View source for Caraway, TG 2010-11-26

Caraway was born in West Texas and spent most of his life there. He speaks about his musical background and being a political activist throughout his life.

==General Interview Information==

'''Interviewee Name:''' T.G. Caraway

'''Additional Parties Recorded:''' n/a

'''Date:''' November 26, 2010

'''Location:''' Lubbock, Texas

'''Interviewer:''' Andy Wilkinson

'''Length:''' 2 hours, 53 minutes


==Abstract==

Background;
Born in Lubbock, Texas;
Grandfather’s migration to Farmer, TX for land;
Father’s side from Erath County, TX;
Father’s abuse from grandfather;
Farmers’ struggle with the Dust Bowl;
Mother’s family from East Texas;
Parents meeting;
Left Farmer, TX in 1972;
Childhood work;
Spent time in Crosby County and Lorenzo, TX;
Interest in reading;
Spent time in Ralls library;
History and politics;
Youngest graduate of high school class;
Devastating house fire;
Moved to Ralls, TX;
44 students in his graduating class;
Found out about Southwest Collection library;
Took a great liking to the SWC;
Family bought a service station;
Farmers Union;
Going to Washington, D.C.;
Creating a plan;
Experiences meeting congressmen;
McAllen Protest;
Tractor arrests;
McAllen Protests;
March 1978;
Protesting food with harmful chemicals;
Protestors beaten and arrested;
Made Farmers Union as large as it was;
Tractor route;
Member of the Southern Tractor Route;
Drove tractors around the states;
Over 60 tractors;
Experiences on the interstate with police;
Hospitality from citizens;
Arriving in Washington, D.C.;
Organized protest;
Extreme number of farmers involved;
Friendships he gained;
Blizzard causing problems;
Burning of tractors;
Events after the law being declined;
Other congressmen he met;
Returning to Washington;
Arranged meetings with lobbyist;
Reagan supported them;
Protested for Missouri for soybeans;
Less involved in American Agriculture;
Duration of his involvement in protesting;
Involvement in politics;
The importance of politics;
Experiencing great gain;
Family farming experience;
Musical Background;
Started at church;
Attended Baptist music school;
Interest in instruments;
Musicians that influenced him;
Experiencing nightlife;
Meeting his favorite band, The Maines Brothers Band;
Becoming the band’s tour mate;
Seeing studio work;
Making permanent friendships;
Joining the Air Force;
Memories with his family before leaving;
Impact of his grandfather’s death;
Being around professional musicians;
West Texas Music Association;
Meeting more influential musicians;
Events held;
Showcasing West Texas talent;
Getting involved in politics;
Returning from Korea;
Involvement in State Convention;
Starting a democrat group;
Other job placements;
Working at Texas Tech;								
Involved in the State Employee Union in Austin;
Conflicts in politics;
Working at Austin Community College;
Texas Land Office;
Union Organizer;
Working for Bill White;
Conflicts with Obama election;
Losing democratic seats;
Views of democrats changing;
Future plans for Caraway;
Return to Union Organization;
Bringing the Texas Democratic Party back


<br>

==Access Information==

'''Original Recording Format:''' born digital audio

'''Recording Format Notes:''' audio CD recording available for listening in our Reading Room

'''Transcript:''' available in Reading Room only



----
{{UsageStatement}}

[[Category: SWC Interviews]] [[Category: 2010s]] [[category: American Agriculture Movement]] [[Category: agriculture]] [[category: farming]] [[category: Lubbock, Texas]] [[category: Family Life and Background]] [[category: politics]] [[category: West Texas music]] [[category: U.S. Air Force]] [[category: Korean War]] [[category: Ralls, Texas]] [[category: Texas Politics]]