Gault, Howard and Frank Barrett 1974-06-06
Early Hereford vegetable farmers Howard Gault and Frank Barrett discuss their move to Hereford from Idaho. They examine the history of vegetable farming in the Hereford area.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Howard Gault and Frank Barrett
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: June 6, 1974
Location: Hereford, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 1 hour
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Family background early life,
Recollections of potato farming in Idaho,
Reasons for moving to Hereford in 1940,
Initial years of potato farming described,
Semi-arid problems peculiar to the plains contrasted to
arid areas of Idaho,
Frank Barrett's personal history related,
Insecticides marketing practices farm labor discussed,
Use of World War II Italian prisoners bracero farm labor
examined,
Origin and decline of lettuce farming noted,
Mechanization theme explored,
Reasons for mechanization,
Good and bad years recalled.
Tape 1, Side 2: Idaho settlers discussed,
Condition of Hereford land upon arrival described,
Promoter Joe Evans remembered,
Character of the Idaho settlers described,
Description of early irrigation,
Siphon tubes noted,
Bad years discussed again,
Market cycles insurance examined,
History significance of potato varieties given,
Examination of vegetable co-op,
Perspective in vegetable farming history presented,
Effects of water depletion on potato farming noted,
Dynamics in vegetable farming claimed,
Changes in processing noted.
Range Dates: 1940-1974
Bulk Dates: 1940-1974
Access Information
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Transcript:
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