Thompson, Eugene 1975-11-05
Eugene "Shorty" Thompson, retired hotel manager, discusses his past, including his responsibilities and experiences at the Birch Hotel in Breckenridge.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Eugene Thompson
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: November 05, 1975
Location: Breckenridge, Texas
Interviewer: Fred Carpenter
Length: 2 hours 25 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Grandparents,
Alabama,
Robert S. Scott,
Father,
Andrew Thompson,
High School,
Nacogdoches, Texas,
Valedictorian (1913),
University of Texas,
Scholarship,
Teacher’s certificate,
War,
Career teaching,
Superintendent,
Chireno High School,
Hardward’s store (1920),
Breckenridge, Texas,
Train,
Roads,
Housing,
Finances,
Loans,
Depression,
Leases.
Tape 1, Side 2: Brother,
Claude Thompson,
Postmaster (1933),
Hotel, Austin, Texas (1916),
Night clerk,
Manager (3 months),
Hotel, Breckenridge,
Manager,
Salary,
Real estate,
Hotel (1931),
Loans.
Tape 2, Side 1: Partnership closed,
Real estate,
Sold to Mr. Wimberly,
Breckenridge (1920),
Civic activities,
Mason,
Lions’ Club, President,
American Legion, Commander,
Chamber of Commerce, President,
Oil boom,
Birch Hotel (1927),
First National Bank,
Independents,
Drilling,
Tarva S. Barrett,
First oil well in Texas,
Nacogdoches County, Texas,
Died (1913),
Beaumont, Texas,
Spindletop well,
Humble Oil Company,
Texas Oil Company,
Magnolia Oil Company,
Gulf Oil Company,
Jake Sanford,
Investments,
Big Bend National Park,
Parks Board.
Tape 2, Side 2: Big Bend National Park (continued),
Land prices,
Lawsuits,
Funds,
Senator Townsend,
Land Commissioner Giles,
Scandal,
Football, Breckenridge,
Peak (1931),
District, won (1929),
Coaches (1929-1931),
Betting on games,
Football, Big League,
Blinking Buzzards (1923),
College team played Buzzards,
College ex-football stars’ team.
Tape 3, Side 1: Birch Hotel,
Former owners,
Coffee shop,
Conrad Hilton,
Hotel career,
Big Bend National Park pictures,
Birch Hotel (again),
Club rooms,
Famous boarders,
Texas Tech.
Tape 3, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1913-1931
Bulk Dates: 1913-1931
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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