Oral History Interview with Marguerite Sammon Voges, September 9, 2000 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Marguerite Sammon Voges, September 9, 2000

Interview with Marguerite Sammon Voges, a Kerr County Native whose mother established the Voges Mobil Home Park (under the name, Blue Ridge Mobile Home Park), from Kerrville, Texas. Mrs. Voges describes growing up in the area, the flood of 1978, her family, and interesting aspects of farm life. Her sister, Minneola, and her cousin, Josie B. Kendall, are also present during the interview.
Date: September 9, 2000
Creator: Bethel, Ann & Voges, Marguerite Sammon
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Jack L. Groff, October 12, 2000 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Jack L. Groff, October 12, 2000

Interview with Jack L. Groff, a sheep and goat specialist from Kerrville, Texas. Mr. Groff, describes his career advising ranchers how to raise goats and sheep for over 50 years, his activities as a mohair and wool specialist for Texas A&M, and his involvement with the National Mohair Council. He discusses the uses and production of mohair and wool fibers, and tracks the industry's spatial and economic growth over the years.
Date: October 12, 2000
Creator: Bethel, Ann; Snodgrass, Clarabelle & Groff, Jack L.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with George Allen Holekamp, September 27, 2000 (open access)

Oral History Interview with George Allen Holekamp, September 27, 2000

Interview with George Allen Holekamp, a rancher and descendant of Kerr County settlers from Kerrville, Texas. Mr. Holekamp details his family's history in Kerr County. He mentions that his ancestors included farmers, ranchers, and shingle-makers. He and his wife Mary Virginia Stevens are still involved in ranching and community activities, and their legacy continues on with their children. In his stories of ranching, he discusses ranchers' struggles with screwworm infestations and Brucellosis (Bang's Disease), the Bracero program, the Rural Electrification Association, and the Sheep and Goats Raisers Auxiliary.
Date: September 27, 2000
Creator: Bethel, Ann; Snodgrass, Clarabelle; Holekamp, George Allen & Holekamp, Mary Virginia
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Vern "Bucky" Blodgett, May 3, 2001 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Vern "Bucky" Blodgett, May 3, 2001

Interview with Vern "Bucky" Blodgett, an armed forces veteran and Veteran's Administration worker from Kerrville, Texas. Mr. Blodgett describes moving to and growing up in Kerrville, and his work with the VA Hospital there (first as a clerk, and finally, as acting associate director). Besides serving in the service for four years, he also worked in several VA facilities around the country before making his way back to Kerrville. His memories of the town include details of the flood of 1932, his role in founding the Buck 'N' Bull Club (a rifle club) in 1946, and a few stories concerning the religious community. A historical profile of the Kerrville VA Hospital is included at the end of interview transcript.
Date: May 3, 2001
Creator: Bethel, Ann; Snodgrass, Clarabelle & Blodgett, Vern
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Sibyl Bennett Sutherland, October 26, 2000 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Sibyl Bennett Sutherland, October 26, 2000

Interview with Sibyl Bennett Sutherland, a teacher from Kerrville, Texas. Mrs. Sutherland talks about growing up in Center Point, her teaching career, and her father's book, "Kerr County Texas, 1856 to 1956." The interview includes excerpts from Sibyl's journal, documenting 43 years of her life.
Date: October 26, 2000
Creator: Snodgrass, Clarabelle; Bethel, Ann & Sutherland, Sibyl Bennett
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Joe Marcus "J.M." Auld, Jr., February 26, 2001 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Joe Marcus "J.M." Auld, Jr., February 26, 2001

Interview with Joe Marcus "J.M." Auld, Jr., a Texan rancher from Kerrville, Texas. Mr. Auld identifies his family members (including Kerr County pioneers who immigrated from Scotland), describes the difficulties of ranch life, and mentions local cultural phenomena. The interview includes stories of "Indians," eradicating the screwworm fly from Kerr County, and life during the Great Depression. He also discusses the role of game hunting to today's ranchers.
Date: February 16, 2001
Creator: Snodgrass, Clarabelle; Bethel, Ann & Auld, Joe Marcus, Jr.
System: The Portal to Texas History