Williamson, C L 1972-09-16
C. L. Williamson, former member of the Snyder City Council, discusses the oil boom in Snyder during the early 1950s, particularly the problems faced by the City Council during this period.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: C.L. Williamson
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: September 16, 1972
Location: Snyder, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 1 hour
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Personal background,
Early Snyder described,
Effects of oil boom of 1949,
Chamber of Commerce slogans repeated,
Effects of consolidation of county schools,
Oil boom (again),
Easy credit remembered,
Resulting re-assessment of property values,
Housing shortage explained,
Recalls newcomers sleeping in cars,
Building materials scarce,
Lack of paving and public utilities,
Problems faced by City Council during boom,
Water and sewer systems lacking,
Discusses sources of city income,
Parking meters,
Various other sources,
Methods of law enforcement,
Water (again),
Fellow members of City Council listed,
Cost of housing during boom,
Public transportation services described,
Problems of unemployment during the boom,
Experiences with commuters from other towns.
Tape 1, Side 2: Oil camps described,
Additional problems faced by City Council,
Complaints about police examined,
Traffic problems,
Bond election held for public improvements,
C. T. McLaughlin mentioned,
Explains structure of Snyder city government,
Reasons for removal of trees around courthouse,
Problem of over-construction,
Discusses membership on City Council (1948-1952),
Fellow members recalled,
Effects of boom on business,
Effects of boom on area agriculture,
Discusses oil field workers,
Drought of 1951-57 remembered,
Resulted in water rationing,
Availability of public services in Snyder,
Fire department and hospital praised,
Describes zoning and property taxation.
Range Dates: 1948-1972
Bulk Dates: 1949-1957
Access Information
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Transcript:
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