Pratt, Wallace E 1973-12-29
Wallace Pratt, donor of the land for Guadalupe Mountains National Park, discusses his purchase of McKittrick Canyon and geological features of the Guadalupe Mountains.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Wallace E. Pratt
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: December 29, 1973
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Interviewer: Bill Griggs
Length: 1 hour
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Decision to retire in McKittrick Canyon examined,
Geologic structures of the canyon discussed,
Story of lost gold mine of the Guadalupes recalled,
Anecdote concerning William C. Sublett related,
Geologic origin of Guadalupe Mountains noted,
Origin of a barrier reef explained,
Terms of land purchase in McKittrick Canyon cited.
Tape 1, Side 2: Terms of land purchase (continued),
Texas and Pacific Company’s role in the land sale,
Additional acquisitions related,
Donation of land to the federal park in 1959 noted,
Ranching operation discussed,
Rock lodge described,
Movement of rocks, materials to the canyon noted,
Architecture of ranch house described,
Judge Hunter recalled,
Tax deduction on donation of land noted,
Introduction of elk and fish cited,
Ecology source citations given,
Attitudes toward Texas examined,
Ranger oil field discussed,
Speculation on future oil leases and attitudes on ecology stated.
Range Dates: ?-1973
Bulk Dates: 1959-1973
Access Information
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Transcript:
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