Harder, Jerry 2013-03-13
This interview features Jerry Harder, who was a victim of the Billie Sol Estes fertilizer tank Ponzi scheme. Harder discusses Estes’ connection to Lyndon B. Johnson and F.B.I. investigations into the scandal. Harder chronicles his early life, during which he attended Texas Tech University, joined the Navy, enrolled in Wayland Baptist University, married and eventually became involved in farming
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Jerry Harder
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: March 13, 2013
Location: Plainview, Texas
Interviewer: David Marshall
Length: 01:03:13
Abstract
Bilie Sol Estes, An image of wealth, Estes’ ability to make connections, Estes’ buys out Smith, Boden Grain Company, Harder as part owner of Smith Boden Grain, Estes’ mistake, Estes caught by the FBI, Estes’ wife and daughter, FBI interviews Harder, Este’s Trial, LBJ’s connection to Estes, Harder’s early life, G.I. bill and getting married, Experience in the Navy, Time after the Navy, Farming, Grain business, Effects of Plainview’s meat-packing plant shutdown, Harder working with his son and grandson on the farm
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript: Transcript available in reading room
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