Mecham, Dr George 1973-03-03,19

Dr. Mecham discusses his long career as a professor of education, including his work in teacher training, the establishment and growth of his Mecham School for pre-school children, and his association with Texas Tech.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Dr. George Mecham

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: March 3 and 19, 1973

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Jeff Townsend

Length: 1 hour 30 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: First taught at Tech in 1943, Many soldiers on campus, Returned to teaching at Tech in 1951, Biographical information given, Education summarized, Discusses early teaching career, Established Mecham School for pre-school children in 1951, Growth of the school described, Uses young mothers as bus drivers, More information on early career, Field service program in Lubbock discussed, Association with the Corpus Christi school district six years, Reveals more information on Mecham School.

Tape 1, Side 2: Blank

Tape 2, Side 1: Reading program for first graders explained, Sold it to area school districts, Teacher training program in Corpus Christi discussed, Gives reasons why he left after six years, First teaching job in Johnson County recalled, Explains changes in the requirements for teacher certification.

Tape 2, Side 2: Requirements of teacher education (continued), Describes circumstances leading to his joining the Corsicana school system, Mecham School discussed, Mentions zoning problems encountered, Cites property improvements made, Insurance and tax costs, Recollections of the firing of three Tech professors by the Board of Directors, Dr. Per Stensland’s adult education program reviewed, Importance of Tech’s admission to the Southwest Conference noted, Expresses opinion of Tech’s name-change controversy.

Range Dates: 1943-1973

Bulk Dates: 1943-1969

Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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