Harrison, Preston E

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Tape 1: During a meeting of the Mental Health Association of Abilene, Dr. Preston Harrison, Superintendent of the Big Spring State Hospital, and Judge (?) Skaggs speak of the establishment of the Taylor County Mental Health Clinic. Tape 2: Dr. Harrison leads a worship service at First Presbyterian Church in Big Spring, with his sermon focusing on Christian witnessing. Tape 3: Dr. Harrison speaks to the Texas Public Employees Association (TPEA), Chapter 52, about quality of staff. Tape 4: In a radio interview with Tumbleweed Smith, he talks about clock making and tells why he is fascinated by it.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Preston E. Harrison

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: September 23, 1969; July 16, 1972; August 5 and 7, 1972; January 22, 1974

Location: Abilene and Big Spring, Texas

Interviewer: Speeches; Tumbleweed Smith

Length: 2 hours, 15 minutes (total)


Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Introduction of guests, General business meeting, Mental Health Association of Abilene, Report on study of community, Elizabeth Miller, Dr. Preston Harrison, Superintendent of Big Spring State Hospital, History and future of Taylor County Mental Health, Clinic, Staff, Voluntary services, Services of clinic, Development of County Day Care Center, Judge (?) Skaggs, Establishment of County Mental Health Clinic.

Tape 1, Side 2: Blank

Tape 2, Side 1: Music, "Christian Witnessing", Dark gloomy world, Rapid cultural change, Future now invades present, Overpopulation pollution, Humanism, Closing worship and music.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Tape 3, Side 1: Quality in staff, Superintendent, Responsibilities and authority, Quality in different positions, Admissions clerk, Staff, Quality as related to development and growth and strength of TPEA, Chapter 52, Increase membership, Strong state political voice, Strong retirement system, Health and life insurance, History of TPEA Chapter 52, Quest for happiness and quality of staff, Work for Lord, Not static always continuous, With others, Rewards, Motivation, Creativity and quality, Definition, Capability and flexibility, Future of quality at Big Spring State Hospital, Stabilized position, Increased staff, Patient to staff ratio of one-to-one, Expansion of work village, New activities building, Staff emphasis on outreach clinics, Optimistic outlook.

Tape 3, Side 2: Blank

Tape 4, Side 1: Fascination around clocks, Movement, Dr. Preston Harrison, Big Spring Texas, Collection (started 1960), Clock maker, Big Spring State Hospital, Superintendent, "Time is a valuable commodity".

Tape 4, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1969-1974

Bulk Dates: 1969-1974


Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:



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