Smauley, C C 1971-10-22
C. C. Smauley, former Matador cowboy, discusses life on the ranch from 1934 until its liquidation in 1953.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: C.C. Smauley "Shorty"
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: October 22, 1971
Location: Matador, Texas
Interviewer: David Murrah
Length: 45 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Worked for Matador (1934-1953),
Smauley’s background,
Worked on ranches in New Mexico and Texas,
Started to work for Matador (1934),
Dickens County—Croton Camp,
Duties,
Social contacts at the camp,
Farmers and firewood,
Living conditions,
Payday,
Problems,
Severe weather,
Coyotes and wild dogs,
Quit Matador (1935),
Returned to Matador (1935),
Quit Matador again (1936),
Returned to Matador Bull Camp (1937),
Worked for Fort Worth and Denver Railway (1944),
Returned to Matador Dickens Camp (1945),
Working with bulls,
Maurice Reilly,
John MacKenzie,
Work at Alamositas Division,
Attractions of being a cowboy,
Matador liquidation,
Personal reaction,
Community reaction,
Matador taxes,
Cowboy personalities,
Comparison with other ranch jobs,
Isolation,
Independence,
World War II Changes,
Shortage of work crews,
Origin of rolled hat brims.
Tape 1, Side 2: New owners—changes,
Problems.
Range Dates: 1934-1953
Bulk Dates: 1934-1953
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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