Lundberg, Russell 1981-01-19

Russell Lundberg, Matador Ranch cowboy, discusses various aspects about life on the ranch before its breakup in 1951.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Russell Lundberg

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: January 19, 1981

Location: Algerita and San Saba, Texas

Interviewer: Richard Mason

Length: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Russell Lundberg, Birthplace: Michigan (1917), To Nebraska (ca. 1928-1929), Family history, Anderson, stepfather, Cattle rancher, Market decline (1929-1930), To Nebraska (again), Hay and pasture operation, Weather, Harsh winter, Water, Reasons for settling in Nebraska, Sandhill Cattle, Lundberg (again), Chores, Farm implements, Anderson (again), Source of capital, Leasing of land, Depression (1930), Effects, Cattle business, Lundberg (again), To Texas, Cattle (again), 1935-1936, Nebraska (again), Climate, Terrain—Sandhills, Lundberg (again), To Texas, Reasons, Cowboying, Slim Dubout, partner, To Dickens County, Texas, Matador Ranch, Wages, Duties, Matador Ranch, Horses, Mules, Feed, Horses (again), Date branding, Bronc feelers, Rosey Detten, Bill Phelps, Red Lake line camp, Location, Terrain, Cattle (again), Mesquite, Removal, Water, Windmills, Drought years.

Tape 1, Side 2: Matador Ranch (continued), Water tanks, Tank Crews, Windmills (again), Cattle (again), Shipped to Oklahoma City, Rail shipments, Russellville, Truck shipments, Wagon roundups, Description of a day’s operations, Crew size, Amount of time involved, Herd management, During drought, Joe Thorton, Foreman, Paydays, Supplies, Preservation of meat, Meals and living conditions, Roundups—cattle, Thorton (again), Accident, Injuries, Windmills (again), Cattle (again).

Tape 2, Side 1: Matador Ranch (continued), Problems, Screw worms—Remedy used, Snakes—Effect on horses, Prairie dog holes, Lack of veterinarians, Shinnery, Problems with cattle eating it, Gear, Cold weather, Rain, Equipment, Fence repair, Ranchers and farmers, Quicksand around rivers, Maverick cattle, Entertainment, Weekend visits to town, Seven day workweek, Cowhands, Alcohol, Relationship between cowboys and townspeople, Cowboy reunion, Yearly event at Stamford, Texas, Rattlesnake incident, Anecdote: Naming of the Tongue River.

Tape 2, Side 2: Wind blowouts, Bunkhouse –Description, Wood, Insects, Batteries, Chuckwagons—Cook, Meat supply, Hoodlum wagons, Visitors, Horse wrangler, Matador brand, Running V, Date brand, Cropping of ears, Working the herd, Anecdote: The thirsty Englishman that would not drink, Duncan Tank, Community’s dependence, Size.

Tape 3, Side 1: Began work at Matador Ranch (1937), M. J. Riley, ranch manager, Worked at Red Lake Camp, Joe Thorton, camp boss, Mrs. Thorton, Supplied from commissary in Matador, Texas, Butchered and prepared beef, Other food, Wages and ranch expenses, Living conditions, Bunkhouse, Wood fuel, Water cistern, Little contact with outside world, Half-dugout bunkhouse, Now at Ranching Heritage Center, Rattlesnakes, Anecdote, Snakes on the ranch, Description of the land, Tongue River (South Fork of the Pease River), Quicksand, Indian relics, Shinnery leaves eaten by cattle, Ranch duties, Horse rustling each morning, Cattle wormed, Windmill maintenance, Joe Thorton injured during repair, Bogged cattle released, Mavericks captured and branded, Salt and cottonseed cakes hauled, Weather difficulties, Roundup, Wagon outfit described, Outside cooking, Chuckwagon, Food, Hoodlum wagon boy, Red Payne, wagon boss, Horse changes, Horse preparation, Injured horses, Entertainment in Matador, Texas, Duncan tank activities, Roundup site, Built c. 1890, Visitors, Wife Helen Porter, Water source, Baptisms.

Tape 3, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1917-1981

Bulk Dates: 1930s-1950s

Access Information

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