Wesendonk, Sylva 1975, 1976
In her 1975 interview with David Murrah, Sylva Wesendonk recalls early Lubbock and her education at Texas Tech. In her speeches, she talks about the early forms of transportation and their effects on the South Plains, along with living conditions in Lubbock before the railroad’s arrival in 1909.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Sylva Wesendonk
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: August 7, 1975; January 27 and February 24, 1976
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: David Murrah, Speeches to Caprock American Business Club, and Sherick Memorial Home
Length: 2 hours 20 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Personal history,
Father, Andy Wilson, mentioned,
Work on ranches in Lubbock area,
Drove automobiles to deliver prospective land buyers to Plainview from Amarillo,
Owned real estate business,
Various partnerships noted,
Father’s real estate clients named,
Mother’s history given,
Came to Lubbock at age six (1891),
Father’s role in civic affairs,
Early courthouse described,
Coming of railroad to Lubbock (1909),
Buffalo Springs area used for recreation,
Father’s plan to create a private club and preserve,
historic points of interest,
Churches in Lubbock.
Tape 1, Side 2: Effect of railroad on Lubbock,
Early Lubbock schools,
Attended Abilene Christian College and University of Colorado,
Entered Texas Tech as a sophomore (1925),
Parents fight to locate Tech in Lubbock,
Location of Tech in Lubbock,
Celebration party compared to July 4 celebrations,
Laying of cornerstone of Texas Tech Administration Building,
Registered on opening day of Tech,
Buildings named,
Different courses named,
Early teachers named,
Mr. Richard C. Harrison mentioned,
Dr. and Mrs. John C. Granbery praised,
Mrs. Mary W. Doak noted.
Tape 2, Side 1: Characterization of Dean Mary W. Doak (continued),
Boarding houses approved by Mrs. Doak and Cecil Horne,
First boarding houses mentioned,
Early employment through offices of Mrs. Doak and Mr. Horne,
Further characterization of Dr. John C. Granbery,
H. Bailey Carroll described,
Organizer of Men’s Bridge Club,
Formation of Association of Women Students, Women’s Forum, Mortar Board, emphasized by Mrs. Doak.
Tape 2, Side 2: Blank
Tape 3, Side 1: Introduction by Clayton Mallett,
Line car,
Clothing worn when traveling,
2-cylinder Jackson,
Covered wagons,
First doctors,
Lake Toom Cattle Company,
Railroads (1909).
Tape 3, Side 2: Blank
Tape 4, Side 1: Introduction by Pauline (Mrs. Russell) Bean,
Pioneer mothers’ duties,
Early settlers,
Singer store,
First public building (1891),
Line cars (1907),
Traveling clothes,
First school (1892),
Medical care.
Tape 4, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1891-1930
Bulk Dates: 1891-1925
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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