Martin, O J Ollie 1983-01-18
O. J. Martin discusses agriculture in early 20th century Coleman County.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: O.J. Ollie Martin
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: January 18, 1983
Location: Coleman, Texas
Interviewer: Richard Mason
Length: 45 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: B: Ellis County, Texas (July 1, 1888),
Parents were farmers,
Reasons for moving to Coleman County (1888),
Land availability,
Martin’s experience on the farm as a child,
Chores,
J. D. Simpson’s cotton gin,
Cotton growing in Coleman County,
Boll weevils,
Grasshoppers,
Leaf worms,
Poisoning grasshoppers,
Drought (1917-1918),
"Picking" vs. "Pulling" cotton,
Early farm implements,
Georgia stock plow and one-horse planter,
Auction barns in Brownwood, Texas,
Marketing of cotton,
Buyers,
Labor source,
Family,
Mexican immigrants,
World War I,
Good years for farmers,
Economic depression (1922),
Early petroleum activity (c. 1915),
Oil boom,
Hauling oil field equipment,
1934 International tractor,
Traded for a Model-A,
Transition form team animals to tractors,
Trading for tractors,
Reluctance to mechanize,
Growing feed for mules,
Milking cows,
Selling butter and cream,
Selling eggs and fryers,
Produce houses,
Raising chickens (late 1930s),
Cost of eggs and sugar,
U. S. government involvement in farming.
Tape 1, Side 2: Government involvement (continued),
Effect of mechanization,
Acreage cultivated,
Subsidy program,
Killing of cattle (1934),
Coal oil burning incubators,
Water source,
Significant changes in agriculture,
Mechanization,
Equipment,
Acreage farmed,
Crops grown,
Good years for farming,
Drought (1948),
Joke,
Financing of land,
Banks,
Abandonment of farming in post-war era,
Qualities of a good farmer,
Land prices (late 19th-early 20th century).
Range Dates: 1900-1948
Bulk Dates: 1900-1920
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