Nall, Kline A 1976, 1982

Kline Nall, retired professor of English at Texas Tech, evaluates his experiences during the name change controversy in 1969, and discusses Mary Baker, a Lockney, Texas businesswoman and her impact on that community. Nall’s grandfather was married to Ms. Baker at one time.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Kline A. Nall

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: February 23, 1976; February 11, 1982

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Joanna Shurbet and Georgellen K. Burnett

Length: 1 hour 45 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Reasons for support of Texas State University, Issue first appeared (1959), Engineers’ support of Texas State University, Belief in possibility of name change, Board of Regents’ opposition to change, Manuel DeBusk’s advice to Nall, "Rule or Ruin" faction, Joint Name Change Committee formation, First suggestion of Texas State University (1964), Russell Bean, off-campus supporter of Texas State University, Funding of project, Main objectives of committee, Methods of influencing political figures, DeBusk’s initial recommendation (1964), Ex-Students Association resistance, Against opinions of members, Influence of Athletic Department, Retention of Double T, Texas State University bumper stickers, Faculty support of name change, "Sweet Potato Supermarket", Wright Anderson’s reply, Reprisals against Nall, Press coverage, Fairness of Texas Tech paper, Bias of Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, "Sweet Potato Supermarket", Ban on Nall’s writing, Praise of student/faculty conduct, Clifford Jones’ support of Tech, Reasons for retention of Tech.

Tape 1, Side 2: Reasons for retention of Tech (continued), Power structure support, Public figures, Ex-Students Association, Preston Smith, Manuel DeBusk, Doc and Mary Blanchard’s support of change, Anecdote about Blanchard sons, Vote for Tech, Nall, Bates, Blanchard controversy, Cause, Situation, Damage to cause slight, Charlie Guy’s retirement aid to future change supporters, Present name deterrent in recruiting, Need to explain purpose of Tech, New flurry over name change (Fall 1975), Board of Regents squelch issue, Position of Clint Formby, Reversal of earlier decision unlikely, No connection with Grover E. Murray’s resignation, Evaluation of experience, Role of others.

Tape 2, Side 1: Maternal grandfather, Charles W. Smith, James Artimus Baker, Fatal accident (1917), Widow—Mary Baker, Marriage (1922), Charles Smith, Mary Baker, Separation, Mary Baker, Children, Lockney Christian College, Origin, Financing, Mary Baker, Business, Family matters, Community influence, Discrimination, Given name.

Tape 2, Side 2: Mary Baker (continued), Job responsibility, Daily routine, Lockney residence, Personality, Determination.

Range Dates: 1917-1982

Bulk Dates: 1922-1976

Access Information

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