Thompson, Clyde

Interview 10b : In an interview with Becky Bailey, Clyde Thompson (November 13, 1899 - February 17, 1987), his wife Ossie, and Beatrice Burkhalter recall life in Diboll in the middle of the 20th century. Thompson worked for Southern Pine Lumber Company as it evolved from 1916 through 1977. He was also the first Mayor of Diboll from 1962-1977. He recalled his beginning as a stenographer for G.W. Cleveland and D.C. Kenley at the age of 16 after attending Tyler Commercial College. Thompson and Bailey discuss the Depression, logging practices, clear cutting, moving from oxen to mules to trucks in logging, banking logs, the advent of power saws, tree farming, replanting, sawmill accidents, company finances, management practices, and the retail yards. They also discuss such notable people as T.L.L. Temple, Arthur Temple, Sr., Arthur Temple, Jr., Kenneth Nelson, Watson Walker, P.H. Strauss, John O'Hara, H.G. Temple, Lillian Knox, Laymon Gossett, Al Cudlipp, and Carrol Allen.