View source for Mecham, Dr George 1973-03-03,19

Dr. Mecham discusses his long career as a professor of education, including his work in teacher training, the establishment and growth of his Mecham School for pre-school children, and his association with Texas Tech. 

==General Interview Information==

'''Interviewee Name:''' Dr. George Mecham

'''Additional Parties Recorded:''' None

'''Date:''' March 3 and 19, 1973

'''Location:''' Lubbock, Texas

'''Interviewer:''' Jeff Townsend

'''Length:''' 1 hour 30 minutes


==Abstract==

'''Tape 1, Side 1:''' First taught at Tech in 1943, 
Many soldiers on campus, 
Returned to teaching at Tech in 1951, 
Biographical information given, 
Education summarized, 
Discusses early teaching career, 
Established Mecham School for pre-school children in 1951, 
Growth of the school described, 
Uses young mothers as bus drivers, 
More information on early career, 
Field service program in Lubbock discussed, 
Association with the Corpus Christi school district six years, 
Reveals more information on Mecham School.
<br>

'''Tape 1, Side 2:''' Blank
<br>

'''Tape 2, Side 1:''' Reading program for first graders explained, 
Sold it to area school districts, 
Teacher training program in Corpus Christi discussed, 
Gives reasons why he left after six years, 
First teaching job in Johnson County recalled, 
Explains changes in the requirements for teacher certification.
<br> 

'''Tape 2, Side 2:''' Requirements of teacher education (continued), 
Describes circumstances leading to his joining the Corsicana school system, 
Mecham School discussed, 
Mentions zoning problems encountered, 
Cites property improvements made, 
Insurance and tax costs, 
Recollections of the firing of three Tech professors by the Board of Directors, 
Dr. Per Stensland’s adult education program reviewed, 
Importance of Tech’s admission to the Southwest Conference noted, 
Expresses opinion of Tech’s name-change controversy.
<br>

'''Range Dates:''' 1943-1973

'''Bulk Dates:''' 1943-1969


==Access Information==

'''Original Recording Format:'''

'''Recording Format Notes:'''

'''Transcript:'''



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[[Category: Needs Review ]] [[Category: SWC Interviews]] [[Category: 1970s]] [[Category: Lubbock, Texas]] [[Category: Texas Tech]] [[Category: Education]] [[Category: Name Change]] [[Category: Public Schools]]