Mac and Billie Donaldson

Mac & Billie Donaldson, 2006

Billie and Mac Donaldson moved to the Empire Ranch in 1978 to ranch with John Donaldson, Mac’s father. They initially lived at the former Cienega Ranch, which became part of the Empire when Anamax Mining Corporation purchased it in 1977. They later moved to the Field House at Empire Ranch Headquarters. Mac and Billie’s three children were raised on the Empire; their daughter Renee was born at the Cienega Ranch. They moved off the Empire in 1988 when the Empire was purchased by the Bureau of Land Management; he and his family returned as ranching partners with John Donaldson in the Spring of 1992. Mac Donaldson discusses ranching operations, including the lease arrangements with Anamax Mining Company and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). He reviews the types of cattle and herd concepts used, and describe a typical day of ranching. Billie Donaldson describes her activities raising children, gardening, assisting with the ranching, and how holidays were celebrated on the Empire. The Donaldsons also describe the impact of the transfer of ownership of the Empire Ranch from Anamax to BLM; their best memories of living on the Empire; and the contributions the Empire Ranch Foundation has made to the Empire Ranch.

This oral history was conducted by Laura Wheat, Cadette/Senior Girl Scout Troop 1224,, Sierra Vista, as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. The interview was recorded on video (DVD). At the end of the video of the interview there are several minutes of video shots of the Empire Ranch Headquarter buildings, both interior and exterior. Mac Donaldson discusses ranching operations, including the lease arrangements with Anamax Mining Company and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). He reviews the types of cattle and herd concepts used, and describe a typical day of ranching. Billie Donaldson describes her activities raising children, gardening, assisting with the ranching, and how holidays were celebrated on the Empire. The Donaldsons also describe the impact of the transfer of ownership of the Empire Ranch from Anamax to BLM; their best memories of living on the Empire; and the contributions the Empire Ranch Foundation has made to the Empire Ranch.

Full transcript available upon request: .

Date of Interview: Unknown
Interviewer: Laura A. W. Wheat