Wade, Alton 1973-05-08
Dr. Alton Wade, chairman of the Geosciences Department at Texas Tech from 1954 to 1964, discusses his career, including his teaching experiences and research in Antarctica and Greenland.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Alton Wade
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: May 08, 1973
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 1 hour 30 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Biographical information given,
Education summarized,
Describes expedition to the Antarctic with Admiral Byrd,
Military service during World War II discussed,
Did weather research in Greenland,
Served in Florida,
Teaching career prior to coming to Texas Tech outlined,
Became chairman of the Geosciences Department at Tech (1954),
Returned to research and teaching (1964),
Presently associated with the Museum,
Reviews parents’ backgrounds and education,
Early teaching positions listed,
Experiences at a boys’ private school.
Tape 1, Side 2: Expedition to Antarctica with Byrd discussed further,
Notes duties as dog driver,
Living conditions described,
Comments on food available,
Adjustments made to the long days and nights,
Entertainment characterized,
Explains weather research in Greenland.
Tape 2, Side 1: Worked with the Air Force in the Far East during the Korean War,
Association with Texas Tech discussed,
Lists changes made during the first years as chairman of the Geosciences Department,
Reasons cited for decrease in number of geology majors,
Firing of three professors by the Board recalled,
J. Evetts Haley characterized,
Mentions foreign students majoring in geology,
States opinion of curriculum changes made by Tech,
President Grover Murray’s work in petroleum geology described.
Tape 2, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1920s-1973
Bulk Dates: 1920s-1973
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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