Sawyer, A A 1970-10-23

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Arthur Sawyer, son of pioneer rancher Monroe B. Sawyer, discusses many facets of ranch life on the South Plains. His social comments and anecdotes relate to area history and folklore.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Arthur A. Sawyer

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: October 23, 1970

Location: Brownfield, Texas

Interviewer: Harry Krenck

Length: 1 hour 15 minutes


Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Family history and early life, Purchased railroad land for ranch, Terry County organized in 1904, Supply routes mentioned, Recalls ranch hands, Had New Mexico homestead for awhile, Reviews early education, Anecdote about cattle behavior, Cites New Mexico cattle-sheep policies, Lists 4^th of July rodeo events, Marriage and belated honeymoon discussed, Bad weather conditions recalled, Methods of weather forecasting and preparation for bad weather.

Tape 1, Side 2: Roping coyotes was a from of recreation, Anecdote about dealing with stray cattle, Story of gathering horses, Examples of cooperation among ranchers, Cattle diseases and treatment noted, Outlines cattle marketing procedures, Anecdote concerning search for stray cattle, Describes food on the ranch, Anecdote about red beans, Early agriculture discussed, Lack of blacks and Mexicans in ranching, Methods of finding directions before road signs, Windmill repairs explained, Governmental water policy enabled many to build tanks, Anecdote about panther scream, Lobo hunting mentioned, Questions credibility of TV westerns, Election for Terry County seat won by Brownfield.

Tape 2, Side 1: Anecdote about shooting an apple off a person’s head, Poisoned prairie dogs on the range, Law enforcement in Brownfield discussed, Community, cultural, and social activities reviewed, Box suppers source of money, Fiddling contests held for ranchers, Spring water at Big Spring resulted in town’s name, Soash, Texas—urban promotion scheme went awry, Recalls horses’ fear of automobiles in early days, Mail route outlined.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1904-?

Bulk Dates: Early 1900s


Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:



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