Rio Grande Valley Oral Histories

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  Interview with Josefina Acosta Ibanez

  Josefina Acosta Ibanez and Francisca Rodriguez

  Born in 1920 in La Grulla, Starr County, Texas and recorded on 12 April 1987.

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  Interview with Francisca Aguilar

  Francisca Aguilar and Juan Martin Guerra

  Francisca Aguilar talks about prices of items, entertainment and transportation.

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  Interview with Domingo Alcazar

  Domingo Alcazar and Jose Trinidad Molina

  Domingo Alcazar covers his school years at an early age. He also talks about his job and about education.

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  Interview with Oliver Cromwell Aldrich, Jr.

  Oliver Cromwell Aldrich Jr. and Robert Everett Norton

  Oliver Cromwell Aldrich, Jr. (1918-1993) is interviewed by Robert Norton on 1992-04-24 in Houston, Texas. Aldrich recollects his life in Hidalgo County, Texas (San Juan and Edinburg) from the 1920's through the 1950's. He talks about construction of highways, floodways, schooling, agriculture, personalities, frequency of freeze, and river.

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  Interview with Jesse Almaguer

  Jesse Almaguer and Corina Cantu

  Jesse Almaguer talks about his family background, and how hard it was for him to make a living during the 1930's/ Great depression. He also talks about his present status and how well he is.

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  Interview with Frank Anderson and Dorothy Anderson

  Frank Anderson, Dorothy Anderson, and Sandra Veronica Barrera

  Frank and Dorothy Anderson give an account of life in the 1930's to the present. Frank was born on December 21, 1916, and Dorothy was born November 27, 1921.

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  Interview with Miller F. Armstrong

  Miller F. Armstrong

  Miller F. Armstrong talks about the early days of Mission, Texas. He remembers the bandits and raids, and when the telephone was introduced in Mission in 1911. He received his degree as a lawyer then became a judge.

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  Interview with Margie Austin

  Margie Austin and Silvia Ann Olivarez

  Margie Austin talks about her life, education (Mission High School graduate), church, and the depression. Margie Austin was born on December 15, 1921.

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  Interview with Antonio L. Ayala

  Antonio L. Ayala and Ricardo Alfredo Villarreal

  Antonio Luis Ayala, born on 22 August 1918, talks about his service (1942-46) and achievements in World War II. Mr. Ayala served in 9th Armor Division, fought in the Battle of Bastogne, was held as a prisoner of war and interrogated by the German SS. He also discusses his family and life growing up in McAllen, Texas, as well as his readjustment to civilian life following the war. Antonio passed away on 15 November 1994.

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  Interview with Juanita Ayala

  Juanita Ayala and Nora Cantu

  Juanita Ayala was born in Los Ramones, Nuevo Leon. She talks about her husband and her three day wedding. She also mentions her last baby girl that she gave away to her oldest daughter.

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  Interview with M. J. Baily

  M. J. Baily and Mary Elva Salas

  M. J. Baily talks about his teenage life, the depression and farming.

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  Interview with Gillespie Parish Baker - Part 01

  Gillespie Parish Baker and Robert Everett Norton

  Gillespie Parish Baker, born 1900 and died 23 September, 1976, discusses the life of his father, A.Y. Baker, an influential citizen of Edinburg. He gives a detailed description of his own life in Hidalgo County and Edinburg including observations on the Hidalgo-Reynosa bridge, life, and changes in Edinburg.

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  Interview with Gillespie Parish Baker - Part 02

  Gillespie Parish Baker and Robert Everett Norton

  Gillespie Parish Baker, born 1900 and died 23 September, 1976, discusses the life of his father, A.Y. Baker, an influential citizen of Edinburg. He gives a detailed description of his own life in Hidalgo County and Edinburg including observations on the Hidalgo-Reynosa bridge, life, and changes in Edinburg.

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  Interview with Jack William Baldwin

  Jack William Baldwin and Robert Everett Norton

  Jack William Baldwin, born on 12 January 1915, discusses his father coming down to the Rio Grande Valley, developer Roland Ernest Horn, Baldwin Mobile Home Manor, life experience in McAllen, his activities in business and civic work. He tells of changes in the dairy business and the expansion of the city. Jack passed away on 09 April, 2000.

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  Interview with Eliza E. Barrera - Part 01

  Eliza E. Barrera and Corina Cantu

  Eliza E. Barrera talks about her life, her upbringing, social and religious background. She tells of her family history, mentions different tasks as a daughter, wife and mother. She talks about different remedies that her mother used.

