Brooks, Shelby 1972-07-27

Rancher Shelby Brooks discusses his career and relates colorful anecdotes, jokes and stories. Note: Sound reproduction on Tape 1 is very poor. There is a second, unidentified person in the interview.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Shelby Brooks

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: July 27, 1972

Location: Toyah, Texas

Interviewer: Paul Patterson

Length: 2 hours

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Mustangs recalled, Area ranch personalities discussed in colorful conversation, Remembers Prohibition and bootleggers, Springs on cattle trails described, Relates anecdote on train robbery, Recalls cowboy personalities, Jokes and stories recounted, Ranching career reviewed

Tape 1, Side 2: Tells jokes and stories concerning hospitals, Discusses horses, Rodeos described, Outlines types of work on "Figure Two" Ranch, Spent one year on the ranch without going to town, Comments on water supply

Tape 2, Side 1: Family background reviewed, C. C. Slaughter's refusal to allow entry on his land cited, Ranch personalities remembered, Discusses effect of "loco weed" on livestock, Droughts described, Gives description and tells anecdotes concerning surface tanks for sulfur, Notes search for sulfur, "Gyp water" explained, Outlines development of horse and cattle breeding, Various personalities discussed

Tape 2, Side 2: Anecdote concerning conflict with sheepman related, 1932 drought recalled, Mentions Depression cattle shoot program, Speculation of government involvement in cattle policy, Ranching discussed, Family background reviewed again, Tells anecdote concerning animal trapping

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Access Information

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Recording Format Notes:

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