Weddle, Mrs Dorothy 1971-07-28

Mrs. Weddle talks about the Depression of the 1930s, particularly her teaching experiences, her government job helping needy people, and the effect of World War II on her life.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Mrs. Dorothy Weddle

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: July 28, 1971

Location: Fort Stockton, Texas

Interviewer: Paul Patterson

Length: 1 hour 30 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Teaching in rural school recalled, Depression conditions discussed, Attitude toward money explained, Dust Bowl conditions and improving farming techniques, Purchase of a Model A automobile, Board and rooming conditions remembered, Savings lost as banks closed, Return to college cited, Teaching at Lorenzo recalled, Food prices during the Depression, Psychological effect of dust storms, dry climate explored.

Tape 1, Side 2: Blank

Tape 2, Side 1: Problems caused by dust storms, Preparing and eating food, Shampooing hair, Applying makeup, Cleaning house, Adjustments at school, Driving cars, Mrs. Weddle’s depression at the close of the school year, Salary problems resulting from partial payment in scrip, Mrs. Weddle’s job with the federal government, Home Management Supervisor for the Resettlement Administration, Teaching people to subsist on limited funds, Story of family who had lost hope, Recalls one family who helped themselves, Qualifications for the job, Duties of the job, Reactions of the people to government employees, Mrs. Weddle’s personal feelings about her job.

Tape 2, Side 2: Mrs. Weddle’s job with the government (continued), Expense account, Effect of planting trees on the Plains, Opinion of the cattle killing program, Cost of new Ford car, Story of child sent to Scottish Rite Hospital, Explains custom of coming to town on Saturday, Incident involving man who was socially ostracized, Effect of Mrs. Weddle’s experiences on her personal philosophy, World War II contrasted with the Depression as it effected people’s lives, Rationing explained, Changes in philosophy of life.

Range Dates: 1930s-1940s

Bulk Dates: 1930s-1940s

Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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