University of Montana

Abstract Deanne Shulman discusses being the first female smokejumper at the McCall, Idaho base from 1981 until 1984. She talks about the difficulties she faced as a woman jumper, such as feeling like she needed to prove herself to her male colleagues. Shulman tells of the camaraderie of the jumpers regardless of sex, due in part to the physically demanding nature of the training. She shares experiences on fire jumps and describes how she fought to change the height and weight requirements for...

Abstract

Diane Sands describes growing up in the Sixties and changes in society including race, gender equity struggles, civil unrest, religious faction joined by politics, and feminist issues amidst the protests. She explains how consciousness-raising groups functioned in Missoula and other Montana towns, the tension between the University of Montana--Missoula administrators and radical groups, the growth of the Women's Center on campus, and the founding of Women's Studies.

Abstract Dolly Browder describes her family's labor background and suggests that it encouraged the non-conformist attitude that led to her forming the first all women forest firefighting crew called the Red Star, actively participating in 1970s women's consciousness raising groups, becoming a midwife, battling to attain legal status for midwifery in Montana, and training new midwives. Browder was also active in organizations such as the University of Montana Women's Resource Center, Women's Place,...

Abstract

One of the first men selected in 1940 to train as a smokejumper, Earl Cooley describes the early years of the program, including the selection of men, the training, and the equipment. He also recalls being on the first fire jump for the smokejumper program, and fighting fires.

Abstract

One of the first men selected in 1940 to train as a smokejumper, Earl Cooley describes the early years of the program, including the selection of men, the training, and the equipment. He also recalls being on the first fire jump for the smokejumper program, and fighting fires.

Abstract

Francis Lufkin discusses his 40-year career with the U.S. Forest Service, which includes being one of the first smokejumpers as well as an equipment developer, trainer, and base manager of the North Cascades Smokejumper Base. He describes the many changes in the program during his tenure in terms of training and equipment. Lufkin also reminisces about the camaraderie among the smokejumpers with whom he served.

Abstract

Francis Lufkin discusses his 40-year career with the U.S. Forest Service, which includes being one of the first smokejumpers as well as an equipment developer, trainer, and base manager of the North Cascades Smokejumper Base. He describes the many changes in the program during his tenure in terms of training and equipment. Lufkin also reminisces about the camaraderie among the smokejumpers with whom he served.

Abstract

Francis Lufkin discusses his 40-year career with the U.S. Forest Service, which includes being one of the first smokejumpers as well as an equipment developer, trainer, and base manager of the North Cascades Smokejumper Base. He describes the many changes in the program during his tenure in terms of training and equipment. Lufkin also reminisces about the camaraderie among the smokejumpers with whom he served.

Abstract A smokejumper from 1941 to 1942 and 1945 to 1958, Fred O. Brauer describes the early development of the smokejumper program. He discusses the many challenges the program faced during that time, including equipment development, wartime shortages, and funding issues. He also describes the personnel changeover from conscientious objectors who served as smokejumpers during World War Two to military veterans who replaced them after the war ended. Brauer was in charge of the smokejumper program in...

Abstract Fred Rohrback discusses his time as a smokejumper for both the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from 1965 to 1973. He compares jumping for the different organizations, as well as the differences between working at bases across the western United States and in Alaska. Rohrback describes training at Missoula, Montana, fire jump procedures, and let downs from tree landings. He also comments on some of the changes in the smokejumper program, including the advent...