Boyd, Wright 1973-07-13

Wright Boyd, former manager of the Lamesa Labor Association, discusses the origin, development, function and administration of the Bracero farm labor program on the South Plains.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Wright Boyd (Cowboy)

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: July 13, 1973

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Jeff Townsend

Length: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Family background and early life revealed, Recalls business ventures, Traces organization of the Lamesa Farm Labor Association (1951), Recruitment and transportation of Mexican labor explained, Changes were made in the program after 1951 PL78 law, Comments on development of bracer program in Lamesa, Mexican-American labor crews and crew leaders discussed, Lack of mechanization cited, Speculations on effect of enforcement of the child labor law of 1949, Role of irrigation noted, Crew leader management described, Discussion of costs and administration of the labor program, Association crews mentioned, Arrangements made with local businesses

Tape 1, Side 2: Labor "specials" described, Speculates on Mexican government's objection to the "specials" arrangement, Labor association area defined, Some contact made between Eastern New Mexico and West Texas, Labor program expansion cited, Explains use of the program in the Panhandle, West Texas agricultural Employers Group discussed, Catholic opposition examined, Mexican-American opposition also a factor, Comments on labor's wages, Injunction filed against Mockingbird Hill Labor Association, Recollections of other associations, Certification requirement and cost to the farmer explained, Claims inevitability of mechanization, Community relations problems recalled, Good Neighbor Project characterized, Expresses attitude toward Labor Department administration

Tape 2, Side 1: Relations with Labor Department administrators in Lubbock, Big Spring and Dallas recalled, Examines local law enforcement's relationship to the braceros, Discussion of the "substinence allowance", Association's services and management described, Bracero Transportation Company discussed, Anecdote concerning striking farm workers, Mentions illegal (wetback) farm labor, Relates story of a deceased farm worker, Workers' buying and saving habits discussed

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1949-1963

Bulk Dates: 1949-1963

Access Information

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