5170.01 - An oral history with Buster Whitehorse, 1974 August 19

File

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The contents of the Samuel Moon Monument Valley Oral History Collection consist of oral histories, transcripts, and records documenting the history of Monument Valley and Four Corners area. The oral histories are from those who lived in this area between the 1900s-1970s and pertain to Goulding’s trading post (one of the most well-known trading posts of the 20th century)and its owner/operator Harry Goulding, the Navajo tribe, sheep ranching, local tourism, uranium mining, and the western movies made in the valley.

Dates

1974 August 19

Language Note

The interviewee speaks Navajo throughout the interview, with an interpreter translating into English for the interviewer. The transcripts are in English.

Extent

2 Cassettes

2 Reels

1 Files (Verbatim (20 pages) and edited (12 pages) transcripts)

4 digital objects : Digitized copies of cassette recordings

Additional Description

Abstract

In the interview, Whitehorse talks about what Harry’s early years in the valley; discusses the building of a hospital and a school in the area; recalls the Navajos suspicions of white medicine, their superstitions regarding burial, and the cemetery attached to the hospital; talks about the mission school and sending Navajo children to school; recalls the government-mandated stock reduction program and its effect on the Navajo people; discusses the movies made in Monument Valley; addresses rumors of a hidden silver mine; talks about Christmas at the trading post; recalls how Monument Valley became a national park; speaks about all the people the Navajo have fought with and Navajo involvement in WWII; and talks about Navajo difficulties with alcohol.