Cross, Ruth 1986-03-23

Ruth Cross discusses her experiences in the education field and her tenure as Dean of Women at West Texas State (now West Texas A&M) University in Canyon, Texas.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Ruth Cross

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: March 23, 1986

Location: Canyon, Texas

Interviewer: Alan Gabehart

Length: 55 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Early background, Born--1899, Wichita, Kansas, Experiences in large family, Weather conditions, Flooding, 1900s, Family uses canoe to visit town, Eating habits, Relies on meat and potatoes, Few fresh vegetables, Father's Career, Worked on bridges, Frequently traveled, Ruth Cross' Education, Attended Wichita elementary school, Discussion of her walking tow-and-a-half miles to school, Attended Presbyterian college, Teaching Career, Discussion of her teaching positions, Sexual Discrimination, Ruth Cross refused admittance into forest services industry, Ruth Cross Education (again), Attended American college of Physical Education in Chicago, Received Bachelor of Arts from Wichita State University, Teaching Career (again), Developed physical activities program for Wichita, Kansas, schools, Taught in junior and senior high schools, West Texas Region, Reason moved to area, Teaching Career (again), Introduced hockey and soccer to schools, Tumbling classes, Taught and directed classes and pageants, Teachers' Workshops, Taught value of nutrition, Provided new teaching methods

Tape 1, Side 2: West Texas State, Asked to become Dean of Women, Discussion of former dean, Tenure as Dean, Attended training sessions, Discussion of women's position on campus, Female students, Relationship with students, Discussion of timidness of females to invoke change, Encourage women to be aggressive, Retirement, Decision to leave in 1969, Problems as Dean, Pant Raids by Texas Tech men, Sixties at West Texas State, Discussion of racial tension, First black woman in residence hall, Interracial dating, Drugs and alcohol, Problems as Dean (again), Discusses problems with pregnancies

Range Dates: 1899-1970

Bulk Dates: 1930-1969

Access Information

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Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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