No.557 Charles Cutler Esplin, 2005

File — Box: 64, Folder: 18

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Charles Esplin (b. 1918) recalls herding sheep in the 1930s near Bunkerville, Nevada, on the Arizona Strip. He talks about the life (and sometimes death) of sheep herders, BLM permits, the canyons and general terrain, weather challenges, and the habits of sheep and cattle. The sheep were sheared in April,then were returned to North Fork for lambing in early May. He discusses counting the sheep by using markers (black sheep), and describes his daily routine, the use of dogs, the threat of coyotes, and the isolation. Details are given on the docking and shearing of lambs, the death of Jonathan Heaton, and the modernization from horses to pickups, and from pioneer trails to paved roads. Branding is also discussed.
Interviewer: Fred Esplin

Dates

2005

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.