Kent, Leona Gelin 1979-11-27
Leona Gelin Kent, longtime Lubbock resident, discusses the Baker Building in Lubbock and the United Service Organization (USO) activities held there during World War II. Note: Poor sound quality makes this tape difficult to hear.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Leona Gelin Kent
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: November 27, 1979
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Betty Fried
Length: 40 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Leona Kent,
Born: Chicago, Illinois,
John Gelin, father,
Worked for Borden Company,
To Lubbock, Texas,
Houses lived in,
Mother taught high school piano,
1211 13th Street,
Father purchased lot,
School in Lubbock,
Building built,
Description,
Baker Building,
Remodeled for United Service Organization (1940s),
Furniture made by father,
Description,
United Service Organization (USO),
Activities,
Junior Hostesses,
Used by various groups,
Dances held at Reese Air Base,
Texas Tech art classes,
Décor of Baker Building,
Fireplace from Hemphill-Wells,
Various classes,
Food served to servicemen,
Wooden dance floor,
Notable visitors,
Support from City of Lubbock Chamber of Commerce,
Baker Building (again),
Used by USO (1942-1946),
Used as a community center,
Lubbock Symphony Orchestra,
Anecdote about a chicken,
Anecdote about a mannequin.
Tape 1, Side 2: USO (again),
Texas citizenship papers,
Help from local businesses,
William and Leona Kent,
Own Leona’s Antiques,
Brother worked in Baker Building,
John Gelin, father (again),
Other buildings built,
Impressions of early Lubbock,
Furniture built,
USO (again),
Treatment of officers.
Range Dates: 1920-1979
Bulk Dates: 1925-1946
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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