Armstead, Charles W.

Interview 289a: In this interview with Jonathan Gerland, conducted by telephone, Diboll native Charles W. Armstead recounts his childhood and adolescence in Diboll and Lufkin. Mr. Armstead recalls segregation both in day-to-day life and schools in Angelina County. He also reflects on his relationship with Arthur Temple, Jr. and Mr. Temple’s influence in Mr. Armstead’s education and career. Mr. Armstead recalls his time working in Houston for Humble Oil and Gas Company and Temple Lumber Company. He briefly describes his work in advertising in New York. Of particular note is his recollection of his work for the Department of Defense regarding oil intelligence and his work selling oil to the government of South Africa in the 1980s. The interview concludes with his memories of his early life and the challenges he overcame.