Gray, Johnny 1971-01-06
Johnny Gray, lifelong resident of Amarillo, recalls life there as a teenager during the Depression of the 1930s and particularly describes the dust storms.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Johnny Gray
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: January 6 and June 23, 1971
Location: Amarillo, Texas
Interviewer: David Nail
Length: 45 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: A. D. Payne murder case discussed,
Describes jail cell following Payne’s suicide,
Availability of jobs for young people in the 1930s examined,
Drugstores played tricks on the kids,
School days in the 1930s recalled,
Teachers thawed out hands of students who had no
gloves,
Price of hamburgers and movies given,
Remembers getting a new bicycle tire,
Describes Christmas of 1933 when he hoped for a bicycle,
Entertainment during highs school days explained,
Expresses attitude toward Franklin D. Roosevelt and his New Deal,
Entertainment for young people discussed (again),
Price of hamburgers and cokes in late 1930s,
Football games recalled,
Intense rivalry with Pampa.
Tape 1, Side 2: Blank
Tape 2, Side 1: Radio stations KGRS and WDAG discussed,
Movie theaters recalled,
Various games used to attract patrons,
Home Owners Loan Corporation program described,
Remembers 25 cent plate lunches,
Radio programs popular in the 1930s listed,
Description of dust storms,
Precautions taken when a storm approached.
Tape 2, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1930-1939
Bulk Dates: 1930-1939
Access Information
Original Recording Format: 1/4" audio reel to reel tape
Recording Format Notes: digitized March 2016, audio cd available in Reading Room
Transcript: no
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