Abernathy, Charles 1972-07-09
Charles Abernathy, Stonewall County rancher and financier of a 1970-71 rainmaking project, describes the project’s origin, progress and result.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Charles Abernathy
Additional Parties Recorded: n/a
Date: July 9, 1972
Location: Aspermont, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 60 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Personal background, 1970-71 drought, Rainmaking contract between ranchers and Homer Berry read, Summary of Berry's activities in Stonewall County, Contract further explicated, Extent of publicity for Stonewall County examined, Mentions Homer Berry's career, Mass media coverage traced, Reads from National Geographic concerning rainmaking activities in Stonewall County, Texas, Claims made of visible results, Comments on criticism received, Anecdote about meeting Homer Berry and another rainmaker,
Tape 1, Side 2: Anecdote continued, Conversation with "Major Berry" related, Organizing the ranchers, Recollections of rainmaking techniques and experiences, Explores financial aspects of rainmaking, Rainmaking techniques continued, Berry's weather modification experience in World War II described, Further tracing of Berry's career, Conflict between techniques revealed, Denial of permit by Texas Water Board recalled, Letter from South Dakota Weather Control Commission read, Validity of moving generator defended, Experiences making snow in New Mexico,
Range and Bulk Dates: 1970-1971
Access Information
Original Recording Format: reel to reel
Recording Format Notes: cassette tape
Transcript: no
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