Hoffman, Ray and William Kramer 1973-11-16
Ray Hoffman and William Kramer, employees of the E. K. Warren & Son Ranches, discuss Warren family history. They also examine the acquisition and operations of Texas, New Mexico and Mexican ranches, Mexican border problems during the Revolution, administration and operations, and liquidation of the Warren corporation.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Ray Hoffman and William Kramer
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: November 16, 1973
Location: Three Oaks, Michigan
Interviewer: David Murrah
Length: 2 hours, 40 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Background history of industrialist E. K. Warren
examined,
Corset business described,
Reason for acquisition of cattle in the Southwest,
Charles Warren discussed,
Description of Warren operations,
Stave-making technique reviewed,
"Company town" character of Three Oaks explored,
Division of Warren stockholders into industrial and cattle interests
cited,
Formation of YL and Muleshoe ranches reviewed,
Origin of the name "Muleshoe" discussed,
Recollections of visit to Amarillo and Muleshoe.
Tape 1, Side 2: Alamo Hueco and Mexican ranches noted,
Mexican border problems recalled,
Mexican ranches described,
Operation of Mexican ranches surveyed,
Description of Pancho Villa’s harassment,
Black ranch foreman held hostage,
U. S. Army activity and complications of American neutrality discussed,
Nationalization of Mexican ranch property and Mexican claim commission
examined,
Mexican coercion and liquidation of Mexican properties explained.
Tape 2, Side 1: Farming potential attempts to establish school at the
Palotada Ranch noted,
Pancho Villa’s destruction of the ranch recalled,
Mexican laws discussed,
Gen. Pershing Villa Yaqui Indians mentioned,
Acquisition of new ranches and extent of operations reviewed,
Financial problems in the Depression and drought examined,
Discussion of oil leases,
Changes in Warren management traced,
Operations administration of Warren ranches reviewed,
Decision-making process explored.
Tape 2, Side 2: Financial decisions justified,
Description of Muleshoe Alamo Hueco Caprock headquarters,
Management visitation discussed,
Use of automobile noted,
Warren foreman and employees named,
Reasons for liquidation of Warren ranches reviewed,
Attitude toward liquidation expressed,
Sale of the land.
Tape 3, Side 1: Warren’s Michigan farming operations discussed,
Shipment of bulls from Michigan to the Southwest recalled,
Marketing conditions and policy examined,
Cattle behavior discussed,
Liquidation and subsequent land use of Muleshoe Ranch recalled,
Mention of drought, storms,
Influenza epidemic of 1918,
Stockholders’ interest in ranching explored,
Depression bank failures and role of fear in Depression discussed,
Speculations on reasons for ranching success and discussion of
uncertainties in ranching.
Tape 3, Side 2: Importance of capital reserve noted,
Dividend policy explained,
Further comments on Jack Missal,
Warren family genealogy given,
Names given and spelled,
Prospective interviewees cited.
Range Dates: 1880s-1930s
Bulk Dates: 1890s-1930s
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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