Martin, Retha 1975

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On Tape 1 Retha Martin, chairman of the board of Dunlap’s Department Stores, discusses the history of the stores since 1916. On Tape 2 he discusses his involvement with Texas Tech on the Board of Regents and the Tech Foundation.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Retha Martin

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: March 18 and June 3, 1975

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: David Murrah

Length: 1 hour 40 minutes


Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Autobiographical data, Early duties at Dunlap’s in 1916 described, Moved within Dunlap’s system, Terms of business described Was supposed to close out Oklahoma stores, but did not close all of them, Made money and did not close last Oklahoma store, Opened four stores in 1933, Started with cheap merchandise, but gradually, upgraded stock, Growth of stores throughout West Texas, Describes move of offices to Lubbock, Location of offices, Names of other stores owned by the company, Tells of buying interest in a $40 million shopping center in Florida, Effect of recession on property, Little effect of recession seen in other stores.

Tape 1, Side 2: Early grocery business discussed, Buying items in bulk, Canned goods, Chain of command within system, Decentralized operation, Discussion of Dillard’s Department Store operation, Effect of South Plains Mall on Dunlap’s business, Amazed that banks do not have a better understanding of the retail business.

Tape 2, Side 1: Relationship between Dunlap’s and Texas Tech, Spencer Wells mentioned, Appointed to Texas Tech Board of Regents in 1965, First gift to Tech of $1,000 for campus beautification, Membership in Tech Foundation, Considerations in hiring Grover Murray, C. A. Cash, past regent, mentioned, Grover Murray characterized, Marshall Pennington mentioned, Student uprisings recalled, Tech name change, Football at Tech discussed, Position of Board of Regents in selecting faculty and personnel, especially athletic personnel.

Tape 2, Side 2: Character of the Board of Regents on which Martin served, Opinion stated on Indiana Avenue controversy, Older Lubbock residents suggested for interviews, Roy Furr mentioned.

Range Dates: 1916-1975

Bulk Dates: 1916-1975


Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:



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