Matthews, Watt 1971-10-14
Watt Matthews, prominent West Texas rancher, traces the history of his family and Lambshead Ranch and describes the various houses on the ranch. A friend from childhood, Joe Bennett, adds some comments regarding their early experiences on the ranch.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Watt Matthews
Additional Parties Recorded: Joe Bennett
Date: October 14, 1971
Location: Albany, Texas
Interviewer: Fred Carpenter
Length: 1 hour 5 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Old Stone Ranch built in 1856,
Description of ruins,
Matthews and Reynolds families reviewed,
Anecdote about arrow wound,
Traces pattern of family naming,
Discussion of education,
Buffalo hunting recalled,
Notes lack of mesquites in the area,
Chuck box described,
Marlborough cookbook magazine ad mentioned,
Free range ended by early fencing,
Matthews-Reynolds partnership explained,
Cattle drives recalled,
Denial of serious farmer-rancher conflict,
Criticism of Paul Green’s Texas drama,
Refused to comply with Depression cattle program.
Tape 1, Side 2: Expresses attitude toward range programs,
Wildlife on the ranch listed,
Catfishing in area,
Raised Hereford cattle on the ranch,
Extent of ranch given,
Mentions Wisconsin guests,
Origin of Albany "Fandangle",
Anecdote about Rose Bowl (late 1920s),
Ranch houses described,
Discussion of ranch cemetery,
Description of the Reynolds house.
Tape 2, Side 1: Ranch house described,
Anecdote about a "Navajo",
Lambshead’s capacity for guests.
Tape 2, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1856-1971
Bulk Dates: 1900-1971
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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