Weatherby, Joe N 1971-08-27

Joe Weatherby, Ford dealer in Brownwood, discusses the history of the Weatherby Motor Company from 1913 to the present. He also reviews the origin of Howard Payne College, Camp Bowie, and the subsequent Brownwood Industrial Foundation. He then discusses family history and relates personal anecdotes.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Joe N. Weatherby

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: August 27, 1971

Location: Brownwood, Texas

Interviewer: Fred Carpenter

Length: 55 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Recites history of Weatherby Motor Company, Obtained Goldthwaite-Brownwood franchise (1913), Brown County oil discovered (1918), Recalls father’s murder and uncle’s subsequent management, Received college education at the universities of Texas and Oklahoma, Marriage and honeymoon mentioned, Purchased controlling interest (1940), Lincoln-Mercury franchise bought later, Describes World War II purchasing problems, Explains refusal to accept bonuses, Lost Lincoln-Mercury franchise (1946), Return of franchise in 1960 examined, Historical review of Lincoln-Mercury sales, Cites emergence of Cadillac sales, Ford Motor Company awards listed, Serves as member of Howard Payne Board of Trustees, Howard Payne College combined with Daniel Baker for financial reasons.

Tape 1, Side 2: Chamber of Commerce activities noted, Discusses irrigation project (1937), Securing Camp Bowie land, Reveals position of soldier as an economic factor, End of Camp Bowie noted, Industrial Foundation began, Outlines beginning of State Girls’ School, Describes securing land for the school, Daughter and son mentioned, Anecdote about family land, Remembers cattle shoot in Depression, Serves on Texas Power and Light board, Member of Brownwood Hunt Club, Relates anecdote on golf game, Incident involving hunting told, Old car collection described.

Tape 2, Side 1: Tells anecdote about Fess Parker’s model T, Reviews history of Lake Merritt recreation area, Santa Fe Railroad sale to lake club described, Texas Automobile Dealers Association Awards listed, Comments on various hobbies, Hunting procedures outlined, Explains meat processing, Country Club changes mentioned, Discusses Grandmother Weatherby, Ancestors named.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1913-1971

Bulk Dates: 1913-1971

Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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