Wall, C I 1972, 1973
Stoney Wall begins with his early life, the start of his career with the West Texas gas industry, and his association with Texas Tech, particularly events during his service on the Tech Board of Directors (Regents). He also discusses the history of Pioneer Natural Gas Company, for whom he was Chairman of the Board.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: C.I. Wall
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: February 05, April 01, May 20, 1972; May 02, 1973
Location: Amarillo and Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: David Murrah
Length: 7 hours
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Family background reviewed,
Discusses education,
Participation in athletics summarized,
Played football,
Joined St. Louis Cardinals baseball team briefly,
Explains beginning of career in gas industry and move to Texas.
Tape 1, Side 2: Various positions with West Texas Gas Company outlined,
Remembers first impression of the Plains of Texas,
First view of Texas Tech described,
Comments on growth of the gas industry,
Organization of Pioneer Natural Gas Company explained,
Appointed to the Board of Directors of Texas Tech.
Tape 2, Side 1: Served on the Texas Tech Athletic Council,
Texas Tech’s greatest strengths mentioned,
Speculation on Texas Tech’s greatest weaknesses,
Texas Tech name change issue discussed.
Tape 2, Side 2: Promoted to president of Pioneer Natural Gas (1956),
Moved from Lubbock to Amarillo,
Comments on division office in Lubbock,
Problems experienced with water supply on the Plains,
Depletion of oil and gas resources in Texas mentioned,
Uranium cited as a new source of energy,
Describes conditions during the Depression (on the Plains).
Tape 3, Side 1: Building of the Texas Tech Library discussed,
Recalls first visit to Texas Tech,
Growing association with Texas Tech outlined,
Appointed to the Board of Directors of Texas Tech,
Explains functions of the Board of Directors,
Search for a new president described,
Cites differences in the thinking of Board members concerning Board functions and authority.
Tape 3, Side 2: J. Evetts Haley characterized,
Comments on integration of Texas Tech,
Building expansion at Texas Tech noted,
Describes search for a new football coach,
Explains decision to fire DeWitt Weaver,
Texas Tech’s budget submitted to legislature.
Tape 4, Side 1: Texas Tech’s beginning as a local institution noted,
Examines growth of Texas Tech to a state university,
Reasons for student acceptance,
Speculation on future restriction of enrollment,
Importance of an athletic program at Texas Tech cited.
Tape 4, Side 2: Blank
Tape 5, Side 1: Outlines service on the Texas Tech Board of Directors,
Building of dormitories reviewed,
Explains campus building plan,
J. Evetts Haley’s opposition to federal funds for Tech recalled,
Mentions Tom Lineberry, another Board member,
Procedure for appointment to the Board discussed,
Describes executive sessions of the Board Justification of them,
Objections to them,
Comments on release of three professors.
Tape 5, Side 2: Continues to comment on controversy surround release of professors,
Extent of Board’s authority noted,
Investigation was conducted by Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools,
Involvement of the AAUP criticized,
States opinions concerning tenure in general,
Evaluation of President E. N. Jones.
Tape 6, Side 1: Expansion of football stadium described,
Outlines and explains various proposals,
Financing plans reviewed,
Was appointed to the Texas Tech Athletic Council,
Stadium parking examined,
Praises bus transportation,
Special parking facilities justified.
Tape 6, Side 2: Blank
Tape 7, Side 1: Pioneer Natural Gas Company discussed,
Comments on early distribution system,
Lists towns along the distribution route,
Explains advantages of gas energy over electricity,
Improvements in gas appliances through the years cited,
States reasons for company’s slow start,
Problems of supplying gas to irrigation wells outlined.
Tape 7, Side 2: Pioneer Natural Gas Company discussed further,
Availability of gas to farmers promoted development of the area,
Practiced barter system in Plainview during the Depression,
All banks failed,
Notes effects of World War II on the company’s operations,
Building program examined.
Tape 8, Side 1: Reviews history of Pioneer Natural Gas Company,
Gives reasons for current gas shortage,
Outlines plans for future supply of gas,
Uranium as a source of energy for the future discussed.
Tape 8, Side 2: Formation of Pioneer Natural Gas Company recalled,
Financial organization explained,
Lists men prominent in Pioneer’s history,
Cites opportunities for advancement offered by the company.
Range Dates: 1920s-1973
Bulk Dates: 1950s-1973
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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