Barcus, Reverend V Cyrus 1969
Tape 1 is a preliminary tape acquainting Rev. Barcus with information desired in a personal interview for oral history purposes. In Tapes 2 and 3, Rev. Barcus relates the story of Brownwood’s Old Gray Mare Band and reviews his career in the SMU band.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Reverend V. Cyrus Barcus
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: May 10, 1969 and June 20, 1969
Location: Waco, Texas
Interviewer: Fred A. Carpenter (NOTE: Tape 2 of the Reverend V. Cyrus Barcus interview was conducted by the Reverend himself.)
Length: 1 hour, 55 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1:
(Tape one: 5 minutes),
Grandparents and their children recalled,
Information given by Mr. Carpenter as to what further material
should be taped
Tape 1, Side 2:
Blank
Tape 2, Side 1:
(Tape two: 25 minutes),
Background and introduction to Brownwood's Old Gray Mare Band,
R. Wright Armstrong's career reviewed,
Origin of the Old Gray Mare Band,
Band's career and influence in the 1920s surveyed,
Recalls trip to San Francisco,
Anecdote concerning Sarah's (the mare) meeting Ft. Worth corporation court summons,
Anecdotes of trips to San Francisco and St. Paul mentioned,
Participation in political conventions,
Recollection of Old Fray Mare Band personalities,
Eulogy on the death of Sarah
Tape 2, Side 2:
Blank
Tape 3, Side 1:
(Tape three: 20 minutes),
Eulogy to Sarah, continued from tape 2,
Account of the funeral,
Difficulties in acquisition of another animal recalled,
Audition of 100 gray mares mentioned,
Comments on R. Wright Armstrong's promotion to vice president of Ft. Worth and Denver Railroad and other career highlights,
Questions answered concerning band costumes,
Recollections of band members and band policies,
Musicians from outside Brownwood brought in to play,
Barcus' work with SMU band related,
Adapted brass band music to dance band purposes,
Describes reactions to jazz music played by brass bands
Tape 3, Side 2:
Blank
Tape 4, Side 1:
(Tape four: 1 hour, 5 minutes),
Barcus grandparents,
Stanford family - relatives,
Family camp meetings,
Barcus family background,
McFerrin family background,
Barcus grandparents and their children,
Rev. Barcus' childhood,
Twin brother and sisters,
Life in Dallas recalled - 1900s
Tape 4, Side 2:
Reminiscences of life in Tyler, Texas, 1914-1918,
Band concerts,
Grocery stores and other businesses,
Methodist church orchestra,
School life,
Job in movie theater,
Anecdote about twin brother,
Early movies and chautauquas,
Family moves moves to Vernon, then to Austin, Texas,
Barcus and his brother go to Culver Military Academy,
Red Nichols (?) recalled,
Barcus plays in 142nd Infantry Band,
Becomes director of SMU Band
Range Dates: 1900s-1920s
Bulk Dates: 1900s-1920s
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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