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Dressen, Gus and Betty

Biography

Gus and Betty Dressen were farmers of German descent who lived and worked on a six-acre farm between Uhland and Kyle, Texas.

Texas 150 Oral History

In the first interview, Gus and Betty Dressen discuss their German family heritage and growing up near Uhland, Texas. Along with describing what it was like to grow up on a farm, the couple share the responsibilities that come with that kind of lifestyle, such as taking care of animals, growing corn and sugar cane, and other aspects including having a blacksmith shop. They also talk about how life back then is different from now, such as paved roads, cars, electricity, and going into town. 

In the second interview, Betty Dressen discusses growing up on a farm. She shares her memories of "going into town" to Lockhart with her dad once a month. She shares the responsibilities that come with that kind of lifestyle, such as curing meat, making cheese, canning, and other aspects including wells and growing her garden. 

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PDF Transcript: Gus and Betty, February 25, 1986
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PDF Transcript: Betty, April 11, 1986
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HTML Transcript: Gus and Betty, February 25, 1986
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HTML Transcript: Betty, April 11, 1986

Full audio is available for both interviews.  Request via Ask an Archivist.