Oral Histories

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Capital Punisment Interview with David Stacks - Director of The Texas Prison Museum
(2022-10-24) Wellbrock, Clint
David Stacks, the director of the Texas Prison Museum, was interviewed over capital punishment and the methods of execution that have been implemented by the State of Texas. The goal of this interview was to identify the cause of the movement from using electrocution as a means of execution to using lethal injection, as well as the attitude surrounding the movement. A former correctional officer who began his career in 1979, Stacks provides significant insight into this movement as he talks about his personal experience in the prison setting and his interactions with inmates during this time. Stacks also provides a detailed account of the community's reaction to the first execution carried out by lethal injection in the State of Texas - Charlie Brookes, Jr. After discussing the community's reaction, Stacks shares some of his personal beliefs regarding the death penalty and the method of execution, and then reflects on the concept of execution in general.
The History of Electric Convulsive Therapy with Bobby Coates of Rusk State Hospital
(2023-04-01) Doleshal, Zachary
Interview with Bobby Coats of Rusk State Hospital on the use of Electric Convulsive Therapy and the different procedures used with the treatment over the years.
Interview over Huntsville Police
(Jose Ramos, 2022-10-24) Ramos, Jose
Interview with David Stacks on The Huntsville Prison & Museum
(2022-10-24) Guillory, Camryn
Interview with George Evans about Huntsville's Public Swimming Pool in the 1950s
(2021-04-05) Littlejohn, Jeffrey L.
This is an oral interview that Dr. Jeffrey L. Littlejohn conducted with George Evans by telephone on April 5, 2021. George Evans and his sister Martha lived in Huntsville during the mid-twentieth century. Their father, George Pirtle Evans, served as an English professor at Sam Houston State Teachers College, and the Evans complex on Sam Houston State University’s campus is named for him. This interview covers the childhood experiences of George and Martha Evans. They grew up around Sam Houston State Teachers College and enjoyed the recreational offerings in Huntsville. The Evans family lived on Avenue O, only blocks from the college, where George and Martha roller-skated, biked, and explored. At roughly 10 years of age, George also received a job at the swimming pool as an attendant working for Coach M. Crawford, who managed the site. George worked as the counter clerk, handing out hanging baskets in which swimmers stowed their clothes and other belongings after changing into their suits. Evans learned how to swim at the pool with his young friends, and as they grew older they all participated in the Red Cross’s safety, rescue, and lifesaver course. The pool served as “our entire social world,” Evans said.
Interview with Rachel Valle about the Miss Sam Houston Pageant
(Nandy Lamptey, 2022-10-03) Lamptey, Nandy
Oral History Interview: Ed Mach
(2023) Erazo, Susana
We are offered a glimpse into the TRA through Ed Mach’s growth, longevity, and career path as an operator. During his time at the TRA, he has been a part of administrative and technological advancements. He has also become well educated on water treatment systems and the impact his work has on the organization and externally on their customer cities and the Trinity River. He recalls his time, bonds, and opportunities at the TRA with great fondness and pride as he has been able to serve communities, assist in-system plants, and act as a steward of the environment. Through the opportunities that the authority offers for operators to continue their educations and acquire certifications, there is an active cultivation of existing employees rather than outsourcing pre-trained individuals. This cultivation of their employees earns the authority of a workforce that is willing and eager to commit to their teams, plants, and resources to accomplish long-term goals and resolve emergencies. Flooding incidents due to construction mishaps, natural phenomena, or incidents within the contract cities affect the treatment plants and facilities, however, the TRA’s system has procedures in place to facilitate emergency repairs and volunteer groups to assist other plants and facilities within the networks. Transformations of the treatment phases, as well as pilot studies, have been conducted from the time that the authority was first established to where it is now. For instance, from treating water with chlorine to using a UV light for disinfection to the removal of phosphorus. There have been drawbacks and successes with the equipment and processes that the plants use to treat waste water, protect the environment and their employees. The wastewater plants along with the water systems under the TRA were all engineered to flow as naturally as possible from creeks to river basins to lakes under the authority’s care. Ed has had the opportunity to experience and develop his friendships and position on the team at the 10 Mile Creek Wastewater Plant. He describes the working environment at the TRA as one where workers aim to stay and grow their involvement and knowledge. This can be seen through his growth at the TRA, more specifically at 10 Mile Creek. He started as an operator in 1979 and from there has grown and taken on roles such as chief operator, operation maintenance chief, and now manager since 1997.
Oral History of Bill Tatum
(2023-04) Berry, Jennifer E.
