Smith, Marlin R Jr 1973-10-05
Marlin R. Smith, former Lubbock City Engineer, gives a historical account of engineering projects in Lubbock. This interview was done for the Joint Commission on Oral Engineering History. Note: The first 50 feet of Tape 1 was accidentally erased.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Marlin R. Smith Jr.
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: October 05, 1973
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Cliff Keho and Jeff Townsend
Length: 1 hour 10 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: [First 50 feet accidentally erased—narrator gives summary of contents],
Background summarized,
Born in Coleman, Texas (1903),
Attended Texas A & M University,
[Regular taped conversation begins],
Describes experiences at Texas A & M,
During college had job with Coleman County,
Engineer Corps,
After graduation tried several jobs,
Came to Lubbock on July 4, 1924,
Hired by engineering firm,
Left the Lubbock firm to work in Childress, Texas (March 1926),
Returned to Lubbock as a city engineer (July 1926),
Worked on projects concerned with storm sewage,
Lubbock water supply enlarged under his supervision,
Recalls brick pavement for streets,
Cost of brick was inexpensive,
Comments on reasons for brick pavement,
Asphalt paving remembered.
Tape 1, Side 2: Contracts for pavement system explained,
Recounts Works Project Association help during Depression,
Talks of water storage projects,
Process for drilling wells described,
City Engineering Department developed,
Became City Manager of Lubbock,
Organized own firm (1945).
Tape 2, Side 1: Discussion about firm’s consultant work (continued),
Consultant engineer firm’s development in Lubbock described,
Explains his own firm’s expansion to El Paso,
Firm’s growth noted,
Number of personnel expanded,
Firm was incorporated,
Lists interesting jobs firm has had,
Explains Lubbock’s waste disposal system,
Railroad building recalled,
Comments on history of surveying in Lubbock area.
Tape 2, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1903-1973
Bulk Dates: 1924-1950
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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