Smith, R L 1969
R. L. Smith, a retired Santa Fe engineer, discusses early railroads and railroad operation in the South Plains and the town of Slaton.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: R.L. Smith
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: 1969
Location: Slaton, Texas
Interviewer: Fred A. Carpenter
Length: 1 hour 5 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Smith’s father, locomotive engineer,
Pictures, patterns and newspapers discussed,
Mrs. Smith’s family background,
Anecdote about move to Slaton (1916),
Going over Fullerville Hill,
Railroad engines,
Description of roundhouse,
Father’s career on the railroad,
Smith’s career on the railroad,
Job as call boy,
Early Slaton,
Merchants and businesses,
Harvey House restaurant and Harvey girls.
Tape 1, Side 2: Book on the Harvey girls,
The Reading Room in Slaton,
Early railroad operation,
Side tracks,
Town of Anton, Texas,
Water tanks,
Tumbleweeds a hazard,
Experiences in blizzards,
Never in a major wreck,
Slaton, Texas,
Built as a railroad town,
City plan and streets,
Banks and businesses,
Early residents.
Range Dates: 1916-1969
Bulk Dates: 1916-1930s
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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