Nickels, Guy 1973-05-03,29

Guy Nickels, owner of Sudan Central Compress, discusses various aspects of the South Plains cotton industry in view of newer innovations and methods.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Guy Nickels

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: May 3 and 29, 1973

Location: Muleshoe, Texas

Interviewer: Jeff Townsend

Length: 2 hours 10 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Plains Cotton Ginners Association, Discussion of W. O. Fortenberry, Autobiographical data given, First gin work was at Spur, Texas, Problems cotton sleds created for gins, Production of cotton gins helped by innovations, Different methods for harvesting cotton, Discussion of half and half cotton, Use of sled discontinued, Opposition of ginners to strippers, Recalls sandstorm of 1926, Describes static in cotton during ginning.

Tape 1, Side 2: Discussion of yield of cotton and storm proof cotton, Problems brought by irrigation, Too much water on cotton, Bale size, Discussion of different cotton types, Moss Gordon equipment boosted business, Discussion of South American cotton, Method of storing cotton will not work in U. S., Disadvantage of ginning cooperatives, Further discussion of irrigation, Explanation of round bale cotton.

Tape 2, Side 1: Discussion of round bale cotton (continued), Lamented that gins get little credit for involvement, Brief descriptions of several ginners’ organizations, Hospitality room at conventions discontinued, Buying a cotton compress in 1955 described.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Tape 3, Side 1: Bracero labor mentioned, Contrast between South Texas and Plains ginning methods, Process of putting cotton in warehouse described, Problems with boll worm, Necessitated sterilization of cotton seed, Plains Cotton Growers and George Pfeiffenberger discussed, Opinion on cotton classing office given.

Tape 3, Side 2: Discussion of electrification of gins, Reasons for greater accident rate at Plains ginners, compared to South Texas ginners, Bagging and tying of cotton bales explored.

Range Dates: 1926-1973

Bulk Dates: 1955-1973

Access Information

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