Brunson, Gilbert 1972-08-17

Gilbert Brunson, early rancher in the Midland area, discusses his career, cattle drives to Mexico, drought, and relates anecdotes and attitudes toward horses and cattle on Tape 1. On Tape 2, he discusses cattle stampedes, wolves, coyotes and rattlesnakes; compares drought conditions, and expresses attitudes toward the future of ranching.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Gilbert Brunson

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: August 17, 1972

Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Interviewer: Paul Patterson

Length: 2 hours

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: College (Midland) baseball and football recalled, Cites reasons for college failure, Family moved to New Mexico in 1880s, Money panic of 1904 remembered, Traces development of cattle breeding practices, Work on ranch and with livestock described, Recalls 1918 drought, Took cattle from Mexico, Cattle drives examined, Notes terrain's relationship to cattle driving techniques, Ranching in Mexico contrasted to U. S. ranching, 1918 drought discussion continued

Tape 1, Side 2: Calf crop reduced as a result of drought, Examines cattle market prices, Water supply discussed, Explores social customs and ideas concerning the use of horses, Horse behavior described, Presents ideas on ranch technique, Driving cattle through farm country reviewed, Tells anecdote on sandstorm, Cowboy personalities named, Relates incident concerning a frustrating horse, Anecdote related about the vest horse ever used, Cattle behavior studied

Tape 2, Side 1: Cattle stampede behavior related, Fatalities on the ranch discussed, States attitude toward coffee and ranch cooking, 1933 drought recalled, Discusses experiences in sheep-raising, Used dogs(greyhounds) for coyote drives, Activities of "lobo" wolves examined, Dog and coyote crossbreeds describes

Tape 2, Side 2: Recalls 1934 cattle shoot program, Droughts of 1918 and 1930s contrasted; droughts discussed in general, Folktales, information, and attitudes toward rattlesnakes expressed, Snake venom needed by drug company, Comments on bronc riding and skill with horses, Rodeo companions remembered, Speculates on rising beef prices and their relation to the rancher, Ranch leasing explained, Expresses attitude toward the future of ranching and land prices, Ration of land to cattle cited

Range Dates: circa 1880-1964

Bulk Dates: circa 1880-1967

Access Information

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Transcript:

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