Burgess, Hubert 1973-07-20

In Tape 1, Hubert Burgess, former head of Texas Tech’s Housing Office, relates his experiences in early Lubbock, describes important events in the history of Texas Tech, and presents an insight into the college's bureaucracy. In Tape 2, he discusses Tech’s athletic department and characterizes various Tech business managers and presidents.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Hubert Burgess

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: July 20, 1973

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Jeff Townsend

Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Tells anecdotes concerning family move to Lubbock in 1907, Homesteaded in Oregon and Texas, Early Lubbock cotton gin mentioned, Noted lack of Mexican and Negro farm workers, Traces development of Mexican farm labor in Lubbock, Education recalled, Claims South Plains ahead of East Texas in farm mechanization development, Farm mechanization discussed, 1917-1918 influenza epidemic said to be very light in Lubbock, 1917 drought recalled, Worked with Lubbock bank, Began work with Tech in 1934, Promotions at tech related, State's reorganization of Housing Office followed by conflict and confusion, Problems and discrepancies in Tech Housing Office described

Tape 1, Side 2: Discusses second reorganization of Housing Office, Problems with Miss Mozelle Craddock cited, War-time rationing irregularities mentioned, Comments on growing authority of Miss Craddock, Resignation of Miss Craddock and subsequent events related, State auditor's reorganization of Housing Office (continued), Miss Craddock's career (continued), Post-World War II housing problems and reaction to pressure remembered, Organizational machinery reviewed, Examines interdepartmental conflict with Dean James Allen and others, Explains shortage of housing space, Growth of Housing Office traced, Additional duties described, Conflicted with Dean James Allen's Office

Tape 2, Side 1: Conflict with Dean James Allen (continued), Worked with Athletic Department, Recalls athletic activities with "outlaw" teams, Pete Cawthon characterized, Cites disadvantages of Tech Athletic Department, Conflict resulted between Athletic Department and administration over athletic dorms, Vacillation of athletic policy concerning athletes' housing noted, DeWitt Weaver characterized, Worked with Student Loan collections, (National Defense Loans), Veto from President's Office cited, Computerization of loan records explained, Discusses ideas on the function of business managers in the University system, Reasons for Marshall Pennington's resignation, Business managers, W. Tom Gaston and Marshall Pennignton contrasted, President William Whyburn characterized, President Clifford B. Jones characterized

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1917-1973

Bulk Dates: 1917-1973

Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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