Nowell, Jarvis R 1970, 1981
Jarvis Nowell, with comments from Mr. Holt and Ms. Donelson in the first tape, discusses the early days of aviation, particularly in West Texas, his work for Clent Breedlove, an early aviator, and the types of planes used in the 1930s and 1940s.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Jarvis R. Nowell
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: June 23, 1970; February 27, 1981
Location: Plainview, Texas
Interviewer: Martha Donelson and Abdon F. Holt; Bill Wilkerson and Max Stroll
Length: 1 hour 50 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Cites work for Clent Breedlove (1942-48),
Engine mechanic, then maintenance superintendent,
Recalls overabundance of pilots during World War II,
Julian York’s school in Plainview (1940s) mentioned,
In 1930s, many planes and pilots were unlicensed,
Early inspectors named,
PT 19 Fairchild plane described,
Discusses various planes he has flown,
Flying clubs characterized,
Plane owned by Breedlove described,
Took a trip in the plane,
Remembers a man named Smith who had a plane accident,
Comparison of various planes flown in the 1940s.
Tape 1, Side 2: Introduction of control towers recalled,
Cites early problems,
Speed of the early planes discussed,
Reviews types of early planes,
1931 UIC plane mentioned,
Two early Challenger Robins planes were flown out of Lubbock.
Tape 2, Side 1: Born: Tyler County, Mississippi (1910),
Conveniences on a farm,
Sawmill,
McCool, Mississippi,
Shoe factory,
McCurtain County, Oklahoma,
Idabell, Oklahoma,
Shoe shop,
Airplane interest,
To Brownfield, Texas (November 1919),
Shoe shop,
To Meadow, Texas,
Return to Brownfield,
Father’s death (October 24, 1922),
To Idabell,
Return to Brownfield,
Engine building,
Automobile repair,
Ed Spear Garage,
Odessa, Texas,
Airplane purchase (1928),
Marriage (1933),
Automobile purchase,
Airplane business,
Clent Breedlove,
Employment (1942).
Tape 2, Side 2: Airplane business (continued),
Employment (continued),
Hangar construction,
Examination and license (1943),
Foreman,
House purchase in Lubbock,
Chief pilots,
Maintenance,
Hutchinson Air Service,
Plainview, Texas,
Retirement (March 1978),
Clent Breedlove,
Flying instructor,
Military flying.
Range Dates: 1910-1978
Bulk Dates: 1910-1978
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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