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  Interview with Eliza E. Barrera - Part 02

  Eliza E. Barrera and Corina Cantu

  Eliza E. Barrera talks about her life, her upbringing, social and religious background. She tells of her family history, mentions different tasks as a daughter, wife and mother. She talks about different remedies that her mother used.

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  Interview with Guadalupe Barrera

  Guadalupe Barrera and Rolando Pena

  Guadalupe Barrera talks about her early childhood experiences and how her family subsisted on what they planted.

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  Interview with Leonor Barrera

  Leonor Barrera and Diana Yvette Garza

  Leonor Barrera speaks of the war between Germany and the United States. She tells of friends and brothers who were involved in the war. She speaks briefly on childhood and schooling.

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  Interview with Rafael Barrera

  Rafael Barrera and Diana Yvette Garza

  Rafael Barrera tells of an incident when he and his friends were shot by soldiers guarding the border.

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  Interview with Manuela Barrios

  Manuela Barrios and Ricardo De Luna

  Manuela Barrios was born in Matehuala, San Luis Potosi, Mexico in 1888. She talks about the Mexican Revolution and her family.

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  Interview with Pilar Benavides

  Pilar Benavides and Maria Zapata

  Pilar Benavides talks about her family's hacienda and describes Mexican people and how they worked. She also mentions the days before and after World War II.

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  Interview with Lloyd Bentsen Sr. - Part 01

  Lloyd Bentsen Sr., Denice Leslie Kemp, and Richard Kemp

  Side 1 - Life as a boy in the Dakota's and war years. Side 2 - Dolly and War Years

  Major General Lloyd Bentsen, Sr. was a pioneer of military aviation. He enlisted in the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps, United States Army during WWI, flew missions as a fighter pilot, commanded the Military Forces of Texas during WWII, and was appointed Commanding General, Texas State Guard Reserve.

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  Interview with Lloyd Bentsen Sr. - Part 02

  Lloyd Bentsen Sr., Denice Leslie Kemp, and Richard Kemp

  Miscellaneous years in the Valley, marriage, and adventures as a boy.

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  Interview with Jimmy K. Beresty - Part 01

  Jimmy K. Beresty and Tony G. Hyba

  Jimmy K. Beresty relates the drilling of oil wells and specifications in the Rio Grande Valley. He also talks about Raycon oil field, Davenport Ranch, roads in McAllen, sewer systems in the Rio Grande Valley, outhouses, water treatment and storage, rain water, fans, air conditioners, wood stoves, the coming of electricity, employment, enlisting in the Air Force Reserve in Fort Sam Houston, Kelly Air Base, maintaining planes, work at Randall Air Force Base, then at Love Air Field, flying around the world as a result of World War II, A. Y. Baker corruption, Bentsen family, McColl Clubhouse Syndicate, effect of Great Depression, WPA (Works Progress Administration), and opinions on presidents.

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  Interview with Jimmy K. Beresty - Part 02

  Jimmy K. Beresty and Tony G. Hyba

  Jimmy K. Beresty relates his life history.

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  Interview with Celestino Bernal

  Celestino Bernal and Efrain Bernal

  Celestino Bernal talks about his early childhood in Mexico and about his life as a farmer in Valle Hermoso, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

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  Interview with Weldon C. Blackwell

  Weldon C. Blackwell and Glenn Housley

  Weldon C. Blackwell tells about the early days of Weslaco, including his home life, church, and family.

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  Interview with Frances Wood Borman

  Frances Wood Borman and Betty Fogarty

  Frances Wood Borman tells of her family moving to the Valley from the North in the early part of the century. She describes family values, her way of life as a child and young housewife.

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  Interview with William Bill Borman

  William Bill Borman and Robert Everett Norton

  William Borman tells about his life.

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  Interview with Maurice Boyd Cramer

  Maurice Boyd Cramer and Robert Everett Norton

  Maurice Boyd Cramer born on 12 December 1916, in Sarcoxie, Jasper, Missouri, tells of early life in Missouri, an excursion train to the Valley, Hidalgo County Irrigation District #2, pump house in Hidalgo, Camp Ebenezer (Alamo), dairy and cotton farming, early San Juan schools, and flood control. He died on 3 July 2004, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

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  Interview with Lucy Brandt

  Lucy Brandt and Silvia Ann Olivarez

  Lucy Vavra Brandt talks about her early life and the Great depression.

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  Interview with Clay Brazeal and Elizabeth B. Sammons

  Clay Brazeal, Elizabeth B. Sammons, and Robert Everett Norton

  Clay Brazeal and Elizabeth B. Sammons discuss early life, parents, education and marriage. As the daughter of a prominent early Valley businessman and the wife of another, she makes observations about life in the Mission area.

