Ray, Mrs John 1974-11-06
Mrs. Ray, who came to Crowell as a teacher in 1917, discusses the Ray family, her work and her marriage to John Ray, an area farmer. She also shares information about her house and antique possessions.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Mrs. John Ray
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: November 06, 1974
Location: Crowell, Texas
Interviewer: Fred Carpenter
Length: 1 hour 30 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Ray family history,
Came to Foard County in 1884,
Two dugouts became stopping place for travelers,
Mother-in-law was first postmistress of Rayland, Texas,
Gives autobiographical and family details,
Graduated from La Grange College, Missouri (1913),
Answered ad in church newspaper for teacher in Crowell, Texas,
Describes dusty desolation and first day.
Tape 1, Side 2: Continues description of new teaching position in Crowell,
Mentions going to church,
Recalls some of her students,
Describes first meeting with Mr. Ray,
Tells of catching the flu in 1918,
Describes Sunday afternoons of courtship and reading,
Lists outstanding families,
First years of marriage recalled,
Moved to farm outside of Crowell in 1923,
Traces her stepchildren’s history,
Mr. Ray, widower, was 23 years older,
Describes plantings, orchards around house,
Mentions crops, especially wheat.
Tape 2, Side 1: Continues to discuss crops grown since 1884,
Remarks on success during the Depression,
Follows growth of the house,
Mentions National Geographic magazines given to to Vernon College,
Tells of her changing mail address,
Accounts for New Zealand souvenir from John McDonald,
Mentions storms that she has seen,
Discussion of antiques.
Tape 2, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1884-1974
Bulk Dates: 1884-1923
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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