Rodgers, Mrs Irene VanLeer 1969-05
Mrs. Rodgers recalls her life and experiences as a rancher’s wife, including information and anecdotes about life in a dugout, transportation modes, social life, and her family.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Mrs. Irene VanLeer Rodgers
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: May 6, 30-31, 1969
Location: Lubbock and Post, Texas
Interviewer: David B. Gracy II and Maxine Blankenship
Length: 2 hours 40 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Lived in dugout on ranch in Garza County (1900s),
Furnishings,
Neighbors,
Husband, Norman Nathaniel Rodgers,
Bought house in Post,
J. Wright Mooar recalled,
Grandfather Rodgers—Kent County Sheriff,
Dances,
Food supplies,
Anecdote about raising corn,
Preservation of meat and dairy products,
Drought (1917-1918),
Cattle shipped,
Depression,
Cattle shoot.
Tape 1, Side 2: Cattle shipped to New Mexico,
Problems—prairie dogs and coyotes,
Prairie dog eradication,
Many antelopes,
Ranch life,
Lighting—tallow used,
Anecdote about cat,
Mrs. Rodgers’ family background,
Black Leg vaccinations for cattle,
Food supplies and foods eaten,
Train trips to Fort Worth and Dallas,
Banking and loans,
Panic of 1907,
Grandfather Rodgers’ career and anecdote.
Tape 2, Side 1: Mrs. Rodgers sells calves,
Ranch life,
Cattle brand,
First car described,
Preparations for buggy rides to dances in cold weather,
Anecdote about balked horse,
First car: care and garage, trip,
Anecdotes about runaway teams,
Anecdote about rattlesnake in dugout,
Killing rattlesnakes.
Tape 2, Side 2: Keeping house in the dugout,
Sandstorms not a bother,
Her activities on the ranch,
Anecdote about a cattle stampede,
Her horse discussed,
First telephone,
Visitors and few women in area,
Anecdote about son and terrapin,
Births of children,
Feeding cattle when husband was away,
Cutting and stacking cattle feed.
Tape 3, Side 1: Branding cattle,
Banking and loans,
Social life and entertainment,
Railroad and paved roads,
Grandfather Rodgers’ trip to Parker County,
Anecdote about seeing panther,
Fancy gun described.
Tape 3, Side 2: Blank
Tape 4, Side 1: Marriage (1906),
Norman Nathaniel, husband,
Wedding photographs,
Ranching in Garza County, Texas (1907),
Land and cattle prices,
Living in a dugout,
Farming,
Entertainment,
Textiles used,
New house built,
Discussion of garments,
No locks on house,
Hats and veils,
Furniture,
Lack of churches,
Low profile of women,
Selling cattle,
First telephone.
Tape 4, Side 2: Doctors in West Texas,
Life in West Texas,
Groceries,
Visitors,
No church,
Selling the cattle (again),
Early schools,
Dugout life.
Tape 5, Side 1: Description of dresses (1906),
Dress making,
Cloth used,
Dances,
Foster children,
Description of various garments,
Discussion of family heirlooms and memorabilia,
Treatment of cattle disease,
Family involvement in Masons,
Family background in Kent County, Texas,
Family Bible,
Wedding description.
Tape 5, Side 2: Discussion of 19th century bedspreads,
Grandfather Rodgers,
Aggressive in business and education,
19th century quilts.
Range Dates: 1906-1969
Bulk Dates: 1906-1913
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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