Richardson, Rupert N 1967, 1968, 1970
Tape 1: Dr. Rupert Richardson, professor of history at Hardin-Simmons University, discusses the history and development of Abilene from a small prairie town to an industrial city. Tapes 2 and 3: He recalls his fifty or so years as a history professor, with especial emphasis on his career as a historian and writer. Tape 4: At a meeting of the Lubbock Westerners, Dr. Richardson, then president of the West Texas Historical Association, discusses his experiences with the Comanche Indians.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Rupert N. Richardson
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: May 18, 1967; c. 1968; April 1, 1970
Location: Abilene and Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Spoede Lena Kate Lewis, Westerners
Length: 2 hours 55 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Born: April 28, 1891, in Caddo, Stephens County, Texas,
College professor,
To Abilene, Texas (September 1907),
Simmons College (now HSU) student,
Early Abilene,
Abilene history,
Early Abilene (again),
Railroad,
Cattlemen,
Name,
Cattle trails,
Andy Adams,
Rival cities,
Highway committee,
Judge Ely, State Highway Commissioner,
Growth,
Oil,
Colleges,
Military,
Environmental changes,
Outstanding citizens,
Agriculture and ranching,
Civic leaders,
Lawyers,
Doctors,
Educators,
Women,
Future developments,
Weather,
Droughts (1917-18; 1950s),
Water,
People.
Tape 1, Side 2: Blank
"Tape 2, Side 1:' Biographical information related,
Married in Hamlin, Texas (1915),
Has considerable amount of personal papers extant,
Cites book, Famous Are Thy Halls, as partially autobiographical,
Parents’ biographical information given,
Brothers and sisters mentioned,
Wife’s background reviewed,
Education received in public schools,
Attended Simmons Academy (now HSU) in Abilene,
Lists professors whose influence was felt,
Memorized Shakespeare and can still repeat lines he learned,
Graduate work done at University of Chicago,
Received doctorate from University of Texas (1928),
Has taught over 50 years at Hardin-Simmons,
Reviews books he has authored and co-authored.
Tape 2, Side 2: Parents and teachers influenced decision to go to college,
Career at Hardin-Simmons University traced,
Was Dean of Students one year before becoming Vice President,
Elected acting President in 1943,
Became President in 1945, served until 1953,
Resumed position as Senior Professor of History (1953-present),
Relates interest in writing which led to career in history,
Advises writers from his own experience,
Philosophy of life is stated,
Describes feelings of pride in years as President,
Lists lodges and societies he hold membership in,
Baptist church affiliation noted.
Tape 3, Side 1: Gives advice to writers (again),
Listing of coal-producing towns in Texas,
Reminisces about Texas governors and other political figures,
Describes first paved roads in Abilene,
Anecdote about producing cheers and parade for athletic team,
Discussion of Cowboy Reunion,
Relates incident of cowboy accused of rustling,
Anecdote about cowboy’s "wink".
Tape 3, Side 2: Woman’s place on the frontier noted,
Mentions cattle drives through Texas to Kansas and beyond,
Presents some views on modern society.
Tape 4, Side 1: President, West Texas Historical Association,
Comanche Indians,
Personal experiences,
Native American Church,
Use of peyote.
Tape 4, Side 2: Randolph Barnes Marcy,
Explorations,
Writings.
Range Dates: 1849-1970
Bulk Dates: 1891-1968
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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