Mathis, W F 1972-08-21
W. F. Mathis discusses various aspects of cotton farming and gives historical information on Fluvanna, where he has lived since 1915.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: W.F. Mathis
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: August 21, 1972
Location: Fluvanna, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 50 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Biographical information,
Came to Fluvanna in 1915,
Gathering the cotton crop,
Use of migrant workers explained,
Praises cooperation among neighbors,
Wages paid,
Killing of hogs in early days,
Description of maize crop in 1915,
Harvesting maize,
Early cotton industry in the area discussed,
Types of cotton gin equipment,
Methods of classifying the cotton,
Early ranchers in the area recalled,
More information on cotton industry given,
Sale of cotton seed,
Mentions various strains of cotton,
Attended A & M College,
Claims universities don’t teach practical courses in agriculture,
Experienced trouble with insects in the cotton,
Lists poisons used to eradicate them,
Formerly published the Fluvanna Progress.
Tape 1, Side 2: Published Fluvanna Progress until 1917,
Expresses opinions concerning penalty for military desertion, Woodrow Wilson, and Pearl Harbor,
Small effect of the withdrawal of the railroad from Fluvanna discussed,
Organization of Fluvanna’s city government explained,
Effect of discovery of oil on Scurry County,
Young Farmer’s organization mentioned,
Lists projects in Fluvanna,
Depression of 1930s discussed,
Attitude toward WPA crews in the area,
Coming of tractors to the area cited,
Consolidation of area’s rural schools,
Notes brief existence of movie theater in Fluvanna.
Range Dates: 1915-1972
Bulk Dates: 1915-1941
Access Information
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