Interviewer
Edd Nentwig and Diann Wiesner
Files
Description
Lui Salina describes his experiences as a fur buyer for Beckman’s Furs of Great Falls, Montana, and his 50-year relationship with the fur industry. Salina acknowledges the historical necessity of fur trapping in cold, northern territories, but also discusses how developments in the tanning, dyeing, and styling procedures reflect changing fashions and market demands. He asserts that there were no “ranch furs” (farm-raised furs) when he first started in the industry, and how “featherlighting” thick furs allows certain species of long-haired animals to be used in lighter weight products. Salina discusses how the values of skins are assessed from the perspective of both trapper and buyer and how so much of the American fur trade depends on overseas buyers from Europe, especially Italy.
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Document Type
Oral History
Subjects
Lui Salina, 1915-2007; Great Falls, Montana; Furriers, United States; Beckman’s Furs, Great Falls, Montana; Beaver; Mink; Coyote; Raccoon; Fox; Silver Fox; Depression-era Industry Practices; World War, 1939-1945
Original Date
12-29-1980
Time Period
Twentieth century
Geographic Coverage
Montana
Language
eng
Original Collection
Fur Trappers Oral History Project, OH 099, Archives and Special Collections, Mansfield Library, University of Montana-Missoula
Digital Publisher
University of Montana--Missoula. Mansfield Library
Rights
Copyright to this collection is held by the interview participants and by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, University of Montana-Missoula. Permission may be required for use. For further information please contact Archives and Special Collections: (406) 243-2053 / library.archives@umontana.edu
Oral History Number
OH 099-006
Media Type
Sound; Text
Original Format
1 sound cassette (01:00:00 min.) analog + 1 transcript (14 p.: 28 cm.)
Digital Format
audio/mp3; application/pdf
Run Time
00:51:01 minutes
Local Filename
OH_099_006.mp3; OH_099_006.pdf
Citation
Salina, Lui, "Lui Salina Interview, December 29, 1980" (1980). Fur Trappers Oral History Project. 5.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/montanafurtrappers/5