Smith, Wilmer 1985-11-05
Wilmer Smith discusses the establishment and operation of cotton cooperatives on the South Plains, as well as the parties involved in the process.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Wilmer Smith
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: November 05, 1985
Location: New Home, Texas
Interviewer: Richard Mason
Length: 1 hour 30 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Early interest in cooperative movement (1940s),
Locker plant,
Problems,
Oil mill,
Charlie Guy,
Canned editorial,
Anderson Clayton’s opposition to cooperatives,
Tax question,
Roy Forkner and Sleepy Bailey,
Plains Cooperative Oil Mill,
Discount of cotton seed,
Dallas differential,
Freight rate differential,
Cotton industry (1908-1985),
Struggles,
Ginning services,
Plains Cooperative Oil Mill (again),
Role in spread of gins,
Roy B. Davis,
Technological upgrade.
Tape 1, Side 2: Technological upgrade (continued),
Financing of cooperative entities,
Reason for success,
Roy B. Davis (again),
Financing of cooperative entities (again),
Excess gin capacity on Plains,
Cost and efficiency studies (1950s),
Plains Cotton Growers Association (PCGA),
Establishment,
Election of Board of Directors,
George W. Pfeiffenberger,
Personality,
Contribution to PCG,
Reputation,
Lightly spotted cotton study.
Tape 2, Side 1: General prejudice against Plains cotton,
Nomination for Kennedy cabinet position,
Negotiation of Warehouse land problems,
Cooperation with independent warehouses,
Leadership in New Home community,
Agricultural innovations in New Home community,
Macha cotton,
Martin Maize,
Environmental contributions,
Olton community,
Irrigation,
Dry land farming,
Conservation efforts,
Dorothy Rylander,
Lester Henry.
Tape 2, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1940s-1985
Bulk Dates: 1940s-1985
Access Information
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Transcript:
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