Johnson, Mr and Mrs Warren 1974-05-03
The Johnsons, early Plains farmers, discuss their experiences and farming operations during the 1920s. Mr. Johnson also reviews his career with the Lubbock Postal service.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Mr. and Mrs. Warren Johnson
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: May 3, 1974
Location: Idalou, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Family backgrounds discussed,
Estacado community recalled,
Sheep raising marketing joke on "all-weather" sheep,
Milo harvester patent supplanted by plant breeding,
Harvester’s mechanized principle discussed,
Other innovations cited,
Milo types reviewed,
Picking cotton during influenza epidemic (1918),
Armistice recalled (November 11 1918),
Milo development thresher crews and operation examined,
Visit to Taiwan noted,
Reasons for not growing cotton explained,
Rattlesnake anecdote told,
Early medical care cited,
Heavy weeds recalled.
Tape 1, Side 2: Problems with insects examined,
Weeds and insects related to years with heavy rainfall,
Mesquite grubbing resulting from 1918 blizzard described,
Discussion of farm labor,
Early farm equipment noted,
Flea and fly problems grasshopper stories told,
Decade of 1920s reviewed,
Cleaning out barn and its use for fertilizer remembered,
Mention of cooperatives,
Early water wells mentioned,
Attitude toward tractors expressed,
Attempts to grow Formosan watermelons,
Recollections of early cotton marketing,
Construction of earthen tanks examined,
Use of cow chips coal described,
Use of guns discussed,
Electrical systems reviewed.
Tape 2, Side 1: Sod crop concept of cultivation described,
Description of one-row plow,
Experience with runaway horse described,
Sod crop clarification given,
Prairie fire recalled,
Weeds and heavy rainfall , Russian thistles recalled,
Work with Lubbock Post Office since 1928 reviewed,
Family history given,
Impressions of Taiwan presented.
Tape 2, Side 2: Impressions of Taiwan (continued),
Social life in early farming community discussed.
Range Dates: 1918-1974
Bulk Dates: 1918-1928
Access Information
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Transcript:
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