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  Interview with Harold E. Brehm

  Harold E. Brehm and Robert Everett Norton

  Harold E. Brehm was born December 10, 1897. He came to the Valley in 1924. He talks about the progress of the city of McAllen.

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  Interview with Maria Brewster Castillo

  Maria Brewster Castillo and Norma Linda Castillo

  Maria Brewster Castillo tells how the Brewster family came from Mississippi or Alabama in covered wagons during the late 1800's. Her father was a Texas Ranger. Her family always had plenty of food, therefore she never experienced the Great depression.

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  Interview with Darrell Brumley

  Darrell Brumley and Harry Carter Quin

  Darrell Brumley was born June 15, 1916 in Chikoda, Oklahoma. His father's name was Walter Clark Brumley and his mother's name was Ethel May Peeky. He mentions his education at Edinburg College.

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  Interview with Irene Bullion

  Irene Bullion and Edna D. Salinas

  Irene Bullion tells about her family and the Great depression.

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  Interview with Ina Buss

  Ina Buss and Marilyn R. Nowak

  Ina Buss talks about her life and family.

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  Interview with Lewis Callis

  Lewis Callis and Diana Barrientes

  Lewis Callis talks about his childhood, hobbies and time served in World War II.

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  Interview with Charles Edward Cameron

  Charles Edward Cameron and Robert Everett Norton

  Charles Edward Roi Cameron was born on July 6, 1906 in Gomez Farias, Tamaulipas. His name is Scottish. His father was Scottish and his mother was French Canadian. He talks about the Mexican Revolution.

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  Interview with Alicia Cano

  Alicia Cano and Robert Andrew Nelson

  Alicia Cano talks about having Spanish parents. She mentions struggling in the U.S. and teaching children old morality customs.

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  Interview with Benilde Cano

  Benilde Cano and Mytla Pecina

  Benilde Cano talks about growing up on a small ranch and the great interest her family has always had in commerce.

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  Interview with Guadalupe Cano

  Guadalupe Cano and Andy Longoria Perez

  Guadalupe Cano talks about life on a farm and about animals.

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  Interview with Fidela R. Cantu

  Fidela R. Cantu and Corina Cantu

  Fidela R. Cantu talks about her family background, personal life, education, religion, social status, working conditions and her present life.

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  Interview with Juanita Rosales Cantu

  Juanita Rosales Cantu and Robert A. Hinojosa

  Juanita Rosales Cantu born on April 21, 1950, talks about her life, including: her childhood, working as a migrant worker, her battle with breast cancer, medicine in the United States, her time as a mother, language exams to enter Pan American College, University of Texas Pan American, pesticide related illnesses, and her time working with U.S. Customs Service. She also tells of family stories, including: bootlegging, violence against Hispanics, and U.S. Customs Service.

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  Interview with Magdaleno Cantu

  Magdaleno Cantu and Crystal Marie Cantu

  Magdaleno Cantu talks about his early life in Mexico.

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  Interview with Manuel Cantu, Jr.

  Manuel Cantu Jr, Charles J. Ellard, and Jaime Cardoza

  Manuel Cantu (b. 1952) was interviewed by Charles J. Ellard for the "Veterans History Project 2009" on September 22, 2009 at the Dustin M. Sekula Memorial Library. The interview was video recorded by Jaime Cardoza.

  Mr. Cantu speaks about his military service in the U.S. Army with the Signal Corps, including enlistment, training, and assignments. He also discusses the mentoring and service opportunities for veterans and offers words of encouragement for young people.

  This interview has been archived at the Library of Congress as part of the Veterans History Project

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  Interview with Maria Cantu

  Maria Cantu and Guadalupe Torres

  Maria Cantu describes her early life at the rancho in Edinburg. She talks about her parents, sisters, brothers, crops, animals, funerals, women's role, clothing and compares the old time to the present.

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  Interview with Ricardo M. Cantu

  Ricardo M. Cantu and Kelly Saenz

  Ricardo M. Cantu talks about growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, his father's work with the Valley Fruit Company, Hurricane Beulah, his time as a Disc Jockey in KURV and KRGV, academics, the Pharr Riot, and discrimination he has faced as a Hispanic. Interview conducted on October 14, 2017 by Kelly Saenz in Brownsville, Texas. Ricardo passed away on August 12, 2020.

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  Interview with Ricardo Cantu

  Ricardo Cantu and Kelly M. Saenz

  Ricardo M. Cantu talks about growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, his father's work with the Valley Fruit Company, Hurricane Beulah, his time as a Disc Jockey in KURV and KRGV, academics, the Pharr Riot, and discrimination he has faced as a Hispanic. Interview conducted on October 14, 2017 by Kelly Saenz in Brownsville, Texas. Ricardo passed away on August 12, 2020.

