Harrell, Myrtle and Fay 1972

The Harrell sisters discuss their lives and the V Bar Ranch box and strip house that they donated to the Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock. Rex Smith, who was also interviewed on Tape 1, lived in the house for several years.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Myrtle and Fay Harrell

Additional Parties Recorded: Rex Smith

Date: May 3, 17, 22, 1972 and November 13, 1972

Location: Snyder, Texas

Interviewer: Duncan Muckelroy

Length: 2 hours, 50 minutes (total)

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Smith’s father bought the house in 1901, Divided time between jewelry store and ranch, Biographical information about Smiths, Left house in 1908, Lists additions to house made by father, Exact location of house determined, Abstracts and oil leases perused, Discussion of former residents of house, R. T. Mellard built original stone house and added two rooms, Smith recalls coyote races, Description of house interior is read, Set of mounted horns discussed, Smith family biographical information reviewed, Speculation about how the house will be moved, Mentions activities outside the house.

Tape 1, Side 2: Yard fenced posts remain, Trees and bushes located, Smith relates incident of rattlesnake bite, Horses broke during summer on ranch, Conversation turns back to furnishings of house, Neighbors mentioned.

Tape 2, Side 1: Original construction and subsequent additions discussed, Speculation on period 1910-12 as most affluent for ranchers, Many of furnishings were obtained in antique stores, States reasons for arranging house the way it is, Background related on many pieces of furniture, Purchased and restored dugout also, Family biographical information reviewed, Harrells never lived in the V Bar house, Phin Reynolds sold house to the Harrells, Death and illness in the family recalled, Ancestors were ranchers, Kept records of cattle and weather.

Tape 2, Side 2: Operation of ranch is described, Methods of feeding cattle have changed, Theft of some items mentioned, Smaller box and strip house at Ranching Heritage Center discussed, Have restored a little red farmhouse, Characterizes workman who helped restore houses, Trouble with ceilings explained, Hearth reconstructed with a stone from the yard, Name additional furnishings to be brought to Ranching Heritage Center, Bedroom suite in red house described.

Tape 3, Side 1: Construction of house and previous owners reviewed, Describe restoration process, Family biographical information given, School teaching experiences discussed, Fay’s twin Garrett mentioned, Parents moved from Arkansas to Texas, Explain silhouette picture on the wall, Mention cousin who won National Cutting Horse Championships, Grandfather kept record of cattle in day books, Note taken that additional changes will be made in furnishings.

Tape 3, Side 2: Blank

Tape 4, Side 1: West bedroom furnishings described, Bed and table have been in family about 50 years, Rocking chair will fold up and tie on wagon, People in photographs identified, Kitchen furnishings listed and examined, Use of coal iron explained, Dishes were hand-painted by Myrtle Harrell, Various kitchen utensils mentioned, More photographs identified, Explain origin of many kitchen items, Discussion of living room furnishings.

Tape 4, Side 2: Living room furnishings (continued), Photographs identified, Describes tables chairs lamps, Family photographs explained, Southeast bedroom furnishings reviewed, Origin of various furniture pieces given, Discussion of repairs that need to be made.

Range Dates: 1883-1972

Bulk Dates: 1901-1972

Access Information

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Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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