Kelley, Nelson John 1975-04-06
Nelson John Kelley, former employee of the Harley Sadler Tent Show, reminisces about his time in the business.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Nelson John, Kelley
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: April 6, 1975
Location: Dallas, Texas
Interviewer: Clifford Ashby
Length: 45 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Family history,
Bob Kelley, brother,
Sadler show,
First employed (1931),
Galveston, Texas,
"Seige of the Alamo",
Austin, Texas,
Moving by railroad,
Weather problems,
Travel across the Southwest,
Nelson Kelley,
Concession stand worker,
Canvas man,
Quit show,
Olen Burrows,
Sadler show (again),
Band,
Sadler show (again),
Tent size (1931),
Description,
Fires,
Waco, Texas,
New tent,
Austin, Texas (c. 1934),
Other Sadler shows,
Gabe Garrett’s Comedians,
Harley Sadler,
Characteristics,
Non-drinker,
Anecdote,
Trustworthy,
Sadler show (again),
Community appreciation,
Barnum and Bailey Circus,
Joe Latham,
Brownwood, Texas,
Circus,
Characteristics of tent show,
Fire at Temple, Texas (1934 or 1935).
Tape 1, Side 2: Sadler show (continued),
Fire at Temple (continued),
"Seige of the Alamo" (again),
W. T. Cox, financier,
Roy E. Fox tent show,
New Mexico tent shows,
Kansas tent shows,
Tents,
Raising,
Windstorms,
Wink, Texas,
Galveston, Texas,
Roswell, New Mexico,
Storms,
People inside tent,
Hiring children to help,
Purchase of old railroad cars.
Range Dates: 1920-1960
Bulk Dates: 1931-1940
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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