Champion, Frank

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Frank Champion, driller of a Ranger discovery well (McClesky No. 1) and long-time Ranger resident, discusses various aspects of the Ranger oil boom.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Frank Champion

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date:

Location: Ranger, Texas

Interviewer: Ruth Hosey

Length: 50 minutes


Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Ranger in 1917 described, Relates personal drilling background, Details of oil drilling work, Oil production and location of wells mentioned, Activity of Texas and Pacific Oil Company in Ranger area, Lease terms discussed, W. K. Gordon's (of Texas and Pacific Oil Company) oil exploration and success in Ranger area, Notes pay scale was $6.00 a day, Harve Wells, local criminal, recalled, Describes the McClesky well, W. K. Gordon characterized, Conditions during the oil boom, Effects of influenza epidemic, Mayor duped in law and order investigations, Lack of attention to holidays and Sundays, Trip to northern United States recalled, Civic clubs and fraternities mentioned, Wife's automobile accident remembered, Necessity for "mud sled" in Ranger streets, Supply houses and residential camps described, Schools and churches recalled, Water supply problems mentioned, Availability of hospitals, Political influence of the Ku Klux Klan, Speculates on decline of the oil boom and production, Disadvantages of isolated position of Thurber, Texas and Pacific office moved to Ranger

Tape 1, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates:

Bulk Dates:


Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:



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