Blackburn, Gene 1991-03-18
Gene Blackburn discusses the history of Lubbock and his experiences.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Gene Blackburn
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: March 18, 1991
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Sue Sappington
Length: 1 hour
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1:
Early life,
Moved to Lubbock as a child,
Father saw great business opportunities in Lubbock,
Great Depression,
Job opportunities diminished in Lubbock,
Father worked for loan company,
Family grew their own food and owned cows,
Depression greatly affected Lubbock,
Lubbock,
Describes as small town,
Residential atmosphere,
Discussion of railroads coming to Lubbock--1909,
Description of areas around railroad,
Segregation,
Railroad divided Mexicans from Anglo-Americans,
Few Mexican-American students in graduating high school class,
African-American students had their own school,
Housing,
FHA system boosted development of small areas,
Texas Tech students lived in rooming houses,
Description of neighborhoods,
Segregation (again),
African-American schools housed in churches,
Great Depression (again),
Unable to maintain automobiles,
Older children forced to work,
Children wore WPA clothes,
Entertainment for children consisted of parks and construction sites
Tape 1, Side 2:
Disease,
Scarlet fever affected family,
Pearl Harbor ,
December 7, 1941,
Discusses surprise attack by Japanese,
Afterwards constantly listened to radio,
World War II,
Mobilization of National Guard,
Discusses the various items rationed,
Difficulty obtaining supplies,
Inflation no a problem as in Depression,
Women in World War II,
Housewives position changed,
Women entered work force,
Aircraft factories utilized women the most
Range Dates: 1920-1945
Bulk Dates: 1928-1945
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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