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Special Collections and Archives

Indexed Collections Information

Dressen, Gus and Betty

Gus and Betty Dressen

Photograph of the Dressen's Blacksmith Shop

Photograph of the Dressen House

Photograph of the Dressen Farm's Food Shed

Photograph of the Dressen Farm's Old Harness Shed

Photograph of the Dressen Farm's Old Wagon and Hen House

Photograph of the Dressen Farm's Hayrake and Plow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biography

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

Part of the Texas 150 Oral History Project

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.

Audio File Access

Full audio is available for this interview. Reading Room access only.