Hudspeth, Elmer 1974-07-09
Elmer Hudspeth describes his work with the Lubbock Agricultural Experiment Station on cotton mechanization. He traces the development of the seed firming wheel and the green boll separator and carefully relates other aspects of cotton culture to mechanization.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Elmer Hudspeth
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: July 9, 1974
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Recollections of early life,
Cotton mechanization program (1947),
Survey of career,
R. L. Colwick’s contribution,
Origin, development of seed-firming wheel examined,
Principle and purpose of wheel noted,
Relationship of delinted seed to mechanization examined,
Advantages of bed planting asserted,
Relationship of delinted seed to mechanization (continued),
Success of firming wheel related,
Origin, development of green boll separator traced,
Triangle Manufacturing mentioned,
Emmett Holycamp’s contribution,
Relationship of defoliation and green boll separator explained,
Combination chemical-mechanical weed control mentioned,
Effects of chemicals on mechanical research examined,
Inevitability of once-over harvesting claimed,
Storm proof cotton boll discussed,
History of narrow-row concept related,
Anecdote demonstrating opposition to mechanization.
Tape 1, Side 2: Opposition adaptation of gin to cotton stripping,
Comments on private innovators’ meeting of regional needs,
Keys to cotton production established,
Discussion, speculation on area textiles,
Claims area takes cotton through a complete
production cycle,
Benefits of semi-arid, flat terrain expressed,
Opportunity for diversification added,
Attitude toward water use regulation expressed.
Range Dates: 1947-1974
Bulk Dates: 1947-1974
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