Description: |
The collection consists of six photographs by Louise O'Connor (American, 20th century). Print information follows.
991:0033:0001 -- “I learned to cook by dependin’ on that little soft voice in me--an inward spirit. I started out a cowboy when I was around 15 years old. One day the cook didn’t show up and I was told to pitch in and do dinner. I didn’t know how to boil water. I just had to depend on the spirit to guide me. I was scared. I didn’t know nothin’ about cookin’. I called on that source that has taken care of me through life – God. I cook by revelation.” Milam Thompson (1907-1991). Itinerant Camp Cook. Chromogenic color print, 101.6 x 76.1 cm (40 x 29 15/16 in);
991:0033:0002 -- “This life is drifting away from us. It’s changed immensely. I don’t know how you stop it, or if it can be stopped. Not many people do this work anymore and others don’t have the same feelings I do. Unless I’m talking to someone in ranching, I’m by myself. It’s a lonesome business now.” Dennis "Dee" Williams (1933-1995). Foreman, O’Connor Ranches. Chromogenic color print, 101.6 x 76.2 cm (40 x 30 in);
991:0033:0003 -- “I come to Texas from Louisiana to see the hookin’ bulls. When I got there they gave me so much trouble, I nearly had to quit. Finally, I got them in line ‘cause I wudn’t afraid of nobody. By the time I left here, I loved this ranch and I loved these cowboys. It got to be home and family.” Gertrude Patterson (1889-1987). Ranch Cook, Welder Vidauri Ranch. Chromogenic color print, 101.6 x 76.2 cm (40 x 30 in);
991:0033:0004 -- “I started workin’ cattle when I was fourteen. I been on horseback that many years. I love the work – don’t care how hot, how cold, I love it.” Alejandro "Alex" de la Garza (1921-2004). Tophand, O’Connor Ranches. Chromogenic color print, 101.5 x 76 cm (39 15/16 x 29 15/16 in);
991:0033:0005 -- “A woman has to use brains instead of brute strength to run a ranch. Ranching is in the blood; either you have it or you don’t. You have to have a taste for it. If I lost the space around me--my space--I would lose my incentive to service. I ranch because I love it." Georgia Lee Swickheimer (1937- ). Rancher. Chromogenic color print, 101.6 x 76.2 cm (40 x 30 in).
991:0033:0006 -- “Being a cowboy is special. It gives you a good feeling inside when people know what you do. You have to love it – with the terrible hours, the low pay, the hard work you have to do. But as long as you love it, it’s like you make a million bucks a day.” Kai Buckert (1959- ). Straw Boss, O’Connor Ranches. Chromogenic color print, 101.5 x 76.1 cm (39 15/16 x 29 15/16 in). |
