Lowrey, E J Pinky 1956, 1958

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Tape 1: Pinky Lowrey tells of the problems of development on the South Plains, including crops, dairy products, railroads and irrigation. Tapes 2 and 3: Lowrey reviews the early history of Lubbock he has collected from various old timers.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: E. J. Pinky Lowrey

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: March 1956; August 4, 1958

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: History Roundtable, Jean A. Paul

Length: 3 hours


Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Development of West Texas as an agricultural region, Expeditions of Capt. Randolph Marcy mentioned, Buffalo and Indians discussed, Marietta’s founding discussed and the problems of living there mentioned, Deserts of Texas, Farming, Origin of cotton on the High Plains, Grain sorghums discussed and pertinent figures given, Origin of Martin Milo Maize, Hard times on the South Plains mentioned, Agricultural population of Plains, Farm wives discussed, Coming of railroad mentioned, Lubbock challenges other cotton towns.

Tape 1, Side 2: Lubbock as an outstanding dairy product center, Irrigation of the area discussed.

Tape 2, Side 1: Lubbock a peaceful town, Cowboys hold "stag dances", George C. Wolffarth’s account of snow storms of 1886-1887, Drift fences erected in Lubbock County, Severe winter of 1905 kills many cattle on fenced ranges and kills off antelope, according to Rollie Burns, Terrific "blue norther" of January 10-11, 1918, Mr. Yount and his donkeys frozen to death while freighting goods to Brownfield, Uncle Tang Martin, Death of Dick Wilkerson and funeral practices, Informal and impromptu parties in Lubbock, Dr. M. C. Overton tells of trip to Spalle Ranch.

Tape 2, Side 2: Railroad promotions in Lubbock, Nicolett Hotel brought across Yellowhouse Canyon, Intensity of sandstorms increases with breaking of land for farming, Early irrigation wells in Lubbock done on San Augustine School lands, Early fencing operations on South Plains, South Plains entertainment modes, Nickelodeon theater in operation, Lubbock literary societies, Open houses in Lubbock, Swimming holes in Lubbock streets.

Tape 3, Side 1: First cotton grown in Lubbock County (2 stories), Sudan grass craze and the boom in agriculture of 1913-1914, World War I’s influence on agriculture in Lubbock County.

Range Dates: 1849-1919

Bulk Dates: 1886-1919


Access Information

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Transcript:



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