Penick, Bessie Beene 1983-03-13

Mrs. Penick, schoolteacher and daughter of a West Texas attorney, reminisces about her life in Mobeetie and Wheeler, Texas.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Bessie Beene Penick

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: March 13, 1983

Location: Wheeler, Texas

Interviewer: Becky Myers

Length: 25 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Background, Born: December 28, 1915, in Baylor County, Parents: D. O. and Ollie Wheeler Beene, Father, Taught school on a ranch and studied law, Became county clerk, Moved to Wichita Falls to open law firm, Wichita Falls, Texas, Description of town, Mobeetie, Texas, Description of town in 1929, Lived on farm, Traveled to Wheeler, Texas for high school, Great Depression, People poor, but not poverty stricken, Cattle ranching not in area, Education, Mobeetie High School not accredited, Graduated from Wheeler High School, Attended West Texas State Teachers College, Career, Became assistant superintendent of Wheeler County, Taught school, Personal life, Married Ed Penick, Moved to Amarillo, Later moved to Kermit, New Mexico, Background (again), Earliest memories of family, Discussion of smallpox epidemic in 1919, Discusses siblings, Kermit, New Mexico, Received teaching jobs, Discussion of blizzard conditions, Moved to Virginia in 1942, when husband joined, the U. S. Army Air Corps, Career (again), Husband received doctorate degree from University of Texas, Husband taught at University of Florida, Taught at area schools, Mobeetie, Texas (again), Discussion of Indians there, Description of town, Wheeler, Texas (again), Social activities, Cattle ranching prominent, Father owned small ranch.

Tape 1, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1915-1983

Bulk Dates: 1929-1945

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