Zollner, Mr. and Mrs. Henry 1970-01-19

The Zollners recall life on their "Hobo Ranch" and relate some experiences of various hands who have spent time at the ranch.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Mr. and Mrs. Henry Zollner

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: January 19, 1970

Location: Zollner Ranch in Rockwall County, Texas

Interviewer: Fred Carpenter

Length: 1 hour 30 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Beginning of Zollner Ranch, Method of feeding hands based on Army experiences, Derivation of the name "Hobo" Ranch, Characterization of workers, Early schooling of Henry Zollner, Cotton crop is primary Zollner crop, Government "interference", Economy reflected in influx of men, Some family biography, Why Mr. Zollner doesn’t refer to the men as "hobos", Typical welcome for a new man, Cleanliness of the men.

Tape 1, Side 2: Meal schedule, Change from mules to tractors, Church services on the ranch, Mr. G. E. Pearce, one of the hands, Some funny experiences: Rider forgets he has a free ticket and hops the rods, Rider doesn’t realize he’s in his own hometown, Conservation dealing with scrapbook, Rider breaks both legs in leap from railroad car in the dark, Mr. Zollner comments on The Seed and Harvest of Souls by Edward R. Murrow, Bill Barnes and the Barnes and Willess Bridges, Discussion of the hold home place, photos, Christmas at the Zollner Ranch, One hand recalls his family.

Tape 2, Side 1: One hand finds his father’s grave, A soldier cries for the Bloomer girls, Aunt Maria and The Silver Cadillac, The hand who drove a hearse from California to Pennsylvania, Going a long way for dental work, Discussion of newspaper writers, The cattle shoot of 1934, Going through a box for mementos, Fred Carpenter discusses his day’s activities concerning the 36th, Division Association.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1920s-1970

Bulk Dates: 1920s-1930s

Access Information

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Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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