Dirickson, Melvin 1972-06-07
Melvin Dirickson, former Matador cowboy, describes his experiences on the ranch and recalls certain of the Matador managers whom he met.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Melvin Dirickson
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: June 7, 1972
Location: Matador, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 35 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1:
Family background information,
Move to Texas from OKlahoma, 1914,
Employed at Matador Ranch in 1917,
Gives description of jobs held,
Duties outlined,
Anecdote about camp man,
Describes pulling cows out of a bog,
Last saw Murdo Mackenzie 1923 or 1924,
Cattle losses explained to Mr. Mackenzie,
Recalls Matador rules and ways of handling disputes,
Wagon bosses served as judges,
Tells of cattle rustling incident,
Describes changes in ranching since 1917,
Life on the ranch characterized,
Expresses positive feelings for foreign ownership of ranch,
Dissatisfied with low wages at the Matador,
Explains use of tepee for range sleeping,
Agrees with most Matador policies toward cowboys,
Discusses relations between the Matador and town people,
Local attitudes over sale of ranch explained
Tape 1, Side 2:
Compares John and murdo Mackenzie as ranch managers,
Matador Reunion discussed,
Recalls visits by Billy Mackay to the ranch
Range Dates: 1914-1972
Bulk Dates: 1914-1972
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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