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  Interview with Anita Cardenas

  Anita Cardenas and Leticia Miroslava Gamboa

  Anita Cardenas talks about slavery, how business started in the 1950's, her all day wedding in 1930 and how clothes were hand-made.

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  Interview with Santos Cardoza

  Santos Cardoza and Rocio Patricia Rodriguez

  Santos Cardoza was born in Mendez, Tamaulipas, in 1901. She talks about her life without her mother. She also mentions sewing classes.

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  Interview with Cora Carson

  Cora Carson and Cynthia E. Garza

  Cora Carson born in 17 March, 1923 in Iowa talks about her life history.

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  Interview with Vernon Carson

  Vernon Carson and Cynthia E. Garza

  Vernon Carson talks about his life history and his World War II experiences.

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  Interview with Cosme Casares Munoz

  Cosme Casares Munoz and Leticia Miroslava Gamboa

  Cosme Casares Munoz was born in 1915 in McAllen, Texas. He talks about the first schools in McAllen, Los Rinches, Texas Rangers, and Los Indiciosos, why they hung 30 people in Alamo, Texas, laborers, and camps of soldiers in 1919. He tells about "diez y quince" stores and the first cars sold.

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  Interview with Genoveva Castaneda Dominguez, Enriqueta Jalifi

  Genoveva Castaneda Dominguez, Enriqueta Jalifi, and Diana Barrientes

  [00:00:00-00:45:30] Genoveva Castaneda was born in 1904 in Rosario, Texas . She talks about: growing up, customs and education. [00:45:31-00:91:00], Enriqueta Jalifi was born in 10 October 1903 in Toluca Ranch. She talks about discrimination in school and church, the Great depression, and the economy.

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  Interview with Eduardo Castellanos

  Eduardo Castellanos

  Oral History interview of Eduardo Castellano talking about the Great depression, and working in the fields. Unknown date of original recording.

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  Interview with Adela Castilleja

  Adela Castilleja and Oralia Betancourt

  Adela Castilleja tells about life in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and in Edinburg, Texas.

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  Interview with Juan Castillo

  Juan Castillo and Corina Castillo

  Juan Castillo born on 06 July, 1922 tells about growing up during the 1930's.

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  Interview with Juan Castillo

  Juan Castillo and Miguel Torres

  Juan Castillo, born in 1895 in San Luis Potosi, talks about life in the Valley when he was young, the place and date of his birth. He mentions the reasons he came to the Valley and the jobs he had.

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  Interview with Francisca M. Castro - Part 01

  Francisca M. Castro and Augustine Farias

  Francisca M. Castro talks about where she was born and what her life in Mexico was like.

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  Interview with Francisca M. Castro - Part 02

  Francisca M. Castro and Augustine Farias

  Francisca M. Castro talks about where she was born and what her life in Mexico was like.

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  Interview with Francisca M. Castro - Part 03

  Francisca M. Castro and Augustine Farias

  Francisca M. Castro talks about where she was born and what her life in Mexico was like.

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  Interview with Francisca M. Castro - Part 04

  Francisca M. Castro and Augustine Farias

  Francisca M. Castro talks about where she was born and what her life in Mexico was like.

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  Interview with Francisca M. Castro - Part 05

  Francisca M. Castro and Augustine Farias

  Francisca M. Castro talks about where she was born and what her life in Mexico was like.

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  Interview with Francisca M. Castro - Part 06

  Francisca M. Castro and Augustine Farias

  Francisca M. Castro talks about where she was born and what her life in Mexico was like.

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  Interview with Elias Cavazos - Part 01

  Elias Cavazos and Robert Everett Norton

  Elias Cavazos talks about his parents and grandparents. He discusses his early years in McAllen. He tells about his working experience with the railroads and as a telegrapher at Western Union. He shares his progress through Western Union including moving to distant cities as he was promoted. He tells about the changes that McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley experienced between 1925 and 1977. He also discusses lands and Porciones in the Valley and how lands including Porcion 72 came to be under his family and relatives and then sold. He mentions his experiences in New York City where he lived and worked. He also talks about his wife Catherine Cavazos.

