McCleskey, Waymon 1980-11-13

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Waymon McCleskey discusses life and oil production in Ranger, Texas, during the peak of the oil boom there and his grandfather John McCleskey’s role during the boom period.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Waymon McCleskey

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: November 13, 1980

Location: Fort Worth, Texas

Interviewer: Richard Mason

Length: 1 hour 35 minutes


Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Ranger oil boom, Family background, Born: Ranger (1905), Move to Weatherford (1919), Ranger, Texas, Rag Town, Water system, Hotel, John McCleskey, Depot, Amusements, Comparison with today, Homes, Derricks, Shorty Woods, mule skinner, Mule team anecdote, Population before oil boom, Eastland County, Drought, Cattle, Search for water, Texas and Pacific Coal Company, Cars, roads, gasoline, Lifestyle differences, Wife, Fort Worth, Texas, Pay, Breckenridge oil well, Hensons, grandparents, Leon River drilling, Wells, Salt water problem, Possibility of oil, Texas and Pacific Coal Company (again), McCleskey oil production, Grandfather McCleskey’s qualities.

Tape 1, Side 2: John McCleskey (again), B. Atlanta, Georgia (1852), Move to Texas (1868), Freighter, Will McCleskey (father), Derrick anecdote, First wells, Lack of controls, Equipment, Location, Fort Worth Star Telegram anecdote, Lack of regulations, Merriman Cemetery, Railroad sidings, Refineries, Pipe lines, Oil leases, Cost of drilling, Thurber, Texas, Ethnic population, Opposition to coal heat, Gas lights, Oil well accident, Oil production, Ranger, Texas (1918-1920), Drilling, Population.

Tape 2, Side 1: Local businesses, Gholson Hotel, McCleskey Hotel (1918-1921), John McCleskey (again), Investments, Values, Generosity/loans, Gun-wearing habit, Ranger, Texas, Violence, Police, Crime, Vigilantes, Walker Well (January 1918), Occupations (other than oil), Agriculture, Cattle-raising, Peanut procession, Desdemona, Texas boom, Oxen rigs, Railroad depot, Oil market industry, Freight yards.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1905-1980

Bulk Dates: 1905-1921


Access Information

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Transcript:



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