Harold B. Lee Library

Remembering Brigham Young Academy

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brigham Young Academy’s remarkable history can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives. The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of reminiscences regarding Brigham Young Academy.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

• Histories of Brigham Young University
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976.
  • Hatch, Ephraim. Brigham Young University: A Pictorial History of Physical Facilities 1875-2005. Provo, UT : Physical Facilities Division, Brigham Young University, 2005.
• Other secondary sources related to Brigham Young Academy:
  • UA 483 (LD 571 .B672 J46 1942b) History of Brigham Young University A comprehensive view of the history of the university, beginning with its inception and then creation as an academy in 1875. Includes discussions of administrations, buildings, the library, laboratory and museum facilities, school publications, student associations, athletics, traditions, and more.

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with Brigham Young Academy: A sample of the materials that contain information about Brigham Young Academy follows. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
  • UA 594 Reminiscences of Brigham Young Academy Contains an article on the origin of the Music department by Susa Young Gates; recollections of teaching in the Primary department by Anna Smoot Taylor; a brief overview of the Ladies Work department by Jennie Tanner; and a tribute to A. O. Smoot (authorship unknown).
  • UA 317 Daniel Harrington papers, 1925 Includes a published pamphlet which appraises the work of Karl Maeser; a letter to Franklin Harris concerning the Maeser celebration in Provo in 1915; and his personal reminiscences of Provo and the Brigham Young Academy from 1879-1881.
  • UA OH 11 Oral history interview, April 24, 1964 Interview by Newbern Butt with Myron c. Newell concerning the Brigham Young Academy buildings, facilities, faculty and student activities.
  • UA OH 63 Oral history interview with Evelyn Crandall, 1964 June 26 Interview by Hollis Scott with Eva Maeser Crandall, concerning her father, Karl G. Maeser, her childhood in Provo, her memories of Brigham Young Academy, students and faculty of Brigham Young Academy.
  • UA OH 8 Oral history interview, Jan. 19, 1965 Interview by Hollis Scott with Margaret P. Maw, teacher, author, and housewife, concerning her experiences growing up in Deseret, Utah, and as a student and teacher at the Brigham Young Academy.
  • UA OH 2 Oral history interview, Jan. 26, 1965 Interview by Keith Ward with Orville Cox Day, BYA student and LDS Church leader, concerning his experiences at BYA, his teaching and public life.
  • UA OH 10 Oral history interview, Feb. 11, 1965 Interview by Hollis Scott with Leah E.D. Widtsoe, teacher and author, concerning her reminiscences about her parents, her grandfather Brigham Young; and her husband, John A. Widtsoe. Also recalls her experiences as a student, faculty member, and matron at BYA, 1896-1898; 1905-1907. Gives her views on nutrition and the Word of Wisdom.
  • UA OH 3 Oral history interview, April 29, 1965 Interview by Hollis Scott with Sarah F. Jones, concerning her experiences at the BYA in the 1880′s and as a resident of Provo, Utah.
  • UA OH 4 George F. Shelley oral history interview, May, 28, 1965 An interview by Hollis Scott with George F. Shelley, farmer and teacher, concerning his experiences at BYA, 1888-1890, and later activities as a school teacher.
  • UA OH 9 Oral history interview, Nov. 4, 1966 Interview by Hollis Scott with Francis Kirkham regarding his book “A New Witness for Christ in America,” and some recollections of the Brigham Young Academy.
  • UA OH 18 George R. Hill oral history interview, Sept. 19, 1968 Interview by Hollis Scott with George R. Hill, who discusses his experiences as a student at the BY Academy.
  • UA OH 15 Written interview, March 1969 Includes reminiscences of David Johnson regarding Brigham Young Academy, written questions and answers about experiences as a student, and correspondence between Johnson and Hollis Scott.
  • UA OH 19 Francis Kirkham oral history interview, Feb. 3, 1972 Interview by James R. Clark with Francis Kirkham concerning his experiences at Brigham Young Academy, 1893-1904.
  • UA OH 59 Oral history interview, Aug. 4, 1978 Contains an interview moderated by Golden H. Brimhall with Mark K. Allen, Golden H. Brimhall, Wilma Boyle Bunker, Walter Buss, Richard Clark, Fern Eyring Fletcher, Harvey Fletcher, Fred Hinckley, Robert Hinckley Jr., Ruth L. Partridge, Wayne N. Smart, William Snow Jr., Irene Osmond Spears and Lynn Wakefield. Topics include the posterity of early BYU faculty members, concerns of BYA and BYU. Includes reminiscences and personal experiences, particularly in regard to their respective parents, who all taught at BYU and BYA.
  • UA OH 127 Delenna Taylor oral history interview, Oct. 14, 1983 Interview by Nadine Ashby with Delenna Taylor regarding her experiences and memories of BYA, its faculty, students, and other persons and events associated with the Academy.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document reminiscences of Brigham Young Academy. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.