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  Interview with Elias Cavazos - Part 02

  Elias Cavazos and Robert Everett Norton

  Elias Cavazos talks about his parents and grandparents. He discusses his early years in McAllen. He tells about his working experience with the railroads and as a telegrapher at Western Union. He shares his progress through Western Union including moving to distant cities as he was promoted. He tells about the changes that McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley experienced between 1925 and 1977. He also discusses lands and Porciones in the Valley and how lands including Porcion 72 came to be under his family and relatives and then sold. He mentions his experiences in New York City where he lived and worked. He also talks about his wife Catherine Cavazos.

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  Interview with Andrew Champion - Part 01

  Andrew Champion and Robert Everett Norton

  Andrew Champion relates the story of the Champion family, the history of Donna, Texas.

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  Interview with Andrew Champion - Part 02

  Andrew Champion and Robert Everett Norton

  Andrew Champion relates the story of the Champion family, the history of Donna, Texas.

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  Interview with Amancio Chapa

  Amancio Chapa Sr. and Robert Everett Norton

  No summary information.

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  Interview with Jose E. Chapa

  Jose E. Chapa and Douglas E. Erickson

  Jose E. Chapa talks about land prices, history and genealogy of Chapa family, the Great depression, political affiliations, Mexican Americans from the Rio Grande Valley in politics, farming, and traveling the world. Mr. Chapa passed away on 7 August, 2011.

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  Interview with Jesus Chavana

  Jesus Chavana and Oralia Betancourt

  Jesus Chavana relates his experiences in World War II in 1942.

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  Interview with Elizabeth Ewing Christenson

  Elizabeth Ewing Christenson and Robert Everett Norton

  Elizabeth Ewing Christenson was born February 26, 1920, in McAllen, Texas. She tells of growing up in the city of McAllen.

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  Interview with Harry Cole

  Harry Cole and Marilyn R. Nowak

  • 00:00 - Introduction and Cole's background.
  • 04:18 - How Cole raised his children.
  • 07:15 - The changes to the Rio Grande Valley Cole has seen.
  • 09:13 - How Cole feels about Mexico and whether or not he visits.
  • 18:45 - Cole's daughters.
  • 21:15 - Cole's grandchildren.
  • 23:17 - Religion.
  • 24:32 - Smoking.
  • 33:00 - How Cole feels about work/working.
  • 34:40 - Education.
  • 37:30 - Sports.
  • 38:28 - Cole's feelings about World War II and war in general.
  • 42:51 - Cole's feelings about television.
  • 44:00 - When the Coles got married and how old they were.
  • 44:58 - Harry and his wife's age difference, and whether or not they would allow their daughter to marry someone that much older.
  • 48:00 - Divorce.

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  Interview with Shelley Hale Collier Sr.

  Shelley Hale Collier Sr.

  Shelley Hale Collier Sr. was born on 07 July 1896 and passed away on 04 July 1984.

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  Interview with Maria Compian

  Maria Compian and Sandra Cardenas

  [Maria Compean] No summary information.

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  Interview with Maria Conde

  Maria Conde and Sandra Cardenas

  Maria Conde was born in San Benito, Texas, on October 21, 1919. She tells about her schooling, marriage, and life in a well-to-do neighborhood.

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  Interview with Concha M. Cortez

  Concha M. Cortez and Joseph S. Hoy

  Concha M. Cortez, born 16 March 1918, tells of her early life in Los Herrera, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, and of living in the Rio Grande Valley.

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  Interview with Estella Minerva Cuellar

  Estella Minerva Cuellar and Janis Gray Wood

  Estella Minerva Cuellar is a native of the Rio Grande Valley, a retired classroom teacher, a president of the McAllen ISD school board, and has been involved in education all her life. She talks about the challenges and changes in education.

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  Interview with Celia Cuenca Cardenas

  Celia Cuenca Cardenas and Merardo Macal

  Celia Cuenca was born 19 October 1923. She talks about her early life.

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  Interview with Willella Curnutt

  Willella Curnutt and Arnulfo Salinas

  Willella Curnutt talks about education, Great depression, and descendancy.

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  Interview with Samuel Curry

  Samuel Curry and Robert Everett Norton

  Samuel Curry was born on 14 November 1903. Grew up and went to school at the Toluca Ranch. No summary information.

