Archives West Finding Aid

Original audiocassette recordings and typed transcriptions of these interviews were done at the request of the Fergus Electric Cooperative for the 50th year of their cooperative to be celebrated in 1988. The collection consists of five oral history interviews conducted by Anna Zellick or Richard Peck, Fergus Electric Cooperative general manager in 1985 and 1986. The first interview with H. Ralph Stucky was done on July 15, 1985 with Anna Zellick. Later that same day, Zellick interviewed both men. The third interview was conducted by Richard Peck with Paul D. Hodge at an undetermined date. Several different transcriptions have been included with this interview since it does not appear to have been finalized after proofing. The fourth interview was conducted by Anna Zellick with Clark Carter, a construction worker and son of the first director T. C. Carter, on November 18, 1985. Zellick also conducted the final interview in this collection with Marion Moline, former Home Demonstration Agent, on June 3, 1986. The interviewees described the development of the organization from the standpoint of public education, physical construction, and the political maneuvering necessary for success. In addition to the transcripts and audiocassettes, the collection includes correspondence documenting the interview process and general history of the Fergus Electric Cooperative. A web archive begins in 2020.