McCullogh, Aubry 1973-05-22

Aubry McCulloch, employee of Smith Theatres, discusses the origin and growth of Preston Smith’s business organization, and the growth of the Lubbock movie theater business in general. He also recalls Smith’s early political activities and characterizes the future governor.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Aubry McCullogh

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: May 22, 1973

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: David Murrah

Length: 1 hour 10 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Connection with Smith explained, Mentions Smith’s gas station business, Smith’s Tech Theatre recalled, Boxing film a factor in theatre success, Origins of Smith’s interest in the gas station business cited, Discussion of theatre projector and the Tech Theatre, Arcadia Theatre mentioned, Early Lubbock Theatres surveyed, Smith’s dissolution of theatre partnership and subsequent events in the theatre business related, State and Plains theatres built in 1946, Mexican migrants were theatre clients.

Tape 1, Side 2: H. Parks built El Capitan Theatre (c. 1950), Arnett-Benson Theatre built (c. 1950), Smith’s interest in drive-in theatres, Trail, Sunset, Circle cited, Smith’s business organizations discussed, Recalls business merger, Reasons for merger explored, Speculates on present status of Smith’s activities in the theatre business, Other areas of Smith’s business interests mentioned.

Tape 2, Side 1: Smith characterized as a boss and a personality, Attitudes toward Smith’s political career expressed, Recalls early political activities, Appraisal of Smith as a businessman and a politician, Review of management of various Lubbock theatres, Midway and Cactus theatres mentioned, Present state of the theatre business mentioned, Closing of the Tech Theatre remembered, Telephone conversation: Confusion on merger discussed.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1946-1973

Bulk Dates: 1946-1973

Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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