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  Interview with Eligio (Kika) de la Garza - Part 01

  Eligio (Kika) de la Garza, Diane Tyink, and Joe Reyna

  • 00:00 - Introduction
  • 00:30 - Background information – where you born?
  • 01:00 - Can you talk a little bit about your family (mother, father, brothers/sisters)?
  • 02:00 - First years in School
  • 03:00 - Kika lived with his uncles while he was studying at Mission, Texas.
  • 04:20 - How did you get the nickname “Kika”?
  • 06:00 - Can you tell us some childhood memories that you think about right now?
  • 08:00 - Neighborhood friends and the Edinburg canal.
  • 11:00 - How long were you in the Navy?
  • 12:00 - What kind of influences did you have while you were growing up (people, grandmother, uncles)?
  • 12:30 - Kika’s uncles – main and great influences to his life
  • 14:00 - Were you were in any type of sport when you were in Mission High school?
  • 15:00 - Football and basketball player.
  • 17:30 - Kika did his associate at Edinburg Pan American University and then went to Saint Mary at San Antonio, Texas to start his law school degree.
  • 18:50 - Can you just give us an idea about what has changed the most in the Valley since you were growing up compared to nowadays?
  • 21:15 - How old do you were when you joined the Navy?
  • 22:00 - Kika’s experiences at the Navy.
  • 31:00 - Divisions at the Navy.
  • 35:00 - Kika, back from the Navy continues his studies at Saint Mary at San Antonio.
  • 36:30 - Why did you decide it to study law?
  • 36:40 - Kika grew up in a political family.
  • 40:00 - Kika ran for the legislature.
  • 45:00 - Legislature facts.
  • 51:00 - While you were in the Texas legislature, did you work on any agriculture issues?
  • 52:00 - Is anything else you want to mention or add regarding to the Texas legislature?

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  Interview with Eligio (Kika) de la Garza - Part 02

  Eligio (Kika) de la Garza, Diane Tyink, and Joe Reyna

  • 00:00 - Introduction.
  • 00:25 - Can you talk a little bit about the first time you ran for the congress?
  • 02:50 - Did you have money for the first campaign?
  • 03:40 - First run for the congress experiences.
  • 04:40 - Kika has the support of his friends, family, and campaign manager for his first campaign.
  • 06:30 - Kika remembers that there were not airports so it was harder to transport from place to place. “It was challenging but interesting.”
  • 07:00 - Some of the congress members of South Texas background.
  • 08:30 - Political powers at that time.
  • 09:45 - What were some of the issues that you faced during your first campaign?
  • 10:00 - Education – one of the major issues.
  • 10:40 - Health – Kika supported Medicare and Medicaid.
  • 13:00 - It was a hard campaign.
  • 13:00 - They did not have a lot of money for the first campaign, however they had a lot of support.
  • 13:30 - People who supported Kika’s first campaign.
  • 14:30 - Texas delegation – members of congress.
  • 16:00 - Kika was welcomed to the congress.
  • 16:30 - Kika joined the Agriculture committee.
  • 17:00 - Kika the youngest man at the congress at that time.
  • 17:35 - Kika became chair of the Agriculture committee – the youngest chair of the committee.
  • 20:40 - Political leaders.
  • 22:10 - Kika was invited, together with his wife, to almost all the functions of the White House.
  • 25:00 - Relations with Mexico and South America.
  • 25:50 - Kennedy and the new progressive programs.
  • 27:00 - Local Education.
  • 30:00 - Federal Education and the creation of new buildings.
  • 34:00 - Food programs for poor areas.
  • 44:00 - Founding for food programs and the results.
  • 46:00 - Kika explains that these programs were also nutritional.
  • 48:50 - Benefits of the nutritional programs.
  • 50:26 - Do you think that the money spent in these programs impacted the economy of the area?
  • 1:00:00 - End of the interview.

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  Interview with Eligio (Kika) de la Garza - Part 03

  Eligio (Kika) de la Garza, Diane Tyink, and Joe Reyna

  • 00:00 - Introduction.
  • 00:35 - General committee work.
  • 01:15 - Can you tell us about your days working on the agriculture committee before you became chairman?
  • 03:00 - Agriculture committee background.
  • 06:00 - Third world countries became more involved in shipments.
  • 09:17 - What kind of issues did you discuss in the committee?
  • 10:00 - Grapefruit in Rio Grande Valley.
  • 13:00 - Production and agriculture.
  • 14:32 - Import and export vegetables.
  • 16:55 - Third world countries became more involved in shipments.
  • 18:00 - The port of Brownsville was the major port.
  • 20:00 - How Technology started to be involved?
  • 21:40 - Grapefruit in Rio Grande Valley.
  • 26:00 - What are the benefits that the Valley has in the agriculture field?
  • 33:00 - Research in agricultural production.
  • 36:30 - Russia circumstances of production.
  • 38:00 - Vegetables and fruits to the operation of agriculture.
  • 40:15 - What areas besides the Valley do you think are good for growing grapefruit?
  • 44:00 - Transportation.
  • 46:30 - Has the agriculture at South Texas has increased?
  • 48:00 - Producing Electricity for both sides of the River.
  • 52:18 - Is there is an agreement between United States and Mexico for the Electricity?
  • 53:00 - Saving money for the government and the people.
  • 54:00 - Can you talk about the purposes of committee work?
  • 56:00 - Is there anything else that you want to add?

