Rainey, Sue Ava 1973-03-15

Sue Ava Rainey recalls her 24 years as a physical education instructor and sponsor of the Mortar Board women’s honorary society at Texas Tech and discusses the university’s growth during that time.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Sue Ava Painey

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: March 15, 1973

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Jeff Townsend

Length: 1 hour 10 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Education summarized, Various college courses taken during summers listed, Stresses importance of retaining femininity in girls’ athletics, Early teaching career discussed, Trinity University job recalled, University Junior High in Austin, Traces events which led her to take a position at Texas Tech, Early days at Texas Tech, Served as acting head of the Women’s Physical, Education Department, Difficulty finding a place to live, Mother was housemother at West Hall 3 months, Dr. William Whyburn mentioned.

Tape 1, Side 2: Texas Tech history examined, Men’s P. E. Department not established when Tech opened, Cites benefits to be gained from physical education, Coming of Mortar Board to the campus, Remembers Wednesday night dances in the barn, Once asked two boys to leave, Square dance schools held annually, Dormitory building on campus, Change in student wishes, Dr. Dossie M. Wiggins’ administration characterized, Dr. E. N. Jones recalled, J. Evetts Haley discussed, Explains political situation at Tech in 1945, Firing of the three professors seen as unjust, State opinion of tenure policy.

Tape 2, Side 1: Texas Tech history (continued), Playdays recalled, Posture examinations formerly given in Women’s P.E. Department, Notes importance of adapting physical education to students’ needs, Lists criteria for membership in Forum (later Mortar Board), Housing around Tech in 1945 described, Paintings in Miss Rainey’s home discussed.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1940-1973

Bulk Dates: 1940-1973

Access Information

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Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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