Towery, Jack 1972-10-02
Jack Towery, research director of the Texas Tech Textile Research Center, discusses the history and present condition of cotton research, textiles and trade. He also reviews the development of the Moss-Gordin Gin Company, with whom he was formerly employed, and comments on general technological innovations in cotton processing.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Jack Towery
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: October 02, 1972
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 1 hour 15 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Explains international cotton trade mission,
Need for barter described,
Personal background, education and career reviewed,
Synthetic research discussed,
Attitude toward cotton research and development,
Role of Department of Agriculture in cotton research,
Research problems involving the determination of cotton-synthetic blends,
Problems of "exotic" cotton clothing and American mass production and technology,
Texas textile mills of early 1900s described,
Mentions Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, Dallas textile workers,
Traces migration of the textile industry.
Tape 1, Side 2: Importance of Postex Mill emphasized,
New Braunfels mill recalled,
Influence of government cotton program on textiles,
Discusses post-World War II competition from textiles in the Far East,
Executive Japanese trade agreement described,
Nature of foreign aid and U.S. trade agreements,
Examines presence of American oil companies in the Far East,
Erosion of British trade noted,
Origin and function of Indonesian trade mission,
Speculates on future of Indonesia,
Justification of foreign aid and American competition,
Projects future of cotton on Texas Plains,
Names qualities of cotton and synthetics,
Inventor Ennis Moss and Moss-Gordin Company characterized.
Tape 2, Side 1: Describes Moss-Gordin’s location and operation in Lubbock,
"Gordon unit system" explained,
Recalls company mergers and subsequent liquidation of Lubbock operation,
Mentions Pratt Gin Company and its technological innovation,
Association with research department of the Moss-Gordin Company,
Mechanical cotton harvesting and importance of the lint cleaner,
Discusses cotton processing at the ginning level.
Tape 2, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: Early 1900s-1972
Bulk Dates: 1940-1972
Access Information
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Transcript:
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