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  Interview with Eligio (Kika) de la Garza - Part 04

  Eligio (Kika) de la Garza, Diane Tyink, and Joe Reyna

  • 00:00 - Introduction.
  • 00:20 - Kika works on Johnson’s campaign.
  • 02:25 - Kika's run for congress.
  • 03:00 - What were your general thoughts in the Vietnam War?
  • 07:04 - Involvement in Vietnam.
  • 10:31 - Kika’s loyalty to President Johnson.
  • 11:33 - The way Kika was helping on the war.
  • 15:35 - Kika changes his views about the involvement in the Vietnam War.
  • 16:45 - Background of the people that Kika met at the war.
  • 24:22 - Vietnamese movement.
  • 24:26 - Kika’s position.
  • 26:11 - Political media disaster.
  • 27:13 - Do you remember what your thoughts were when you realized that Johnson was not going to run for reelection?
  • 27:33 - Did Johnson’s decision affect you?
  • 28:43 - Good Spanish speaking friends at the White House.
  • 31:29 - Did you support the program of 1968 for this area?
  • 32:43 - Did you support President Kennedy's movement?
  • 32:57 - Kika talks about his bilingual background.
  • 34:27 - Kika talks about his education background.
  • 35:00 - Mexican-Americans in Politics
  • 35:15 - Elected Hispanics
  • 35:44 - Martin Luther King assassinated and the Civil rights movement.
  • 43:11 - Violence at the convention in Chicago.
  • 43:35 - Changing the system peacefully.
  • 46:37 - What were the main concerns about switching from a democratic president to a republican president?
  • 47:00 - Did you centralize services?
  • 47:23 - City councils.
  • 48:00 - Do you think federalism is a good model of government?
  • 50:16 - Kika’s campaign.
  • 51:00 - Agriculture: feeding the people
  • 54:00 - Did you have more work because of the centralization?
  • 58:00 - Is there anything else you want to add?
  • 1:01:00 - Influence of Texas at the federal level.

• 

  Interview with Eligio (Kika) de la Garza - Part 05

  Eligio (Kika) de la Garza, Diane Tyink, and Joe Reyna

  • 00:00 - Introduction
  • 00:28 - What were your thoughts and feelings with regards to Jimmy Carter loss to Reagan in 1980?
  • 01:33 - Were you surprised that Jimmy Carter lost?
  • 02:40 - Do you think he lost because of the economic problems the country was having?
  • 04:06 - Do you remember the general feeling in Washington right after Reagan got elected?
  • 05:54 - So the people, generally were fearful of him coming to the presidency?
  • 06:25 - Reagan was not all knowledgeable on agriculture so he used to rely on Kika’s input in terms of agriculture.
  • 07:50 - The house was completely divided into Democrats and Republicans.
  • 09:30 - Kika is against building a wall between United States and Mexico.
  • 13:00 - Can you talk about the 1980's and the types of social problems that you noticed the nation was facing at that time?
  • 19:30 - What was your work relationship with John Rusling Block (U.S. Secretary of Agriculture)?
  • 27:00 - Kika’s input helped the people of Mexico and the United States to coordinate efforts, a good working relationship.
  • 36:30 - Hundreds of young Mexicans, in order to come to United States; they volunteer to serve in the Army.
  • 38:00 - Agriculture benefits to the economy; by bringing Mexicans to work either legally or illegally.
  • 40:00 - VA hospital in the Valley and its challenges.
  • 44:00 - Farmer rights regarding to production.
  • 52:20 - Is there anything else you want to add?
  • 52:36 - Earthquake in Mexico.

