University of Montana

Abstract Gail Gutsche describes her early background and first interest in feminism after explaining that her work in Montana began at the Missoula Planned Parenthood and her involvement in the Reproductive Rights Coalition since 1992. She describes how that background along with an earlier experience with a feminist publishing company was good training for being in the legislature. Gutsche discusses her feminism-related legislative focuses including insurance coverage for contraception, promoting...

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George Honey talks about the beginning of the smokejumper program and the experimentation on equipment and methods. He specifically discusses his friendship with Francis Lufkin, a pioneer smokejumper, and how the two of them ran the Winthrop, Washington base during World War Two. Honey describes preparing and dropping of cargo to the jumpers, as well as procedures for packing out.

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Hal Samsel talks about his career as a smokejumper in Missoula, Montana, from 1949 to 1965 and as the rigging loft foreman from 1966 to 1980. He talks about the aftermath of the 1949 Mann Gulch Fire, the film Red Skies of Montana, and the changes to the smokejumper organization brought on by the civil rights movement.

Abstract Howard Beatty of Twisp, Washington, discusses his career as a smokejumper from 1948 until 1954, in Winthrop, Washington, Montana, and Cave Junction, Oregon. Beatty talks about participating in non-firefighting activities, such as trail maintenance, building lookouts, and other maintenance around bases. He points out the many changes in the smokejumper program since his time the 1940s, focusing mostly on equipment and procedure. Beatty also discusses Francis Lufkin, the manager of the North...

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Jennifer Euell describes her early years and education. She explains her transition from journalism to social work and to her current position as Coordinator of SARS (Sexual Assault Recovery Service) at the University of Montana. Euell discusses her interactions with other groups on and off campus in working with sexual assault victims.

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Jim Lindell discusses the three summers he worked as a smokejumper out of McCall, Idaho, from 1964 to 1966. He recalls experiences from training, jumping, and socializing as a smokejumper, particularly in Idaho City, Idaho. Lindell also discusses the transition from smokejumping to the military.

Abstract Judy Smith describes her pro-choice work in Austin, Texas and her intent to carry that work forward in Missoula, Montana. Smith explains the work of the Missoula Women's Place, a feminist collective organization, and it's role as an intermediate step to opening an abortion clinic. She also explains the non-hierarchical organization of Women's Place, their work with rape victims, domestic violence, community education, and the group's funding issues. Smith discusses her own perspective on...

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Judy Wang describes her childhood, education, earlier career in nursing, and her decision to become an attorney. She goes on to describe the evolution of her work on domestic violence cases, public and law enforcement domestic violence education, domestic violence laws in Montana, and domestic violence in the context of needed social change.

Abstract Larry Anderson discusses his long career as a smokejumper from 1954 to 1979. He discusses the many changes in smokejumping with regards to training and gear, as well as the U.S. Forest Service in general, mostly influenced by technology. Anderson describes the daily activities of smokejumpers when not fighting fires, as well as what it was like to work on a fire. He compares his time as a smokejumper to his time in the 101st Airborne and describes the differences between fighting fires in...