Bell, R J and Rita 1980-01-00
The Bells discuss various aspects of the Pitchfork Ranch west of Guthrie, Texas, in King County.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: R. J. and Rita Bell
Additional Parties Recorded: Belinda Sursa
Date: January 1980
Location: Pitchfork Ranch, Texas
Interviewer: Elizabeth Shrank
Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1:
Description of Pitchfork Ranch,
Residence exterior,
Chuck house interior,
Dining area,
Kitchen,
Bedroom,
Breakfast at 6:30 a.m.,
Dining area (again),
Rita Bell [speaker],
Born in Spur, Texas (1913),
Sister born in Spur (1915),
Father,
Was with Wichita Valley Railroad,
Section foreman,
Railroad no longer in use,
Depot burned,
Mrs. Bell was postmaster at Gilpin, Texas,
Mr. Bell took over family restaurant in Spur (1919-1969),
Mr. and Mrs. Bell went to Pitchfork Ranch,
Story about helicopter,
Propeller fell off,
Helicopter pilot discussed,
Wild turkeys discussed,
Lake Camp located on Wagner Ranch,
Glenn Stach [speaker],
Caretaker of bunkhouse,
History,
Description,
Various details discussed,
A cowboy's bedroom described
Tape 1, Side 2:
Rita Bell [speaker],
Description of a meal being prepared,
R. J. Bell [speaker],
Description of commissary/supply building,
Description of Wichita River area,
Speaker discusses his past life,
Description of cooking pies,
Description of cattle operations,
Driving cattle to be dipped,
Ranch land described,
R. J. Bell [speaker],
Horse breaking on the ranch,
Rattlesnakes on the ranch,
Danger to horses,
Problems with newly broken horses,
Winter activities on the ranch,
Cattle feeding,
Methods used to fight grass fires,
Recreational activities,
County and western dances discussed,
Roping discussed,
Rita Bell [speaker],
Cattle operations,
During mild seasons
Range Dates: 1913-1969
Bulk Dates: 1913-1969
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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