This collection contains interviews detailing the history of rural electrification in Montana during first half of the 20th century. The interviews were conducted in 1979 by Merri Ann Hartse. The interviewees discuss how electrification changed life on the farm, the Montana Power Company’s relationship with various electric cooperatives, and employment at electric cooperatives. The original interviews are held as Oral History collection OH 050 at Archives and Special Collections, Mansfield Library, University of Montana-Missoula.
This collection includes 3 interviews.
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Edward Nolte Interview, 1980
Edward Nolte
Edward Nolte discusses the early electric cooperatives in Montana, particularly Vigilante Electric Cooperative. He talks about the services and rate structure offered by those cooperatives. He also describes the changes electrification brought to rural life. Nolte concludes by discussing the relationship between the Montana Power ... Read More
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Eugene Pike Interview, circa November 1979
Eugene Pike
Eugene Pike discusses the history of the Missoula Electric Cooperative from 1946 to 1976. He describes his involvement with rural electrification through his job with the Missoula County Water Board and how he was offered the job of manager of Missoula Electric Cooperative. Pike talks ... Read More
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Grace Woods Interview, circa November 1979
Grace Woods
Grace Woods recalls the living on a ranch in Silver Star, Montana, when rural electrification was implemented. She talks about the difficulty of getting electricity because of the location of her family’s ranch. Woods states that one the most important benefits of rural electrification, for ... Read More