Hill, J Culver 1975-06-24

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Culver Hill, member of the board of directors of Hemphill-Wells, discusses his work with that department store since 1925, his years at Texas Tech, and its relationship with the Hemphill-Wells firm.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: J. Culver Hill

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: June 24, 1975

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: David Murrah

Length: 3 hours, 45 minutes


Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Personal history, Self-propelled combine mentioned, Began work with Hemphill-Wells as a delivery boy (1925), Spencer Wells’ role in early store, Became director of Hemphill-Wells (1956), Story of locating Hemphill-Wells in Lubbock, Early stores related to Hemphill-Wells, Advertising stunts of Hemphill-Wells, Decision to become a quality store, Description of new location, Move to South Plains Mall, Other stores listed, Selling of store in Big Spring, Work as delivery boy, Boundaries of Lubbock, Recollection of Ellwood Ranch, Effect of Depression on Hemphill-Wells, J. D. Hassell mentioned, Became display manager, Taught at Texas Tech to buy stock in Hemphill-Wells.

Tape 1, Side 2: Role in designing new stores, Design of mall store, Spencer Wells characterized, Bill Collins’ career with Hemphill-Wells, B. E. Rushing mentioned, Other board members named, Hemphill-Wells described as a close corporation, Changing trends in advertising at Hemphill-Wells.

Tape 2, Side 1: Store related to Hemphill-Wells in Mineral Wells, Raisd flag at cornerstone laying of Texas Tech Administration Building, E. J. "Pinky" Lowrey described, Lubbock High School’s rivalry with Plainview, Attended Texas Tech (1927-1932), Received degree in economics, Early Tech band, Problems buying band uniforms (1928).

Tape 2, Side 2: Performance of early Tech band, Met John Philip Sousa who offered to let him play with Sousa band, Elected as band president, Brought Dewey O. Wiley to direct band, Jealous of Hardin-Simmons Cowboy Band, Tech football before Pete Cawthon, Respect for Pete Cawthon.

Tape 3, Side 1: Entertainment at Texas Tech, Early theaters in Lubbock named, Outstanding members of class of 1932, Served on furnishing committee for original Student Union Building, Helped in formation of Alpha Delta Sigma, advertising club, Texas Tech’s name change, Relationship between Hemphill-Wells and Tech, Students employed, Family named, Son Rodney teaches at Texas A & M.

Tape 3, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1925-1975

Bulk Dates: 1925-1956


Access Information

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Transcript:



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