Witt, Mrs Margaret 1958-08-01

Mrs. Witt, mother of Crosby County journalist and historian Nellie Witt Spikes, gives her recollections of the old town of Emma and the drought of 1894, which caused many settlers to sell out and leave.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Mrs. Margaret Witt

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: August 01, 1958

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Jean A. Paul

Length: 1 hour 15 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Recollections of trip across rolling prairies by wagon to South Plains, Cowboys along wagon routes "panhandle" free meals and water from passing caravans, Choice of campsites along the route, First impression of the level Plains, Established a store in Emma, in Crosby County, Operated Witt Hotel in Emma, Henry Clay "Uncle Hank" Smith a frequent visitor, Cotton grown near Emma settlement.

Tape 1, Side 2: Social life in old Emma, Goods freighted in to Emma by wagon, Holiday celebrations in old Emma, Severe weather on the South Plains, Prairie fires and their dread, Severe winters kill stock, Loneliness of the Plains, Tree planting programs on South Plains.

Tape 2, Side 1: Literary societies in old Emma, Immigrants arrive on South Plains in face of severe drought, Deluge of settlers give up hope and leave South Plains (1894), [Note: Mrs. Witt’s daughter, Nellie Witt Spikes, co-authored the book, A History of Crosby County. Due to the book’s "authority," Mrs. Witt was very cautious when interviewed and hesitated to talk freely about her past recollections.]

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1890s-Early 1900s

Bulk Dates: 1890s

Access Information

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Transcript:

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