Couch, Mr and Mrs Bart 1974-05-29
The Couches reminisce about the Harley Sadler tent shows, Harley Sadler and his family, and their lives after they left the show.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Mr. and Mrs. Bart Couch
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: May 29, 1974
Location: Austin, Texas
Interviewer: Suzanne Ricker and Clifford Ashby
Length: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1:
Born, Muskogee, Oklahoma (April 25, 1901),
Early career,
Tabloid shows,
Repertory company,
Dublinshky Brothers,
Joined Harley Sadler Show (1924-1933),
Roles in show,
Harley Sadler,
Character,
Fairness,
Generosity,
Life on a tent show,
Hard work,
Observation of people,
Professionalism,
Harley Sadler,
Temper,
Generosity,
Morality,
Alcohol,
Death of a daughter,
Performing,
Roles,
Drug abuse,
Among performers of other shows,
Character of show people,
Jobs after leaving the show,
Department of Public Safety,
Highway Department (1941-1966),
Tents,
Fuels used,
Sites
Tape 1, Side 2:
Performers (photographs),
Accidents,
Baseball team (photograph),
Billie Massingale Sadler,
Character,
Acting,
Costumes,
Harley Sadler as a performer,
Main character ("Toby"),
Concert shows,
"Tommy" (play),
Ethel Snow,
Bob Siler,
Working during the Depression (1930s),
Married (1932),
Bart Couch's dog, Tex,
Intelligence,
Performing,
Vaudeville,
Musical acts,
Ballyhoo (entertainment),
Truck accident,
Injuries,
Advertising,
Radio broadcasting (Amarillo, Texas)
Tape 2, Side 1:
Switch from musician to actor,
Bernie Massingale,
Studying for shows,
Billie Sadler,
Bart Couch,
Harley Sadler's visit with while hospitalized,
"Toby" costume,
Drama vs. comedy,
Actor to portray Harley Sadler,
1976 tent show revival,
Ranching Heritage Center,
Typhoid fever,
Size of tent show,
Financial status (1932),
Muleskinning,
Musical training,
Tabloid shows,
Run out of town,
Family,
Dispute with father,
Mother
Tape 2, Side 2:
Blank
Range Dates: 1901-1974
Bulk Dates: 1901-1966
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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