Oral History Interview

Scope and Contents

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

Interview conducted in 1987 by Leticia Miroslava Gamboa. Digital transfer completed on 11 October 2013 from the analog cassette tape.

Scope and Contents

Ann Seildick was born in 1904 in Minnesota. She talks about the educational system, morality, and the differences between the attitudes of the past and present society.

Interview conducted in 1987 by Robert Andrew Nelson. Digital transfer completed on 16 September 2013 from the original analog cassette tape.

Scope and Contents

Antonia Salinas was born in 1909 in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. She talks about working on a farm planting cotton and crossing the Rio Grande River near Camargo.

Scope and Contents 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.Interview conducted in 1987 by Ricardo Alfredo Villarreal....

Scope and Contents

Antonio Villarreal was born in 1927 in Range, Texas. he talks about his early life, family and job at Tex-Ag Company.

Interview conducted in 1987 by Ricardo Villarreal. Digital transfer completed on 25 March 2014 from the original analog cassette tape.

Scope and Contents

Antonio Villegas, Sr. was born in 1890. In this interview, Antonio Villegas Sr. talks about Los Tubitos Ranch, Aniceto Pizana, Luis De La Rosa, Las Norias raid, Captain W.M. Hanson, land selling, 1915 Olmito railroad derailment, Texas Rangers, Military Highway, Juan Cortina, Jesus Acevedo, ca1915 burning, and Japanese soldiers who came to South Texas.

Interview conducted on 10 September 1978 in Pharr, Texas.

Scope and Contents

Apolinar Perez was born in 1923 in Mission, Texas. The interview covers topics ranging from Perez's early life and education to farm work and economic depression. Perez also speaks about race, discrimination, and prejudice in education and work settings. The primary focus of this interview is what growing up was like for Apolinar Perez.

Interview conducted on 7 April 1987 by Veronica Garcia.

Scope and Contents

Augusto Guerra was born in 1932 in McAllen, Texas. He talks about his family background, the Escandon era, business on Guerra St. in McAllen, demographics, discrimination, vocational training, athletics, and the economics of the school district.

Interview conducted on 13 August 1990 by Robert E. Norton. Digital transfer completed on 25 November 2013 from the original analog cassette tape. Hidalgo County Historical Commission. This history has two tapes; tape two is unplayable.

Scope and Contents

Aurora Jackson was born in 1924 in Falfurrias, Texas.

Interview conducted in 1987 by Ricardo Villarreal. Digital transfer completed on 12 December 2013 from the original analog cassette tape.

Scope and Contents

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

Interview conducted in 1987 by Diana Yvette Garza. Digital transfer completed on 24 October 2013 from the analog cassette tape.

Scope and Contents

Benilde Cano talks about growing up on a small ranch and the great interest her family has always had in commerce. Interview conducted in 1987 by Mytla Pecina. Digital transfer completed on 9 October 2013 from the analog cassette tape.

Scope and Contents

Benito Garcia talks about his family roots. He was born in 1928 in La Paloma, Texas. Interview conducted on 29 June 1987 by Douglas Erickson. Digital transfer completed on 12 November 2013 from the original analog cassette tape.

Scope and Contents

Benjamin Thompson Andis talks about the hanging of a man while he was present, and about his vocation in truck lines. He was born October 17, 1894 in Memphis, Hall, Texas.

Interview conducted in 1987 by Eduardo Rodriguez. Digital transfer completed on 2 October 2013 from the analog cassette tape.

Scope and Contents

Berta Elena Villarreal was born in 1918 in Zapata, Texas.

Interview conducted in 1987 by Edula Ramirez. Digital transfer completed on 25 March 2014 from the original analog cassette tape.

Scope and Contents

Bertha Marines was born in 1922 in Rio Grande City, Texas. In this brief interview, Marines recounts her childhood and her life on a ranch as well as her experience in motherhood.

Interview conducted in 1987 by Lucila Mendez. Digital transfer completed on 14 January 2014 from the original analog cassette tape. Side two of the tape is blank.

Scope and Contents

Beulah Bell Stuart was born in 1901 in Concrete, Texas.

Interview conducted in 1987 by Crystal Marie Cantu. Digital transfer completed on 13 March 2014 from the original analog cassette tape.