ScholarWorks at University of Montana

Title

Watson W. "Java" Bradley Interview, July 22, 1984

Interviewee

Watson "Java" Bradley

Interviewer

Beverly Buckner

Files

Description

Watson “Java” Bradley talks about being the first Navajo smokejumper based out of Missoula, Montana, from 1974 to 1977. Bradley describes his training, particularly the physically challenging aspects of it. He speaks of the pride he felt in being a smokejumper and the camaraderie on the Missoula base where his race was never an issue. He talks about fighting fires throughout the Northwest, New Mexico, and Alaska. Bradley also discusses Navajo culture and how it related to his work.

Document Type

Oral History

Subjects

Smokejumpers Montana Biography; Smokejumping Montana History; Missoula, Montana; Navajo Biography; Navajo Religion

Original Date

7-22-1984

Time Period

Twentieth century

Geographic Coverage

Montana

Language

eng

Original Collection

Smokejumpers 1984 Reunion Oral History Collection, OH 133, 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 Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, University of Montana-Missoula. Permission may be required for use of this item. For further information please contact Archives and Special Collections: (406) 243-2053 / library.archives@umontana.edu

Oral History Number

OH_133_008

Media Type

Sound; Text

Original Format

1 sound cassette (90 min.) : analog + 1 transcript (28 p. : 28 cm.)

Digital Format

audio/mp3; application/pdf

Run Time

90 minutes

Local Filename

OH_133_008.mp3; OH_133_008.pdf

Citation

Bradley, Watson "Java", "Watson W. "Java" Bradley Interview, July 22, 1984" (1984). Smokejumpers 1984 Reunion Oral History Project. OH_133_008.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/smokejumpers/26