Stevens, Sam and Bill Olds 1975-01-09
Sam Stevens and Bill Olds, both blacksmiths in Lamesa, discuss the development of some farm implements for South Plains area farmers and the changes in the blacksmith business.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Sam Stevens and Bill Olds
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: January 09, 1975
Location: Lamesa, Texas
Interviewer: David Murrah
Length: 1 hour
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Mr. Olds explains trail-type cotton stripper,
Mr. Stevens gives technical data,
Compare stripper and sled,
Mr. Olds recalls making sleds with father,
Equipment innovation in mid-1940s discussed,
Stalk cutter mentioned,
Trace association together and blacksmithing in Lamesa, Texas,
List equipment developed before major manufacturers,
Lamesa praised as center of a farm market,
Blacksmith shops listed,
Variety of work, specialties, manufactured items,
Special conditions of West Texas agriculture,
Summarizes development and manufacture of individual implements.
Tape 1, Side 2: Mr. Stevens refers to Mr. Nix, farm implement dealer,
Photographs of wide stalk cutter, bed knifers, sandfighter discussed,
Recalls development of equipment,
Gives history of his father and the blacksmith firm,
Mentions Santa Fe Railroad shops,
Qualifications and importance of forge welding discussed,
Notes shift away from blacksmith to manufacturer,
Mr. Patterson, Lamesa blacksmith, described,
Azel McClintock and Mr. Bolton mentioned.
Range Dates: 1940s-1975
Bulk Dates: 1940s-1975
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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