One of the primary functions of the Trinity River Authority of Texas (TRA) is the treatment of wastewater and the safe discharge of treated water back into the Trinity River. Bill Tatum is the manager for the TRA’s Central Region Wastewater Treatment System (CRWS) plant in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Tatum started working for the Trinity River Authority in 1972. During the 50 years that he has worked at the plant, CRWS has undergone tremendous growth and expansion. When the plant opened in 1959, it treated wastewater from four customer cities. That has grown to 21 customer cities today. The average daily flow has increased from 20 million gallons per day (mgd) to a rated capacity of 189 mgd, making it the second-highest rated capacity wastewater treatment plant in the State of Texas. As plant manager, Mr. Tatum oversaw the expansion and the onboarding of evolving technological solutions that enabled this level of growth. Historically, the Trinity River struggled with high levels of pollution. The rapidly expanding population of the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex outpaced efforts to mitigate pollution. The quality of the water discharged into the river was so poor that fish could not survive. Fish kills continued to occur until the mid-1980s. Passage of the Clean Water Act and subsequent State and Federal regulations required water agencies to find treatment solutions to clean up the water. Since that time, CRWS has received numerous awards from National Association of Clean Water Associations for the quality of the water it discharges into the Trinity River. The plant has not received a permit violation in the past 28 years. The challenge of continued population growth has meant an ongoing investment by TRA in plant expansion and treatment technologies. One of the more recent additions to the treatment process Mr. Tatum has overseen at CRWS is the Thermal Hydrolysis Process, which has significantly reduced the amount of treated solid material that the plant disposes of. That addition alone took almost 6 years to complete. Mr. Tatum is most proud of the fact that CRWS has treated over 1 trillion, 500 billion gallons of wastewater with no permit violations or fish kills in the past 28 years. He credits technology, strong leadership, transparency, and cooperative customer cities with TRA’s continued success in this area.
Oral History of ECT with Dr. Mark Messer of Terrell State Hospital
(2023-04-03) Doleshal, Zachary
Oral history interview by Zachary Doleshal of Dr. Mark Messer of Terrell State Hospital about the history and use of Electroconvulsive Therapy. They discuss what the treatment entails and the success rates of Electroconvulsive Therapy.
Oral history of the Trinity River Authority with Carol Claybrook
(2023-03) Cox, Cassandra
Carol Claybrook has worked for the Trinity River Authority (TRA) for 4 ½ decades, beginning her career as a temporary employee filing papers and culminating as the Executive Assistant to the Director. Having worked over the years for various departments within the TRA, Carol is the only current employee to work under all three TRA directors, David Brune, Danny Vance, and Kevin Ward; she has seen the evolution of the TRA, its policies and its interactions with Texas waterways. Mrs. Claybrook discusses diverse ways the TRA and the communities along the river have worked over the years to clean and protect the river. Since the 1970s, Trinity River Authority has consistently increased the assets under their care and now it’s the political subdivision for the Region C Water Planning Group—working directly with the state to incorporate TRA goals into the state water plan. A turning point for the TRA and the Trinity River discussed by Carol, was the passage of the Clean River Act of 1991 and subsequent Clean River Program, passed by the Texas Senate. These placed restrictions on industrial dumping into waterways and established regulations on water quality, initiating consistent monitoring of rivers for pollutants. These enabled TRA to create outreach programs to promote conservation and preservation, notably with educational activities in public schools. The TRA interacts with students through art contests to help the younger generation understand the impact of Texas waterways and their own environmental impact on the health of Texas water. Ultimately state programs helped to expand TRA into water purification, used for irrigation and also put back into Texas waterways. TRA has also evolved internally; it has become very similar to a modern corporation, supporting the needs of their employees with attractive pension plans, flexible hours and increased paid time off. This modernization has served to create an evolving internal structure serving the continued growth and prosperity of the Trinity River, Texas communities and the state. Carol Claybrook has interacted with the Trinity River Authority Board of Directors, the H. Ross Perot Group, as well as city and state leaders, in her 45 years of service. She has assisted TRA leadership in illustrating to surrounding communities and the state the importance of the Trinity River; the use of community action coupled with Earth Day and Texas Water Day activities has increased the water quality of the Trinity River. Carol has been responsible for timely and detailed communication between the Trinity River Authority and the state and has represented the TRA throughout her career.
Oral Interview of Keshawn Mayers on His Perspective of Being a Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated
(2022-09-29) Guillory, Camryn
This is an interview done on Keshawn Mayers, the Parliamentarian of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. He discusses how he feels being apart of this Fraternity, his perspective of history on Sam Houston State University as a young African American Male, and how this Fraternity puts forth effort to help our community and give back to others.
Oral Interview with David Stacks on Huntsville 'Walls' Unit Prison History
(2022-10-25)
This is an interview with David Stacks who is the Director of The Texas Prison Museum in Huntsville, TX.
Oral Interview with Dr. Keith Jenkins on the History of Frank Parker Plaza
(2022) Thompson, Jarrett
Dr. Keith Jenkins has worked for Sam Houston State University in a variety of roles during his 32 years with the institution. During his time with the university, Dr. Jenkins has watched the Frank Parker Plaza transform into the iconic location that it is today. During the course of this interview, Dr. Jenkins provides information on the planning of the Plaza and what it means to Sam Houston State University.
Oral Interview with Dr. Zhao about George Beto and the Criminal Justice System
(2022) Oster, Jennifer
This is an oral interview that Jennifer Oster conducted with Dr. Solomon Zhao. Dr. Zhao talks about George Beto and his impact upon Sam Houston State University as well as how he contributed to not only the criminal justice program, but the prison system here in Huntsville, Texas.
