McElroy, Mr and Mrs Erving 1972-06-01
Erving McElroy, over 90 years old, discusses his ranching days in West Texas, his experiences as a stonecutter, and his operation of Lubbock’s first movie theater, the Lyric, in the early 1900s. Mrs. McElroy closes with comments on her husband’s independent thinking.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Mr. and Mrs. Erving McElroy
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: June 01, 1972
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: David Murrah
Length: 1 hour 10 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Photograph taken in Miller, South Dakota, in 1884 discussed,
Indian troubles in Nebraska and the Dakotas described,
Incident involving new rifles before the massacre at Wounded Knee (December 1890),
Joined uncle in ranching business in Texas (1899),
Explains uncle’s purchase of Terry County ranch,
Reveals acquaintance with Slaughter family,
Attended Roswell Military School (1900-1901),
Trail drive to Oklahoma in 1901 recalled,
Cites reasons for not using the railroad,
Incident when nearly drowned crossing the Pecos River,
Mrs. McElroy relates incident when he lost a borrowed watch,
Worked in sandstone and limestone quarries as a stonecutter,
Clock made with limestone case discussed.
Tape 1, Side 2: Established the first movie theater in Lubbock (1911),
First movie—"The Fall of Troy",
Also had a stage for live productions,
Difficulties in booking and delivery of the movies,
Recalls admission prices charged,
Also leased a theater in Ralls and the Lindsey in,
Lubbock for a time,
Hiring piano players for the show,
Acquaintances with other area pioneers mentioned,
Norton J. Smith characterized,
Knew Frank Wheelock family,
Rollie Martin mentioned,
Reasons for Lubbock’s rapid growth discussed,
Financial interests since retiring from the movie business,
Describes photograph of early Lubbock,
Stonecutting tools discussed,
Had a part in the establishment of Lubbock Power and Light,
Anecdote about personal contribution to the establishment of Texas Tech,
Additional remarks on operation of the picture show.
Tape 2, Side 1: Owned first movie theater in Lubbock,
Lyric Theater,
Describes eight-foot electric sign purchased,
W. S. Posey’s offer of bank financing recalled,
Types of projecting machines used,
Story of pigeons turned loose in show,
Acquaintance with the Lindsey theater family mentioned,
Sale of stock in the theater,
Comments by Mrs. McElroy on her husband’s independent thinking.
Tape 2, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1884-1912
Bulk Dates: 1899-1912
Access Information
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Transcript:
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