ORAL HISTORIES
Videos and Interviews
As the keeper and teller of stories of the Sawtooth Salmon River Country, SIHA maintains an archive of oral histories and continues to acquire more. These interviews teach us about the colorful and influential individuals who shaped our community and the landscape. There are vivid characters who tell about the old Ace of Diamonds Dance Hall, the first sheriff in Stanley, and life with the U.S. Forest Service when the Sawtooth National Recreation Area was first established.
If you have knowledge of the Sawtooth-Salmon River Country in the early days or know of someone who does, please contact us at 208-774-3517 (summer only), or send us a message. If you are interested in volunteering to help transcribe the collection and help to make them available online please reach out!
SIHA is continually working to collect oral histories as well as transcribe and share them electronically. At present the only interviews available are posted below. All other interviews are available upon request.
Shirley Athay 2008 Interview
Shirley (Linford) Athay was born in 1924. Her father, Preston Linford, was a civil engineer supervising road construction in Stanley between 1929 and 1935. Join us for a conversation with Shirley, recorded in 2008 , recalling her time spent in Stanley during those years.
Don Bansemer 2021 Interview
Don Bansemer started working in Stanley seasonally in the early 1960s. He shares his experience in the backcountry, fishing, and stories about life in and around Stanley.
John Boccuzzo 2017 Interview
John Boccuzzo, a WWII veteran, was born in 1923 in Brooklyn. He enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1940 and was assigned to Stanley and Crouch, Idaho. Our conversation with John, recorded in 2017, recalls his Naval career and his time in Idaho.
No unedited video transcript available at this time.
Braun Family Interview, 1988
Muzzie and JoAnn Braun raised their four sons at the base of the White Cloud Mountains in a home without running water or electricity. All four of the boys became professional musicians, like their father. Join us for a glimpse into the lives of the Braun family, recorded in 1988.
No unedited video transcript available at this time.
Bethine Church 2009 Interview
Bethine Church, wife of Senator Frank Church, spent her early years in Mackay, Idaho and at Robinson Bar Ranch. This oral history conversation recalls her life, the SNRA, and the founding of the Sawtooth Society.
Mattie Hansen 1990 Interview
Mattie Hansen first came to Stanley to work at Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch. Later she married Chuck Hansen and worked as a teach at the Stanley School. This oral history conversation recalls her life and includes a short tour of the Hansen Ranch at the end of the video.
Tom Kovalicky 2008 Interview
Tom Kovalicky was appointed Stanley District Ranger in 1970. With the passage of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area Act in 1972, he became the Assistant SNRA Superintendent, leading the region through the development of the SNRA.
No unedited video transcript available at this time.
Bonnie Stilwill, 2021 Interview
Bonnie Stilwill was born in Challis, Idaho, in 1932, often visiting the Sawtooth Valley during her childhood. She moved to Cape Horn in the early 1960s, when her husband took a job with the Forest Service. Bonnie later worked as the clerk for the Stanley Ranger District.
No unedited video transcript available at this time.
