Lee, Ebbie 1973-08-14

Ebbie Lee, longtime friend of Governor Preston Smith, relates his experiences with Smith during their high school and college years and reviews Smith’s subsequent political career.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Ebbie Lee

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: August 14, 1973

Location: Lamesa, Texas

Interviewer: David Murrah

Length: 1 hour, 35 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Comments on family background and early life, Drought of 1917 recalled, Anecdote concerning 1918 blizzard, 1917 drought (continued), Cotton planting technique remembered, Recollections of economic recession and farm problems, "Baptist Fifth Sunday meeting" explained, Reviews Preston Smith’s family background, Comments made concerning Smith’s interest in Texas history and his early interest in the governorship.

Tape 1, Side 2: Smith’s interest in college mentioned, Discusses attendance at Tech and service station business, Hunting trips made together, Service station business (continued), House painting jobs described, Also had business in rental units, Loss of first station and acquisition of second station reviewed, Relates conflict with Magnolia Company representatives, Description of Sunset community, Personal experience with the farm credit business explained, Also had experience in automobile loan business.

Tape 2, Side 1: Automobile loan business discussion (continued), Smith’s early political campaigns recalled, Mention of political rallies, Smith characterized, Evaluation of Smith’s governmental insurance policies, States reaction to Sharpstown scandal, Speculation on Smith’s retirement, Suggestions for additional interviewees made, Tells anecdote concerning Smith’s mother.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1917-1973

Bulk Dates: 1917-1973

Access Information

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Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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