Interviews
Description
Oral Histories recorded for the Rapid City Oral History Project by Rapid City Public Library
Creator
Rapid City Public Library
Collection Items
Interview: Carl Anderson
Carl Anderson talks to interviewer Kim Morey about his career in construction, building houses and more in and around Belle Fourche, SD. During World War II, Mr. Anderson served in the US Army in Japan, and recounts parts of that experience.
Interview: Jim Aplan
Originally from Ft. Pierre, Jim Aplan was a rodeo cowboy who grew up collecting arrowheads to pay for movies on the weekends. In the first part of his interview with Bev Pechan, he shares many tales about the rodeo life. Jim participated in rodeos…
Interview: Don Barnett
Mayor Don Barnett served Rapid City during the 1972 Flood. He discusses his memories of growing up in Rapid City, participating in politics in South Dakota in the '60s and '70s, and serving as Mayor of Rapid City. He also speaks about his time in…
Interview: Betsy Best
Betsy's daughter, Leslee, interviewed her mother. Their conversation spanned from the first time Betsy met her future husband, Glenn Best, by catching a ride with him from Wasta to Wall, SD to the day Glenn passed away with Betsy remarking, "I want…
Interview: Bill Boylan
Retiree William Boylan’s family has lived in the Black Hills for six generations. “Bill” has served in the military, gone on volunteer missions, and written several books. During this interview he talks about the changes to downtown Rapid City, his…
Interview: Ruth Brennan
Ruth Brennan has been a steadfast advocate and enthusiast of the arts throughout her life. She possesses a wealth of knowledge about many of the arts organizations and their histories in Rapid City, e.g. Rapid City Choral Club, Rapid City Concert…
Interview: John Brockelsby
John Brockelsby, lifelong resident of Rapid City, speaks about the beginnings of tourism in Rapid City. John is the son of Earl Brocklesby, who founded Reptile Gardens. Reptile Gardens is a popular animal park and botanic garden south of Rapid City.…
Interview: Charles and Grace Childs; Part 1
In this first interview with Charles and Grace Childs, Grace tells the story of her childhood on a Depression-era farm in North Dakota, and meeting Charles during college. Charles recounts his early life as a train-hopping musician and joining the…
Interview: Charles and Grace Childs; Part 2
In this second interview with Grace and Charles "Chuck" Childs, the couple talks about their life after moving to Rapid City in 1952. Chuck was involved in the Minuteman Missile program. He also recounts his time working for the Boy Scouts and as a…