Oral Interview with Janet Snow about Being the First President Alpha Delta Pi
(2022-09-29)
This is an oral interview on September 29, 2022, with Janet Snow. She was the president of Alpha Delta Pi the first year Alpha Delta Pi started at Sam Houston State University. She had joined the Caroline Belvin Literary Society, and in 1959 Sam Houston State University told the social clubs to find national affiliation. So all the Caroline Belvin Literary Society members went through recruitment and they were the first class of Delta Mu, Alpha Delta Pi. She talked about what the experience was like starting the sorority and how it shaped her as a woman.
Oral Interview with Ms. Barbara Kievit-Mason on Sam Houston Normal Institute
(2022-10-06) Jeffrey, Hannah
This is a brief oral interview with SHSU archivist Barbara Kievit-Mason on the history of Sam Houston Normal Institute. She explains the Peabody Fund, coursework, normal schools, and literary societies.
Trinity River Authority Project: David Holquin
(2023) Erazo, Suzanna
Through David Holquin, the TRA network can be seen from a dual perspective. During his time as the Electric/Electrical Divisions Chief, he was able to learn the mechanical and electrical aspects that running a plant. Alongside his knowledge of the technical functions the equipment operated under, he was also able to learn about the water treatment processes as well. Now as the park supervisor for the Livingston Recreation Facility at Wolf Creek Park, he works with the community and directly with the lake and well water in the park. His career path allows us to see how the TRA applies its mission statement to its contract communities and visitors. Throughout David's career in maintenance and mechanical work, he had the opportunity to repair and assist in crises such as equipment malfunctions, flash flooding, and hurricane floods. He has also been able to represent the TRA at an international and local level through collaborative programs such as tours from visiting organizations to the daily upkeep and goals within Wolf Creek Park. Water treatment occurs add both large plants and smaller water treatment equipment at the parks, tying both stages of his career together. David makes note of the larger differences between the parks and the plants in terms of the magnitude of operation and differences in the way the community is served. The plants have larger teams and complex divisions as well as higher budgets to maintain the equipment necessary to serve regional communities. The park, on the other hand, serves guests from the local community and travelers that are passing through the state itself. The park’s water treatment occurs on a much smaller scale as its primary focus is to provide water to the campsites on the Park grounds. His recollection of his time at the TRA and his future goals during his time there is filled with determination and dedication to the advancement of procedures and functionality. This is especially true in terms of the park he manages now. He understands that the land will inevitably be in a state of constant deterioration but he aims to improve on the foundations and the care for the park for it to continue its functions for as long as possible. Through improved systems and the autonomous and skilled maintenance of the park, he is dedicated to creating an environment that represents the TRA and serves the community at large.
Trinity River Authority Project: Jim Sims
(2023-04-17) Wise, Ken
An oral history interview with Jim Sims, who has worked for the Trinity River Authority for 50 years.
Trinity River Authority, Bill Holder, Lake Livingston
(2023-04) Redmon, Heather
Texas is filled with natural beauty and environments, some existing naturally and others being man made. For those of us not old enough to remember the creation of lakes, their dams and creation may easily be overlooked. When examining the natural environment, it must be remembered that at times, it’s not all that natural at all. There are many ways that humans can alter the path of nature, whether it be through structures or the introduction of nonnative species, and must be considered when looking at our existence with the natural world. Lake Livingston is a prime example of human involvement in molding nature, located about seventy-five miles north of Houston on the Trinity River. The lake came to be built in 1971 after the completion of the dam and filling of the lake from the natural river flow. It was created in partnership between the City of Houston and the Trinity River Authority to act as water storage for the city. Prior to the lake’s existence, the land now underwater was family farms and homes that were purchased to reserve area to become the lake we see today. William “Bill” Holder is a long time native to the Livingston area, a graduate from Sam Houston State University and currently works with the Trinity River Authority to oversee Lake Livingston. His career with the TRA was driven by his desire to stay close to home and through diligent hard work he has grown with the water management company and deepened his connections with the lake. Bill provides insight into the history of Lake Livingston, the creation, social reactions to the building of the lake, how it has handled natural environmental challenges, the impact of population growth on a water reservoir and how the lake’s management team reacts to significant and possibly dangerous weather events. One of the most notable points in his conversation is the impact of Hurricane Rita in 2005. This reminds us of the dangers that can be involved in changing the natural landscape. Rita brought devastating winds to the reservoir which threatened the integrity of the dam. This raised concerns about safety downstream had a catastrophic failure occurred. Bill acknowledged that Hurricane Rita was, to date, one of the most challenging experiences with his career surrounding Lake Livingston. In 2017 Hurricane Harvey again reminds the power and danger of water manipulation in a coastal region. The city of Houston and surrounding areas saw upwards of forty inches of rain fall. Rain fell on both sides of the reservoir’s dam, which contributed to some of the downstream, catastrophic flooding that changed the lives of hundreds if not millions of south east Texans.
Trinity River Authority, Cathy Sieger
(2023) Konchak, John
Interview with Cathy Sieger about her 45 years working for the Trinity River Authority.

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