Hooser, Mrs Jo 1973-06-07

Mrs. Jo Hooser, Governor Preston Smith’s receptionist, discusses her association with the Governor and his wife and some of the office procedures and incidents.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Mrs. Jo Hooser

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: June 7, 1973

Location: Austin, Texas

Interviewer: Fred Carpenter

Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Relates background of relationship with Preston Smith starting with the Lt. Governor’s race (1962), Describes campaign procedures, Lists entourage in governor’s election night party Notes Smith’s use of "we", Outlines office procedures: new hours visitors’ schedule promptness personal relationships, Anecdote of being late for lunch, Social occasions at mansion mentioned, In-office appointment process detailed.

Tape 1, Side 2: Continues to typify visitors in reception office, Defines and discusses the capitol press, Discusses Smith’s instructions not to ask who was calling on a telephone, Comments on Smith’s close working relation with secretaries and the amount of correspondence carried on, As the governor’s offices spread beyond the capitol, coordination became difficult, Work for PBX operator-receptionist increased by staff growth, Governor received many crank calls, Describes method of dealing with cranks, Anecdotes told, Checked out legitimacy of complaints, Anecdote about "armed" visitor, "Go see the governor" truism noted, Celebrities and photographers mentioned, Recalls student demonstrations and black preacher at the Capitol.

Tape 2, Side 1: Continues discussion of demonstration at Capitol Incident of small "sit-down" Individuals sometimes came into reception room when governor was not in and demanded a hearing Summarizes personnel Harold Dudley was a campaign man, not a front man Dan Petty was a very good public relations man Legal counselors mentioned Tendency for high staff turnover noted Notes 6 key positions Observes that secretary of state best fulfills speaking engagements during a governor’s absence West Texans are not as cognizant of and do not care as much as citizens in Austin Weldon Hart, speech writer, and Smith’s speeches discussed Mike McKinney and Mike Cooper mentioned Describes National Governors’ Conference Mrs. Smith’s charm as hostess stressed Talks of the Smith family

Tape 2, Side 2: Continues discussion of demonstration at Capitol, Incident of small "sit-down", Individuals sometimes came into reception room, when governor was not in and demanded a hearing Summarizes personnel, Harold Dudley was a campaign man not a front man, Dan Petty was a very good public relations man, Legal counselors mentioned, Tendency for high staff turnover noted, Notes 6 key positions, Observes that secretary of state best fulfills speaking engagements during a governor’s absence, West Texans are not as cognizant of and do not care as much as citizens in Austin, Weldon Hart speech writer and Smith’s speeches discussed, Mike McKinney and Mike Cooper mentioned, Describes National Governors’ Conference, Mrs. Smith’s charm as hostess stressed, Talks of the Smith family.

Range Dates: 1962-1973

Bulk Dates: 1969-1973

Access Information

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