Hawkins, Alta Latimer 1967-05-11

Mrs. Hawkins describes Thurber, Texas as a company-owned (Texas Pacific Coal and Oil Company), coal-mining town.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Alta Latimer Hawkins

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: May 11, 1967

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Lou Scoggins

Length: 35 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Move to Thurber (1917), Describes coal mining procedures, Effects of coal miners strike (1921), Nationalistic groups recalled, Italian holiday celebrations were outstanding, Thurber a company-owned town, Texas Pacific Coal and Oil Company, owner, Thurber prices higher in comparison to others, Explains system of figuring and paying miners’ wages, Social divisions in Thurber not evident in housing, Racial attitudes and school segregation evident, Church denominations named, Mr. Rucker Baptist minister characterized, Mentions July 4th and Labor Day celebrations, News Years’ dances drew big bands, Description of the Athletic Club, Ladies’ auxiliaries of the churches active, Discusses Texas Pacific Company’s influence on Thurber politics, Description of different Thurber homes, J. B. Gordon and his family mentioned, Lawrence Welk’s performance in Thurber recalled, Questions source of meat supplies to meat markets, Miners rode train to and from work, Office training offered by Texas Pacific Company, Discusses migration of miners after the mines closed, Doctors and dentists provided by company, Early telephone system established for company use, Describes early types of transportation in Thurber, Streets brick paved, Thurber bricks used in Lubbock paving, Racial divisions evident in neighborhoods, Descriptions of the Opera House interior, Use of motor cars in the mine shafts, Cash and Coupon method of payment for miners’ wages, Attendance high for high school commencements and baccalaureates, Transportation to and from Thurber primarily by train, Neighbors recalled, Evening and summer activities of children in Thurber, Mentions swimming holes and lakes around Thurber.

Tape 1, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1917-1930s

Bulk Dates: 1917-1930s

Access Information

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Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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