Donavan, Margaret 1983-03-14

Margaret Donavan discusses her family and their ownership of the Matador Ranch.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Margaret Donavan

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: March 14, 1983

Location: London, England

Interviewer: David Murrah

Length: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Background, Born--1895, Family life, Recollections of her father, Lists siblings, Description of family home, Family history, Mother's family of Canadian heritage, Father's family of Scottish heritage, Parents married in 1890, Father's business, Involved in oil companies, Great Depression hurt his financial situation, Purchased property in Highlands to plant trees, Involved in cattle industry, Father's hobbies, Interested in science, Avid reader, Father's business (again), Started accounting firm

Tape 1, Side 2: Education, Attended boarding school in England, Attended Cambridge University, Father believed in educating women, Travels, Traveled to France in 1918 to work in hospitals, Provided assistance to French refugees, Visited New York, Impressions of America, 1925 traveled to Florida and Matador Ranch, Cattle industry, Father owned 2 ranches, Matador Ranch, Description of ranch, Ranch visit, Remembrances of trip, Mud a problem, Allowed to eat from chuck wagon, Discussion of Scottish songs heard on ranch, Great Depression, Crash affected business, Father sold portions of ranch, Maintained land in Florida

Tape 2, Side 1: Personal life, Married Richard C. Donavan--1926, Moved to London while husband worked in diesel business, Donavan entered World War II, Children, Discussion of her three children, Matador ranch (again), Maintained investments through World War II, Decision to sell ranch not hers, Investors wanted money, Discusses disappointment of sale by Matador townspeople, England, Describes places to visit, Current political situation

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1895-1983

Bulk Dates: 1920-ca. 1950s

Access Information

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Transcript:

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