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BREWER, Ada Reed (b. 1914) and Bob (b. 1915)

Oral Histories

OHB 0090

Owners and operators of A. B. McGill and Company General Merchants, Bertram, Texas. Ada’s family background; description of Ada’s father’s general store, Bertram; Bob’s family background; marriage to Ada and employment at McGill’s general store, 1939; discussion of losses on charge accounts during Depression; addition of Philco line of appliances, 1939; rationing of goods during World War II; comments on change from clerk-service to self-service operation of store; comments on credit business; purchase of clothes at Dallas fashion market; description of customer interests; changes in product lines; discussion of commercial and residential growth in Bertram area; use of direct mail and radio advertising; involvement with Texas Retail Association; discussion of blue law in Texas; factors in developing successful business; civic activities.