Simms, Raymond 1974-07-11
Former Terry County Judge Raymond Simms discusses his personal history, including early farming experiences and changes in the county judge’s position.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Raymond Simms
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: July 11, 1974
Location: Brownfield, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 1 hour 30 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Family background, early life,
Recollections of Quanah Parker,
Reasons for move to Panhandle (1902),
Cotton-pulling picnic recalled,
Reasons for move to Brownfield (1907),
Cotton, corn crops discussed,
Character of early farm asserted,
Isolation in 1907 claimed,
Mesquite grubbing described,
Discussion of farm equipment,
Conversion to tractors examined,
Early use of arsenic for insect control recalled,
Easy mercantile credit claimed,
"Shed rooms" were numerous,
Land prices in 1907,
Methods of fighting grass fires,
Blizzard in 1918 recalled,
World War I experiences described,
Teaching experiences related,
Influence of Ku Klux Klan on personal political career in 1924,
Election to county judge’s office in 1930s recalled,
New Deal Programs cited.
Tape 1, Side 2: New Deal programs (continued),
Expansion of county judge’s office explored,
Significance of deep breaking claimed,
Work with World War II draft board noted,
Brownfield schools, influence of oil industry noted,
Comments on county school superintendent office,
Speculation on constitutional proposals concerning county judgeship,
Opinion of viability of county judge’s office,
Ideas on water conservation presented,
Attitude toward oil industry noted,
Federal farm programs discussed,
Subsidy favored,
Farm organizations mentioned.
Range Dates: 1902-1974
Bulk Dates: 1907-1940s
Access Information
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Transcript:
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