Keith, D P 1973-10-18
D. P. Keith discusses his work and relations with the Matador Ranch.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: D.P. Keith
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: October 18, 1973
Location: Matador, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 25 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Discusses his background,
Father began working for Matador Ranch (1886-87),
Went to school only after moved to Matador (1900),
Work for Matador Ranch only for one year (1915),
Farmed father’s land,
Cotton and grain grown,
Were only a few farmers in area,
Matador hired farmers seasonally,
Did not try to buy father’s land from him,
Never was connected with any ranch other than the Matador,
Relates Matador Ranch’s cordiality to farmers,
Notes cowboys’ reluctance to do farm work,
Foreign capital in Matador Ranch concerned local people,
Scotsmen were liked by old timers,
Matador Ranch personnel took notice of local political elections,
Cowboys’ protests were not heard by Matador Ranch,
Fired if challenged Matador authority,
Ranch compensated workers who were injured,
Reveals local feeling toward Matador Ranch liquidation,
Recalls job with Matador Ranch stationed at Turtle Hole Camp,
Cultivated father’s land after 1915,
Possession of land still retained,
Remembers droughts in the area,
Bad drought occurred in 1936,
Another drought came (1956),
Reports skepticism toward rainmakers,
Matador reunions held in Alamocitas,
Comments on range and farming conditions during last few years.
Tape 1, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1886-1973
Bulk Dates: 1915-1973
Access Information
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