Jones, Don L 1973-04-18

Don Jones, long associated with the cotton industry, discusses the history of that industry on the South Plains of Texas.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Don L. Jones

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: April 4, 1973

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Jeff Townsend

Length: 50 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Career in agriculture discussed, Spent two years at Chillicothe agricultural station, Appointed superintendent of Texas A & M, Agricultural Extension Service, Lubbock (1925), Reviews history of cotton farming on South Plains, New methods introduced, Early use of Mexican labor, Area converted to mechanized farming early, Notes wages paid to laborers, Use of sled harvesters described, Lists types of cotton strippers used over the years, Development of storm proof cotton boll important, Resistance to machine harvesting recalled,

Tape 1, Side 2: Discussion of cotton industry (continued) Cites effects of irrigation on the industry, Early insect problems and insecticides mentioned, New type of cotton recently developed discussed, States opinion of government subsidy programs, Reason more cotton than grain is grown on South Plains, Explains type of cotton used in 1940s and 1950s, Describes early importation of seed stocks, Various harvesting methods discussed, Has written article on cotton, Examines differences in cotton farming on South Plains and rest of Texas, Importance of the industry to the area stated.

Range Dates: 1923-1973

Bulk Dates: 1925-1973

Access Information

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