• 

  Interview with Eligio (Kika) de la Garza - Part 06

  Eligio (Kika) de la Garza, Diane Tyink, and Joe Reyna

  • 00:00 - Introduction
  • 00:30 - Since George W. Bush was a Texan; how was your relationship with him and how did this relationship impact the Valley?
  • 01:25 - Was that good for the Valley once George W. Bush became president?
  • 02:00 - When he ran for reelection and lost to Bill Clinton; I think one of the biggest problems was the economy at that point… Did the economic issues impact the Valley at that time?
  • 03:40 - At the end of Cold War, did the change of government impact your work on the agriculture committee?
  • 05:00 - Kika’s relationship with Russian agriculture members.
  • 07:27 - How was your relationship with Bill Clinton?
  • 08:00 - President Bill Clinton had interest about Rio Grande Valley (South Texas area).
  • 09:03 - In 1994 they promised 40 million dollars to help Rio Grande Valley improving work and lives in the Valley.
  • 15:00 - Kika’s association with Mexico (regarding to Mexican products) and the impact of this association in both Mexico and the USA.
  • 18:20 - Can you tell us about the talks between USA and Europe, in regards to the Agricultural aspects?
  • 20:00 - Gap was positive for agriculture at some degree.
  • 23:00 - Agriculture in Mexico.
  • 24:05 - What was your relationship with Michael Espy (U.S. Secretary of Agriculture at that time)?
  • 28:40 - Agricultural products and its issues in Texas.
  • 31:00 - Can you talk about the first two years of Clinton presidency?
  • 33:15 - 1994 midterm elections.
  • 42:30 - Is there anything you want to add that you can think of?

• 

  Interview with Guadalupe de la Garza - Part 01

  Guadalupe de la Garza and Rocio Patricia Rodriguez

  Guadalupe de la Garza gives a detailed history of her life. She talks about her childhood, religion, superstition, and life as a wife. Part 1 of 3.

• 

  Interview with Guadalupe de la Garza - Part 02

  Guadalupe de la Garza and Rocio Patricia Rodriguez

  Guadalupe de la Garza gives a detailed history of her life. She talks about her childhood, religion, superstition, and life as a wife. Part 2 of 3.

• 

  Interview with Guadalupe de la Garza - Part 03

  Guadalupe de la Garza and Rocio Patricia Rodriguez

  Guadalupe de la Garza gives a detailed history of her life. She talks about her childhood, religion, superstition, and life as a wife. Part 3 of 3.

• 

  Interview with Rodolfo De La Garza

  Rodolfo De La Garza and Denise Leslie Kemp

  Rodolfo De La Garza, a historian, talks about his life in the Rio Grande Valley. He was born in 1906 in old Reynosa, he came to the US when he was four years old with his parents. He used to visit La Joya to look at it. Colliers magazine came out to write about the corruption in Hidalgo County. In 1927 he went to Sam Houston College, where he was the second Hispanic student. He then began teaching in 1929-30. He discusses the Good Government League against Baker’s corruption allegations. De La Garza discusses the Battle of Ojo de Agua when General de la Rosa attacked, and the origin of the name referring to a spring. He discusses working as a proofreader for the Good Government League’s newspaper. He discusses Milton West’s push for a canal that was blocked by water pumping interests on the river. De La Garza and Reynaldo talk about the history of the school district in La Joya. The recording skips at 31:50 to another recording of a meeting.

• 

  Interview with Isabel de la Rosa Montalvo

  Isabel de la Rosa Montalvo and Ruben Alaniz

  Isabel de la Rosa Montalvo was born in 1920 in China, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

• 

  Interview with Koy Detmer

  Koy Detmer and Manuel Rodriguez

  Interview with former Philadelphia Eagle Quaterback Koy Detmer, he talks about his time growing in Mission, and his experiences as football coach, player and some favorite sports traditions.

• 

  Interview with Aurora V. Diaz

  Aurora V. Diaz and Diana Yvette Garza

  Aurora V. Diaz talks about schools, churches and entertainment. She was born 13 January 1895, in Camargo, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

• 

  Interview with Felix Dominguez

  Felix Dominguez and Terrie Dominguez

  Felix Dominguez talks about education and work. He was born on 09 September 1909, in El Rosario Ranch, Hidalgo County, Texas.

• 

  Interview with Francisco Dominguez

  Francisco Dominguez and Mary Elva Salas

  Francisco Dominguez talks about his early childhood and marriage. He was born 12 May 1910, in Cadereyta, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

• 

  Interview with Zeferino Dominguez

  Zeferino Dominguez and Terrie Dominguez

  Zeferino Dominguez was born March 24, 1917, in Rio Grande City, Texas. He talks about his childhood and work in the fields.

• 

  Interview with Eric John Dube

  Eric John Dube and Robert Everett Norton

  Eric John Dube was born 04 December 1907. He tells an informative story about life in the McAllen area including visit of troops, character of Main Street, use of the Hidalgo-Reynosa Ferry, work in the Post Office. Tells of a train trip into the Valley stopped because of sand drifting across the tracks.

• 

  Interview with Edna Doris Parks Dubois - Part 01

  Edna Doris Dubois Parks and Robert Everett Norton

  Edna Doris Parks Dubois tells of her childhood in Colorado, her move to the Valley, stories of early Valley life and the telephone system. She was born 1 December 1897, in Longmount, Colorado.