Ayers, Cecil L 1975-02-10

Mr. Cecil Ayers, agronomy professor at Texas Tech since 1942, discusses his work with the crop judging teams at Texas Tech University from 1947 to 1971. He then lists awards he has received since coming to Texas Tech in 1942.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Cecil L. Ayers

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: February 10, 1975

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Marshall L. Pennington

Length: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Autobiographical data presented, Changed name, Education summarized, Attended college at Texas Tech, Early years of Texas Tech recalled, Coldest day in Lubbock recalled, Brother and sister mentioned, Played football in high school, Taught vocational agriculture at Tahoka and Spur after graduation from Tech, Activity on Tech crop judging teams, Dr. and Mrs. Clifford B. Jones described, Sons and occupations discussed

Tape 1, Side 2: After leaving Spur, returned to Tech and got Master's degree, Work in crop judging, History of team, Dean Arthur H. Leidigh recalled, Crop judging teams discussed further, Won first contest after World War II, Won first place in every contest from 1952-1956, Overall view of contest activities, Reasons for success at the contests, Explanation of mechanics of crop judging contest, Contends that self-discipline and proficiency are important factors, Continued explanation of various phases of a crop judging contest, Philosophy on perpetuating a winning team

Tape 2, Side 1: Continued discussion of crop judging teams at Texas Tech, Reason for losing one contest, Training crop judging teams, Tried to never have a superior attitude toward students, Financing trips to contests in Chicago and Kansas City, End of crop judging program, Result of change in administration, Competition listed, Other courses taught, Seventh grade teacher remembered, Favorite teachers mentioned, Publication of book about eradication of Johnson grass, Story of Johnson grass in the United States

Tape 2, Side 2: Honors and awards received, Honorary State Farmer award for work with Future, Farmers of America in Texas and New Mexico, Piper Professorship received in 1962, Other Tech professors who have received Piper Professorship--Dr. R. S. Underwood, Dr. Mina Lamb, Dr. Ernest Wallace, Recognition of Dr. Clifford B. Jones and Lubbock National , Bank resulted in half-page picture in Lubbock Avalanche Journal, Hopes that Texas Tech crop judging team will be re-organized after his retirement, Discussion of future donation of records of team and activities

Range Dates: 1947-1971

Bulk Dates: 1947-1971

Access Information

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