An Oral History with Newell Dalton, September 18, 1980

In this oral history interview from September 18, 1980, Newell Dalton recounts his experiences in Valley City and Thompson Canyon, Utah, beginning with his arrival in 1910. He details his time working at a ranch in Thompson Canyon around 1944, describing the remaining structures-a two-story house, a chicken coop, a cellar, and a shed-and the previous agricultural activities like raising alfalfa, watermelons, and fruit trees, particularly a large apricot tree. Dalton also discusses the use of reservoir water, the dam's frequent breaches and silting, and an attempt by Jay Coates to farm the reservoir basin. He shares information about former residents like the Burdicks and Braces, who had a school in Valley City, and mentions the movement of buildings from the area, including the schoolhouse being relocated to Moab. The interview also touches on the eventual burning down of the main house, the challenges of dry, cracking soil, and the area's transition to grazing land.