Baker, Mrs James A 1960-09-20

Mrs. James A. Baker discusses her pioneer experiences in Floyd County from 1890, and the origin and growth of the Baker Mercantile Store from 1894 to the present (1960). She relates specific store policies and her attitude toward management in the Baker Mercantile Store.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Mrs. James A. (Mary) Baker

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: September 20, 1960

Location: Lockney, Texas

Interviewer: Seymour V. Connor

Length: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Reasons for emigration to South Plains of Texas from Hamilton, Texas, 1890, Description of trip to the Plains, Recalls pioneer condition on the Plains, Had to freight business to Floydada, Farming on the Plains examined, Grasshopper plague destroyed crops, Reasons for move to Lockney in1894 from rural farm, Traces origin of Baker Mercantile Store

Tape 1, Side 2: Description of early Lockney and early mercantile building, Working building markets for local products, Schools at Lockney discussed, Origin and description of early Lockney, Outlines the growth of Baker Mercantile Store, Reasons for sale of farm and livestock, Residences in Lockney named, States distinction between "Old Lockney" and present-day Lockney, Clarification of various baker commercial buildings and residences, Dry goods bought from Dallas, Reasons for sale of farm land, Fires in the store mentioned, Anecdote about chasing chickens

Tape 2, Side 1: Discusses family and invalid daughter, Recalls salesmen's visits to Baker Mercantile, Subdividing and planning in Lockney recalled, Tracing the origin of Baker commercial buildings cowboy clients characterized, Describes credit policy and banking services, Explains attempt to close Lockney bank, Managing family property discussed, Anecdote about dependability

Tape 2, Side 2: Expresses attitude toward bookkeeping and correspondence, Depression mortgage necessary to sustain the bank, States feelings toward sales, Reading the Bible since recent illness, Explores policy toward selling slow moving merchandise, Personal attitude toward buying and selling, Desire to sell the store expressed, States attitude toward success

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