Drake, A E 1975-12-29
A. E. Drake recalls his career with the Fort Worth and Denver Railway and the railroad’s effect on developing the West Texas area.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: A. E. Drake
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: December 29, 1975
Location: Abilene, Texas
Interviewer: Richie Cravens
Length: 45 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1:
Employed by Katy railroad (1912-1925),
Hired by Fort Worth and Denver Railway (1925),
Transfer to Amarillo, Texas (1926),
Transfer to Abilene, Texas (1936),
First job,
Positions with railroad,
Impact of railroads on American development,
Reasons for railroad decline,
Early expansion,
Fort Worth and Denver route,
Stages of growth,
West Texas population,
Railroad promoted West Texas growth,
"Zulu" cars,
Land grants,
Appreciation of land value,
Grants to railroads,
Return of passenger service,
Early day transportation,
Revenue from mail, express, passenger service,
Government intervention in mail service,
Increase in railroad power with use of diesel engine,
Railroads boost small towns' economies,
Tax benefits for schools,
Change in freight transport,
Early dependence on railroad,
New methods of shipping,
Highways follow railways
Tape 1, Side 2:
Move to Abilene (1936),
Stamford and Midwestern Route (1938),
Immigrants return to East (1940),
Small towns' businesses fail (1945),
Close depots,
Death of small towns,
Spacing of towns along railroad,
Spur, Texas, agent's salary,
Decrease in number of stations,
Section hands gangs decrease,
Wichita Valley Line history,
History of Fort Worth and Denver,
Oil boom,
Innovations in oil transportation,
Livestock transportation,
Routes,
Markets,
Feed and rest stops,
Punctuality of trains
Range Dates: 1912-1945
Bulk Dates: 1912-1945
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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