McCullogh, Aubry 1973-05-22
Aubry McCulloch, employee of Smith Theatres, discusses the origin and growth of Preston Smith’s business organization, and the growth of the Lubbock movie theater business in general. He also recalls Smith’s early political activities and characterizes the future governor.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Aubry McCullogh
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: May 22, 1973
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: David Murrah
Length: 1 hour 10 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Connection with Smith explained,
Mentions Smith’s gas station business,
Smith’s Tech Theatre recalled,
Boxing film a factor in theatre success,
Origins of Smith’s interest in the gas station business cited,
Discussion of theatre projector and the Tech Theatre,
Arcadia Theatre mentioned,
Early Lubbock Theatres surveyed,
Smith’s dissolution of theatre partnership and subsequent events in the theatre business related,
State and Plains theatres built in 1946,
Mexican migrants were theatre clients.
Tape 1, Side 2: H. Parks built El Capitan Theatre (c. 1950),
Arnett-Benson Theatre built (c. 1950),
Smith’s interest in drive-in theatres,
Trail, Sunset, Circle cited,
Smith’s business organizations discussed,
Recalls business merger,
Reasons for merger explored,
Speculates on present status of Smith’s activities in the theatre business,
Other areas of Smith’s business interests mentioned.
Tape 2, Side 1: Smith characterized as a boss and a personality,
Attitudes toward Smith’s political career expressed,
Recalls early political activities,
Appraisal of Smith as a businessman and a politician,
Review of management of various Lubbock theatres,
Midway and Cactus theatres mentioned,
Present state of the theatre business mentioned,
Closing of the Tech Theatre remembered,
Telephone conversation: Confusion on merger discussed.
Tape 2, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1946-1973
Bulk Dates: 1946-1973
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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