
Housewife, Rexburg
Stated that even though they got brand new homes, it still wasn’t the same as what they wanted it to be before the floods.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer August 24, 1977
109. STEVENS, DAVID
Farmer, Rexburg
Relates his efforts to warn friends and relatives in Newsdale; describes damage to relatives
property in Sugar City and his part in the clean-up operations; expresses opinion that the dam
was filled too fast.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer
June 29, 1977
109a. STEVENS, FRANKLIN M.
Farmer, Rexburg
States it was a good experience but not one you’d want to go through twice. Said the government was very fair in all of their dealings.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer July 6, 1977
110. STEVENSON, AFTON
Farmer, Roberts
Describes evacuation of Roberts area, damage to his property and the loss of his home; relates his
feelings on changes brough about by the flood.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer June 29, 1977
Box 3
111. STODDARD, NORMA
Secretary, Ricks College. Rexburg
Describes reaction to news of the dam's collapse and the damage it did to her home; relates the
problems encountered during clean-up and the assistance received from volunteer groups; notes
the changes in Rexburg. Christina Sorensen, interviewer
July 13, 1977
112. STUCKI, J. WENDALL
Farmer Rexburg
Relates premontion of the dam's failure; describes the flood as it passed through Rexburg.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
July 7, 1977
113. THOMPSON, CAROLYN
Housewife Rexburg
Describes damage to her home and the clean-up operations; notes the help received from
volunteers and government agencies; relates that some contractors took advantage of the
situation.
Richard Stallings, interviewer March 31, 1978
113a. SUTHERLAND, BRUCE
Retail Florist, Rexburg
States that they had better make the dam well or there will be full scale destruction if it broke again.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer July 13, 1977
113b. THOMPSON, CYNTHIA
Hibbard
Talked about the cleaning up and how stress relieving it was. He liked the community spirit of working together.
Richard Stallings, interviewer August 18, 1977
114. THOMPSON, LARRY G.
Instructor, Ricks College. Rexburg
(see Thompson, Carolyn)
Richard Stallings, interviewer
June 21, 1977
115. THOMPSON, LORA
Young girl Rexburg
Relates young girl's experience i.n the flood, evacuating her home and cleaning up afterward.
Doris Shirley, interviewer
June 1, 1977
116.THOMPSON, ROBERT
Builder Hibbard area
Relates separation from his family which was stranded at their home, trying to locate them and
finally flying out to pick them up in a helocopter; describes devastation; notes assistance form
volunteers. Richard Stallings, interviewer August 18, 1977
116a. TOUT, ALICE
Realtor, Rexburg
Stated that the flood aged people and that not only 11 people died from the flood but, in her opinion, 211died from the effects of the flood.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer
117. VANCE, NOLA B. T.
Housewife, Sugar City
Describes the flood and the damage done to her home; relates problems encountered during
clean-up operations; notes the assistance received from volunteer groups and the organization of
"Appreciation Day"; recites a poem she wrote of the event.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
July 6, 1977
118. WARD, RUELAND
Maintenance worker, Madison School District. Rexburg
Preparations for the flood, description of damage to his property and the clean-up operation;
relates the job cleaning up the schools.
Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
June 3, 1977
118a. WALKER, LOLA
Rexburg
Describes evacuation, loss of home, assistance from agencies and effect of flood on her family. Christina Sorenson, interviewer September 7, 1977
118b. WILLMORE, GEORGE
Rexburg and Sugar City
Helped organize search parties and flew helicopters to reunite people together. Thought by organizing, things would run smoother.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer July 11, 1977
118c. WALKER, WILSON CHALK
Teacher at Ricks, Sugar City
Didn’t think the government was fair in everything. States that people need to mind their own business about the flood claims and focus on their own claims.
Richard Stallings, interviewer August 30, 1977
119.WEICK, DAWN
Wife of the manager Idaho First National Bank Idaho Falls
Relates preparations at the bank in downtown Idaho Falls before the flood; describes damage to
buildings in the area and the job of cleaning up; notes assistance received from volunteer groups.
Doris Shirley, interviewer June 3, 1977
119a. WETZEL, PAULETTE
Rexburg
Whole house was destroyed but Paulette was thankful it wasn’t as bad as some people had it.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer July 26, 1977
120. WIDDISON, GARR
Farmer Hibbard area
Describes damage to his farm, help from volunteers, and the task of cleaning up his land.
Ramon Widdison, interviewer
July 26, 1977
121. WIDDISON, LILLIE D.
Employee, Ricks College. Hibbard area
Relates her feelings during the ordeal
Ramon Widdison, interviewer
July 26, 1977
122. WILDING, DAVID DEWAYNE
Owner, Old Timer Gun Shoppe. Rexburg
Describes preparations at his place of business before the flood and the damage to his shop;
relates problems encountered during the clean-up operations; notes the assistance received from
volunteers. Harold S. Forbush, interviewer
June 22, 1977
122a. WOOD, JAMES F
Heat and Air conditioning Business, Rexburg
Discussed the problems he had with the flood’s effects on his business. Knew other people had bigger problems.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer August 30, 1977
122b. WOOD, LAVERNA
Recalled they went to every store before they got home in order to get food storage if their house is gone. Wishes that people would stay the way they were directly after the flood.
Alyn B. Andrus, interviewer September 2, 1977
123. WOOD, WALTER HENDRY
Describes damage to his farm and the problems of rounding up his cattle afterward; relates the
clean-up operations; notes assistance received from government. Mary Ann Beck, interviewer
June 20, 1977
123a. WOODS, DELLA
Roberts, ID
Says that people are cleaning up their homes better and the whole town looks nicer than it did before the flood.
Christina Sorensen, interviewer July 14, 1977
124. WORRELL, ROBERT
instructor, Ricks College. Rexburg
Describes damage from the flood at his home and in the community in general; relates the tasks of rebuilding and cleaning up; notes
assistance of volunteer groups and government agencies; expresses his opinion that it helped
Rexburg in the long run. Richard Stallings, interviewer
June 21, 1977
125. KID reports Teton Dam Oral Reports, Typed
Tape 1: Nile Boyle, Pam Boyle, Henry White, Ed Cummington.
Tape 2: DeVon Beatty, Dick Skidmore, Tom Kershaw, Glen Daling.
Tape 3: Marv Eld, Corporal Kurthey, George Wilmore, Bill Cole, Colonel Greg Clawson.
Tape 4: Corporal Young, Sid Stevenson, Steve Atwood, Jess Neal.
Tape 5: David Neal
126. Teton Dam Related Material
Letters to Ross Peterson, Letter copies containing material of Teton Dam, Instructions for
the oral history project.
127. Teton Dam-Oral History
Correspondence, Fiscal Reports, Record of Tapes sent to John Sterwart, USU
128. Letter Copies From Teton Dam
Supplemental Proposals, Correspondence.
129. Development of Teton Dam Disaster
Explanation of how and what had happened, and a map included.
130. Instructions For Teton Dam Oral History Project
Written instructions