Mayfield, James W 1971-06-30
James Mayfield discusses his boyhood on a farm near Merkel, Texas, his business career, and the Depression.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: James W. Mayfield
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: June 30 , 1971
Location: Abilene, Texas
Interviewer: Fred Carpenter
Length: 50 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Family background and childhood,
Education described,
Job as a telegraph operator,
Wages of early 1900s,
Farm life of early 1900s,
Social life characterized,
Preachings and revivals,
Burial customs,
Carnivals in Merkel,
Farming methods used,
Kinds of livestock on the farm,
Recalls neighbors gathering to express philosophy of the times,
Typical courtship and marriage described,
Water supply sources—cisterns,
Recreation on Sundays discussed.
Tape 1, Side 2: Business career explored,
Job as a telegraph operator (again),
Lists various jobs prior to 1933,
Job with the Work Project Administration,
Job with the Texas Relief Commission,
Job with the National Re-employment Agency,
Depression days recalled,
Discusses cattle shooting program,
Lack of cattle market,
Describes living conditions of the times.
Range Dates: 1900s-1930s
Bulk Dates: 1900s-1930s
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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